On Developing HyperCard Stacks for the Study of Chinese Characters: KanjiCard.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nakajima, Kazuko

1988-01-01

Describes "KanjiCard," an interactive self-tutorial program for beginning students of Japanese to learn Kanji, Chinese characters used in the Japanese language. The Macintosh-developed approach uses "HyperCard" technology, computer-assisted animation, and voice digitizing to achieve enhanced graphic presentation. (Author/CB)

Use of speech generating devices can improve perception of qualifications for skilled, verbal, and interactive jobs.

PubMed

Stern, Steven E; Chobany, Chelsea M; Beam, Alexander A; Hoover, Brittany N; Hull, Thomas T; Linsenbigler, Melissa; Makdad-Light, Courtney; Rubright, Courtney N

2017-01-01

We have previously demonstrated that when speech generating devices (SGD) are used as assistive technologies, they are preferred over the users' natural voices. We sought to examine whether using SGDs would affect listener's perceptions of hirability of people with complex communication needs. In a series of three experiments, participants rated videotaped actors, one using SGD and the other using their natural, mildly dysarthric voice, on (a) a measurement of perceptions of speaker credibility, strength, and informedness and (b) measurements of hirability for jobs coded in terms of skill, verbal ability, and interactivity. Experiment 1 examined hirability for jobs varying in terms of skill and verbal ability. Experiment 2 was a replication that examined hirability for jobs varying in terms of interactivity. Experiment 3 examined jobs in terms of skill and specific mode of interaction (face-to-face, telephone, computer-mediated). Actors were rated more favorably when using SGD than their own voices. Actors using SGD were also rated more favorably for highly skilled and highly verbal jobs. This preference for SGDs over mildly dysarthric voice was also found for jobs entailing computer-mediated-communication, particularly skillful jobs.

Examining Response to a One-to-One Computer Initiative: Student and Teacher Voices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Storz, Mark G.; Hoffman, Amy R.

2013-01-01

The impact of a one-to-one computing initiative at a Midwestern urban middle school was examined through phenomenological research techniques focusing on the voices of eighth grade students and their teachers. Analysis of transcripts from pre and post-implementation interviews of 47 students and eight teachers yielded patterns of responses to…

Perceptual, auditory and acoustic vocal analysis of speech and singing in choir conductors.

PubMed

Rehder, Maria Inês Beltrati Cornacchioni; Behlau, Mara

2008-01-01

the voice of choir conductors. to evaluate the vocal quality of choir conductors based on the production of a sustained vowel during singing and when speaking in order to observe auditory and acoustic differences. participants of this study were 100 choir conductors, with an equal distribution between genders. Participants were asked to produce the sustained vowel "é" using a singing and speaking voice. Speech samples were analyzed based on auditory-perceptive and acoustic parameters. The auditory-perceptive analysis was carried out by two speech-language pathologist, specialists in this field of knowledge. The acoustic analysis was carried out with the support of the computer software Doctor Speech (Tiger Electronics, SRD, USA, version 4.0), using the Real Analysis module. the auditory-perceptive analysis of the vocal quality indicated that most conductors have adapted voices, presenting more alterations in their speaking voice. The acoustic analysis indicated different values between genders and between the different production modalities. The fundamental frequency was higher in the singing voice, as well as the values for the first formant; the second formant presented lower values in the singing voice, with statistically significant results only for women. the voice of choir conductors is adapted, presenting fewer deviations in the singing voice when compared to the speaking voice. Productions differ based the voice modality, singing or speaking.

Voice recognition products-an occupational risk for users with ULDs?

PubMed

Williams, N R

2003-10-01

Voice recognition systems (VRS) allow speech to be converted both directly into text-which appears on the screen of a computer-and to direct equipment to perform specific functions. Suggested applications are many and varied, including increasing efficiency in the reporting of radiographs, allowing directed surgery and enabling individuals with upper limb disorders (ULDs) who cannot use other input devices, such as keyboards and mice, to carry out word processing and other activities. Aim This paper describes four cases of vocal dysfunction related to the use of such software, which have been identified from the database of the Voice and Speech Laboratory of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear infirmary (MEEI). The database was searched using key words 'voice recognition' and four cases were identified from a total of 4800. In all cases, the VRS was supplied to assist individuals with ULDs who could not use conventional input devices. Case reports illustrate time of onset and symptoms experienced. The cases illustrate the need for risk assessment and consideration of the ergonomic aspects of voice use prior to such adaptations being used, particularly in those who already experience work-related ULDs.

The Voice as Computer Interface: A Look at Tomorrow's Technologies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lange, Holley R.

1991-01-01

Discussion of voice as the communications device for computer-human interaction focuses on voice recognition systems for use within a library environment. Voice technologies are described, including voice response and voice recognition; examples of voice systems in use in libraries are examined; and further possibilities, including use with…

Effects of an Automated Telephone Support System on Caregiver Burden and Anxiety: Findings from the REACH for TLC Intervention Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mahoney, Diane Feeney; Tarlow, Barbara J.; Jones, Richard N.

2003-01-01

Purpose: We determine the main outcome effects of a 12-month computer-mediated automated interactive voice response (IVR) intervention designed to assist family caregivers managing persons with disruptive behaviors related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Design and Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled study of 100 caregivers, 51 in the usual…

Development of a Computer-Assisted Simulation of Tactical Voice Communications. Phase I. Conceptual Design.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

the output signal. As the number of coefficients increases (as n is made larger in the above equation ), a larger number of spectral peaks can be...kicij’Q,1. Im .6*.* . . ..f’ Hammett , J.C. (June 1979) Tactical commun ations-a precious resource (Student Essay). Carlisle Barracks, PA: U.S. Army War

Multipath for Agricultural and Rural Information Services in China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Ningning; Zang, Zhiyuan; Gao, Lingwang; Shi, Qiang; Li, Jie; Xing, Chunlin; Shen, Zuorui

Internet cannot provide perfect information services for farmers in rural regions in China, because farmers in rural regions can hardly access the internet by now. But the wide coverage of mobile signal, telephone line, and television network, etc. gave us a chance to solve the problem. The integrated pest management platform of Northern fruit trees were developed based on the integrated technology, which can integrate the internet, mobile and fixed-line telephone network, and television network, to provide integrated pest management(IPM) information services for farmers in rural regions in E-mail, telephone-voice, short message, voice mail, videoconference or other format, to users' telephone, cell phone, personal computer, personal digital assistant(PDA), television, etc. alternatively. The architecture and the functions of the system were introduced in the paper. The system can manage the field monitoring data of agricultural pests, deal with enquiries to provide the necessary information to farmers accessing the interactive voice response(IVR) in the system with the experts on-line or off-line, and issue the early warnings about the fruit tree pests when it is necessary according to analysis on the monitoring data about the pests of fruit trees in variety of ways including SMS, fax, voice and intersystem e-mail.The system provides a platform and a new pattern for agricultural technology extension with a high coverage rate of agricultural technology in rural regions, and it can solve the problem of agriculture information service 'last kilometer' in China. The effectiveness of the system was certified.

Voice changes after thyroidectomy without recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

PubMed

Sinagra, Diego L; Montesinos, Manuel R; Tacchi, Verónica A; Moreno, Julio C; Falco, Jorge E; Mezzadri, Norberto A; Debonis, Daniel L; Curutchet, H Pablo

2004-10-01

Injury of the inferior laryngeal nerve is not the only cause of voice alteration after thyroidectomy; many patients notice minimal changes immediately after operation, without evidence of inferior laryngeal nerve damage. We hypothesized that there may be other causes for voice modification, such as injuries of the superior laryngeal nerve, prethyroid strap muscles, and cricothyroid muscles. We describe voice changes after total thyroidectomy, without inferior laryngeal nerve injury, using a computer program to objectively compare different patterns of voice. Forty-six consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy were studied between March 1997 and December 1999. Acoustic voice analysis was performed preoperatively and at the second, fourth, and sixth postoperative months using a microphone adapted to a personal computer. Parameters measured were intensity of the voice (Shimmer) and fundamental frequency (Fo). No complications occurred during operation or in the postoperative period. Voice fatigue during phonation was the most common symptom after thyroidectomy. Forty patients (87%) stated that their voices had changed since the operation, and common complaints were voice alteration while speaking loudly, changes in voice pitch, and voice disorder while singing. Changes in the Fo and Shimmer values in smokers versus nonsmokers were similar (Fo overall, p = 0.56; Shimmer overall, p = 0.66), as were the same parameters in benign and malignant pathologies (Fo overall, p = 0.66; Shimmer overall, p = 0.67). Voice changes after uncomplicated thyroidectomy occur and can be objectively measured. This is important in the preoperative counseling of patients before thyroidectomy, for ethical and legal purposes.

Acoustics of the trained versus untrained singing voice.

PubMed

Howard, David M

2009-06-01

Acoustic voice analysis is now widely available on today's multimedia computers and knowledge of the acoustics of the trained and untrained singing voice has advanced dramatically in recent years. New techniques have emerged that are providing clearer representations of aspects of the physiology of voice function and a greater understanding of the differences between the voices of untrained and trained singers. Improvements in endoscope technology are changing understanding of vocal fold function and videokymography provides a new way of interpreting the output; some new and interesting possibilities are emerging. Larynx height variation is a feature of untrained singing and singing in different styles and its measurement has been inaccurate hitherto; perhaps the laryngoaltimeter will provide a solution. Magnetic resonance imaging is now a vital tool for vocal tract shape measurement but a new bio-inspired computing is offering a possible alternative. Differences between an untrained and trained singing voice lie in one or more of breathing technique, larynx settings or vocal tract settings. Measurement techniques in each of these areas are important to provide data on the singing voice, and accurate data are essential for natural personalized electronic voice synthesis in the future.

Giving Voice to Emotion: Voice Analysis Technology Uncovering Mental States is Playing a Growing Role in Medicine, Business, and Law Enforcement.

PubMed

Allen, Summer

2016-01-01

It's tough to imagine anything more frustrating than interacting with a call center. Generally, people don't reach out to call centers when they?re happy-they're usually trying to get help with a problem or gearing up to do battle over a billing error. Add in an automatic phone tree, and you have a recipe for annoyance. But what if that robotic voice offering you a smorgasbord of numbered choices could tell that you were frustrated and then funnel you to an actual human being? This type of voice analysis technology exists, and it's just one example of the many ways that computers can use your voice to extract information about your mental and emotional state-including information you may not think of as being accessible through your voice alone.

Devices for hearing loss

MedlinePlus

... NIDCD). Assistive devices for people with hearing, voice, speech, or language disorders. Nidcd.nih.gov Web site. www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/assistive-devices-people-hearing-voice-speech-or-language-disorders . Updated March 6, 2017. Accessed July 5, 2017. ...

Digital signal processing algorithms for automatic voice recognition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Botros, Nazeih M.

1987-01-01

The current digital signal analysis algorithms are investigated that are implemented in automatic voice recognition algorithms. Automatic voice recognition means, the capability of a computer to recognize and interact with verbal commands. The digital signal is focused on, rather than the linguistic, analysis of speech signal. Several digital signal processing algorithms are available for voice recognition. Some of these algorithms are: Linear Predictive Coding (LPC), Short-time Fourier Analysis, and Cepstrum Analysis. Among these algorithms, the LPC is the most widely used. This algorithm has short execution time and do not require large memory storage. However, it has several limitations due to the assumptions used to develop it. The other 2 algorithms are frequency domain algorithms with not many assumptions, but they are not widely implemented or investigated. However, with the recent advances in the digital technology, namely signal processors, these 2 frequency domain algorithms may be investigated in order to implement them in voice recognition. This research is concerned with real time, microprocessor based recognition algorithms.

Influence of Smartphones and Software on Acoustic Voice Measures

PubMed Central

GRILLO, ELIZABETH U.; BROSIOUS, JENNA N.; SORRELL, STACI L.; ANAND, SUPRAJA

2016-01-01

This study assessed the within-subject variability of voice measures captured using different recording devices (i.e., smartphones and head mounted microphone) and software programs (i.e., Analysis of Dysphonia in Speech and Voice (ADSV), Multi-dimensional Voice Program (MDVP), and Praat). Correlations between the software programs that calculated the voice measures were also analyzed. Results demonstrated no significant within-subject variability across devices and software and that some of the measures were highly correlated across software programs. The study suggests that certain smartphones may be appropriate to record daily voice measures representing the effects of vocal loading within individuals. In addition, even though different algorithms are used to compute voice measures across software programs, some of the programs and measures share a similar relationship. PMID:28775797

An Object-Oriented Approach to the Development of Computer-Assisted Instructional Material Using Hypertext

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

reading on computers for more than 10 or 15 minutes . If it takes any longer I would rather have a piece of paper in front of me. It did provide an outline...advisor, Capt. David Umphress. I thank Dave also for the moral support he provided by agreeing to advise this thesis, and by providing timely...2.17 information using... text, graphics, video , music, voice, and animation" (Williams, 1987:109; Conklin, 1987a:32). Even so, HyperCard has been very

Speech recognition for embedded automatic positioner for laparoscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiaodong; Yin, Qingyun; Wang, Yi; Yu, Daoyin

2014-07-01

In this paper a novel speech recognition methodology based on Hidden Markov Model (HMM) is proposed for embedded Automatic Positioner for Laparoscope (APL), which includes a fixed point ARM processor as the core. The APL system is designed to assist the doctor in laparoscopic surgery, by implementing the specific doctor's vocal control to the laparoscope. Real-time respond to the voice commands asks for more efficient speech recognition algorithm for the APL. In order to reduce computation cost without significant loss in recognition accuracy, both arithmetic and algorithmic optimizations are applied in the method presented. First, depending on arithmetic optimizations most, a fixed point frontend for speech feature analysis is built according to the ARM processor's character. Then the fast likelihood computation algorithm is used to reduce computational complexity of the HMM-based recognition algorithm. The experimental results show that, the method shortens the recognition time within 0.5s, while the accuracy higher than 99%, demonstrating its ability to achieve real-time vocal control to the APL.

Evaluating voice characteristics of first-year acting students in Israel: factor analysis.

PubMed

Amir, Ofer; Primov-Fever, Adi; Kushnir, Tami; Kandelshine-Waldman, Osnat; Wolf, Michael

2013-01-01

Acting students require diverse, high-quality, and high-intensity vocal performance from early stages of their training. Demanding vocal activities, before developing the appropriate vocal skills, put them in high risk for developing vocal problems. A retrospective analysis of voice characteristics of first-year acting students using several voice evaluation tools. A total of 79 first-year acting students (55 women and 24 men) were assigned into two study groups: laryngeal findings (LFs) and no laryngeal findings, based on stroboscopic findings. Their voice characteristics were evaluated using acoustic analysis, aerodynamic examination, perceptual scales, and self-report questionnaires. Results obtained from each set of measures were examined using a factor analysis approach. Significant differences between the two groups were found for a single fundamental frequency (F(0))-Regularity factor; a single Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain perceptual factor; and the three self-evaluation factors. Gender differences were found for two acoustic analysis factors, which were based on F(0) and its derivatives, namely an aerodynamic factor that represents expiratory volume measurements and a single self-evaluation factor that represents the tendency to seek therapy. Approximately 50% of the first-year acting students had LFs. These students differed from their peers in the control group in a single acoustic analysis factor, as well as perceptual and self-report factors. No group differences, however, were found for the aerodynamic factors. Early laryngeal examination and voice evaluation of future professional voice users could provide a valuable individual baseline, to which later examinations could be compared, and assist in providing personally tailored treatment. Copyright © 2013 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

[Fundamental frequency analysis - a contribution to the objective examination of the speaking and singing voice (author's transl)].

PubMed

Schultz-Coulon, H J

1975-07-01

The applicability of a newly developed fundamental frequency analyzer to diagnosis in phoniatrics is reviewed. During routine voice examination, the analyzer allows a quick and accurate measurement of fundamental frequency and sound level of the speaking voice, and of vocal range and maximum phonation time. By computing fundamental frequency histograms, the median fundamental frequency and the total pitch range can be better determined and compared. Objective studies of certain technical faculties of the singing voice, which usually are estimated subjectively by the speech therapist, may now be done by means of this analyzer. Several examples demonstrate the differences between correct and incorrect phonation. These studies compare the pitch perturbations during the crescendo and decrescendo of a swell-tone, and show typical traces of staccato, thrill and yodel. Conclusions of the study indicate that fundamental frequency analysis is a valuable supplemental method for objective voice examination.

Primary tracheoesophageal puncture and cricopharyngeal myotomy in stapler-assisted total laryngectomy.

PubMed

Beswick, D M; Damrose, E J

2016-07-01

To evaluate the utility of the hybrid tracheoesophageal puncture procedure in stapler-assisted laryngectomy. Patients who underwent total laryngectomy at a single institution from 2009 to 2015 were reviewed. The interventions assessed were surgical creation of a tracheoesophageal puncture and placement of a voice prosthesis. The outcomes measured included voicing ability and valve failure. Thirty-nine patients underwent total laryngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy. Of these, nine underwent stapler-assisted laryngectomy; seven of the nine patients underwent concurrent stapler-assisted laryngectomy, cricopharyngeal myotomy and a hybrid tracheoesophageal puncture procedure. These seven patients were the focus of this review. Successful voicing and oral alimentation was achieved in all patients. Mean time to phonation was 30 days (range, 7-77 days) and mean time to first valve change was 90 days (range, 35-117 days). Primary tracheoesophageal puncture with concurrent voice prosthesis placement and cricopharyngeal myotomy is easily performed with stapler-assisted laryngectomy. The hybrid tracheoesophageal puncture procedure is a simple method that enables a single operator to achieve primary tracheoesophageal puncture and valve placement; in addition, it facilitates concurrent cricopharyngeal myotomy.

The Leipzig experience with robotic valve surgery.

PubMed

Autschbach, R; Onnasch, J F; Falk, V; Walther, T; Krüger, M; Schilling, L O; Mohr, F W

2000-01-01

The study describes the single-center experience using robot-assisted videoscopic mitral valve surgery and the early results with a remote telemanipulator-assisted approach for mitral valve repair. Out of a series of 230 patients who underwent minimally invasive mitral valve surgery, in 167 patients surgery was performed with the use of robotic assistance. A voice-controlled robotic arm was used for videoscopic guidance in 152 cases. Most recently, a computer-enhanced telemanipulator was used in 15 patients to perform the operation remotely. The mitral valve was repaired in 117 and replaced in all other patients. The voice-controlled robotic arm (AESOP 3000) facilitated videoscopic-assisted mitral valve surgery. The procedure was completed without the need for an additional assistant as "solo surgery." Additional procedures like radiofrequency ablation and tricuspid valve repair were performed in 21 and 4 patients, respectively. Duration of bypass and clamp time was comparable to conventional procedures (107 A 34 and 50 A 16 min, respectively). Hospital mortality was 1.2%. Using the da Vinci telemanipulation system, remote mitral valve repair was successfully performed in 13 of 15 patients. Robotic-assisted less invasive mitral valve surgery has evolved to a reliable technique with reproducible results for primary operations and for reoperations. Robotic assistance has enabled a solo surgery approach. The combination with radiofrequency ablation (Mini Maze) in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation has proven to be beneficial. The use of telemanipulation systems for remote mitral valve surgery is promising, but a number of problems have to be solved before the introduction of a closed chest mitral valve procedure.

[Computer-assisted phonetography as a diagnostic aid in functional dysphonia].

PubMed

Airainer, R; Klingholz, F

1991-07-01

A total of 160 voice-trained and untrained subjects with functional dysphonia were given a "clinical rating" according to their clinical findings. This was a certain value on a scale that recorded the degree of functional voice disorder ranging from a marked hypofunction to an extreme hyperfunction. The phonetograms of these patients were approximated by ellipses, whereby the definition and quantitative recording of several phonetogram parameters were rendered possible. By means of a linear combination of phonetogram parameters, a "calculated assessment" was obtained for each patient that was expected to tally with the "clinical rating". This paper demonstrates that a graduation of the dysphonic clinical picture with regard to the presence of hypofunctional or hyperfunctional components is possible via computerised phonetogram evaluation. In this case, the "calculated assessments" for both male and female singers and non-singers must be computed using different linear combinations. The method can be introduced as a supplementary diagnostic procedure in the diagnosis of functional dysphonia.

A High School Level Course On Robot Design And Construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadler, Paul M.; Crandall, Jack L.

1984-02-01

The Robotics Design and Construction Class at Sehome High School was developed to offer gifted and/or highly motivated students an in-depth introduction to a modern engineering topic. The course includes instruction in basic electronics, digital and radio electronics, construction skills, robotics literacy, construction of the HERO 1 Heathkit Robot, computer/ robot programming, and voice synthesis. A key element which leads to the success of the course is the involvement of various community assets including manpower and financial assistance. The instructors included a physics/electronics teacher, a computer science teacher, two retired engineers, and an electronics technician.

[Acoustic voice analysis using the Praat program: comparative study with the Dr. Speech program].

PubMed

Núñez Batalla, Faustino; González Márquez, Rocío; Peláez González, M Belén; González Laborda, Irene; Fernández Fernández, María; Morato Galán, Marta

2014-01-01

The European Laryngological Society (ELS) basic protocol for functional assessment of voice pathology includes 5 different approaches: perception, videostroboscopy, acoustics, aerodynamics and subjective rating by the patient. In this study we focused on acoustic voice analysis. The purpose of the present study was to correlate the results obtained by the commercial software Dr. Speech and the free software Praat in 2 fields: 1. Narrow-band spectrogram (the presence of noise according to Yanagihara, and the presence of subharmonics) (semi-quantitative). 2. Voice acoustic parameters (jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio, fundamental frequency) (quantitative). We studied a total of 99 voice samples from individuals with Reinke's oedema diagnosed using videostroboscopy. One independent observer used Dr. Speech 3.0 and a second one used the Praat program (Phonetic Sciences, University of Amsterdam). The spectrographic analysis consisted of obtaining a narrow-band spectrogram from the previous digitalised voice samples by the 2 independent observers. They then determined the presence of noise in the spectrogram, using the Yanagihara grades, as well as the presence of subharmonics. As a final result, the acoustic parameters of jitter, shimmer, harmonics-to-noise ratio and fundamental frequency were obtained from the 2 acoustic analysis programs. The results indicated that the sound spectrogram and the numerical values obtained for shimmer and jitter were similar for both computer programs, even though types 1, 2 and 3 voice samples were analysed. The Praat and Dr. Speech programs provide similar results in the acoustic analysis of pathological voices. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Understanding the mechanisms of familiar voice-identity recognition in the human brain.

PubMed

Maguinness, Corrina; Roswandowitz, Claudia; von Kriegstein, Katharina

2018-03-31

Humans have a remarkable skill for voice-identity recognition: most of us can remember many voices that surround us as 'unique'. In this review, we explore the computational and neural mechanisms which may support our ability to represent and recognise a unique voice-identity. We examine the functional architecture of voice-sensitive regions in the superior temporal gyrus/sulcus, and bring together findings on how these regions may interact with each other, and additional face-sensitive regions, to support voice-identity processing. We also contrast findings from studies on neurotypicals and clinical populations which have examined the processing of familiar and unfamiliar voices. Taken together, the findings suggest that representations of familiar and unfamiliar voices might dissociate in the human brain. Such an observation does not fit well with current models for voice-identity processing, which by-and-large assume a common sequential analysis of the incoming voice signal, regardless of voice familiarity. We provide a revised audio-visual integrative model of voice-identity processing which brings together traditional and prototype models of identity processing. This revised model includes a mechanism of how voice-identity representations are established and provides a novel framework for understanding and examining the potential differences in familiar and unfamiliar voice processing in the human brain. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microcomputer-assisted transmission of disaster data by cellular telephone.

PubMed

Wigder, H N; Fligner, D J; Rivers, D; Hotch, D

1989-01-01

Voice communication of information during disasters is often inadequate. In particular, simultaneous transmission by multiple callers on the same frequency can result in blocked transmissions and miscommunications. In contrast, nonvoice transmission of data requires less time than does voice communication of the same data, and may be more accurate. We conducted a pilot study to test the feasibility of a microcomputer assisted communication (MAC) network linking the disaster scene and the command hospital. The radio chosen to transmit data from the field disaster site to the command hospital was a cellular telephone connected to the microcomputer by modem. Typed communications between the microcomputer operators enabled dialogue between the disaster site and the hospitals. A computer program using commercially available software (Symphony by Lotus, Inc.) was written to allow for data entry, data transmission, and reports. Patient data, including age, sex, severity of injury, identification number, major injuries, and hospital destination were successfully transmitted from the disaster site command post to the command hospital. This pilot test demonstrated the potential applicability of MAC for facilitating transmission of patient data during a disaster.

Automating CapCom Using Mobile Agents and Robotic Assistants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clancey, William J.; Sierhuis, Maarten; Alena, Richard L.; Graham, Jeffrey S.; Tyree, Kim S.; Hirsh, Robert L.; Garry, W. Brent; Semple, Abigail; Shum, Simon J. Buckingham; Shadbolt, Nigel;

A narrative study of the experiences of student nurses who have participated in the Hearing Voices that are Distressing simulation.

PubMed

Hamilton Wilson, Jane E; Azzopardi, Wendy; Sager, Shelley; Gould, Brian; Conroy, Sherrill; Deegan, Patricia; Archie, Suzanne

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to provide nursing students with an experiential learning opportunity which simulated living with the challenge of voice hearing. The purpose was to access understanding and insights of nursing students who completed "Hearing Voices that are Distressing: A Training Experience and Simulation for Students" (Deegan, 1996). Using a narrative research design and a convenience sample of 27 nursing students, participants were asked to respond in written format to three open ended prompts immediately following their participation in the simulation. Data generated was subjected to a thematic content analysis using a manual cut and paste approach to inductively find meanings and insights elicited from the respondents' actual words. Affirmed in this study was the use of this teaching tool to assist the students in their understanding of the challenges posed by voice hearing.

Relationship between perceived politeness and spectral characteristics of voice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Mika

2005-04-01

This study investigates the role of voice quality in perceiving politeness under conditions of varying relative social status among Japanese male speakers. The work focuses on four important methodological issues: experimental control of sociolinguistic aspects, eliciting natural spontaneous speech, obtaining recording quality suitable for voice quality analysis, and assessment of glottal characteristics through the use of non-invasive direct measurements of the speech spectrum. To obtain natural, unscripted utterances, the speech data were collected with a Map Task. This methodology allowed us to study the effect of manipulating relative social status among participants in the same community. We then computed the relative amplitudes of harmonics and formant peaks in spectra obtained from the Map Task recordings. Finally, an experiment was conducted to observe the alignment between acoustic measures and the perceived politeness of the voice samples. The results suggest that listeners' perceptions of politeness are determined by spectral characteristics of speakers, in particular, spectral tilts obtained by computing the difference in amplitude between the first harmonic and the third formant.

Analysis and enhancement of country singing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Matthew; Smith, Mark J. T.

2003-04-01

The study of human singing has focused extensively on the analysis of voice characteristics. At the same time, a substantial body of work has been under study aimed at modeling and synthesizing the human voice. The work on which we report brings together some key analysis and synthesis principles to create a new model for digitally improving the perceived quality of an average singing voice. The model presented employs an analysis-by-synthesis overlap-add (ABS-OLA) sinusoidal model, which in the past has been used for the analysis and synthesis of speech, in combination with a spectral model of the vocal tract. The ABS-OLA sinusoidal model for speech has been shown to be a flexible, accurate, and computationally efficient representation capable of producing a natural-sounding singing voice [E. B. George and M. J. T. Smith, Trans. Speech Audio Processing 5, 389-406 (1997)]. A spectral model infused in the ABS-OLA uses Generalized Gaussian functions to provide a simple framework which enables the precise modification of spectral characteristics while maintaining the quality and naturalness of the original voice. Furthermore, it is shown that the parameters of the new ABS-OLA can accommodate pitch corrections and vocal quality enhancements while preserving naturalness and singer identity. Examples of enhanced country singing will be presented.

Innovative Technology for the Assisted Delivery of Intensive Voice Treatment (LSVT[R]LOUD) for Parkinson Disease

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Halpern, Angela E.; Ramig, Lorraine O.; Matos, Carlos E. C.; Petska-Cable, Jill A.; Spielman, Jennifer L.; Pogoda, Janice M.; Gilley, Phillip M.; Sapir, Shimon; Bennett, John K.; McFarland, David H.

2012-01-01

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a newly developed assistive technology system, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Companion (LSVT[R] Companion[TM], hereafter referred to as "Companion"), to support the delivery of LSVT[R]LOUD, an efficacious speech intervention for individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). Method: Sixteen…

Crossing Canonical Boundaries: Espionage Fiction in the Writing Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marsee, Mickey

One of the biggest complaints shared by writing teachers is that students lack a sense of self. Writing handbooks and teachers are full of advice and exercises pointed at assisting students in finding their voice, their persona as writers. One method that may assist writing students in finding that voice would introduce students to spy fiction.…

Computer-aided technique for automatic determination of the relationship between transglottal pressure change and voice fundamental frequency.

PubMed

Deguchi, Shinji; Kawashima, Kazutaka; Washio, Seiichi

2008-12-01

The effect of artificially altered transglottal pressures on the voice fundamental frequency (F0) is known to be associated with vocal fold stiffness. Its measurement, though useful as a potential diagnostic tool for noncontact assessment of vocal fold stiffness, often requires manual and painstaking determination of an unstable F0 of voice. Here, we provide a computer-aided technique that enables one to carry out the determination easily and accurately. Human subjects vocalized in accordance with a series of reference sounds from a speaker controlled by a computer. Transglottal pressures were altered by means of a valve embedded in a mouthpiece. Time-varying vocal F0 was extracted, without manual procedures, from a specific range of the voice spectrum determined on the basis of the controlled reference sounds. The validity of the proposed technique was assessed for 11 healthy subjects. Fluctuating voice F0 was tracked automatically during experiments, providing the relationship between transglottal pressure change and F0 on the computer. The proposed technique overcomes the difficulty in automatic determination of the voice F0, which tends to be transient both in normal voice and in some types of pathological voice.

The persuasiveness of synthetic speech versus human speech.

PubMed

Stern, S E; Mullennix, J W; Dyson, C; Wilson, S J

1999-12-01

Is computer-synthesized speech as persuasive as the human voice when presenting an argument? After completing an attitude pretest, 193 participants were randomly assigned to listen to a persuasive appeal under three conditions: a high-quality synthesized speech system (DECtalk Express), a low-quality synthesized speech system (Monologue), and a tape recording of a human voice. Following the appeal, participants completed a posttest attitude survey and a series of questionnaires designed to assess perceptions of speech qualities, perceptions of the speaker, and perceptions of the message. The human voice was generally perceived more favorably than the computer-synthesized voice, and the speaker was perceived more favorably when the voice was a human voice than when it was computer synthesized. There was, however, no evidence that computerized speech, as compared with the human voice, affected persuasion or perceptions of the message. Actual or potential applications of this research include issues that should be considered when designing synthetic speech systems.

Acoustic analysis of speech variables during depression and after improvement.

PubMed

Nilsonne, A

1987-09-01

Speech recordings were made of 16 depressed patients during depression and after clinical improvement. The recordings were analyzed using a computer program which extracts acoustic parameters from the fundamental frequency contour of the voice. The percent pause time, the standard deviation of the voice fundamental frequency distribution, the standard deviation of the rate of change of the voice fundamental frequency and the average speed of voice change were found to correlate to the clinical state of the patient. The mean fundamental frequency, the total reading time and the average rate of change of the voice fundamental frequency did not differ between the depressed and the improved group. The acoustic measures were more strongly correlated to the clinical state of the patient as measured by global depression scores than to single depressive symptoms such as retardation or agitation.

Initial Progress Toward Development of a Voice-Based Computer-Delivered Motivational Intervention for Heavy Drinking College Students: An Experimental Study

PubMed Central

Lechner, William J; MacGlashan, James; Wray, Tyler B; Littman, Michael L

2017-01-01

Background Computer-delivered interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption in heavy drinking college students. However, these computer-delivered interventions rely on mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen responses for interactions between the users and the computer-delivered intervention. The principles of motivational interviewing suggest that in-person interventions may be effective, in part, because they encourage individuals to think through and speak aloud their motivations for changing a health behavior, which current computer-delivered interventions do not allow. Objective The objective of this study was to take the initial steps toward development of a voice-based computer-delivered intervention that can ask open-ended questions and respond appropriately to users’ verbal responses, more closely mirroring a human-delivered motivational intervention. Methods We developed (1) a voice-based computer-delivered intervention that was run by a human controller and that allowed participants to speak their responses to scripted prompts delivered by speech generation software and (2) a text-based computer-delivered intervention that relied on the mouse, keyboard, and computer screen for all interactions. We randomized 60 heavy drinking college students to interact with the voice-based computer-delivered intervention and 30 to interact with the text-based computer-delivered intervention and compared their ratings of the systems as well as their motivation to change drinking and their drinking behavior at 1-month follow-up. Results Participants reported that the voice-based computer-delivered intervention engaged positively with them in the session and delivered content in a manner consistent with motivational interviewing principles. At 1-month follow-up, participants in the voice-based computer-delivered intervention condition reported significant decreases in quantity, frequency, and problems associated with drinking, and increased perceived importance of changing drinking behaviors. In comparison to the text-based computer-delivered intervention condition, those assigned to voice-based computer-delivered intervention reported significantly fewer alcohol-related problems at the 1-month follow-up (incident rate ratio 0.60, 95% CI 0.44-0.83, P=.002). The conditions did not differ significantly on perceived importance of changing drinking or on measures of drinking quantity and frequency of heavy drinking. Conclusions Results indicate that it is feasible to construct a series of open-ended questions and a bank of responses and follow-up prompts that can be used in a future fully automated voice-based computer-delivered intervention that may mirror more closely human-delivered motivational interventions to reduce drinking. Such efforts will require using advanced speech recognition capabilities and machine-learning approaches to train a program to mirror the decisions made by human controllers in the voice-based computer-delivered intervention used in this study. In addition, future studies should examine enhancements that can increase the perceived warmth and empathy of voice-based computer-delivered intervention, possibly through greater personalization, improvements in the speech generation software, and embodying the computer-delivered intervention in a physical form. PMID:28659259

Calibration of Clinical Audio Recording and Analysis Systems for Sound Intensity Measurement.

PubMed

Maryn, Youri; Zarowski, Andrzej

2015-11-01

Sound intensity is an important acoustic feature of voice/speech signals. Yet recordings are performed with different microphone, amplifier, and computer configurations, and it is therefore crucial to calibrate sound intensity measures of clinical audio recording and analysis systems on the basis of output of a sound-level meter. This study was designed to evaluate feasibility, validity, and accuracy of calibration methods, including audiometric speech noise signals and human voice signals under typical speech conditions. Calibration consisted of 3 comparisons between data from 29 measurement microphone-and-computer systems and data from the sound-level meter: signal-specific comparison with audiometric speech noise at 5 levels, signal-specific comparison with natural voice at 3 levels, and cross-signal comparison with natural voice at 3 levels. Intensity measures from recording systems were then linearly converted into calibrated data on the basis of these comparisons, and validity and accuracy of calibrated sound intensity were investigated. Very strong correlations and quasisimilarity were found between calibrated data and sound-level meter data across calibration methods and recording systems. Calibration of clinical sound intensity measures according to this method is feasible, valid, accurate, and representative for a heterogeneous set of microphones and data acquisition systems in real-life circumstances with distinct noise contexts.

Feasibility and safety of augmented-reality glass for computed tomography-assisted percutaneous revascularization of coronary chronic total occlusion: A single center prospective pilot study.

PubMed

Opolski, Maksymilian P; Debski, Artur; Borucki, Bartosz A; Staruch, Adam D; Kepka, Cezary; Rokicki, Jakub K; Sieradzki, Bartosz; Witkowski, Adam

2017-11-01

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO) may be facilitated by projection of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) datasets in the catheterization laboratory. There is no data on the feasibility and safety outcomes of CTA-assisted CTO PCI using a wearable augmented-reality glass. A total of 15 patients scheduled for elective antegrade CTO intervention were prospectively enrolled and underwent preprocedural coronary CTA. Three-dimensional and curved multiplanar CT reconstructions were transmitted to a head-mounted hands-free computer worn by interventional cardiologists during CTO PCI to provide additional information on CTO tortuosity and calcification. The results of CTO PCI using a wearable computer were compared with a time-matched prospective angiographic registry of 59 patients undergoing antegrade CTO PCI without a wearable computer. Operators' satisfaction was assessed by a 5-point Likert scale. Mean age was 64 ± 8 years and the mean J-CTO score was 2.1 ± 0.9 in the CTA-assisted group. The voice-activated co-registration and review of CTA images in a wearable computer during CTO PCI were feasible and highly rated by PCI operators (4.7/5 points). There were no major adverse cardiovascular events. Compared with standard CTO PCI, CTA-assisted recanalization of CTO using a wearable computer showed more frequent selection of the first-choice stiff wire (0% vs 40%, p < 0.001) and lower contrast exposure (166 ± 52 vs 134 ± 43 ml, p = 0.03). Overall CTO success rates and safety outcomes remained similar between both groups. CTA-assisted CTO PCI using an augmented-reality glass is feasible and safe, and might reduce the resources required for the interventional treatment of CTO. Copyright © 2017 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Applied Chaos Level Test for Validation of Signal Conditions Underlying Optimal Performance of Voice Classification Methods.

PubMed

Liu, Boquan; Polce, Evan; Sprott, Julien C; Jiang, Jack J

2018-05-17

The purpose of this study is to introduce a chaos level test to evaluate linear and nonlinear voice type classification method performances under varying signal chaos conditions without subjective impression. Voice signals were constructed with differing degrees of noise to model signal chaos. Within each noise power, 100 Monte Carlo experiments were applied to analyze the output of jitter, shimmer, correlation dimension, and spectrum convergence ratio. The computational output of the 4 classifiers was then plotted against signal chaos level to investigate the performance of these acoustic analysis methods under varying degrees of signal chaos. A diffusive behavior detection-based chaos level test was used to investigate the performances of different voice classification methods. Voice signals were constructed by varying the signal-to-noise ratio to establish differing signal chaos conditions. Chaos level increased sigmoidally with increasing noise power. Jitter and shimmer performed optimally when the chaos level was less than or equal to 0.01, whereas correlation dimension was capable of analyzing signals with chaos levels of less than or equal to 0.0179. Spectrum convergence ratio demonstrated proficiency in analyzing voice signals with all chaos levels investigated in this study. The results of this study corroborate the performance relationships observed in previous studies and, therefore, demonstrate the validity of the validation test method. The presented chaos level validation test could be broadly utilized to evaluate acoustic analysis methods and establish the most appropriate methodology for objective voice analysis in clinical practice.

Initial Progress Toward Development of a Voice-Based Computer-Delivered Motivational Intervention for Heavy Drinking College Students: An Experimental Study.

PubMed

Kahler, Christopher W; Lechner, William J; MacGlashan, James; Wray, Tyler B; Littman, Michael L

2017-06-28

Computer-delivered interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption in heavy drinking college students. However, these computer-delivered interventions rely on mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen responses for interactions between the users and the computer-delivered intervention. The principles of motivational interviewing suggest that in-person interventions may be effective, in part, because they encourage individuals to think through and speak aloud their motivations for changing a health behavior, which current computer-delivered interventions do not allow. The objective of this study was to take the initial steps toward development of a voice-based computer-delivered intervention that can ask open-ended questions and respond appropriately to users' verbal responses, more closely mirroring a human-delivered motivational intervention. We developed (1) a voice-based computer-delivered intervention that was run by a human controller and that allowed participants to speak their responses to scripted prompts delivered by speech generation software and (2) a text-based computer-delivered intervention that relied on the mouse, keyboard, and computer screen for all interactions. We randomized 60 heavy drinking college students to interact with the voice-based computer-delivered intervention and 30 to interact with the text-based computer-delivered intervention and compared their ratings of the systems as well as their motivation to change drinking and their drinking behavior at 1-month follow-up. Participants reported that the voice-based computer-delivered intervention engaged positively with them in the session and delivered content in a manner consistent with motivational interviewing principles. At 1-month follow-up, participants in the voice-based computer-delivered intervention condition reported significant decreases in quantity, frequency, and problems associated with drinking, and increased perceived importance of changing drinking behaviors. In comparison to the text-based computer-delivered intervention condition, those assigned to voice-based computer-delivered intervention reported significantly fewer alcohol-related problems at the 1-month follow-up (incident rate ratio 0.60, 95% CI 0.44-0.83, P=.002). The conditions did not differ significantly on perceived importance of changing drinking or on measures of drinking quantity and frequency of heavy drinking. Results indicate that it is feasible to construct a series of open-ended questions and a bank of responses and follow-up prompts that can be used in a future fully automated voice-based computer-delivered intervention that may mirror more closely human-delivered motivational interventions to reduce drinking. Such efforts will require using advanced speech recognition capabilities and machine-learning approaches to train a program to mirror the decisions made by human controllers in the voice-based computer-delivered intervention used in this study. In addition, future studies should examine enhancements that can increase the perceived warmth and empathy of voice-based computer-delivered intervention, possibly through greater personalization, improvements in the speech generation software, and embodying the computer-delivered intervention in a physical form. ©Christopher W Kahler, William J Lechner, James MacGlashan, Tyler B Wray, Michael L Littman. Originally published in JMIR Mental Health (http://mental.jmir.org), 28.06.2017.

Vocal therapy of hyperkinetic dysphonia.

PubMed

Mumović, Gordana; Veselinović, Mila; Arbutina, Tanja; Škrbić, Renata

2014-01-01

Hyperkinetic (hyperfunctional) dysphonia is a common pathology. The disorder is often found in vocal professionals faced with high vocal requirements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of vocal therapy on voice condition characterized by hyperkinetic dysphonia with prenodular lesions and soft nodules. The study included 100 adult patients and 27 children aged 4-16 years with prenodular lesions and soft nodules. A subjective acoustic analysis using the GIRBAS scale was performed prior to and after vocal therapy. Twenty adult patients and 10 children underwent objective acoustic analysis including several acoustic parameters. Pathological vocal qualities (hoarse, harsh and breathy voice) were also obtained by computer analysis. The subjective acoustic analysis revealed a significant (p<0.01) reduction in all dysphonia parameters after vocal treatment in adults and children. After treatment, all levels of dysphonia were lowered in 85% (85/100) of adult patients and 29% (29/100) had a normal voice. Before vocal therapy 9 children had severe, 13 had moderate and 8 slight dysphonia. After vocal therapy only 1 child had severe dysphonia, 7 had moderate, 10 had slight levels of dysphonia and 9 were without voice disorder. The objective acoustic analysis in adults revealed a significant improvement (p≤0.025) in all dysphonia parameters except SD FO and jitter %. In children, the acoustic parameters SD FO, jitter % and NNE (normal noise energy) were significantly improved (p=0.003-0.03). Pathological voice qualities were also improved in adults and children (p<0.05). Vocal therapy effectively improves the voice in hyperkinetic dysphonia with prenodular lesions and soft nodules in both adults and children, affectinq diverse acoustic parameters.

Power flow in normal human voice production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krane, Michael

2016-11-01

The principal mechanisms of energy utilization in voicing are quantified using a simplified model, in order to better define voice efficiency. A control volume analysis of energy utilization in phonation is presented to identify the energy transfer mechanisms in terms of their function. Conversion of subglottal airstream potential energy into useful work done (vocal fold vibration, flow work, sound radiation), and into heat (sound radiation absorbed by the lungs, glottal jet dissipation) are described. An approximate numerical model is used to compute the contributions of each of these mechanisms, as a function of subglottal pressure, for normal phonation. Acknowledge support of NIH Grant 2R01DC005642-10A1.

Acoustical analysis of the underlying voice differences between two groups of professional singers: opera and country and western.

PubMed

Burns, P

1986-05-01

An acoustical analysis of the speaking and singing voices of two types of professional singers was conducted. The vowels /i/, /a/, and /o/ were spoken and sung ten times each by seven opera and seven country and western singers. Vowel spectra were derived by computer software techniques allowing quantitative assessment of formant structure (F1-F4), relative amplitude of resonance peaks (F1-F4), fundamental frequency, and harmonic high frequency energy. Formant analysis was the most effective parameter differentiating the two groups. Only opera singers lowered their fourth formant creating a wide-band resonance area (approximately 2,800 Hz) corresponding to the well-known "singing formant." Country and western singers revealed similar resonatory voice characteristics for both spoken and sung output. These results implicate faulty vocal technique in country and western singers as a contributory reason for vocal abuse/fatigue.

Communication devices in the operating room.

PubMed

Ruskin, Keith J

2006-12-01

Effective communication is essential to patient safety. Although radio pagers have been the cornerstone of medical communication, new devices such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and laptop or tablet computers can help anesthesiologists to get information quickly and reliably. Anesthesiologists can use these devices to speak with colleagues, access the medical record, or help a colleague in another location without having to leave a patient's side. Recent advances in communication technology offer anesthesiologists new ways to improve patient care. Anesthesiologists rely on a wide variety of information to make decisions, including vital signs, laboratory values, and entries in the medical record. Devices such as PDAs and computers with wireless networking can be used to access this information. Mobile telephones can be used to get help or ask for advice, and are more efficient than radio pagers. Voice over Internet protocol is a new technology that allows voice conversations to be routed over computer networks. It is widely believed that wireless devices can cause life-threatening interference with medical devices. The actual risk is very low, and is offset by a significant reduction in medical errors that results from more efficient communication. Using common technology like cellular telephones and wireless networks is a simple, cost-effective way to improve patient care.

Can a computer-generated voice be sincere? A case study combining music and synthetic speech.

PubMed

Barker, Paul; Newell, Christopher; Newell, George

2013-10-01

This article explores enhancing sincerity, honesty, or truthfulness in computer-generated synthetic speech by accompanying it with music. Sincerity is important if we are to respond positively to any voice, whether human or artificial. What is sincerity in the artificial disembodied voice? Studies in musical expression and performance may illuminate aspects of the 'musically spoken' or sung voice in rendering deeper levels of expression that may include sincerity. We consider one response to this notion in an especially composed melodrama (music accompanying a (synthetic) spoken voice) designed to convey sincerity.

The research of computer multimedia assistant in college English listening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qian

2012-04-01

With the technology development of network information, there exists more and more seriously questions to our education. Computer multimedia application breaks the traditional foreign language teaching and brings new challenges and opportunities for the education. Through the multiple media application, the teaching process is full of animation, image, voice, and characters. This can improve the learning initiative and objective with great development of learning efficiency. During the traditional foreign language teaching, people use characters learning. However, through this method, the theory performance is good but the practical application is low. During the long time computer multimedia application in the foreign language teaching, many teachers still have prejudice. Therefore, the method is not obtaining the effect. After all the above, the research has significant meaning for improving the teaching quality of foreign language.

Speech recovery device

DOEpatents

Frankle, Christen M.

2004-04-20

There is provided an apparatus and method for assisting speech recovery in people with inability to speak due to aphasia, apraxia or another condition with similar effect. A hollow, rigid, thin-walled tube with semi-circular or semi-elliptical cut out shapes at each open end is positioned such that one end mates with the throat/voice box area of the neck of the assistor and the other end mates with the throat/voice box area of the assisted. The speaking person (assistor) makes sounds that produce standing wave vibrations at the same frequency in the vocal cords of the assisted person. Driving the assisted person's vocal cords with the assisted person being able to hear the correct tone enables the assisted person to speak by simply amplifying the vibration of membranes in their throat.

Automated Electroglottographic Inflection Events Detection. A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Codino, Juliana; Torres, María Eugenia; Rubin, Adam; Jackson-Menaldi, Cristina

2016-11-01

Vocal-fold vibration can be analyzed in a noninvasive way by registering impedance changes within the glottis, through electroglottography. The morphology of the electroglottographic (EGG) signal is related to different vibratory patterns. In the literature, a characteristic knee in the descending portion of the signal has been reported. Some EGG signals do not exhibit this particular knee and have other types of events (inflection events) throughout the ascending and/or descending portion of the vibratory cycle. The goal of this work is to propose an automatic method to identify and classify these events. A computational algorithm was developed based on the mathematical properties of the EGG signal, which detects and reports events throughout the contact phase. Retrospective analysis of EGG signals obtained during routine voice evaluation of adult individuals with a variety of voice disorders was performed using the algorithm as well as human raters. Two judges, both experts in clinical voice analysis, and three general speech pathologists performed manual and visual evaluation of the sample set. The results obtained by the automatic method were compared with those of the human raters. Statistical analysis revealed a significant level of agreement. This automatic tool could allow professionals in the clinical setting to obtain an automatic quantitative and qualitative report of such events present in a voice sample, without having to manually analyze the whole EGG signal. In addition, it might provide the speech pathologist with more information that would complement the standard voice evaluation. It could also be a valuable tool in voice research. Copyright © 2016 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Controller/Computer Interface with an Air-Ground Data Link

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-06-01

This report describes the results of an experiment for evaluating the controller/computer interface in an ARTS III/M&S system modified for use with a simulated digital data link and a voice link utilizing a computer-generated voice system. A modified...

Adductor spasmodic dysphonia: Relationships between acoustic indices and perceptual judgments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cannito, Michael P.; Sapienza, Christine M.; Woodson, Gayle; Murry, Thomas

2003-04-01

This study investigated relationships between acoustical indices of spasmodic dysphonia and perceptual scaling judgments of voice attributes made by expert listeners. Audio-recordings of The Rainbow Passage were obtained from thirty one speakers with spasmodic dysphonia before and after a BOTOX injection of the vocal folds. Six temporal acoustic measures were obtained across 15 words excerpted from each reading sample, including both frequency of occurrence and percent time for (1) aperiodic phonation, (2) phonation breaks, and (3) fundamental frequency shifts. Visual analog scaling judgments were also obtained from six voice experts using an interactive computer interface to quantify four voice attributes (i.e., overall quality, roughness, brokenness, breathiness) in a carefully psychoacoustically controlled environment, using the same reading passages as stimuli. Number and percent aperiodicity and phonation breaks correlated significanly with perceived overall voice quality, roughness, and brokenness before and after the BOTOX injection. Breathiness was correlated with aperidocity only prior to injection, while roughness also correlated with frequency shifts following injection. Factor analysis reduced perceived attributes to two principal components: glottal squeezing and breathiness. The acoustic measures demonstrated a strong regression relationship with perceived glottal squeezing, but no regression relationship with breathiness was observed. Implications for an analysis of pathologic voices will be discussed.

DigitalVHI--a freeware open-source software application to capture the Voice Handicap Index and other questionnaire data in various languages.

PubMed

Herbst, Christian T; Oh, Jinook; Vydrová, Jitka; Švec, Jan G

2015-07-01

In this short report we introduce DigitalVHI, a free open-source software application for obtaining Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and other questionnaire data, which can be put on a computer in clinics and used in clinical practice. The software can simplify performing clinical studies since it makes the VHI scores directly available for analysis in a digital form. It can be downloaded from http://www.christian-herbst.org/DigitalVHI/.

[Parameters of phoniatric examination of solo vocalists].

PubMed

Mitrović, Slobodan; Jović, Rajko; Aleksić, Vesna; Cvejić, Biserka

2002-01-01

A phoniatrist analyzes the professional's voice at the beginning of his vocal studies or career but also later, in cases of voice disorder. Phoniatric examination of professional singers must be done according to "all inclusive" protocols of examination. Such protocols must establish the status of basic elements of phonatory system: activator, generator and resonator of voice and articulatory space. All patients requiring phoniatric examination no matter if they are candidates for professional singers, need to provide anamnestic data about their previous problems regarding voice or singing. This examination is necessary and it must include: examination of nose, cavum oris, pharynx, ears and larynx. This analysis is based on evaluation of physiological and pathophysiological manifestations of voice. Determination of musical voice range during phoniatric examination does not intend to make any classification of voice, nor to suggest to vocal teacher what he should count upon from future singers. Musical range can be determined only by a phoniatrist skilled in music or with musical training, but first of all vocal teacher. These methods are used for examination of phonatory function, or laryngeal pathology. They are not invasive and give objective and quantitative information. They include: laryngostroboscopy, spectral analysis of voice (sonography) and fundamental parameters of voice signal (computer program). Articulation is very important for solo singers, because good articulation contributes to qualitative emission of sound and expression of emotions. Tonal-threshold audiometry is performed as a hearing test. They include rhinomanometry, vital capacity measurements, maximal phonation time and phonation quotient. Phoniatric examination is a necessary proceeding which must be performed before admission to the academy of solo singing, and then during singers' education and career. The phoniatric protocol must include a minimal number of parameters, which can be increased if required. All parameters of phoniatric examination must be adequately evaluated by experts.

A framework for the design of a voice-activated, intelligent, and hypermedia-based aircraft maintenance manual

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patankar, Manoj Shashikant

Federal Aviation Regulations require Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) to refer to approved maintenance manuals when performing maintenance on airworthy aircraft. Because these manuals are paper-based, larger the size of the aircraft, more cumbersome are the manuals. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognized the difficulties associated with the use of large manuals and conducted studies on the use of electronic media as an alternative to the traditional paper format. However, these techniques do not employ any artificial intelligence technologies and the user interface is limited to either a keyboard or a stylus pen. The primary emphasis of this research was to design a generic framework that would allow future development of voice-activated, intelligent, and hypermedia-based aircraft maintenance manuals. A prototype (VIHAMS-Voice-activated, Intelligent, and Hypermedia-based Aircraft Maintenance System) was developed, as a secondary emphasis, using the design and development techniques that evolved from this research. An evolutionary software design approach was used to design the proposed framework and the structured rapid prototyping technique was used to produce the VIHAMS prototype. VoiceAssist by Creative Labs was used to provide the voice interface so that the users (AMTs) could keep their hands free to work on the aircraft while maintaining complete control over the computer through discrete voice commands. KnowledgePro for Windows sp{TM}, an expert system shell, provided "intelligence" to the prototype. As a result of this intelligence, the system provided expert guidance to the user. The core information contained in conventional manuals was available in a hypermedia format. The prototype's operating hardware included a notebook computer with a fully functional audio system. An external microphone and the built-in speaker served as the input and output devices (along with the color monitor), respectively. Federal Aviation Administration estimates the United States air carriers to operate 3,991 large jet aircraft in the year 1996 (FAA Aviation Forecasts, 1987-1998). With an estimate of seventy manuals per such aircraft, the development of intelligent manuals is expected to impact 279,370 manuals in this country. Soon, over 55 thousand maintenance technicians will be able to carry the seven pound system to an aircraft, use voice commands to access the aircraft's files on the system, seek assistance from the expert system to diagnose the fault, and obtain instructions on how to rectify the fault. The evolutionary design approach and the rapid prototyping techniques were very well suited for the spiral testing strategy. Therefore, this strategy was used to test the structural and functional validity of this research. Professors Darrell Anderson and Brian Stout (Aviation faculty at San Jose State University) and Mr. Gregory Shea (a United Airlines mechanic and SJSU student) are representatives of the real-world users of the final product. Therefore, they conducted the alpha test of this prototype. Mr. Daniel Neal and Mr. Stephen Harms have been actively involved in light aircraft maintenance for more than ten years. They evaluated the prototype's usability. All the above evaluators used standard testing tools and evaluated the prototype under field conditions. The evaluators concluded that the VIHAMS prototype used a valid fault diagnosis strategy, the system architecture could be used to develop similar systems using off-the-shelf tools, and the voice input system could be refined to improve its usability.

Speech recovery device

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Frankle, Christen M.

2000-10-19

There is provided an apparatus and method for assisting speech recovery in people with inability to speak due to aphasia, apraxia or another condition with similar effect. A hollow, rigid, thin-walled tube with semi-circular or semi-elliptical cut out shapes at each open end is positioned such that one end mates with the throat/voice box area of the neck of the assistor and the other end mates with the throat/voice box area of the assisted. The speaking person (assistor) makes sounds that produce standing wave vibrations at the same frequency in the vocal cords of the assisted person. Driving the assistedmore » person's vocal cords with the assisted person being able to hear the correct tone enables the assisted person to speak by simply amplifying the vibration of membranes in their throat.« less

Surface Modeling, Solid Modeling and Finite Element Modeling. Analysis Capabilities of Computer-Assisted Design and Manufacturing Systems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nee, John G.; Kare, Audhut P.

1987-01-01

Explores several concepts in computer assisted design/computer assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Defines, evaluates, reviews and compares advanced computer-aided geometric modeling and analysis techniques. Presents the results of a survey to establish the capabilities of minicomputer based-systems with the CAD/CAM packages evaluated. (CW)

A Graphics Editor for Structured Analysis with a Data Dictionary.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-01

4-3 Human/Computer Interface Considerations 4-3 Screen Layout .... ............. 4-4 Menu System ..... .............. 4-6 Voice Feedback...central computer system . This project is a direct follow on to the 1986 thesis by James W. Urscheler. lie created an initial version of a tool (nicknamed...graphics information. Background r SADT. SADT is the name of SofTech’s methodology for doing requirement analysis and system design. It was first published

Assistive Devices for People with Hearing, Voice, Speech, or Language Disorders

MedlinePlus

... sleepy. What research is being conducted on assistive technology? The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication ... NIDCD) funds research into several areas of assistive technology, such as those described below. Improved devices for ...

Signal analysis of the female singing voice: Features for perceptual singer identity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mellody, Maureen

2001-07-01

Individual singing voices tend to be easy for a listener to identify, particularly when compared to the difficulty of identifying the performer of any other musical instrument. What cues does a listener use to identify a particular singing voice? This work seeks to identify a set of features with which one can synthesize notes with the vocal quality of a particular singer. Such analysis and synthesis influences computer music (in the creation of synthetic sounds with different timbre), vocal pedagogy (as a training tool to help singers understand properties of their own voice as well as different professional-quality voices), and vocal health (to identify improper behavior in vocal production). The problem of singer identification is approached in three phases: signal analysis, the development of low- order representations, and perceptual evaluation. To perform the signal analysis, a high-resolution time- frequency distribution is applied to vowel tokens from sopranos and mezzo-sopranos. From these results, low- order representations are created for each singer's notes, which are used to synthesize sounds with the timbral quality of that singer. Finally, these synthesized sounds, along with original recordings, are evaluated by trained listeners in a variety of perceptual experiments to determine the extent to which the vocal quality of the desired singer is captured. Results from the signal analysis show that amplitude and frequency estimates extracted from the time-frequency signal analysis can be used to re-create each signal with little degradation in quality and no loss of perceptual identity. Low-order representations derived from the signal analysis are used in clustering and classification, which successfully clusters signals with corresponding singer identity. Finally, perceptual results indicate that trained listeners are, surprisingly, only modestly successful at correctly identifying the singer of a recording, and find the task to be particularly difficult for certain voices and extremely easy for others. Listeners also indicate that the majority of sounds synthesized with the low-order representations sufficiently capture the desired vocal timbre. Again, the task is easy for certain voices and much more difficult when evaluating other singers, consistent with the results from the original recordings.

Voice-enabled Knowledge Engine using Flood Ontology and Natural Language Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sermet, M. Y.; Demir, I.; Krajewski, W. F.

2015-12-01

The Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS) is a web-based platform developed by the Iowa Flood Center (IFC) to provide access to flood inundation maps, real-time flood conditions, flood forecasts, flood-related data, information and interactive visualizations for communities in Iowa. The IFIS is designed for use by general public, often people with no domain knowledge and limited general science background. To improve effective communication with such audience, we have introduced a voice-enabled knowledge engine on flood related issues in IFIS. Instead of navigating within many features and interfaces of the information system and web-based sources, the system provides dynamic computations based on a collection of built-in data, analysis, and methods. The IFIS Knowledge Engine connects to real-time stream gauges, in-house data sources, analysis and visualization tools to answer natural language questions. Our goal is the systematization of data and modeling results on flood related issues in Iowa, and to provide an interface for definitive answers to factual queries. The goal of the knowledge engine is to make all flood related knowledge in Iowa easily accessible to everyone, and support voice-enabled natural language input. We aim to integrate and curate all flood related data, implement analytical and visualization tools, and make it possible to compute answers from questions. The IFIS explicitly implements analytical methods and models, as algorithms, and curates all flood related data and resources so that all these resources are computable. The IFIS Knowledge Engine computes the answer by deriving it from its computational knowledge base. The knowledge engine processes the statement, access data warehouse, run complex database queries on the server-side and return outputs in various formats. This presentation provides an overview of IFIS Knowledge Engine, its unique information interface and functionality as an educational tool, and discusses the future plans for providing knowledge on flood related issues and resources. IFIS Knowledge Engine provides an alternative access method to these comprehensive set of tools and data resources available in IFIS. Current implementation of the system accepts free-form input and voice recognition capabilities within browser and mobile applications.

The smartphone and the driver's cognitive workload: A comparison of Apple, Google, and Microsoft's intelligent personal assistants.

PubMed

Strayer, David L; Cooper, Joel M; Turrill, Jonna; Coleman, James R; Hopman, Rachel J

2017-06-01

The goal of this research was to examine the impact of voice-based interactions using 3 different intelligent personal assistants (Apple's Siri , Google's Google Now for Android phones, and Microsoft's Cortana ) on the cognitive workload of the driver. In 2 experiments using an instrumented vehicle on suburban roadways, we measured the cognitive workload of drivers when they used the voice-based features of each smartphone to place a call, select music, or send text messages. Cognitive workload was derived from primary task performance through video analysis, secondary-task performance using the Detection Response Task (DRT), and subjective mental workload. We found that workload was significantly higher than that measured in the single-task drive. There were also systematic differences between the smartphones: The Google system placed lower cognitive demands on the driver than the Apple and Microsoft systems, which did not differ. Video analysis revealed that the difference in mental workload between the smartphones was associated with the number of system errors, the time to complete an action, and the complexity and intuitiveness of the devices. Finally, surprisingly high levels of cognitive workload were observed when drivers were interacting with the devices: "on-task" workload measures did not systematically differ from that associated with a mentally demanding Operation Span (OSPAN) task. The analysis also found residual costs associated using each of the smartphones that took a significant time to dissipate. The data suggest that caution is warranted in the use of smartphone voice-based technology in the vehicle because of the high levels of cognitive workload associated with these interactions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

The 30/20 GHz fixed communications systems service demand assessment. Volume 3: Appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabriszeski, T.; Reiner, P.; Rogers, J.; Terbo, W.

1979-01-01

The market analysis of voice, video, and data 18/30 GHz communications systems services and satellite transmission services is discussed. Detail calculations, computer displays of traffic, survey questionnaires, and detailed service forecasts are presented.

The VOICES/VOCES success story: effective strategies for training, technical assistance and community-based organization implementation.

PubMed

Hamdallah, Myriam; Vargo, Sue; Herrera, Jennifer

2006-08-01

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBI) project successfully disseminated VOICES/VOCES, a brief video-based HIV risk reduction intervention targeting African American and Latino heterosexual men and women at risk for HIV infection. Elements of the dissemination strategy included a comprehensive and user-friendly intervention kit, comprising (a) an implementationmanual and othermaterials necessary for conducting the intervention (b) a Training of Facilitators (TOF) curriculum used to teach agency staff how to implement the EBI in their setting, (c) a network of expert trainers who attend a training institute to become adept at using the TOF curriculum to train facilitators, (d) a comprehensive training coordination center to plan and deliver TOF trainings, (e) proactive technical assistance to trainers, and (f) post-TOF technical assistance for local implementers. This article reports on those strategies and a local CBO's successful participation in DEBI, resulting implementation of VOICES/VOCES, with unique approaches to adaptation and tailoring.

The Effect of Instructional Method on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Skill Performance: A Comparison Between Instructor-Led Basic Life Support and Computer-Based Basic Life Support With Voice-Activated Manikin.

PubMed

Wilson-Sands, Cathy; Brahn, Pamela; Graves, Kristal

2015-01-01

Validating participants' ability to correctly perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills during basic life support courses can be a challenge for nursing professional development specialists. This study compares two methods of basic life support training, instructor-led and computer-based learning with voice-activated manikins, to identify if one method is more effective for performance of CPR skills. The findings suggest that a computer-based learning course with voice-activated manikins is a more effective method of training for improved CPR performance.

Vocal warm-up and breathing training for teachers: randomized clinical trial

PubMed Central

Pereira, Lílian Paternostro de Pina; Masson, Maria Lúcia Vaz; Carvalho, Fernando Martins

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of two speech therapy interventions, vocal warm-up and breathing training, focusing on teachers’ voice quality. METHODS A single-blind, randomized, parallel clinical trial was conducted. The research included 31 20 to 60-year old teachers from a public school in Salvador, BA, Northeasatern Brazil, with minimum workloads of 20 hours a week, who have or have not reported having vocal alterations. The exclusion criteria were the following: being a smoker, excessive alcohol consumption, receiving additional speech therapy assistance while taking part in the study, being affected by upper respiratory tract infections, professional use of the voice in another activity, neurological disorders, and history of cardiopulmonary pathologies. The subjects were distributed through simple randomization in groups vocal warm-up (n = 14) and breathing training (n = 17). The teachers’ voice quality was subjectively evaluated through the Voice Handicap Index (Índice de Desvantagem Vocal, in the Brazilian version) and computerized voice analysis (average fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, noise, and glottal-to-noise excitation ratio) by speech therapists. RESULTS Before the interventions, the groups were similar regarding sociodemographic characteristics, teaching activities, and vocal quality. The variations before and after the intervention in self-assessment and acoustic voice indicators have not significantly differed between the groups. In the comparison between groups before and after the six-week interventions, significant reductions in the Voice Handicap Index of subjects in both groups were observed, as wells as reduced average fundamental frequencies in the vocal warm-up group and increased shimmer in the breathing training group. Subjects from the vocal warm-up group reported speaking more easily and having their voices more improved in a general way as compared to the breathing training group. CONCLUSIONS Both interventions were similar regarding their effects on the teachers’ voice quality. However, each contribution has individually contributed to improve the teachers’ voice quality, especially the vocal warm-up. PMID:26465664

Implicit prosody mining based on the human eye image capture technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Pei-pei; Liu, Feng

2013-08-01

The technology of eye tracker has become the main methods of analyzing the recognition issues in human-computer interaction. Human eye image capture is the key problem of the eye tracking. Based on further research, a new human-computer interaction method introduced to enrich the form of speech synthetic. We propose a method of Implicit Prosody mining based on the human eye image capture technology to extract the parameters from the image of human eyes when reading, control and drive prosody generation in speech synthesis, and establish prosodic model with high simulation accuracy. Duration model is key issues for prosody generation. For the duration model, this paper put forward a new idea for obtaining gaze duration of eyes when reading based on the eye image capture technology, and synchronous controlling this duration and pronunciation duration in speech synthesis. The movement of human eyes during reading is a comprehensive multi-factor interactive process, such as gaze, twitching and backsight. Therefore, how to extract the appropriate information from the image of human eyes need to be considered and the gaze regularity of eyes need to be obtained as references of modeling. Based on the analysis of current three kinds of eye movement control model and the characteristics of the Implicit Prosody reading, relative independence between speech processing system of text and eye movement control system was discussed. It was proved that under the same text familiarity condition, gaze duration of eyes when reading and internal voice pronunciation duration are synchronous. The eye gaze duration model based on the Chinese language level prosodic structure was presented to change previous methods of machine learning and probability forecasting, obtain readers' real internal reading rhythm and to synthesize voice with personalized rhythm. This research will enrich human-computer interactive form, and will be practical significance and application prospect in terms of disabled assisted speech interaction. Experiments show that Implicit Prosody mining based on the human eye image capture technology makes the synthesized speech has more flexible expressions.

Processing of speech signals for physical and sensory disabilities.

PubMed Central

Levitt, H

1995-01-01

Assistive technology involving voice communication is used primarily by people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have speech and/or language disabilities. It is also used to a lesser extent by people with visual or motor disabilities. A very wide range of devices has been developed for people with hearing loss. These devices can be categorized not only by the modality of stimulation [i.e., auditory, visual, tactile, or direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve (auditory-neural)] but also in terms of the degree of speech processing that is used. At least four such categories can be distinguished: assistive devices (a) that are not designed specifically for speech, (b) that take the average characteristics of speech into account, (c) that process articulatory or phonetic characteristics of speech, and (d) that embody some degree of automatic speech recognition. Assistive devices for people with speech and/or language disabilities typically involve some form of speech synthesis or symbol generation for severe forms of language disability. Speech synthesis is also used in text-to-speech systems for sightless persons. Other applications of assistive technology involving voice communication include voice control of wheelchairs and other devices for people with mobility disabilities. Images Fig. 4 PMID:7479816

Processing of Speech Signals for Physical and Sensory Disabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levitt, Harry

1995-10-01

Assistive technology involving voice communication is used primarily by people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have speech and/or language disabilities. It is also used to a lesser extent by people with visual or motor disabilities. A very wide range of devices has been developed for people with hearing loss. These devices can be categorized not only by the modality of stimulation [i.e., auditory, visual, tactile, or direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve (auditory-neural)] but also in terms of the degree of speech processing that is used. At least four such categories can be distinguished: assistive devices (a) that are not designed specifically for speech, (b) that take the average characteristics of speech into account, (c) that process articulatory or phonetic characteristics of speech, and (d) that embody some degree of automatic speech recognition. Assistive devices for people with speech and/or language disabilities typically involve some form of speech synthesis or symbol generation for severe forms of language disability. Speech synthesis is also used in text-to-speech systems for sightless persons. Other applications of assistive technology involving voice communication include voice control of wheelchairs and other devices for people with mobility disabilities.

Practical applications of interactive voice technologies: Some accomplishments and prospects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grady, Michael W.; Hicklin, M. B.; Porter, J. E.

1977-01-01

A technology assessment of the application of computers and electronics to complex systems is presented. Three existing systems which utilize voice technology (speech recognition and speech generation) are described. Future directions in voice technology are also described.

Electroglottogram waveform types.

PubMed

Painter, C

1988-01-01

Electroglottography is a useful, non-invasive technique that can assist in the assessment of vocal fold dysfunction. However, if it is to become a useful clinical tool, there is a need for normative studies of the electroglottogram waveform types that characterize trained professional voice users, untrained non-professional speakers and patients with voice disorders and for a way of quantifying and objectively comparing similarities and differences. This report describes our methodology and an investigation into the waveform types characterizing one trained professional voice user phonating in 15 experimental sessions under various fundamental frequency, intensity and voice quality conditions. A number of strong tendencies were noted. In normal voice the lower frequencies and intensities represent one pole of a scale of a mode of phonation, while the higher frequencies and intensities depict the other pole. In these studies breathy voice data overlapped the lower end of the scale and tense voice data overlapped the upper end.

Writing with voice: an investigation of the use of a voice recognition system as a writing aid for a man with aphasia.

PubMed

Bruce, Carolyn; Edmundson, Anne; Coleman, Michael

2003-01-01

People with aphasia may experience difficulties that prevent them from demonstrating in writing what they know and can produce orally. Voice recognition systems that allow the user to speak into a microphone and see their words appear on a computer screen have the potential to assist written communication. This study investigated whether a man with fluent aphasia could learn to use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to write. A single case study of a man with acquired writing difficulties is reported. A detailed account is provided of the stages involved in teaching him to use the software. The therapy tasks carried out to develop his functional use of the system are then described. Outcomes included the percentage of words accurately recognized by the system over time, the quantitative and qualitative changes in written texts produced with and without the use of the speech-recognition system, and the functional benefits the man described. The treatment programme was successful and resulted in a marked improvement in the subject's written work. It also had effects in the functional life domain as the subject could use writing for communication purposes. The results suggest that the technology might benefit others with acquired writing difficulties.

Comparison of voice-automated transcription and human transcription in generating pathology reports.

PubMed

Al-Aynati, Maamoun M; Chorneyko, Katherine A

2003-06-01

Software that can convert spoken words into written text has been available since the early 1980s. Early continuous speech systems were developed in 1994, with the latest commercially available editions having a claimed accuracy of up to 98% of speech recognition at natural speech rates. To evaluate the efficacy of one commercially available voice-recognition software system with pathology vocabulary in generating pathology reports and to compare this with human transcription. To draw cost analysis conclusions regarding human versus computer-based transcription. Two hundred six routine pathology reports from the surgical pathology material handled at St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, were generated simultaneously using computer-based transcription and human transcription. The following hardware and software were used: a desktop 450-MHz Intel Pentium III processor with 192 MB of RAM, a speech-quality sound card (Sound Blaster), noise-canceling headset microphone, and IBM ViaVoice Pro version 8 with pathology vocabulary support (Voice Automated, Huntington Beach, Calif). The cost of the hardware and software used was approximately Can 2250 dollars. A total of 23 458 words were transcribed using both methods with a mean of 114 words per report. The mean accuracy rate was 93.6% (range, 87.4%-96%) using the computer software, compared to a mean accuracy of 99.6% (range, 99.4%-99.8%) for human transcription (P <.001). Time needed to edit documents by the primary evaluator (M.A.) using the computer was on average twice that needed for editing the documents produced by human transcriptionists (range, 1.4-3.5 times). The extra time needed to edit documents was 67 minutes per week (13 minutes per day). Computer-based continuous speech-recognition systems in pathology can be successfully used in pathology practice even during the handling of gross pathology specimens. The relatively low accuracy rate of this voice-recognition software with resultant increased editing burden on pathologists may not encourage its application on a wide scale in pathology departments with sufficient human transcription services, despite significant potential financial savings. However, computer-based transcription represents an attractive and relatively inexpensive alternative to human transcription in departments where there is a shortage of transcription services, and will no doubt become more commonly used in pathology departments in the future.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of voice-to-text programs at reducing incidences of distracted driving.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-04-01

Text messaging is no longer limited to manual-entry. There are several mobile applications that aim to assist the driver in sending and receiving text messages by incorporating a voice-to-text component. To date, there has been no published research ...

A Pilot Study of a Self-Voicing Computer Program for Prealgebra Math Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beal, Carole R.; Rosenblum, L. Penny; Smith, Derrick W.

2011-01-01

Fourteen students with visual impairments in Grades 5-12 participated in the field-testing of AnimalWatch-VI-Beta. This computer program delivered 12 prealgebra math problems and hints through a self-voicing audio feature. The students provided feedback about how the computer program can be improved and expanded to make it accessible to all users.…

Voice Response Systems Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gerald, Jeanette

1984-01-01

Examines two methods of generating synthetic speech in voice response systems, which allow computers to communicate in human terms (speech), using human interface devices (ears): phoneme and reconstructed voice systems. Considerations prior to implementation, current and potential applications, glossary, directory, and introduction to Input Output…

Historical Overview of Data Communication With Analysis of a Selective Repeat Protocol

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

optical fiber have created international and national communications nets. Personal computers have effected , if not where, certainly how we conduct...Telecommunications entails disciplines, means and methodologies to communicate over distances, in effect to transmit voice, video, facimile, and computer data...having and will continue to have significant effect on the integration of data processing and the telecommunications industry. The high data transmission

A Comparison between the Occurrence of Pauses, Repetitions and Recasts under Conditions of Face-to-Face and Computer-Mediated Communication: A Preliminary Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cabaroglu, Nese; Basaran, Suleyman; Roberts, Jon

2010-01-01

This study compares pauses, repetitions and recasts in matched task interactions under face-to-face and computer-mediated conditions. Six first-year English undergraduates at a Turkish University took part in Skype-based voice chat with a native speaker and face-to-face with their instructor. Preliminary quantitative analysis of transcripts showed…

[The acoustic changes of the voice in the singing boys during the permutation period].

PubMed

Chernobel'sky, S I

2016-01-01

The present study was based on the assumption that the determination of the fundamental frequency (Fo) of the speech by means of computer-assisted acoustic analysis makes it possible to detect the onset of vocal mutation in the singing boys. A total of 30 singing boys were available for the examination. They were allocated to two groups. Group 1 was comprised of 15 boys at the age between 11 years 10 months and 12 years 4 months. Group 2 consisted of 15 boys aged between 12 years 10 months and 13 years 2 months. All the participants of the study underwent an acoustic test in combination with indirect laryngoscopy. It was shown that fundamental frequency of the speech in the boys of group 2 was significantly lower than in group 1. The difference amounted to two half-tones and could be regarded as the onset of vocal pre-mutation. It is concluded that the acoustic analysis of the speech should be employed to determine the time of vocal pre-mutation in the singing boys. The singing teachers can use this method all by themselves.

Voice quality change in future professional voice users after 9 months of voice training.

PubMed

Timmermans, Bernadette; De Bodt, Marc; Wuyts, Floris; Van de Heyning, Paul

2004-01-01

Sixty-eight students of a school for audiovisual communication participated in this study. A part of them, 49 students, received voice training for 9 months (the trained group); 19 subjects received no specific voice training (the untrained group). A multidimensional test battery containing the GRBAS scale, videolaryngostroboscopy, Maximum Phonation Time (MPT), jitter, lowest intensity (IL), highest frequency (FoH), Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) was applied before and after training to evaluate training outcome. The voice training is made up of technical workshops in small groups (five to eight subjects) and vocal coaching in the ateliers. In the technical workshops, basic skills are trained (posture, breathing technique, articulation and diction), and in the ateliers, the speech and language pathologist assists the subjects in the practice of their voice work. This study revealed a significant amelioration over time for the objective measurements [Dysphonia Severity Index: from 2.3 to 4.5 ( P<0.001)] and the self-evaluation [Voice Handicap Index, from 23 to 18.4 ( P=0.016)] for the trained group only. This outcome favors the systematic introduction of voice training during the schooling of professional voice users.

Updating signal typing in voice: addition of type 4 signals.

PubMed

Sprecher, Alicia; Olszewski, Aleksandra; Jiang, Jack J; Zhang, Yu

2010-06-01

The addition of a fourth type of voice to Titze's voice classification scheme is proposed. This fourth voice type is characterized by primarily stochastic noise behavior and is therefore unsuitable for both perturbation and correlation dimension analysis. Forty voice samples were classified into the proposed four types using narrowband spectrograms. Acoustic, perceptual, and correlation dimension analyses were completed for all voice samples. Perturbation measures tended to increase with voice type. Based on reliability cutoffs, the type 1 and type 2 voices were considered suitable for perturbation analysis. Measures of unreliability were higher for type 3 and 4 voices. Correlation dimension analyses increased significantly with signal type as indicated by a one-way analysis of variance. Notably, correlation dimension analysis could not quantify the type 4 voices. The proposed fourth voice type represents a subset of voices dominated by noise behavior. Current measures capable of evaluating type 4 voices provide only qualitative data (spectrograms, perceptual analysis, and an infinite correlation dimension). Type 4 voices are highly complex and the development of objective measures capable of analyzing these voices remains a topic of future investigation.

Native voice, self-concept and the moral case for personalized voice technology.

PubMed

Nathanson, Esther

2017-01-01

Purpose (1) To explore the role of native voice and effects of voice loss on self-concept and identity, and survey the state of assistive voice technology; (2) to establish the moral case for developing personalized voice technology. Methods This narrative review examines published literature on the human significance of voice, the impact of voice loss on self-concept and identity, and the strengths and limitations of current voice technology. Based on the impact of voice loss on self and identity, and voice technology limitations, the moral case for personalized voice technology is developed. Results Given the richness of information conveyed by voice, loss of voice constrains expression of the self, but the full impact is poorly understood. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices facilitate communication but, despite advances in this field, voice output cannot yet express the unique nuances of individual voice. The ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence and equality of opportunity establish the moral responsibility to invest in accessible, cost-effective, personalized voice technology. Conclusions Although further research is needed to elucidate the full effects of voice loss on self-concept, identity and social functioning, current understanding of the profoundly negative impact of voice loss establishes the moral case for developing personalized voice technology. Implications for Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of voice-disordered patients should facilitate self-expression, interpersonal connectedness and social/occupational participation. Proactive questioning about the psychological and social experiences of patients with voice loss is a valuable entry point for rehabilitation planning. Personalized voice technology would enhance sense of self, communicative participation and autonomy and promote shared healthcare decision-making. Further research is needed to identify the best strategies to preserve and strengthen identity and sense of self.

The relationship between voice climate and patients’ experience of timely care in primary care clinics

PubMed Central

Nembhard, Ingrid M.; Yuan, Christina T.; Shabanova, Veronika; Cleary, Paul D.

2017-01-01

Background Aspects of the patient care experience, despite being central to quality care, are often problematic. In particular, patients frequently report problems with timeliness of care. As yet, research offers little insight on setting characteristics that contribute to patients’ experience of timely care. Purpose The aims of this study were to assess the relationship between organizational climate and patients’ reports of timely care in primary care clinics and to broadly examine the link between staff’s work environment and patient care experiences. We test hypotheses about the relationship between voice climate—staff feeling safe to speak up about issues—and reported timeliness of care, consistency in reported voice climate across professions, and how climate differences for various professions relate to timely care. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study of employees (n = 1,121) and patients (n = 8,164) affiliated with 37 clinics participating in a statewide reporting initiative. Employees were surveyed about clinics’ voice climate, and patients were surveyed about the timeliness of care. Hypotheses were tested using analysis of variance and generalized estimating equations. Findings Clinical and administrative staff (e.g., nurses and office assistants) reported clinics’ climates to be significantly less supportive of voice than did clinical leaders (e.g., physicians). The greater the difference in reported support for voice between professional groups, the less patients reported experiencing timely care in three respects: obtaining an appointment, seeing the doctor within 15 minutes of appointment time, and receiving test results. In clinics where staff reported climates supportive of voice, patients indicated receiving more timely care. Clinical leaders’ reports of voice climate had no relationship to reported timeliness of care. Practical Implications Our findings suggest the importance of clinics developing a strong climate for voice, particularly for clinical and administrative staff, to support better service quality for patients. PMID:24589927

Sperry Univac speech communications technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Medress, Mark F.

1977-01-01

Technology and systems for effective verbal communication with computers were developed. A continuous speech recognition system for verbal input, a word spotting system to locate key words in conversational speech, prosodic tools to aid speech analysis, and a prerecorded voice response system for speech output are described.

Recovering from Hallucinations: A Qualitative Study of Coping with Voices Hearing of People with Schizophrenia in Hong Kong

PubMed Central

Ng, Petrus; Chun, Ricky W. K.; Tsun, Angela

2012-01-01

Auditory hallucination is a positive symptom of schizophrenia and has significant impacts on the lives of individuals. People with auditory hallucination require considerable assistance from mental health professionals. Apart from medications, they may apply different lay methods to cope with their voice hearing. Results from qualitative interviews showed that people with schizophrenia in the Chinese sociocultural context of Hong Kong were coping with auditory hallucination in different ways, including (a) changing social contacts, (b) manipulating the voices, and (c) changing perception and meaning towards the voices. Implications for recovery from psychiatric illness of individuals with auditory hallucinations are discussed. PMID:23304082

The Role of Assistive Listening Devices in the Classroom. PEPNet Tipsheet

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Catherine

2000-01-01

Many students who use hearing aids effectively in quiet environments have a difficult time following information presented in large college classrooms. In the classroom, the instructor's voice is competing with background noise, room echo, and distance. Therefore, the intelligibility of the instructor's voice is degraded by the poor room acoustics…

Training the Speaking Voice through Singing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sipley, Kenneth L.

Speech teachers and singing teachers have much in common. Both attempt in their teaching to develop the most powerful and effective instrument possible while trying to avoid vocal problems. Both have studied the physiology of the vocal mechanism to assist them in their teaching. Both are concerned with the expressive qualities of the voice as well…

75 FR 72773 - Empowering Consumers to Avoid Bill Shock; Consumer Information and Disclosure

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-26

... require mobile service providers to provide usage alerts and information that will assist consumers in... proposes rules that would require mobile service providers to provide usage alerts, such as voice or text... consumers, including methods such as providing voice or text alerts. In addition, the Commission seeks...

The VOICES/VOCES Success Story: Effective Strategies for Training, Technical Assistance and Community-Based Organization Implementation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamdallah, Myriam; Vargo, Sue; Herrera, Jennifer

2006-01-01

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBI) project successfully disseminated VOICES/VOCES, a brief video-based HIV risk reduction intervention targeting African American and Latino heterosexual men and women at risk for HIV infection. Elements of the dissemination strategy included a…

Exploring AI Language Assistants with Primary EFL Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Underwood, Joshua

2017-01-01

The main objective of this study was to identify ways to incorporate voice-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) effectively in classroom language learning. This nine month teacher-led design research study employed technology probes (Amazon's Alexa, Apple's Siri, Google voice search) and co-design methods with a class of primary age English as a…

Functional Voice Testing Detects Early Changes in Vocal Pitch in Women During Testosterone Administration

PubMed Central

Pencina, Karol M.; Coady, Jeffry A.; Beleva, Yusnie M.; Bhasin, Shalender; Basaria, Shehzad

2015-01-01

Objective: To determine dose-dependent effects of T administration on voice changes in women with low T levels. Methods: Seventy-one women who have undergone a hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy with total T < 31 ng/dL and/or free T < 3.5 pg/mL received a standardized transdermal estradiol regimen during the 12-week run-in period and were then randomized to receive weekly im injections of placebo or 3, 6.25, 12.5, or 25 mg T enanthate for 24 weeks. Total and free T levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis, respectively. Voice handicap was measured by self-report using a validated voice handicap index questionnaire at baseline and 24 weeks after intervention. Functional voice testing was performed using the Kay Elemetrics-Computer Speech Lab to determine voice frequency, volume, and harmonics. Results: Forty-six women with evaluable voice data at baseline and after intervention were included in the analysis. The five groups were similar at baseline. Mean on-treatment nadir total T concentrations were 13, 83, 106, 122, and 250 ng/dL in the placebo, 3-, 6.25-, 12.5-, and 25-mg groups, respectively. Analyses of acoustic voice parameters revealed significant lowering of average pitch in the 12.5- and 25-mg dose groups compared to placebo (P < .05); these changes in pitch were significantly related to increases in T concentrations. No significant dose- or concentration-dependent changes in self-reported voice handicap index scores were observed. Conclusion: Testosterone administration in women with low T levels over 24 weeks was associated with dose- and concentration-dependent decreases in average pitch in the higher dose groups. These changes were seen despite the lack of self-reported changes in voice. PMID:25875779

Functional Voice Testing Detects Early Changes in Vocal Pitch in Women During Testosterone Administration.

PubMed

Huang, Grace; Pencina, Karol M; Coady, Jeffry A; Beleva, Yusnie M; Bhasin, Shalender; Basaria, Shehzad

2015-06-01

To determine dose-dependent effects of T administration on voice changes in women with low T levels. Seventy-one women who have undergone a hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy with total T < 31 ng/dL and/or free T < 3.5 pg/mL received a standardized transdermal estradiol regimen during the 12-week run-in period and were then randomized to receive weekly im injections of placebo or 3, 6.25, 12.5, or 25 mg T enanthate for 24 weeks. Total and free T levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis, respectively. Voice handicap was measured by self-report using a validated voice handicap index questionnaire at baseline and 24 weeks after intervention. Functional voice testing was performed using the Kay Elemetrics-Computer Speech Lab to determine voice frequency, volume, and harmonics. Forty-six women with evaluable voice data at baseline and after intervention were included in the analysis. The five groups were similar at baseline. Mean on-treatment nadir total T concentrations were 13, 83, 106, 122, and 250 ng/dL in the placebo, 3-, 6.25-, 12.5-, and 25-mg groups, respectively. Analyses of acoustic voice parameters revealed significant lowering of average pitch in the 12.5- and 25-mg dose groups compared to placebo (P < .05); these changes in pitch were significantly related to increases in T concentrations. No significant dose- or concentration-dependent changes in self-reported voice handicap index scores were observed. Testosterone administration in women with low T levels over 24 weeks was associated with dose- and concentration-dependent decreases in average pitch in the higher dose groups. These changes were seen despite the lack of self-reported changes in voice.

Eye-movements and Voice as Interface Modalities to Computer Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farid, Mohsen M.; Murtagh, Fionn D.

2003-03-01

We investigate the visual and vocal modalities of interaction with computer systems. We focus our attention on the integration of visual and vocal interface as possible replacement and/or additional modalities to enhance human-computer interaction. We present a new framework for employing eye gaze as a modality of interface. While voice commands, as means of interaction with computers, have been around for a number of years, integration of both the vocal interface and the visual interface, in terms of detecting user's eye movements through an eye-tracking device, is novel and promises to open the horizons for new applications where a hand-mouse interface provides little or no apparent support to the task to be accomplished. We present an array of applications to illustrate the new framework and eye-voice integration.

Tracking voice change after thyroidectomy: application of spectral/cepstral analyses.

PubMed

Awan, Shaheen N; Helou, Leah B; Stojadinovic, Alexander; Solomon, Nancy Pearl

2011-04-01

This study evaluates the utility of perioperative spectral and cepstral acoustic analyses to monitor voice change after thyroidectomy. Perceptual and acoustic analyses were conducted on speech samples (sustained vowel /α/ and CAPE-V sentences) provided by 70 participants (36 women and 34 men) at four study time points: prior to thyroid surgery and 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after thyroidectomy. Repeated measures analyses of variance focused on the relative amplitude of the dominant harmonic in the voice signal (cepstral peak prominence, CPP), the ratio of low-to-high spectral energy, and their respective standard deviations (SD). Data were also examined for relationships between acoustic measures and perceptual ratings of overall severity of voice quality. Results showed that perceived overall severity and the acoustic measures of the CPP and its SD (CPPsd) computed from sentence productions were significantly reduced at 2-week post-thyroidectomy for 20 patients (29% of the sample) who had self-reported post-operative voice change. For this same group of patients, the CPP and CPPsd computed from sentence productions improved significantly from 2-weeks post-thyroidectomy to 6-months post-surgery. CPP and CPPsd also correlated well with perceived overall severity (r = -0.68 and -0.79, respectively). Measures of CPP from sustained vowel productions were not as effective as those from sentence productions in reflecting voice deterioration in the post-thyroidectomy patients at the 2-week post-surgery time period, were weaker correlates with perceived overall severity, and were not as effective in discriminating negative voice outcome (NegVO) from normal voice outcome (NormVO) patients as compared to the results from the sentence-level stimuli. Results indicate that spectral/cepstral analysis methods can be used with continuous speech samples to provide important objective data to document the effects of dysphonia in a post-thyroidectomy patient sample. When used in conjunction with patient's self-report and other general measures of vocal dysfunction, the acoustic measures employed in this study contribute to a complete profile of the patient's vocal condition.

Mechanics of human voice production and control

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhaoyan

2016-01-01

As the primary means of communication, voice plays an important role in daily life. Voice also conveys personal information such as social status, personal traits, and the emotional state of the speaker. Mechanically, voice production involves complex fluid-structure interaction within the glottis and its control by laryngeal muscle activation. An important goal of voice research is to establish a causal theory linking voice physiology and biomechanics to how speakers use and control voice to communicate meaning and personal information. Establishing such a causal theory has important implications for clinical voice management, voice training, and many speech technology applications. This paper provides a review of voice physiology and biomechanics, the physics of vocal fold vibration and sound production, and laryngeal muscular control of the fundamental frequency of voice, vocal intensity, and voice quality. Current efforts to develop mechanical and computational models of voice production are also critically reviewed. Finally, issues and future challenges in developing a causal theory of voice production and perception are discussed. PMID:27794319

Mechanics of human voice production and control.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhaoyan

2016-10-01

As the primary means of communication, voice plays an important role in daily life. Voice also conveys personal information such as social status, personal traits, and the emotional state of the speaker. Mechanically, voice production involves complex fluid-structure interaction within the glottis and its control by laryngeal muscle activation. An important goal of voice research is to establish a causal theory linking voice physiology and biomechanics to how speakers use and control voice to communicate meaning and personal information. Establishing such a causal theory has important implications for clinical voice management, voice training, and many speech technology applications. This paper provides a review of voice physiology and biomechanics, the physics of vocal fold vibration and sound production, and laryngeal muscular control of the fundamental frequency of voice, vocal intensity, and voice quality. Current efforts to develop mechanical and computational models of voice production are also critically reviewed. Finally, issues and future challenges in developing a causal theory of voice production and perception are discussed.

Using fuzzy data mining to diagnose patients' degrees of melancholia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yo-Ping; Kuo, Wen-Lin

2011-06-01

The common treatments of melancholia are psychotherapy and taking medicines. The psychotherapy treatment which this study focuses on is limited by time and location. It is easier for psychiatrists to grasp information from clinical manifestation but it is difficult for psychiatrists to collect information from patients' daily conversations or emotion. To design a system which psychiatrists enable to capture patients' daily symptoms will show great help in the treatment. This study proposes to use fuzzy data mining algorithm to find association rules among keywords segmented from patients' daily voice/text messages to assist psychiatrists extract useful information before outpatient service. Patients of melancholia can use devices such as mobile phones or computers to record their own emotion anytime and anywhere and then uploading the recorded files to the back-end server for further analysis. The analytical results can be used for psychiatrists to diagnose patients' degrees of melancholia. Experimental results will be given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.

Voice-Activated Lightweight Reacher to Assist with Upper Extremity Movement Limitations: A Case Study.

PubMed

Khalid, Umer; Conti, Gerry E; Erlandson, Robert F; Ellis, Richard D; Brown, Vince; Pandya, Abhilash K

2015-01-01

The focus of this research was to design a functional and user-friendly reacher for people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Engineering advancements have taken assistive robotics to new dimensions. Technologies such as wheelchair robotics and myo-electronically controlled systems have opened up a wide range of new applications to assist people with physical disabilities. Similarly, exo-skeletal limbs and body suits have provided new foundations from which technologies can aid function. Unfortunately, these devices have issues of usability, weight, and discomfort with donning. The Smart Assistive Reacher Arm (SARA) system, developed in this research, is a voice-activated, lightweight, mobile device that can be used when needed. SARA was built to help overcome daily reach challenges faced by individuals with limited arm and hand movement capability, such as people with cervical level 5-6 (C5-6) SCI. This article shows that a functional reacher arm with voice control can be beneficial for this population. Comparison study with healthy participants and an SCI participant shows that, when using SARA, a person with SCI can perform simple reach and grasp tasks independently, without someone else's help. This suggests that the interface is intuitive and can be easily used to a high level of proficiency by a SCI individual.

Questioning the Role of Internationalization in the Nationalization of Higher Education: The Impact of the EU TEMPUS Programme on Higher Education in Syria

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ayoubi, Rami M.; Massoud, Hiba K.

2011-01-01

Given the need for major reform of the higher education programmes in Syria, and answering the voices that question the role of European Union (EU) in assisting the development of the higher education sector, this study presents an analysis of the contribution of (TEMPUS) Programme in modernising higher education in Syria. The study compares the…

Show and Tell: Video Modeling and Instruction Without Feedback Improves Performance but Is Not Sufficient for Retention of a Complex Voice Motor Skill.

PubMed

Look, Clarisse; McCabe, Patricia; Heard, Robert; Madill, Catherine J

2018-02-02

Modeling and instruction are frequent components of both traditional and technology-assisted voice therapy. This study investigated the value of video modeling and instruction in the early acquisition and short-term retention of a complex voice task without external feedback. Thirty participants were randomized to two conditions and trained to produce a vocal siren over 40 trials. One group received a model and verbal instructions, the other group received a model only. Sirens were analyzed for phonation time, vocal intensity, cepstral peak prominence, peak-to-peak time, and root-mean-square error at five time points. The model and instruction group showed significant improvement on more outcome measures than the model-only group. There was an interaction effect for vocal intensity, which showed that instructions facilitated greater improvement when they were first introduced. However, neither group reproduced the model's siren performance across all parameters or retained the skill 1 day later. Providing verbal instruction with a model appears more beneficial than providing a model only in the prepractice phase of acquiring a complex voice skill. Improved performance was observed; however, the higher level of performance was not retained after 40 trials in both conditions. Other prepractice variables may need to be considered. Findings have implications for traditional and technology-assisted voice therapy. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Provision of Feedback Types to EFL Learners in Synchronous Voice Computer Mediated Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ko, Chao-Jung

2015-01-01

This study examined the relationship between Synchronous Voice Computer Mediated Communication (SVCMC) interaction and the use of feedback types, especially pronunciation feedback types, in distance tutoring contexts. The participants, divided into two groups (explicit and recast), were twelve beginning/low-intermediate level English as a Foreign…

Bimodal Reading: Benefits of a Talking Computer for Average and Less Skilled Readers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Montali, Julie; Lewandowski, Lawrence

1996-01-01

Eighteen average readers and 18 less-skilled readers (grades 8 and 9) were presented with social studies and science passages via a computer either visually (on screen), auditorily (read by digitized voice), or bimodally (on screen, highlighted while being voiced). Less-skilled readers demonstrated comprehension in the bimodal condition equivalent…

Epistemological Pluralism: Styles and Voices within the Computer Culture.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Papert, Seymour; Turkle, Sherry

1992-01-01

Describes a study in which the computer has emerged as an important factor in revolution of concrete--privileged medium for the growth of alternative voices in addressing the world of formal systems. Focuses on a concrete way of knowing and concludes that recent technological developments in interfaces, programming philosophy, and artificial…

[Effects of a voice metronome on compression rate and depth in telephone assisted, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation: an investigator-blinded, 3-armed, randomized, simulation trial].

PubMed

van Tulder, Raphael; Roth, Dominik; Krammel, Mario; Laggner, Roberta; Schriefl, Christoph; Kienbacher, Calvin; Lorenzo Hartmann, Alexander; Novosad, Heinz; Constantin Chwojka, Christof; Havel, Christoph; Schreiber, Wolfgang; Herkner, Harald

2015-01-01

We investigated the effect on compression rate and depth of a conventional metronome and a voice metronome in simulated telephone-assisted, protocol-driven bystander Cardiopulmonary resucitation (CPR) compared to standard instruction. Thirty-six lay volunteers performed 10 minutes of compression-only CPR in a prospective, investigator-blinded, 3-arm study on a manikin. Participants were randomized either to standard instruction ("push down firmly, 5 cm"), a regular metronome pacing 110 beats per minute (bpm), or a voice metronome continuously prompting "deep-deepdeep- deeper" at 110 bpm. The primary outcome was deviation from the ideal chest compression target range (50 mm compression depth x 100 compressions per minute x 10 minutes = 50 m). Secondary outcomes were CPR quality measures (compression and leaning depth, rate, no-flow times) and participants' related physiological response (heart rate, blood pressure and nine hole peg test and borg scales score). We used a linear regression model to calculate effects. The mean (SD) deviation from the ideal target range (50 m) was -11 (9) m in the standard group, -20 (11) m in the conventional metronome group (adjusted difference [95%, CI], 9.0 [1.2-17.5 m], P=.03), and -18 (9) m in the voice metronome group (adjusted difference, 7.2 [-0.9-15.3] m, P=.08). Secondary outcomes (CPR quality measures and physiological response of participants to CPR performance) showed no significant differences. Compared to standard instruction, the conventional metronome showed a significant negative effect on the chest compression target range. The voice metronome showed a non-significant negative effect and therefore cannot be recommended for regular use in telephone-assisted CPR.

BNCI systems as a potential assistive technology: ethical issues and participatory research in the BrainAble project.

PubMed

Carmichael, Clare; Carmichael, Patrick

2014-01-01

This paper highlights aspects related to current research and thinking about ethical issues in relation to Brain Computer Interface (BCI) and Brain-Neuronal Computer Interfaces (BNCI) research through the experience of one particular project, BrainAble, which is exploring and developing the potential of these technologies to enable people with complex disabilities to control computers. It describes how ethical practice has been developed both within the multidisciplinary research team and with participants. The paper presents findings in which participants shared their views of the project prototypes, of the potential of BCI/BNCI systems as an assistive technology, and of their other possible applications. This draws attention to the importance of ethical practice in projects where high expectations of technologies, and representations of "ideal types" of disabled users may reinforce stereotypes or drown out participant "voices". Ethical frameworks for research and development in emergent areas such as BCI/BNCI systems should be based on broad notions of a "duty of care" while being sufficiently flexible that researchers can adapt project procedures according to participant needs. They need to be frequently revisited, not only in the light of experience, but also to ensure they reflect new research findings and ever more complex and powerful technologies.

[Applicability of voice acoustic analysis with vocal loading testto diagnostics of occupational voice diseases].

PubMed

Niebudek-Bogusz, Ewa; Sliwińska-Kowalska, Mariola

2006-01-01

An assessment of the vocal system, as a part of the medical certification of occupational diseases, should be objective and reliable. Therefore, interest in the method of acoustic voice analysis enabling objective assessment of voice parameters is still growing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the applicability of acoustic analysis with vocal loading test to the diagnostics of occupational voice disorders. The results of acoustic voice analysis were compared using IRIS software for phoniatrics, before and after a 30-min vocal loading test in 35 female teachers with diagnosed occupational voice disorders (group I) and in 31 female teachers with functional dysphonia (group II). In group I, vocal effort produced significant abnormalities in voice acoustic parameters, compared to group II. These included significantly increased mean fundamental frequency (Fo) value (by 11 Hz) and worsened jitter, shimmer and NHR parameters. Also, the percentage of subjects showing abnormalities in voice acoustic analysis was higher in this group. Conducting voice acoustic analysis before and after the vocal loading test makes it possible to objectively confirm irreversible voice impairments in persons with work-related pathologies of the larynx, which is essential for medical certification of occupational voice diseases.

Quantitative evaluation of the voice range profile in patients with voice disorder.

PubMed

Ikeda, Y; Masuda, T; Manako, H; Yamashita, H; Yamamoto, T; Komiyama, S

1999-01-01

In 1953, Calvet first displayed the fundamental frequency (pitch) and sound pressure level (intensity) of a voice on a two-dimensional plane and created a voice range profile. This profile has been used to evaluate clinically various vocal disorders, although such evaluations to date have been subjective without quantitative assessment. In the present study, a quantitative system was developed to evaluate the voice range profile utilizing a personal computer. The area of the voice range profile was defined as the voice volume. This volume was analyzed in 137 males and 175 females who were treated for various dysphonias at Kyushu University between 1984 and 1990. Ten normal subjects served as controls. The voice volume in cases with voice disorders significantly decreased irrespective of the disease and sex. Furthermore, cases having better improvement after treatment showed a tendency for the voice volume to increase. These findings illustrated the voice volume as a useful clinical test for evaluating voice control in cases with vocal disorders.

Mobile Digital Recording: Adequacy of the iRig and iOS Device for Acoustic and Perceptual Analysis of Normal Voice.

PubMed

Oliveira, Gisele; Fava, Gaetano; Baglione, Melody; Pimpinella, Michael

2017-03-01

To determine whether the iRig and iOS device recording system is comparable with a standard computer recording system for digital voice recording. Thirty-seven vocally healthy adults, between ages 20 and 62, with a mean age of 33.9 years, 13 males and 24 females, were recruited. Recordings were simultaneously digitalized in an iPad and iPhone using a unidirectional condenser microphone for smartphones/tablets (iRig Mic, IK Multimedia) and in a computer laptop (Dell-Inspiron) using a unidirectional condenser microphone (Samson-CL5) connected to a preamplifier with phantom power. Both microphones were lined up at an equal fixed distance from the subject's mouth. Speech tasks consisted of a sustained vowel "ah" at comfortable pitch/loudness, counting from 1 to 10, and a glissando "ah" from a low to a high note. The samples captured on the iOS devices were transferred via SoundCloud in WAV format, and analyzed using the Praat software. The acoustic parameters measured were mean, min, and max F0, SD F0, jitter local, jitter rap, jitter ppq5, jitter ddp, shimmer local, shimmer local-dB, shimmer apq3, shimmer apq5, shimmer apq11, shimmer dda, NHR, and HNR. There were no statistically significant differences for any parameter and speech task analyzed for both iOS devices as compared with the gold standard computer/preamp system (all P values > 0.050). In addition, there were no statistical differences in the perceptual identification of the recordings among devices (P < 0.001). In the present study, the iRig and iOS device may provide reliable digital recording of normal voices. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Individual versus Interactive Task-Based Performance through Voice-Based Computer-Mediated Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Granena, Gisela

2016-01-01

Interaction is a necessary condition for second language (L2) learning (Long, 1980, 1996). Research in computer-mediated communication has shown that interaction opportunities make learners pay attention to form in a variety of ways that promote L2 learning. This research has mostly investigated text-based rather than voice-based interaction. The…

77 FR 65438 - In the Matter of China Voice Holding Corp., China Yongxin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Creative...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-26

... Commission that there is a lack of current and accurate information concerning the securities of CSI Computer... SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [File No. 500-1] In the Matter of China Voice Holding Corp... Telecommunications.com , Inc. (n/k/a Fleet Management Solutions, Inc.), CSI Computer Specialists, Inc., and CST...

The Role of Social Presence in Learner-Centered Communicative Language Learning Using Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication: Experimental Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yamada, Masanori

2009-01-01

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between media, learners' perception of social presence, and output in communicative learning using synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC). In this study, we developed four types of SCMC: videoconferencing (image and voice), audioconferencing (voice but no image), text chat with image (image…

Strength Is in Numbers: Can Concordant Artificial Listeners Improve Prediction of Emotion from Speech?

PubMed

Martinelli, Eugenio; Mencattini, Arianna; Daprati, Elena; Di Natale, Corrado

2016-01-01

Humans can communicate their emotions by modulating facial expressions or the tone of their voice. Albeit numerous applications exist that enable machines to read facial emotions and recognize the content of verbal messages, methods for speech emotion recognition are still in their infancy. Yet, fast and reliable applications for emotion recognition are the obvious advancement of present 'intelligent personal assistants', and may have countless applications in diagnostics, rehabilitation and research. Taking inspiration from the dynamics of human group decision-making, we devised a novel speech emotion recognition system that applies, for the first time, a semi-supervised prediction model based on consensus. Three tests were carried out to compare this algorithm with traditional approaches. Labeling performances relative to a public database of spontaneous speeches are reported. The novel system appears to be fast, robust and less computationally demanding than traditional methods, allowing for easier implementation in portable voice-analyzers (as used in rehabilitation, research, industry, etc.) and for applications in the research domain (such as real-time pairing of stimuli to participants' emotional state, selective/differential data collection based on emotional content, etc.).

Scientific bases of human-machine communication by voice.

PubMed Central

Schafer, R W

1995-01-01

The scientific bases for human-machine communication by voice are in the fields of psychology, linguistics, acoustics, signal processing, computer science, and integrated circuit technology. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the basic scientific and technological issues in human-machine communication by voice and to point out areas of future research opportunity. The discussion is organized around the following major issues in implementing human-machine voice communication systems: (i) hardware/software implementation of the system, (ii) speech synthesis for voice output, (iii) speech recognition and understanding for voice input, and (iv) usability factors related to how humans interact with machines. PMID:7479802

Automatic Assessment of Acoustic Parameters of the Singing Voice: Application to Professional Western Operatic and Jazz Singers.

PubMed

Manfredi, Claudia; Barbagallo, Davide; Baracca, Giovanna; Orlandi, Silvia; Bandini, Andrea; Dejonckere, Philippe H

2015-07-01

The obvious perceptual differences between various singing styles like Western operatic and jazz rely on specific dissimilarities in vocal technique. The present study focuses on differences in vibrato acoustics and in singer's formant as analyzed by a novel software tool, named BioVoice, based on robust high-resolution and adaptive techniques that have proven its validity on synthetic voice signals. A total of 48 professional singers were investigated (29 females; 19 males; 29 Western operatic; and 19 jazz). They were asked to sing "a cappella," but with artistic expression, a well-known musical phrase from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, in their own style: either operatic or jazz. A specific sustained note was extracted for detailed vibrato analysis. Beside rate (s(-1)) and extent (cents), duration (seconds) and regularity were computed. Two new concepts are introduced: vibrato jitter and vibrato shimmer, by analogy with the traditional jitter and shimmer of voice signals. For the singer's formant, on the same sustained tone, the ratio of the acoustic energy in formants 1-2 to the energy in formants 3, 4, and 5 was automatically computed, providing a quality ratio (QR). Vibrato rates did not differ among groups. Extent was significantly larger in operatic singers, particularly females. Vibrato jitter and vibrato shimmer were significantly smaller in operatic singers. Duration of vibrato was also significantly longer in operatic singers. QR was significantly lower in male operatic singers. Some vibrato characteristics (extent, regularity, and duration) very clearly differentiate the Western operatic singing style from the jazz singing style. The singer's formant is typical of male operatic singers. The new software tool is well suited to provide useful feedback in a pedagogical context. Copyright © 2015 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Application of AI techniques to a voice-actuated computer system for reconstructing and displaying magnetic resonance imaging data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherley, Patrick L.; Pujol, Alfonso, Jr.; Meadow, John S.

1990-07-01

To provide a means of rendering complex computer architectures languages and input/output modalities transparent to experienced and inexperienced users research is being conducted to develop a voice driven/voice response computer graphics imaging system. The system will be used for reconstructing and displaying computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scan data. In conjunction with this study an artificial intelligence (Al) control strategy was developed to interface the voice components and support software to the computer graphics functions implemented on the Sun Microsystems 4/280 color graphics workstation. Based on generated text and converted renditions of verbal utterances by the user the Al control strategy determines the user''s intent and develops and validates a plan. The program type and parameters within the plan are used as input to the graphics system for reconstructing and displaying medical image data corresponding to that perceived intent. If the plan is not valid the control strategy queries the user for additional information. The control strategy operates in a conversation mode and vocally provides system status reports. A detailed examination of the various AT techniques is presented with major emphasis being placed on their specific roles within the total control strategy structure. 1.

Applying a Wearable Voice-Activated Computer to Instructional Applications in Clean Room Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graves, Corey A.; Lupisella, Mark L.

2004-01-01

The use of wearable computing technology in restrictive environments related to space applications offers promise in a number of domains. The clean room environment is one such domain in which hands-free, heads-up, wearable computing is particularly attractive for education and training because of the nature of clean room work We have developed and tested a Wearable Voice-Activated Computing (WEVAC) system based on clean room applications. Results of this initial proof-of-concept work indicate that there is a strong potential for WEVAC to enhance clean room activities.

Perceived Benefits and Drawbacks of Synchronous Voice-Based Computer-Mediated Communication in the Foreign Language Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bueno Alastuey, M. C.

2011-01-01

This study explored the benefits and drawbacks of synchronous voice-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) in a blended course of English for specific purposes. Quantitative and qualitative data from two groups following the same syllabus, except for the oral component, were compared. Oral tasks were carried out face-to-face with same L1…

The expert surgical assistant. An intelligent virtual environment with multimodal input.

PubMed

Billinghurst, M; Savage, J; Oppenheimer, P; Edmond, C

1996-01-01

Virtual Reality has made computer interfaces more intuitive but not more intelligent. This paper shows how an expert system can be coupled with multimodal input in a virtual environment to provide an intelligent simulation tool or surgical assistant. This is accomplished in three steps. First, voice and gestural input is interpreted and represented in a common semantic form. Second, a rule-based expert system is used to infer context and user actions from this semantic representation. Finally, the inferred user actions are matched against steps in a surgical procedure to monitor the user's progress and provide automatic feedback. In addition, the system can respond immediately to multimodal commands for navigational assistance and/or identification of critical anatomical structures. To show how these methods are used we present a prototype sinus surgery interface. The approach described here may easily be extended to a wide variety of medical and non-medical training applications by making simple changes to the expert system database and virtual environment models. Successful implementation of an expert system in both simulated and real surgery has enormous potential for the surgeon both in training and clinical practice.

Influence of Left-Right Asymmetries on Voice Quality in Simulated Paramedian Vocal Fold Paralysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Samlan, Robin A.; Story, Brad H.

2017-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the vocal fold structural and vibratory symmetries that are important to vocal function and voice quality in a simulated paramedian vocal fold paralysis. Method: A computational kinematic speech production model was used to simulate an exemplar "voice" on the basis of asymmetric…

The Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Vibratory Characteristics of the Vocal Folds Investigated With High-Speed Digital Imaging.

PubMed

Kunduk, Melda; Vansant, Mathew B; Ikuma, Takeshi; McWhorter, Andrew

2017-03-01

This study investigated the effect of menstrual cycle on vocal fold vibratory characteristics in young women using high-speed digital imaging. This study examined the menstrual phase effect on five objective high-speed imaging parameters and two self-rated perceptual parameters. The effects of oral birth control use were also investigated. Thirteen subjects with no prior voice complaints were included in this study. All data were collected at three different time periods (premenses, postmenses, ovulation) over the course of one menstrual cycle. For five of the 13 subjects, data were collected for two consecutive cycles. Six of 13 subjects were oral birth control users. From high-speed imaging data, five objective parameters were computed: fundamental frequency, fundamental frequency deviation, harmonics-to-noise ratio, harmonic richness factor, and ratio of first and second harmonics. They were supplemented by two self-rated parameters: Reflux Severity Index and perceptual voice quality rating. Analysis included mixed model linear analysis with repeated measures. Results indicated no significant main effects for menstrual phase, between-cycle, or birth control use in the analysis for mean fundamental frequency, fundamental frequency deviation, harmonics-to-noise ratio, harmonic richness factor, first and second harmonics, Reflux Severity Index, and perceptual voice quality rating. Additionally, there were no interaction effects. Hormone fluctuations observed across the menstrual cycle do not appear to have direct effect on vocal fold vibratory characteristics in young women with no voice concerns. Birth control use, on the other hand, may have influence on spectral richness of vocal fold vibration. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mid-term survival analysis of closed wedge high tibial osteotomy: A comparative study of computer-assisted and conventional techniques.

PubMed

Bae, Dae Kyung; Song, Sang Jun; Kim, Kang Il; Hur, Dong; Jeong, Ho Yeon

2016-03-01

The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results and survival rates between computer-assisted and conventional closing wedge high tibial osteotomies (HTOs). Data from a consecutive cohort comprised of 75 computer-assisted HTOs and 75 conventional HTOs were retrospectively reviewed. The Knee Society knee and function scores, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and femorotibial angle (FTA) were compared between the two groups. Survival rates were also compared with procedure failure. The knee and function scores at one year postoperatively were slightly better in the computer-assisted group than those in conventional group (90.1 vs. 86.1) (82.0 vs. 76.0). The HSS scores at one year postoperatively were slightly better for the computer-assisted HTOs than those of conventional HTOs (89.5 vs. 81.8). The inlier of the postoperative FTA was wider in the computer-assisted group than that in the conventional HTO group (88.0% vs. 58.7%), and mean postoperative FTA was greater in the computer-assisted group that in the conventional HTO group (valgus 9.0° vs. valgus 7.6°, p<0.001). The five- and 10-year survival rates were 97.1% and 89.6%, respectively. No difference was detected in nine-year survival rates (p=0.369) between the two groups, although the clinical and radiographic results were better in the computer-assisted group that those in the conventional HTO group. Mid-term survival rates did not differ between computer-assisted and conventional HTOs. A comparative analysis of longer-term survival rate is required to demonstrate the long-term benefit of computer-assisted HTO. III. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Flow Behavior Within An Integrated Computer-Communication Network,

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-05-01

Howard. Plan today for tomorrows data/voice nets. Data Communications 7, 9 (Sep. 1978), 51-62. 24. F-ark, Howard, and Gitman , Israel. Inteqrated DoD...computer networks. NTC-74, San Diego, CA., (Dec. 2-4, 1974), 1032-1037. 31. Gitman , I., Frank, H., Occhiogrosso, B., and Hsieh, W. Issues in integrated...switched networks agree on standard interface. Data Communications, (May/June 1978), 25)-39. 36. Hsieh, W., Gitman , I., and Occhiogrosso, B. Design of

Does computer-synthesized speech manifest personality? Experimental tests of recognition, similarity-attraction, and consistency-attraction.

PubMed

Nass, C; Lee, K M

2001-09-01

Would people exhibit similarity-attraction and consistency-attraction toward unambiguously computer-generated speech even when personality is clearly not relevant? In Experiment 1, participants (extrovert or introvert) heard a synthesized voice (extrovert or introvert) on a book-buying Web site. Participants accurately recognized personality cues in text to speech and showed similarity-attraction in their evaluation of the computer voice, the book reviews, and the reviewer. Experiment 2, in a Web auction context, added personality of the text to the previous design. The results replicated Experiment 1 and demonstrated consistency (voice and text personality)-attraction. To maximize liking and trust, designers should set parameters, for example, words per minute or frequency range, that create a personality that is consistent with the user and the content being presented.

Computer simulator for a mobile telephone system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schilling, D. L.

1981-01-01

A software simulator was developed to assist NASA in the design of the land mobile satellite service. Structured programming techniques were used by developing the algorithm using an ALCOL-like pseudo language and then encoding the algorithm into FORTRAN 4. The basic input data to the system is a sine wave signal although future plans call for actual sampled voice as the input signal. The simulator is capable of studying all the possible combinations of types and modes of calls through the use of five communication scenarios: single hop systems; double hop, signal gateway system; double hop, double gateway system; mobile to wireline system; and wireline to mobile system. The transmitter, fading channel, and interference source simulation are also discussed.

A TDM link with channel coding and digital voice.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, M. W.; Tu, K.; Harton, P. L.

1972-01-01

The features of a TDM (time-division multiplexed) link model are described. A PCM telemetry sequence was coded for error correction and multiplexed with a digitized voice channel. An all-digital implementation of a variable-slope delta modulation algorithm was used to digitize the voice channel. The results of extensive testing are reported. The measured coding gain and the system performance over a Gaussian channel are compared with theoretical predictions and computer simulations. Word intelligibility scores are reported as a measure of voice channel performance.

Remote voice training: A case study on space shuttle applications, appendix C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mollakarimi, Cindy; Hamid, Tamin

1990-01-01

The Tile Automation System includes applications of automation and robotics technology to all aspects of the Shuttle tile processing and inspection system. An integrated set of rapid prototyping testbeds was developed which include speech recognition and synthesis, laser imaging systems, distributed Ada programming environments, distributed relational data base architectures, distributed computer network architectures, multi-media workbenches, and human factors considerations. Remote voice training in the Tile Automation System is discussed. The user is prompted over a headset by synthesized speech for the training sequences. The voice recognition units and the voice output units are remote from the user and are connected by Ethernet to the main computer system. A supervisory channel is used to monitor the training sequences. Discussions include the training approaches as well as the human factors problems and solutions for this system utilizing remote training techniques.

Analysis of wolves and sheep. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hogden, J.; Papcun, G.; Zlokarnik, I.

1997-08-01

In evaluating speaker verification systems, asymmetries have been observed in the ease with which people are able to break into other people`s voice locks. People who are good at breaking into voice locks are called wolves, and people whose locks are easy to break into are called sheep. (Goats are people that have a difficult time opening their own voice locks.) Analyses of speaker verification algorithms could be used to understand wolf/sheep asymmetries. Using the notion of a ``speaker space``, it is demonstrated that such asymmetries could arise even though the similarity of voice 1 to voice 2 is themore » same as the inverse similarity. This explains partially the wolf/sheep asymmetries, although there may be other factors. The speaker space can be computed from interspeaker similarity data using multidimensional scaling, and such speaker space can be used to given a good approximation of the interspeaker similarities. The derived speaker space can be used to predict which of the enrolled speakers are likely to be wolves and which are likely to be sheep. However, a speaker must first enroll in the speaker key system and then be compared to each of the other speakers; a good estimate of a person`s speaker space position could be obtained using only a speech sample.« less

A Novel Fast and Secure Approach for Voice Encryption Based on DNA Computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kakaei Kate, Hamidreza; Razmara, Jafar; Isazadeh, Ayaz

2018-06-01

Today, in the world of information communication, voice information has a particular importance. One way to preserve voice data from attacks is voice encryption. The encryption algorithms use various techniques such as hashing, chaotic, mixing, and many others. In this paper, an algorithm is proposed for voice encryption based on three different schemes to increase flexibility and strength of the algorithm. The proposed algorithm uses an innovative encoding scheme, the DNA encryption technique and a permutation function to provide a secure and fast solution for voice encryption. The algorithm is evaluated based on various measures including signal to noise ratio, peak signal to noise ratio, correlation coefficient, signal similarity and signal frequency content. The results demonstrate applicability of the proposed method in secure and fast encryption of voice files

Assistive Software for Disabled Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Sharon; Baggaley, Jon

2004-01-01

Previous reports in this series (#32 and 36) have discussed online software features of value to disabled learners in distance education. The current report evaluates four specific assistive software products with useful features for visually and hearing impaired learners: "ATutor", "ACollab", "Natural Voice", and "Just Vanilla". The evaluative…

What their terms of living and dying might be: hospice social workers discuss Oregon's Death with Dignity Act.

PubMed

Norton, Elizabeth M; Miller, Pamela J

2012-01-01

This article presents data from a qualitative study of nine social work hospice practitioners and experts as they discuss Oregon's Death with Dignity Act. Three themes emerged from the analysis: (a) values regarding physician-assisted death; (b) agency policies about the option; and (c) the role of hospice social workers with physician-assisted death. Three states now allow terminally ill persons to obtain a lethal prescription if criteria are met. Two other states are actively considering and may pass similar legislation over time. Hospice social work practitioners work with patients and families as they consider this option and their voices reflect the complexities and nuances of these interactions.

Computer-Assisted Analysis of Spontaneous Speech: Quantification of Basic Parameters in Aphasic and Unimpaired Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hussmann, Katja; Grande, Marion; Meffert, Elisabeth; Christoph, Swetlana; Piefke, Martina; Willmes, Klaus; Huber, Walter

2012-01-01

Although generally accepted as an important part of aphasia assessment, detailed analysis of spontaneous speech is rarely carried out in clinical practice mostly due to time limitations. The Aachener Sprachanalyse (ASPA; Aachen Speech Analysis) is a computer-assisted method for the quantitative analysis of German spontaneous speech that allows for…

Computational Modeling of Fluid–Structure–Acoustics Interaction during Voice Production

PubMed Central

Jiang, Weili; Zheng, Xudong; Xue, Qian

2017-01-01

The paper presented a three-dimensional, first-principle based fluid–structure–acoustics interaction computer model of voice production, which employed a more realistic human laryngeal and vocal tract geometries. Self-sustained vibrations, important convergent–divergent vibration pattern of the vocal folds, and entrainment of the two dominant vibratory modes were captured. Voice quality-associated parameters including the frequency, open quotient, skewness quotient, and flow rate of the glottal flow waveform were found to be well within the normal physiological ranges. The analogy between the vocal tract and a quarter-wave resonator was demonstrated. The acoustic perturbed flux and pressure inside the glottis were found to be at the same order with their incompressible counterparts, suggesting strong source–filter interactions during voice production. Such high fidelity computational model will be useful for investigating a variety of pathological conditions that involve complex vibrations, such as vocal fold paralysis, vocal nodules, and vocal polyps. The model is also an important step toward a patient-specific surgical planning tool that can serve as a no-risk trial and error platform for different procedures, such as injection of biomaterials and thyroplastic medialization. PMID:28243588

Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Mathematics Education (CAME) over Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analysis Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Demir, Seda; Basol, Gülsah

2014-01-01

The aim of the current study is to determine the overall effects of Computer-Assisted Mathematics Education (CAME) on academic achievement. After an extensive review of the literature, studies using Turkish samples and observing the effects of Computer-Assisted Education (CAE) on mathematics achievement were examined. As a result of this…

Health Instruction Packages: Dental Assisting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McEnery, Paula

Text, illustrations, and exercises are utilized in this set of four learning modules to instruct dental assisting students in various office skills. The first module, "Dental Office Telephone Techniques," examines the qualities of a good telephone voice and demeanor and provides guidelines for taking a message and handling various…

Computers in general practice: the patient's voice

PubMed Central

Potter, A. R.

1981-01-01

Analysis of answers to a questionnaire on the use of computers in general practice showed that 19 per cent of patients in two practices in Staffordshire would be worried if their general practitioner used a computer to store medical records. Twenty-seven per cent of patients would be unwilling to speak frankly about personal matters to their general practitioner if he or she used a computer and 7 per cent said that they would change to another doctor. Fifteen per cent stated that their general practitioner already had information about them that they would not want to be included in a computerized record of their medical history. PMID:7328555

Reading Emotion From Mouse Cursor Motions: Affective Computing Approach.

PubMed

Yamauchi, Takashi; Xiao, Kunchen

2018-04-01

Affective computing research has advanced emotion recognition systems using facial expressions, voices, gaits, and physiological signals, yet these methods are often impractical. This study integrates mouse cursor motion analysis into affective computing and investigates the idea that movements of the computer cursor can provide information about emotion of the computer user. We extracted 16-26 trajectory features during a choice-reaching task and examined the link between emotion and cursor motions. Participants were induced for positive or negative emotions by music, film clips, or emotional pictures, and they indicated their emotions with questionnaires. Our 10-fold cross-validation analysis shows that statistical models formed from "known" participants (training data) could predict nearly 10%-20% of the variance of positive affect and attentiveness ratings of "unknown" participants, suggesting that cursor movement patterns such as the area under curve and direction change help infer emotions of computer users. Copyright © 2017 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Automatic intelligibility classification of sentence-level pathological speech

PubMed Central

Kim, Jangwon; Kumar, Naveen; Tsiartas, Andreas; Li, Ming; Narayanan, Shrikanth S.

2014-01-01

Pathological speech usually refers to the condition of speech distortion resulting from atypicalities in voice and/or in the articulatory mechanisms owing to disease, illness or other physical or biological insult to the production system. Although automatic evaluation of speech intelligibility and quality could come in handy in these scenarios to assist experts in diagnosis and treatment design, the many sources and types of variability often make it a very challenging computational processing problem. In this work we propose novel sentence-level features to capture abnormal variation in the prosodic, voice quality and pronunciation aspects in pathological speech. In addition, we propose a post-classification posterior smoothing scheme which refines the posterior of a test sample based on the posteriors of other test samples. Finally, we perform feature-level fusions and subsystem decision fusion for arriving at a final intelligibility decision. The performances are tested on two pathological speech datasets, the NKI CCRT Speech Corpus (advanced head and neck cancer) and the TORGO database (cerebral palsy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), by evaluating classification accuracy without overlapping subjects’ data among training and test partitions. Results show that the feature sets of each of the voice quality subsystem, prosodic subsystem, and pronunciation subsystem, offer significant discriminating power for binary intelligibility classification. We observe that the proposed posterior smoothing in the acoustic space can further reduce classification errors. The smoothed posterior score fusion of subsystems shows the best classification performance (73.5% for unweighted, and 72.8% for weighted, average recalls of the binary classes). PMID:25414544

Computer Assisted Thermography And Its Application In Ovulation Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, K. H.; Shah, A. V.

1984-08-01

Hardware and software of a computer-assisted image analyzing system used for infrared images in medical applications are discussed. The application of computer-assisted thermography (CAT) as a complementary diagnostic tool in centralized diagnostic management is proposed. The authors adopted 'Computer Assisted Thermography' to study physiological changes in the breasts related to the hormones characterizing the menstrual cycle of a woman. Based on clinical experi-ments followed by thermal image analysis, they suggest that 'differential skin temperature (DST)1 be measured to detect the fertility interval in the menstrual cycle of a woman.

The role of voice input for human-machine communication.

PubMed Central

Cohen, P R; Oviatt, S L

1995-01-01

Optimism is growing that the near future will witness rapid growth in human-computer interaction using voice. System prototypes have recently been built that demonstrate speaker-independent real-time speech recognition, and understanding of naturally spoken utterances with vocabularies of 1000 to 2000 words, and larger. Already, computer manufacturers are building speech recognition subsystems into their new product lines. However, before this technology can be broadly useful, a substantial knowledge base is needed about human spoken language and performance during computer-based spoken interaction. This paper reviews application areas in which spoken interaction can play a significant role, assesses potential benefits of spoken interaction with machines, and compares voice with other modalities of human-computer interaction. It also discusses information that will be needed to build a firm empirical foundation for the design of future spoken and multimodal interfaces. Finally, it argues for a more systematic and scientific approach to investigating spoken input and performance with future language technology. PMID:7479803

Voice Controlled Wheelchair

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Michael Condon, a quadraplegic from Pasadena, California, demonstrates the NASA-developed voice-controlled wheelchair and its manipulator, which can pick up packages, open doors, turn a TV knob, and perform a variety of other functions. A possible boon to paralyzed and other severely handicapped persons, the chair-manipulator system responds to 35 one-word voice commands, such as "go," "stop," "up," "down," "right," "left," "forward," "backward." The heart of the system is a voice-command analyzer which utilizes a minicomputer. Commands are taught I to the computer by the patient's repeating them a number of times; thereafter the analyzer recognizes commands only in the patient's particular speech pattern. The computer translates commands into electrical signals which activate appropriate motors and cause the desired motion of chair or manipulator. Based on teleoperator and robot technology for space-related programs, the voice-controlled system was developed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory under the joint sponsorship of NASA and the Veterans Administration. The wheelchair-manipulator has been tested at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, Downey, California, and is being evaluated at the VA Prosthetics Center in New York City.

Detecting Abnormal Word Utterances in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Machine-Learning-Based Voice Analysis Versus Speech Therapists.

PubMed

Nakai, Yasushi; Takiguchi, Tetsuya; Matsui, Gakuyo; Yamaoka, Noriko; Takada, Satoshi

2017-10-01

Abnormal prosody is often evident in the voice intonations of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. We compared a machine-learning-based voice analysis with human hearing judgments made by 10 speech therapists for classifying children with autism spectrum disorders ( n = 30) and typical development ( n = 51). Using stimuli limited to single-word utterances, machine-learning-based voice analysis was superior to speech therapist judgments. There was a significantly higher true-positive than false-negative rate for machine-learning-based voice analysis but not for speech therapists. Results are discussed in terms of some artificiality of clinician judgments based on single-word utterances, and the objectivity machine-learning-based voice analysis adds to judging abnormal prosody.

COMPUTER-ASSISTED MOTION ANALYSIS OF SPERM FROM THE COMMON CARP

EPA Science Inventory

Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) technology was applied to the measurement of sperm motility parameters in the common carp Cyprinus carpio. Activated sperm were videotaped at 200 frames s-1 and analysed with the CellTrak/S CASA research system. The percentage of motile cel...

Effect of ram semen extenders and supplements on computer assisted sperm analysis parameters

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A study evaluated the effects of ram semen extender and extender supplementation on computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) parameters positively correlated with progressive motility. Semen collected from 5 rams was distributed across treatment combinations consisting of either TRIS citrate (T) or ...

Climate Change Discourse in Mass Media: Application of Computer-Assisted Content Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kirilenko, Andrei P.; Stepchenkova, Svetlana O.

2012-01-01

Content analysis of mass media publications has become a major scientific method used to analyze public discourse on climate change. We propose a computer-assisted content analysis method to extract prevalent themes and analyze discourse changes over an extended period in an objective and quantifiable manner. The method includes the following: (1)…

From Blank Canvas to Masterwork: Creating a Professional Practice Model at a Magnet Hospital

PubMed Central

Tydings, Donna M.; Nickoley, Sue; Nichols, Lynn W.; Krenzer, Maureen E.

2016-01-01

Objective. The purpose of this study was to engage registered nurses (RNs) in the creation of a Professional Practice Model (PPM). Background. PPMs are essential as the philosophical underpinnings for nursing practice. The study institution created a new PPM utilizing the voice of their RNs. Methods. Qualitative inquiry with focus groups was conducted to explore RNs values and beliefs about their professional practice. Constant-comparative analysis was used to code data and identify domains. Results. The 92 RN participants represented diverse roles and practice settings. The four domains identified were caring, knowing, navigating, and leading. Conclusions. Nurse leaders face the challenge of assisting nurses in articulating their practice using a common voice. In this study, nurses described their identity, their roles, and how they envisioned nursing should be practiced. The results align with the ANCC Magnet® Model, ANA standards, and important foundational and organization specific documents. PMID:28097022

Trump's electoral speeches and his appeal to the American white working class.

PubMed

Lamont, Michèle; Park, Bo Yun; Ayala-Hurtado, Elena

2017-11-01

This paper contributes to the study of social change by considering boundary work as a dimension of cultural change. Drawing on the computer-assisted qualitative analysis of 73 formal speeches made by Donald Trump during the 2016 electoral campaign, we argue that his political rhetoric, which led to his presidential victory, addressed the white working class's concern with their declining position in the national pecking order. He addressed this group's concern by raising their moral status, that is, by (1) emphatically describing them as hard-working Americans who are victims of globalization; (2) voicing their concerns about 'people above' (professionals, the rich, and politicians); (3) drawing strong moral boundaries toward undocumented immigrants, refugees, and Muslims; (4) presenting African Americans and (legal) Hispanic Americans as workers who also deserve jobs; (5) stressing the role of working-class men as protectors of women and LGBTQ people. This particular case study of the role of boundary work in political rhetoric provides a novel, distinctively sociological approach for capturing dynamics of social change. © London School of Economics and Political Science 2017.

Identification and human condition analysis based on the human voice analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mieshkov, Oleksandr Yu.; Novikov, Oleksandr O.; Novikov, Vsevolod O.; Fainzilberg, Leonid S.; Kotyra, Andrzej; Smailova, Saule; Kozbekova, Ainur; Imanbek, Baglan

2017-08-01

The paper presents a two-stage biotechnical system for human condition analysis that is based on analysis of human voice signal. At the initial stage, the voice signal is pre-processed and its characteristics in time domain are determined. At the first stage, the developed system is capable of identifying the person in the database on the basis of the extracted characteristics. At the second stage, the model of a human voice is built on the basis of the real voice signals after clustering the whole database.

Interactions between voice clinics and singing teachers: a report on the British Voice Association questionnaire to voice clinics in the UK.

PubMed

Davies, J; Anderson, S; Huchison, L; Stewart, G

2007-01-01

Singers with vocal problems are among patients who present at multidisciplinary voice clinics led by Ear Nose and Throat consultants and laryngologists or speech and language therapists. However, the development and care of the singing voice are also important responsibilities of singing teachers. We report here on the current extent and nature of interactions between voice clinics and singing teachers, based on data from a recent survey undertaken on behalf of the British Voice Association. A questionnaire was sent to all 103 voice clinics at National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in the UK. Responses were received and analysed from 42 currently active clinics. Eight (19%) clinics reported having a singing teacher as an active member of the team. They were all satisfied with the singing teacher's knowledge and expertise, which had been acquired by several different means. Of 32 clinics without a singing teacher regularly associated with the team, funding and difficulty of finding an appropriate singing voice expert (81% and 50%, respectively) were among the main reasons for their absence. There was an expressed requirement for more interaction between voice clinics and singing teachers, and 86% replied that they would find it useful to have a list of singing teachers in their area. On the matter of gaining expertise and training, 74% of the clinics replying would enable singing teachers to observe clinic sessions for experience and 21% were willing to assist in training them for clinic-associated work.

A Flexible Analysis Tool for the Quantitative Acoustic Assessment of Infant Cry

PubMed Central

Reggiannini, Brian; Sheinkopf, Stephen J.; Silverman, Harvey F.; Li, Xiaoxue; Lester, Barry M.

2015-01-01

Purpose In this article, the authors describe and validate the performance of a modern acoustic analyzer specifically designed for infant cry analysis. Method Utilizing known algorithms, the authors developed a method to extract acoustic parameters describing infant cries from standard digital audio files. They used a frame rate of 25 ms with a frame advance of 12.5 ms. Cepstral-based acoustic analysis proceeded in 2 phases, computing frame-level data and then organizing and summarizing this information within cry utterances. Using signal detection methods, the authors evaluated the accuracy of the automated system to determine voicing and to detect fundamental frequency (F0) as compared to voiced segments and pitch periods manually coded from spectrogram displays. Results The system detected F0 with 88% to 95% accuracy, depending on tolerances set at 10 to 20 Hz. Receiver operating characteristic analyses demonstrated very high accuracy at detecting voicing characteristics in the cry samples. Conclusions This article describes an automated infant cry analyzer with high accuracy to detect important acoustic features of cry. A unique and important aspect of this work is the rigorous testing of the system’s accuracy as compared to ground-truth manual coding. The resulting system has implications for basic and applied research on infant cry development. PMID:23785178

Conversation Analysis in Computer-Assisted Language Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

González-Lloret, Marta

2015-01-01

The use of Conversation Analysis (CA) in the study of technology-mediated interactions is a recent methodological addition to qualitative research in the field of Computer-assisted Language Learning (CALL). The expansion of CA in Second Language Acquisition research, coupled with the need for qualitative techniques to explore how people interact…

MONTHLY VARIATION IN SPERM MOTILITY IN COMMON CARP ASSESSED USING COMPUTER-ASSISTED SPERM ANALYSIS (CASA)

EPA Science Inventory

Sperm motility variables from the milt of the common carp Cyprinus carpio were assessed using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system across several months (March-August 1992) known to encompass the natural spawning period. Two-year-old pond-raised males obtained each mo...

Computer-Assisted Analysis of Qualitative Gerontological Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hiemstra, Roger; And Others

1987-01-01

Asserts that qualitative research has great potential for use in gerontological research. Describes QUALOG, a computer-assisted, qualitative data analysis scheme using logic programming developed at Syracuse University. Reviews development of QUALOG and discusses how QUALOG was used to analyze data from a qualitative study of older adult learners.…

OBJECTIVE EVALUATION OF HYPERACTIVATED MOTILITY IN RAT SPERMATOZA USING COMPUTER-ASSISTED SPERM ANALYSIS (CASA)

EPA Science Inventory

Objective evaluation of hyperactivated motility in rat spermatozoa using computer-assisted sperm analysis.

Cancel AM, Lobdell D, Mendola P, Perreault SD.

Toxicology Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.

The aim of this study was t...

A Methodological Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials of Computer-Assisted Therapies for Psychiatric Disorders: Toward Improved Standards for an Emerging Field

PubMed Central

Kiluk, Brian D.; Sugarman, Dawn E.; Nich, Charla; Gibbons, Carly J.; Martino, Steve; Rounsaville, Bruce J.; Carroll, Kathleen M.

2013-01-01

Objective Computer-assisted therapies offer a novel, cost-effective strategy for providing evidence-based therapies to a broad range of individuals with psychiatric disorders. However, the extent to which the growing body of randomized trials evaluating computer-assisted therapies meets current standards of methodological rigor for evidence-based interventions is not clear. Method A methodological analysis of randomized clinical trials of computer-assisted therapies for adult psychiatric disorders, published between January 1990 and January 2010, was conducted. Seventy-five studies that examined computer-assisted therapies for a range of axis I disorders were evaluated using a 14-item methodological quality index. Results Results indicated marked heterogeneity in study quality. No study met all 14 basic quality standards, and three met 13 criteria. Consistent weaknesses were noted in evaluation of treatment exposure and adherence, rates of follow-up assessment, and conformity to intention-to-treat principles. Studies utilizing weaker comparison conditions (e.g., wait-list controls) had poorer methodological quality scores and were more likely to report effects favoring the computer-assisted condition. Conclusions While several well-conducted studies have indicated promising results for computer-assisted therapies, this emerging field has not yet achieved a level of methodological quality equivalent to those required for other evidence-based behavioral therapies or pharmacotherapies. Adoption of more consistent standards for methodological quality in this field, with greater attention to potential adverse events, is needed before computer-assisted therapies are widely disseminated or marketed as evidence based. PMID:21536689

Risk Factors of Voice Disorders and Impact of Vocal Hygiene Awareness Program Among Teachers in Public Schools in Egypt.

PubMed

Bolbol, Sarah A; Zalat, Marwa M; Hammam, Rehab A M; Elnakeb, Nasser L

2017-03-01

Even though many studies have explored the problem of voice disorders among teachers worldwide, this problem is still not adequately studied in Egypt. The following study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of voice disorders among an Egyptian sample of school teachers, to measure the effect of a vocal hygiene awareness program on them, and to investigate their vocal cord lesions. One hundred fifty-six teachers working in public schools and 180 administrative workers in the Faculty of Medicine in the same city participated in this study. They completed a self-administered questionnaire investigating voice disorders, and were subjected to a voice awareness program and a clinical examination. Voice-related symptoms and Voice Handicap Index were statistically significantly higher among teachers compared with the control subjects. Work duration and high frequency of classes per week of ≥15 were the most statistically significant indicators influencing a teacher's voice. Three months after application of vocal hygiene awareness program, the teachers who were studied showed a statistically significant increase in their awareness about vocal hygiene tips. Egyptian teachers working in public schools are dealing with classes that include a great number of students per class. They also have to deal with unprofessional facilities and limited assisting resources. Therefore, they are highly exposed to the risk of voice-related disorders. Increasing awareness about healthy behavior with the voice in their occupations will help in improving their quality of work and in minimizing any permanent impairments and/or disability. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Graduate student voice use and vocal efficiency in an opera rehearsal week: a case study.

PubMed

Schloneger, Matthew J

2011-11-01

The purpose of this case study was to document graduate voice students' (N=2) voice use before, during, and after an intense week of opera rehearsals through (1) acquired Ambulatory Phonation Monitor (APM) data, (2) daily surveys, (3) participant activity logs, (4) three administrations of the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI), and (5) pre- and post-stroboscopic laryngeal examinations. Two female graduate students, both of whom were cast in a university production of Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress (stage names Anne and Baba) and both of whom served as graduate teaching assistants in voice, wore APMs during waking hours for 9 days, including two pretest baseline days, a 5-day intensive rehearsal week just before the opera production week, and 2 baseline days after opera performances were completed. Mean phonation time dose percentages (Dt) and daily distance dose averages (Dd) were similar between the pre- and posttest periods and the intensive week. Disaggregation of acquired data by four types of activities (opera rehearsals, personal practice time, voice teaching time, and nonrehearsal or teaching time) indicated that the highest mean Dts and Dds were acquired during personal practice time and voice teaching time. Daily surveys and SVHI data as well as the pre- and post-stroboscopies indicated no notable changes occurring in vocal health. Results indicated that these singers were conscious about their voice use during periods of extensive performance demands. However, high vocal doses during voice teaching times suggest that these individuals might benefit from teacher voice care education. Copyright © 2011 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

[APPLICATION OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED TECHNOLOGY IN ANALYSIS OF REVISION REASON OF UNICOMPARTMENTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY].

PubMed

Jia, Di; Li, Yanlin; Wang, Guoliang; Gao, Huanyu; Yu, Yang

2016-01-01

To conclude the revision reason of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) using computer-assisted technology so as to provide reference for reducing the revision incidence and improving the level of surgical technique and rehabilitation. The relevant literature on analyzing revision reason of UKA using computer-assisted technology in recent years was extensively reviewed. The revision reasons by computer-assisted technology are fracture of the medial tibial plateau, progressive osteoarthritis of reserved compartment, dislocation of mobile bearing, prosthesis loosening, polyethylene wear, and unexplained persistent pain. Computer-assisted technology can be used to analyze the revision reason of UKA and guide the best operating method and rehabilitation scheme by simulating the operative process and knee joint activities.

Automatic circuit interrupter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dwinell, W. S.

1979-01-01

In technique, voice circuits connecting crew's cabin to launch station through umbilical connector disconnect automatically unused, or deadened portion of circuits immediately after vehicle is launched, eliminating possibility that unused wiring interferes with voice communications inside vehicle or need for manual cutoff switch and its associated wiring. Technique is applied to other types of electrical actuation circuits, also launch of mapped vehicles, such as balloons, submarines, test sleds, and test chambers-all requiring assistance of ground crew.

Voice Tremor in Parkinson's Disease: An Acoustic Study.

PubMed

Gillivan-Murphy, Patricia; Miller, Nick; Carding, Paul

2018-01-30

Voice tremor associated with Parkinson disease (PD) has not been characterized. Its relationship with voice disability and disease variables is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate voice tremor in people with PD (pwPD) and a matched control group using acoustic analysis, and to examine correlations with voice disability and disease variables. Acoustic voice tremor analysis was completed on 30 pwPD and 28 age-gender matched controls. Voice disability (Voice Handicap Index), and disease variables of disease duration, Activities of Daily Living (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS II]), and motor symptoms related to PD (UPDRS III) were examined for relationship with voice tremor measures. Voice tremor was detected acoustically in pwPD and controls with similar frequency. PwPD had a statistically significantly higher rate of amplitude tremor (Hz) than controls (P = 0.001). Rate of amplitude tremor was negatively and significantly correlated with UPDRS III total score (rho -0.509). For pwPD, the magnitude and periodicity of acoustic tremor was higher than for controls without statistical significance. The magnitude of frequency tremor (Mftr%) was positively and significantly correlated with disease duration (rho 0.463). PwPD had higher Voice Handicap Index total, functional, emotional, and physical subscale scores than matched controls (P < 0.001). Voice disability did not correlate significantly with acoustic voice tremor measures. Acoustic analysis enhances understanding of PD voice tremor characteristics, its pathophysiology, and its relationship with voice disability and disease symptomatology. Copyright © 2018 The Voice Foundation. All rights reserved.

An empirical assessment of implementation, adaptation, and tailoring: the evaluation of CDC's National Diffusion of VOICES/VOCES.

PubMed

Harshbarger, Camilla; Simmons, Gretchen; Coelho, Helen; Sloop, Kira; Collins, Charles

2006-08-01

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBI) program, trained over 260 agencies on VOICES/VOCES between August 2003 and April 2005. ORC Macro conducted interviews with agency staff 3 months after receiving VOICES/VOCES training. This article discusses the diffusion of VOICES/VOCES; agencies' adoption, adaptation, and implementation of this intervention; and needs for ongoing proactive technical assistance (TA) for agencies to successfully integrate behavioral interventions into their programs. The vastmajority of agencies implemented VOICES/VOCES with fidelity to the core elements, and agencies successfully adapted the intervention to make it more appealing to target populations. TA is needed for interventions to be successfully adapted and implemented with fidelity to the core elements, and to ensure program sustainability. More effective interventions of short duration and minimum complexity to easily match with existing resources and conditions of agency capacity among HIV prevention providers in the community are needed.

Changes after voice therapy in objective and subjective voice measurements of pediatric patients with vocal nodules.

PubMed

Tezcaner, Ciler Zahide; Karatayli Ozgursoy, Selmin; Ozgursoy, Selmin Karatayli; Sati, Isil; Dursun, Gursel

2009-12-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency of the voice therapy in children with vocal nodules by using the acoustic analysis and subjective assessment. Thirty-nine patients with vocal fold nodules, aged between 7 and 14, were included in the study. Each subject had voice therapy led by an experienced voice therapist once a week. All diagnostic and follow-up workouts were performed before the voice therapy and after the third or the sixth month. Transoral and/or transnasal videostroboscopic examination and acoustic analysis were achieved using multi-dimensional voice program (MDVP) and subjective analysis with GRBAS scale. As for the perceptual assessment, the difference was significant for four parameters out of five. A significant improvement was found in the acoustic analysis parameters of jitter, shimmer, and noise-to-harmonic ratio. The voice therapy which was planned according to patients' needs, age, compliance and response to therapy had positive effects on pediatric patients with vocal nodules. Acoustic analysis and GRBAS may be used successfully in the follow-up of pediatric vocal nodule treatment.

Changes After Voice Therapy in Acoustic Voice Analysis of Chinese Patients With Voice Disorders.

PubMed

Lu, Dan; Chen, Fei; Yang, Hui; Yu, Rong; Zhou, Qi; Zhang, Xinyuan; Ren, Jia; Zheng, Yitao; Zhang, Xiaoyan; Zou, Jian; Wang, Haiyang; Liu, Jun

2018-05-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of voice therapy on patients with voice disorders by comparing the acoustic parameter changes before and after treatment. This is a retrospective study. Forty-five female patients with early-stage vocal nodules or polyps, postoperative patients, and patients with chronic laryngitis were divided into three subgroups. Videostroboscopic, acoustic analysis (fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, mean harmonics-to-noise ratio), and maximum phonation time (MPT) were measured before and after treatment. Fifty healthy female volunteers were the control group. After treatment, 24.4% of nodules or polyps had decreased in size, 11.1% of patients with chronic laryngitis and postoperative patients had reduced edema, and the mucosal wave of vocal folds had different degrees of recovery in postoperative patients. All acoustic analysis values and MPT in the patient group were statistically worse than in the control group, except for fundamental frequency before treatment (P > 0.05). After treatment, the acoustic analysis and MPT values were improved. However, the jitter, mean harmonics-to-noise ratio, and MPT values in the patient group were still worse after voice therapy than in the control group (P < 0.05). Most of acoustic analysis values can be useful as a complementary tool in diagnosis and assessment of voice disorders; however, it is not recommended to use a single parameter to assess voice quality. Voice therapy can improve voice quality in patients with voice disorders, but a period longer than 8 weeks is recommended for these patients. Copyright © 2018 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Children's Voices: Perspectives on Using Assistive Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schock, Robin E.; Lee, Elizabeth A.

2016-01-01

Rarely are the views of children with learning disabilities elicited. In this study, we used focus groups involving eight students with learning disabilities to explore their self-perceptions as learners and writers using assistive technology (AT). Three groups of two to three Grade 4-8 students and their parents participated in the qualitative…

Voices of Assistant Principals on the Importance of Student Discipline to Effective Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wyatt, Ronald W.

2010-01-01

Research in education, criminology, and sociology has long suggested that there is a strong, reciprocal connection between students' behaviors in school and their academic achievement. Student misbehavior in schools has also been described as a serious problem by the public as well as school practitioners. Traditionally, assistant principals are…

Automating CapCom Using Mobile Agents and Robotic Assistants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clancey, William J.; Sierhaus, Maarten; Alena, Richard L.; Berrios, Daniel; Dowding, John; Graham, Jeffrey S.; Tyree, Kim S.; Hirsh, Robert L.; Garry, W. Brent; Semple, Abigail

2005-01-01

We have developed and tested an advanced EVA communications and computing system to increase astronaut self-reliance and safety, reducing dependence on continuous monitoring and advising from mission control on Earth. This system, called Mobile Agents (MA), is voice controlled and provides information verbally to the astronauts through programs called personal agents. The system partly automates the role of CapCom in Apollo-including monitoring and managing EVA navigation, scheduling, equipment deployment, telemetry, health tracking, and scientific data collection. EVA data are stored automatically in a shared database in the habitat/vehicle and mirrored to a site accessible by a remote science team. The program has been developed iteratively in the context of use, including six years of ethnographic observation of field geology. Our approach is to develop automation that supports the human work practices, allowing people to do what they do well, and to work in ways they are most familiar. Field experiments in Utah have enabled empirically discovering requirements and testing alternative technologies and protocols. This paper reports on the 2004 system configuration, experiments, and results, in which an EVA robotic assistant (ERA) followed geologists approximately 150 m through a winding, narrow canyon. On voice command, the ERA took photographs and panoramas and was directed to move and wait in various locations to serve as a relay on the wireless network. The MA system is applicable to many space work situations that involve creating and navigating from maps (including configuring equipment for local topology), interacting with piloted and unpiloted rovers, adapting to environmental conditions, and remote team collaboration involving people and robots.

Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP) vs Praat for Assessing Euphonic Subjects: A Preliminary Study on the Gender-discriminating Power of Acoustic Analysis Software.

PubMed

Lovato, Andrea; De Colle, Wladimiro; Giacomelli, Luciano; Piacente, Alessandro; Righetto, Lara; Marioni, Gino; de Filippis, Cosimo

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to compare the discriminatory power of the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP) and Praat in distinguishing the gender of euphonic adults. This is a cross-sectional study. The recordings of 100 euphonic volunteers (50 males and 50 females) producing a sustained vowel /a/ were analyzed with MDVP and Praat software. Both computer programs identified significant differences between male and female volunteers in absolute jitter (MDVP P < 0.00001 and Praat P < 0.00001) and in shimmer in decibel (dB) (MDVP P = 0.006 and Praat P = 0.001). Using the scale proposed by Hosmer and Lemeshow, we found no gender discrimination for shimmer in dB with either the MDVP (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve [AUC] = 0.658) or Praat (AUC = 0.682). In our series, on the other hand, MDVP absolute jitter achieved an acceptable discrimination between males and females (AUC = 0.752), and Praat absolute jitter achieved an outstanding discrimination (AUC = 0.901). The discriminatory power of Praat absolute jitter was significantly higher than that of the MDVP (P = 0.003). Absolute jitter sensitivity and specificity were also higher for Praat (83% and 80%) than for the MDVP (74% and 49%). Differences attributable to a subject's gender and to the software used to measure acoustic parameters should be carefully considered in both research and clinical settings. Further studies are needed to test the discriminatory power of different voice analysis programs when differentiating between normal and dysphonic voices. Copyright © 2016 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Manual vs. computer-assisted sperm analysis: can CASA replace manual assessment of human semen in clinical practice?

PubMed

Talarczyk-Desole, Joanna; Berger, Anna; Taszarek-Hauke, Grażyna; Hauke, Jan; Pawelczyk, Leszek; Jedrzejczak, Piotr

2017-01-01

The aim of the study was to check the quality of computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system in comparison to the reference manual method as well as standardization of the computer-assisted semen assessment. The study was conducted between January and June 2015 at the Andrology Laboratory of the Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poland. The study group consisted of 230 men who gave sperm samples for the first time in our center as part of an infertility investigation. The samples underwent manual and computer-assisted assessment of concentration, motility and morphology. A total of 184 samples were examined twice: manually, according to the 2010 WHO recommendations, and with CASA, using the program set-tings provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, 46 samples underwent two manual analyses and two computer-assisted analyses. The p-value of p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were found between all of the investigated sperm parameters, except for non-progressive motility, measured with CASA and manually. In the group of patients where all analyses with each method were performed twice on the same sample we found no significant differences between both assessments of the same probe, neither in the samples analyzed manually nor with CASA, although standard deviation was higher in the CASA group. Our results suggest that computer-assisted sperm analysis requires further improvement for a wider application in clinical practice.

Voice and gesture-based 3D multimedia presentation tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukutake, Hiromichi; Akazawa, Yoshiaki; Okada, Yoshihiro

2007-09-01

This paper proposes a 3D multimedia presentation tool that allows the user to manipulate intuitively only through the voice input and the gesture input without using a standard keyboard or a mouse device. The authors developed this system as a presentation tool to be used in a presentation room equipped a large screen like an exhibition room in a museum because, in such a presentation environment, it is better to use voice commands and the gesture pointing input rather than using a keyboard or a mouse device. This system was developed using IntelligentBox, which is a component-based 3D graphics software development system. IntelligentBox has already provided various types of 3D visible, reactive functional components called boxes, e.g., a voice input component and various multimedia handling components. IntelligentBox also provides a dynamic data linkage mechanism called slot-connection that allows the user to develop 3D graphics applications by combining already existing boxes through direct manipulations on a computer screen. Using IntelligentBox, the 3D multimedia presentation tool proposed in this paper was also developed as combined components only through direct manipulations on a computer screen. The authors have already proposed a 3D multimedia presentation tool using a stage metaphor and its voice input interface. This time, we extended the system to make it accept the user gesture input besides voice commands. This paper explains details of the proposed 3D multimedia presentation tool and especially describes its component-based voice and gesture input interfaces.

Computer-assisted adjuncts for aneurysmal morphologic assessment: toward more precise and accurate approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajabzadeh-Oghaz, Hamidreza; Varble, Nicole; Davies, Jason M.; Mowla, Ashkan; Shakir, Hakeem J.; Sonig, Ashish; Shallwani, Hussain; Snyder, Kenneth V.; Levy, Elad I.; Siddiqui, Adnan H.; Meng, Hui

2017-03-01

Neurosurgeons currently base most of their treatment decisions for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) on morphological measurements made manually from 2D angiographic images. These measurements tend to be inaccurate because 2D measurements cannot capture the complex geometry of IAs and because manual measurements are variable depending on the clinician's experience and opinion. Incorrect morphological measurements may lead to inappropriate treatment strategies. In order to improve the accuracy and consistency of morphological analysis of IAs, we have developed an image-based computational tool, AView. In this study, we quantified the accuracy of computer-assisted adjuncts of AView for aneurysmal morphologic assessment by performing measurement on spheres of known size and anatomical IA models. AView has an average morphological error of 0.56% in size and 2.1% in volume measurement. We also investigate the clinical utility of this tool on a retrospective clinical dataset and compare size and neck diameter measurement between 2D manual and 3D computer-assisted measurement. The average error was 22% and 30% in the manual measurement of size and aneurysm neck diameter, respectively. Inaccuracies due to manual measurements could therefore lead to wrong treatment decisions in 44% and inappropriate treatment strategies in 33% of the IAs. Furthermore, computer-assisted analysis of IAs improves the consistency in measurement among clinicians by 62% in size and 82% in neck diameter measurement. We conclude that AView dramatically improves accuracy for morphological analysis. These results illustrate the necessity of a computer-assisted approach for the morphological analysis of IAs.

The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions' Premise Distribution Plan

PubMed Central

Barta, Wendy; Buckholtz, Howard; Johnston, Mark; Lenhard, Raymond; Tolchin, Stephen; Vienne, Donald

1987-01-01

A Premise Distribution Plan is being developed to address the growing voice and data communications needs at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. More specifically, the use of a rapidly expanding Ethernet computer network and a new Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) Digital Centrex system must be planned to provide easy, reliable and cost-effective data and voice communications services. Existing Premise Distribution Systems are compared along with voice and data technologies which would use them.

Voice hearing within the context of hearers' social worlds: an interpretative phenomenological analysis.

PubMed

Mawson, Amy; Berry, Katherine; Murray, Craig; Hayward, Mark

2011-09-01

Research has found relational qualities of power and intimacy to exist within hearer-voice interactions. The present study aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the interpersonal context of voice hearing by exploring participants' relationships with their voices and other people in their lives. This research was designed in consultation with service users and employed a qualitative, phenomenological, and idiographic design using semi-structured interviews. Ten participants, recruited via mental health services, and who reported hearing voices in the previous week, completed the interviews. These were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Five themes resulted from the analysis. Theme 1: 'person and voice' demonstrated that participants' voices often reflected the identity, but not always the quality of social acquaintances. Theme 2: 'voices changing and confirming relationship with the self' explored the impact of voice hearing in producing an inferior sense-of-self in comparison to others. Theme 3: 'a battle for control' centred on issues of control and a dilemma of independence within voice relationships. Theme 4: 'friendships facilitating the ability to cope' and theme 5: 'voices creating distance in social relationships' explored experiences of social relationships within the context of voice hearing, and highlighted the impact of social isolation for voice hearers. The study demonstrated the potential role of qualitative research in developing theories of voice hearing. It extended previous research by highlighting the interface between voices and the social world of the hearer, including reciprocal influences of social relationships on voices and coping. Improving voice hearers' sense-of-self may be a key factor in reducing the distress caused by voices. ©2010 The British Psychological Society.

A PERT/CPM of the Computer Assisted Completion of The Ministry September Report. Research Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feeney, J. D.

Using two statistical analysis techniques (the Program Evaluation and Review Technique and the Critical Path Method), this study analyzed procedures for compiling the required yearly report of the Metropolitan Separate School Board (Catholic) of Toronto, Canada. The computer-assisted analysis organized the process of completing the report more…

A Computer Assisted Language Analysis System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rush, J. E.; And Others

A description is presented of a computer-assisted language analysis system (CALAS) which can serve as a method for isolating and displaying language utterances found in conversation. The purpose of CALAS is stated as being to deal with the question of whether it is possible to detect, isolate, and display information indicative of what is…

Remote data entry and retrieval for law enforcement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwasowsky, Bohdan R.; Capraro, Gerard T.; Berdan, Gerald B.; Capraro, Christopher T.

1997-02-01

Law enforcement personnel need to capture and retrieve quality multimedia data in `real time' while in the field. This is not done today, for the most part. Most law enforcement officers gather data on handwritten forms and retrieve data via voice communications or fax. This approach is time consuming, costly, prone to errors, and may require months before some data are entered into a usable law enforcement database. With advances in the computing and communications industries, it is now possible to communicate with anyone using a laptop computer or personal digital assistant (PDA), given a phone line, an RF modem, or cellular capability. Many law enforcement officers have access to laptop computers within their vehicles and can stay in touch with their command center and/or retrieve data from local, state, or federal databases. However, this same capability is not available once they leave the vehicle or if the officer is on a beat, motorcycle, or horseback. This paper investigates the issues and reviews the state of the art for integrating a PDA into the gathering and retrieving of multimedia data for law enforcement.

Vanguard/PLACE experiment system design and test plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, R. E.

1973-01-01

A system design and test plan are described for operational evaluation of the NASA-Goddard position location and aircraft communications equipment (PLACE), at C band (4/6GHz), using NASA's ship, the USNS Vanguard, and the ATS 3 and ATS 5 synchronous satellites. The Sea Test phase, extending from March 29, 1973 to April 15, 1973 was successfully completed; the principal objectives of the experiment were achieved. Typical PLACE-computed, position-location data is shown for the Vanguard. Position location and voice-quality measurements were excellent; ship position was determined within 2 nmi; high-quality, 2-way voice transmissions resulted as determined from audience participation, intelligibility and articulation-index analysis. A C band/L band satellite trilateration experiment is discussed.

Adaptive Topological Configuration of an Integrated Circuit/Packet-Switched Computer Network.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

Gitman et al. [45] state that there are basically two approaches to the integrated network design problem: (1) solve the link/capacity problem for...1972), 1385-1397. 33. Frank, H., and Gitman , I. Economic analysis of integrated voice and data networks: a case study. Proc. of IEEE 66 , 11 (Nov. 1978...1974), 1074-1079. 45. Gitman , I., Hsieh, W., and Occhiogrosso, B. J. Analysis and design of hybrid switching networks. IEEE Trans. on Comm. Com-29

Voice Problems in New Zealand Teachers: A National Survey.

PubMed

Leão, Sylvia H de S; Oates, Jennifer M; Purdy, Suzanne C; Scott, David; Morton, Randall P

2015-09-01

This study determined the prevalence and nature of voice problems in New Zealand (NZ) teachers using a national self-report questionnaire. Epidemiological cross-sectional survey. Participants were 1879 primary and secondary teachers (72.5% females). Three prevalence timeframes were estimated. Severity of voice problems, recovery time, days away from work, symptoms, health assistance, and voice education were also investigated. Prevalence of self-reported vocal problems was 33.2% during their teaching career, 24.7% over the teaching year, and 13.2% on the day of the survey. Primary teachers (P<0.001; odds ratio [OR]=1.74; confidence interval [CI]=1.33-2.40), females (P=0.008; OR=1.63; CI=1.13-2.37), and those aged 51-60 years (P=0.010; OR=1.45; CI=1.11-3.00) were more likely to report problems. Among teachers reporting voice problems during the year, 47% were moderate or severe; for 30%, voice recovery took more than 1 week. Approximately 28% stayed away from work 1-3 days owing to a vocal problem and 9% for more than 3 days. Women reported longer recovery times and more days away. Symptoms associated with voice problems (P<0.001) were voice quality alteration (OR=4.35; CI=3.40-5.57), vocal effort (OR=1.15; CI=0.96-1.37), voice breaks (OR=1.55; CI=1.30-1.84), voice projection difficulty (OR=1.25; CI=1.04-1.50), and throat discomfort (OR=1.22; CI=1.02-1.47). Of the teachers reporting voice problems, only 22.5% consulted a health practitioner. Only 38% of the teachers with chronic voice problems visited an otolaryngologist. Higher hours of voice training/education were associated with fewer self-reported voice problems. Voice problems are of concern for NZ teachers, as has been reported for teachers in other countries. There is still limited awareness among teachers about vocal health, potential risks, and specialized health services for voice problems. Copyright © 2015 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electroglottogram waveform types of untrained speakers.

PubMed

Painter, C

1990-01-01

Electroglottography is a useful, non-invasive technique that can assist in the assessment of vocal fold dysfunction. However, if it is to become a useful clinical tool, there is a need for normative studies of the electroglottogram waveform types that characterize different groups of speakers. This report compares the electroglottogram waveform types characterizing one trained professional voice user phonating in 15 experimental sessions under various fundamental frequencies, intensities and voice qualities with those obtained from 52 untrained non-professional speakers.

Pavlovian Conditioning-Induced Hallucinations Result from Overweighting of Perceptual Priors

PubMed Central

Powers, A.R.; Mathys, C.; Corlett, P.R.

2018-01-01

Some people hear voices that others do not, but only some of those people seek treatment. Using a Pavlovian learning task, we induced conditioned hallucinations in four groups of people who differed orthogonally in their voice-hearing and treatment-seeking statuses. People who hear voices were significantly more susceptible to the effect. Using functional neuroimaging and computational modeling of perception, we identified processes that differentiated voice-hearers from non-voice-hearers and treatment-seekers from non-treatment-seekers and characterized a brain circuit that mediated the conditioned hallucinations. These data demonstrate the profound and sometimes pathological impact of top-down cognitive processes on perception and may represent an objective means to discern people with a need for treatment from those without. PMID:28798131

[An across-scales analysis of the voice self-concept questionnaire (FESS)].

PubMed

Nusseck, Manfred; Richter, Bernhard; Echternach, Matthias; Spahn, Claudia

2018-04-01

The questionnaire for the assessment of the voice selfconcept (FESS) contains three sub-scales indicating the personal relation with the own voice. The scales address the relationship with one's own voice, the awareness of the use of one's own voice, and the perception of the connection between voice and emotional changes. A comprehensive approach across the three scales supporting a simplified interpretation of the results was still missing. The FESS questionnaire was used in a sample of 536 German teachers. With a discrimination analysis, commonalities in the scale characteristics were investigated. For a comparative validation with voice health and psychological and physiological wellbeing, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), the questionnaire for Work-related Behavior and Experience Patterns (AVEM), and the questionnaire for Health-related Quality of Life (SF-12) were additionally collected. The analysis provided four different groups of voice self-concept: group 1 with healthy values in the voice self-concept and wellbeing scales, group 2 with a low voice self-concept and mean wellbeing values, group 3 with a high awareness of the voice use and mean wellbeing values and group 4 with low values in all scales. The results show that a combined approach across all scales of the questionnaire for the assessment of the voice self-concept enables a more detailed interpretation of the characteristics in the voice self-concept. The presented groups provide an applicable use supporting medical diagnoses. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Acoustic Analysis of Voice in Singers: A Systematic Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gunjawate, Dhanshree R.; Ravi, Rohit; Bellur, Rajashekhar

2018-01-01

Purpose: Singers are vocal athletes having specific demands from their voice and require special consideration during voice evaluation. Presently, there is a lack of standards for acoustic evaluation in them. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the available literature on the acoustic analysis of voice in singers. Method: A…

Virtual reality based surgical assistance and training system for long duration space missions.

PubMed

Montgomery, K; Thonier, G; Stephanides, M; Schendel, S

2001-01-01

Access to medical care during long duration space missions is extremely important. Numerous unanticipated medical problems will need to be addressed promptly and efficiently. Although telemedicine provides a convenient tool for remote diagnosis and treatment, it is impractical due to the long delay between data transmission and reception to Earth. While a well-trained surgeon-internist-astronaut would be an essential addition to the crew, the vast number of potential medical problems necessitate instant access to computerized, skill-enhancing and diagnostic tools. A functional prototype of a virtual reality based surgical training and assistance tool was created at our center, using low-power, small, lightweight components that would be easy to transport on a space mission. The system consists of a tracked, head-mounted display, a computer system, and a number of tracked surgical instruments. The software provides a real-time surgical simulation system with integrated monitoring and information retrieval and a voice input/output subsystem. Initial medical content for the system has been created, comprising craniofacial, hand, inner ear, and general anatomy, as well as information on a number of surgical procedures and techniques. One surgical specialty in particular, microsurgery, was provided as a full simulation due to its long training requirements, significant impact on result due to experience, and likelihood for need. However, the system is easily adapted to realistically simulate a large number of other surgical procedures. By providing a general system for surgical simulation and assistance, the astronaut-surgeon can maintain their skills, acquire new specialty skills, and use tools for computer-based surgical planning and assistance to minimize overall crew and mission risk.

Medical education as a science: the quality of evidence for computer-assisted instruction.

PubMed

Letterie, Gerard S

2003-03-01

A marked increase in the number of computer programs for computer-assisted instruction in the medical sciences has occurred over the past 10 years. The quality of both the programs and the literature that describe these programs has varied considerably. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the published literature that described computer-assisted instruction in medical education and to assess the quality of evidence for its implementation, with particular emphasis on obstetrics and gynecology. Reports published between 1988 and 2000 on computer-assisted instruction in medical education were identified through a search of MEDLINE and Educational Resource Identification Center and a review of the bibliographies of the articles that were identified. Studies were selected if they included a description of computer-assisted instruction in medical education, regardless of the type of computer program. Data were extracted with a content analysis of 210 reports. The reports were categorized according to study design (comparative, prospective, descriptive, review, or editorial), type of computer-assisted instruction, medical specialty, and measures of effectiveness. Computer-assisted instruction programs included online technologies, CD-ROMs, video laser disks, multimedia work stations, virtual reality, and simulation testing. Studies were identified in all medical specialties, with a preponderance in internal medicine, general surgery, radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and pathology. Ninety-six percent of the articles described a favorable impact of computer-assisted instruction in medical education, regardless of the quality of the evidence. Of the 210 reports that were identified, 60% were noncomparative, descriptive reports of new techniques in computer-assisted instruction, and 15% and 14% were reviews and editorials, respectively, of existing technology. Eleven percent of studies were comparative and included some form of assessment of the effectiveness of the computer program. These assessments included pre- and posttesting and questionnaires to score program quality, perceptions of the medical students and/or residents regarding the program, and impact on learning. In one half of these comparative studies, computer-assisted instruction was compared with traditional modes of teaching, such as text and lectures. Six studies compared performance before and after the computer-assisted instruction. Improvements were shown in 5 of the studies. In the remainder of the studies, computer-assisted instruction appeared to result in similar test performance. Despite study design or outcome, most articles described enthusiastic endorsement of the programs by the participants, including medical students, residents, and practicing physicians. Only 1 study included cost analysis. Thirteen of the articles were in obstetrics and gynecology. Computer-assisted instruction has assumed to have an increasing role in medical education. In spite of enthusiastic endorsement and continued improvements in software, few studies of good design clearly demonstrate improvement in medical education over traditional modalities. There are no comparative studies in obstetrics and gynecology that demonstrate a clear-cut advantage. Future studies of computer-assisted instruction that include comparisons and cost assessments to gauge their effectiveness over traditional methods may better define their precise role.

Hearing the voices of service user researchers in collaborative qualitative data analysis: the case for multiple coding.

PubMed

Sweeney, Angela; Greenwood, Kathryn E; Williams, Sally; Wykes, Til; Rose, Diana S

2013-12-01

Health research is frequently conducted in multi-disciplinary teams, with these teams increasingly including service user researchers. Whilst it is common for service user researchers to be involved in data collection--most typically interviewing other service users--it is less common for service user researchers to be involved in data analysis and interpretation. This means that a unique and significant perspective on the data is absent. This study aims to use an empirical report of a study on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) to demonstrate the value of multiple coding in enabling service users voices to be heard in team-based qualitative data analysis. The CBTp study employed multiple coding to analyse service users' discussions of CBT for psychosis (CBTp) from the perspectives of a service user researcher, clinical researcher and psychology assistant. Multiple coding was selected to enable multiple perspectives to analyse and interpret data, to understand and explore differences and to build multi-disciplinary consensus. Multiple coding enabled the team to understand where our views were commensurate and incommensurate and to discuss and debate differences. Through the process of multiple coding, we were able to build strong consensus about the data from multiple perspectives, including that of the service user researcher. Multiple coding is an important method for understanding and exploring multiple perspectives on data and building team consensus. This can be contrasted with inter-rater reliability which is only appropriate in limited circumstances. We conclude that multiple coding is an appropriate and important means of hearing service users' voices in qualitative data analysis. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Technography and Design-Actuality Gap-Analysis of Internet Computer Technologies-Assisted Education: Western Expectations and Global Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenhalgh-Spencer, Heather; Jerbi, Moja

2017-01-01

In this paper, we provide a design-actuality gap-analysis of the internet infrastructure that exists in developing nations and nations in the global South with the deployed internet computer technologies (ICT)-assisted programs that are designed to use internet infrastructure to provide educational opportunities. Programs that specifically…

The Effects of Gender on the Attitudes towards the Computer Assisted Instruction: A Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cam, Sefika Sumeyye; Yarar, Gokhan; Toraman, Cetin; Erdamar, Gurcu Koc

2016-01-01

The idea that gender factor creates a difference on computer usage and computer-assisted instruction is based upon previous years. At that time, it was thought that some areas like engineering, science and mathematics were for males so it created a difference on the computer usage. Nevertheless, developing technology and females becoming more…

Bias in child maltreatment self-reports using Interactive Voice Response

PubMed Central

Kepple, Nancy J.; Freisthler, Bridget; Johnson-Motoyama, Michelle

2014-01-01

Few methods estimate the prevalence of child maltreatment in the general population due to concerns about socially desirable responding and mandated reporting laws. Innovative methods, such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR), may obtain better estimates that address these concerns. This study examined the utility of Interactive Voice Response (IVR) for child maltreatment behaviors by assessing differences between respondents who completed and did not complete a survey using IVR technology. A mixed-mode telephone survey was conducted in English and Spanish in 50 cities in California during 2009. Caregivers (n = 3,023) self-reported abusive and neglectful parenting behaviors for a focal child under the age of 13 using Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing and IVR. We used Hierarchical Generalized Linear Models to compare survey completion by caregivers nested within cities for the full sample and age-specific ranges. For demographic characteristics, caregivers born in the United States were more likely to complete the survey when controlling for covariates. Parenting stress, provision of physical needs, and provision of supervisory needs were not associated with survey completion in the full multivariate model. For caregivers of children 0 to 4 years (n = 838), those reporting they could often or always hear their child from another room had a higher likelihood of survey completion. The findings suggest IVR could prove to be useful for future surveys that aim to estimate abusive and/or neglectful parenting behaviors given the limited bias observed for demographic characteristics and problematic parenting behaviors. Further research should expand upon its utility to advance estimation rates. PMID:24819534

An Information and Technical Manual for the Computer-Assisted Teacher Training System (CATTS).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Semmel, Melvyn I.; And Others

The manual presents technical information on the computer assisted teacher training system (CATTS) which aims at developing a versatile and economical computer based teacher training system with the capability of providing immediate analysis and feedback of data relevant to teacher pupil transactions in a classroom setting. The physical…

Computer-Assisted Traffic Engineering Using Assignment, Optimal Signal Setting, and Modal Split

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-05-01

Methods of traffic assignment, traffic signal setting, and modal split analysis are combined in a set of computer-assisted traffic engineering programs. The system optimization and user optimization traffic assignments are described. Travel time func...

A voice-actuated wind tunnel model leak checking system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larson, William E.

1989-01-01

A computer program has been developed that improves the efficiency of wind tunnel model leak checking. The program uses a voice recognition unit to relay a technician's commands to the computer. The computer, after receiving a command, can respond to the technician via a voice response unit. Information about the model pressure orifice being checked is displayed on a gas-plasma terminal. On command, the program records up to 30 seconds of pressure data. After the recording is complete, the raw data and a straight line fit of the data are plotted on the terminal. This allows the technician to make a decision on the integrity of the orifice being checked. All results of the leak check program are stored in a database file that can be listed on the line printer for record keeping purposes or displayed on the terminal to help the technician find unchecked orifices. This program allows one technician to check a model for leaks instead of the two or three previously required.

Accessibility of Mobile Devices for Visually Impaired Users: An Evaluation of the Screen-Reader VoiceOver.

PubMed

Smaradottir, Berglind; Håland, Jarle; Martinez, Santiago

2017-01-01

A mobile device's touchscreen allows users to use a choreography of hand gestures to interact with the user interface. A screen reader on a mobile device is designed to support the interaction of visually disabled users while using gestures. This paper presents an evaluation of VoiceOver, a screen reader in Apple Inc. products. The evaluation was a part of the research project "Visually impaired users touching the screen - a user evaluation of assistive technology".

Effects of Vocal Function Exercises: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Angadi, Vrushali; Croake, Daniel; Stemple, Joseph

2017-11-03

The purpose of the present review was to systematically analyze the evidence for the effectiveness of vocal function exercises (VFEs) in improving voice production. A systematic literature search was performed by two independent reviewers using PubMed and EBSCOHost to access relevant databases and to locate outcome studies that used VFEs as an intervention. Articles that met inclusion criteria were appraised based on the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association's levels of evidence. Effect sizes for outcomes were calculated using Hedge's g. Voice outcomes were categorized according to the five domains of voice assessment: visual perceptual analysis, acoustic analysis, aerodynamic analysis, auditory-perceptual analysis, and patient self-report measures. Twenty-one articles were included for the final appraisal. All studies demonstrated positive effects of VFEs as demonstrated by effect sizes across selected voice parameters. Effect sizes across parameters ranged from -0.59 to 1.55. None of the included studies reported adverse voice outcomes as a result of VFEs. Outcome studies demonstrate that VFEs are efficacious in enhancing vocal function in individuals with normal and disordered voices, presbylaryngeus, and professional voice users. The available research suggests moderate to strong evidence to support the use of VFEs for a variety of voice disorders. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Voice-Based Technology for Parent Involvement: Results and Effects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bauch, Jerold P.

A study was conducted to implement and evaluate the Transparent School Model for improving parent involvement in nine Indiana schools. The Model uses computer-based voice messaging to exchange information between teachers and parents. Teachers record a brief message for parents that describes what was taught, special learning events, homework…

[Voice assessment and demographic data of applicants for a school of speech therapists].

PubMed

Reiter, R; Brosch, S

2008-05-01

Demographic data, subjective und objective voice analysis as well as self-assessment of voice quality from applicants for a school of speech therapists were investigated. Demographic data from 116 applicants were collected and their voice quality assessed by three independent judges. An objective evaluation was done by maximum phonation time, average fundamental frequency, dynamic range and percent of jitter and shimmer by means of Goettinger Hoarseness diagram. Self-assessment of voice quality was done by "voice handicap index questionnaire". The twenty successful applicants had a physiological voice in 95 %, they were all musical and had university entrance qualifications. Subjective voice assessment showed in 16 % of the applicants a hoarse voice. In this subgroup an unphysiological vocal use was observed in 72 % and a reduced articulation in 45 %. The objective voice parameters did not show a significant difference between the 3 groups. Self-assessment of the voice was inconspicuous in all applicants. Applicants with general qualification for university entrance, musicality and a physiological voice were more likely to be successful. There were main differences between self assessment of voice and quantitative analysis or subjective assessment by three independent judges.

A General Purpose Connections type CTI Server Based on SIP Protocol and Its Implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Toru; Koizumi, Hisao

In this paper, we propose a general purpose connections type CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) server that provides various CTI services such as voice logging where the CTI server communicates with IP-PBX using the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), and accumulates voice packets of external line telephone call flowing between an IP telephone for extension and a VoIP gateway connected to outside line networks. The CTI server realizes CTI services such as voice logging, telephone conference, or IVR (interactive voice response) with accumulating and processing voice packets sampled. Furthermore, the CTI server incorporates a web server function which can provide various CTI services such as a Web telephone directory via a Web browser to PCs, cellular telephones or smart-phones in mobile environments.

Applications in Data-Intensive Computing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shah, Anuj R.; Adkins, Joshua N.; Baxter, Douglas J.

2010-04-01

This book chapter, to be published in Advances in Computers, Volume 78, in 2010 describes applications of data intensive computing (DIC). This is an invited chapter resulting from a previous publication on DIC. This work summarizes efforts coming out of the PNNL's Data Intensive Computing Initiative. Advances in technology have empowered individuals with the ability to generate digital content with mouse clicks and voice commands. Digital pictures, emails, text messages, home videos, audio, and webpages are common examples of digital content that are generated on a regular basis. Data intensive computing facilitates human understanding of complex problems. Data-intensive applications providemore » timely and meaningful analytical results in response to exponentially growing data complexity and associated analysis requirements through the development of new classes of software, algorithms, and hardware.« less

Acoustic passaggio pedagogy for the male voice.

PubMed

Bozeman, Kenneth Wood

2013-07-01

Awareness of interactions between the lower harmonics of the voice source and the first formant of the vocal tract, and of the passive vowel modifications that accompany them, can assist in working out a smooth transition through the passaggio of the male voice. A stable vocal tract length establishes the general location of all formants, including the higher formants that form the singer's formant cluster. Untrained males instinctively shorten the tube to preserve the strong F1/H2 acoustic coupling of voce aperta, resulting in 'yell' timbre. If tube length and shape are kept stable during pitch ascent, the yell can be avoided by allowing the second harmonic to rise above the first formant, creating the balanced timbre of voce chiusa.

Standardization of pitch-range settings in voice acoustic analysis.

PubMed

Vogel, Adam P; Maruff, Paul; Snyder, Peter J; Mundt, James C

2009-05-01

Voice acoustic analysis is typically a labor-intensive, time-consuming process that requires the application of idiosyncratic parameters tailored to individual aspects of the speech signal. Such processes limit the efficiency and utility of voice analysis in clinical practice as well as in applied research and development. In the present study, we analyzed 1,120 voice files, using standard techniques (case-by-case hand analysis), taking roughly 10 work weeks of personnel time to complete. The results were compared with the analytic output of several automated analysis scripts that made use of preset pitch-range parameters. After pitch windows were selected to appropriately account for sex differences, the automated analysis scripts reduced processing time of the 1,120 speech samples to less than 2.5 h and produced results comparable to those obtained with hand analysis. However, caution should be exercised when applying the suggested preset values to pathological voice populations.

Quantitative morphometrical characterization of human pronuclear zygotes.

PubMed

Beuchat, A; Thévenaz, P; Unser, M; Ebner, T; Senn, A; Urner, F; Germond, M; Sorzano, C O S

2008-09-01

Identification of embryos with high implantation potential remains a challenge in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Subjective pronuclear (PN) zygote scoring systems have been developed for that purpose. The aim of this work was to provide a software tool that enables objective measuring of morphological characteristics of the human PN zygote. A computer program was created to analyse zygote images semi-automatically, providing precise morphological measurements. The accuracy of this approach was first validated by comparing zygotes from two different IVF centres with computer-assisted measurements or subjective scoring. Computer-assisted measurement and subjective scoring were then compared for their ability to classify zygotes with high and low implantation probability by using a linear discriminant analysis. Zygote images coming from the two IVF centres were analysed with the software, resulting in a series of precise measurements of 24 variables. Using subjective scoring, the cytoplasmic halo was the only feature which was significantly different between the two IVF centres. Computer-assisted measurements revealed significant differences between centres in PN centring, PN proximity, cytoplasmic halo and features related to nucleolar precursor bodies distribution. The zygote classification error achieved with the computer-assisted measurements (0.363) was slightly inferior to that of the subjective ones (0.393). A precise and objective characterization of the morphology of human PN zygotes can be achieved by the use of an advanced image analysis tool. This computer-assisted analysis allows for a better morphological characterization of human zygotes and can be used for classification.

The Role of Computer-Assisted Technology in Post-Traumatic Orbital Reconstruction: A PRISMA-driven Systematic Review.

PubMed

Wan, Kelvin H; Chong, Kelvin K L; Young, Alvin L

2015-12-08

Post-traumatic orbital reconstruction remains a surgical challenge and requires careful preoperative planning, sound anatomical knowledge and good intraoperative judgment. Computer-assisted technology has the potential to reduce error and subjectivity in the management of these complex injuries. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to explore the emerging role of computer-assisted technologies in post-traumatic orbital reconstruction, in terms of functional and safety outcomes. We searched for articles comparing computer-assisted procedures with conventional surgery and studied outcomes on diplopia, enophthalmos, or procedure-related complications. Six observational studies with 273 orbits at a mean follow-up of 13 months were included. Three out of 4 studies reported significantly fewer patients with residual diplopia in the computer-assisted group, while only 1 of the 5 studies reported better improvement in enophthalmos in the assisted group. Types and incidence of complications were comparable. Study heterogeneities limiting statistical comparison by meta-analysis will be discussed. This review highlights the scarcity of data on computer-assisted technology in orbital reconstruction. The result suggests that computer-assisted technology may offer potential advantage in treating diplopia while its role remains to be confirmed in enophthalmos. Additional well-designed and powered randomized controlled trials are much needed.

Reports of alcohol-related problems and alcohol dependence for demographic subgroups using interactive voice response versus telephone surveys: the 2005 US National Alcohol Survey.

PubMed

Midanik, Lorraine T; Greenfield, Thomas K

2010-07-01

Interactive voice response (IVR), a computer-based interviewing technique, can be used within a computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) survey to increase privacy and the accuracy of reports of sensitive attitudes and behaviours. Previous research using the 2005 National Alcohol Survey indicated no overall significant differences between IVR and CATI responses to alcohol-related problems and alcohol dependence. To determine if this result holds for demographic subgroups that could respond differently to modes of data collection, this study compares the prevalence rates of lifetime and last-year alcohol-related problems by gender, ethnicity, age and income subgroups obtained by IVR versus continuous CATI interviewing. As part of the 2005 National Alcohol Survey, subsamples of English-speaking respondents were randomly assigned to an IVR group that received an embedded IVR module on alcohol-related problems (n = 450 lifetime drinkers) and a control group that were asked identical alcohol-related problem items using continuous CATI (n = 432 lifetime drinkers). Overall, there were few significant associations. Among lifetime drinkers, higher rates of legal problems were found for white and higher income respondents in the IVR group. For last-year drinkers, a higher percentage of indicators of alcohol dependence was found for Hispanic respondents and women respondents in the CATI group. Data on alcohol problems collected by CATI provide largely comparable results to those from an embedded IVR module. Thus, incorporation of IVR technology in a CATI interview does not appear strongly indicated even for several key subgroups.

New Technology/Assistive Technology and the Arts. Proceedings of the National Institute, July 29--August 1, 1991.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Charles R., Ed.

This document is prefaced with a descriptive introduction to the "Access to the Arts Through Assistive Technology Project." The contents that follow are organized in 5 parts. Part 1 includes: "Introduction" (Betsy Foley), and "My Voice Has Wings" (Jeff Moyer). Part 2, "Major Addresses," presents: (1) "Welcome from the Wisconsin Department of…

Using a Personal Digital Assistant to Increase Independent Task Completion by Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mechling, Linda C.; Gast, David L.; Seid, Nicole H.

2009-01-01

In this study, a personal digital assistant (PDA) with picture, auditory, and video prompts with voice over, was evaluated as a portable self-prompting device for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a multiple probe design across three cooking recipes and replicated with three students with ASD, the system was tested for its…

Listening to the Voices of Education Professionals Involved in Implementing an Oral Language and Early Literacy Program in the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lennox, Maria; Garvis, Susanne; Westerveld, Marleen

2017-01-01

This paper explores teachers' and teacher assistants' self-efficacy of delivering PrepSTART, a classroom based, oral language and early literacy program for five-year-old students. In the current study, speech pathologists developed, provided training and monitored program implementation. Teachers and teacher assistants (n = 17) shared their…

Modulation of voice related to tremor and vibrato

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lester, Rosemary Anne

Modulation of voice is a result of physiologic oscillation within one or more components of the vocal system including the breathing apparatus (i.e., pressure supply), the larynx (i.e. sound source), and the vocal tract (i.e., sound filter). These oscillations may be caused by pathological tremor associated with neurological disorders like essential tremor or by volitional production of vibrato in singers. Because the acoustical characteristics of voice modulation specific to each component of the vocal system and the effect of these characteristics on perception are not well-understood, it is difficult to assess individuals with vocal tremor and to determine the most effective interventions for reducing the perceptual severity of the disorder. The purpose of the present studies was to determine how the acoustical characteristics associated with laryngeal-based vocal tremor affect the perception of the magnitude of voice modulation, and to determine if adjustments could be made to the voice source and vocal tract filter to alter the acoustic output and reduce the perception of modulation. This research was carried out using both a computational model of speech production and trained singers producing vibrato to simulate laryngeal-based vocal tremor with different voice source characteristics (i.e., vocal fold length and degree of vocal fold adduction) and different vocal tract filter characteristics (i.e., vowel shapes). It was expected that, by making adjustments to the voice source and vocal tract filter that reduce the amplitude of the higher harmonics, the perception of magnitude of voice modulation would be reduced. The results of this study revealed that listeners' perception of the magnitude of modulation of voice was affected by the degree of vocal fold adduction and the vocal tract shape with the computational model, but only by the vocal quality (corresponding to the degree of vocal fold adduction) with the female singer. Based on regression analyses, listeners' judgments were predicted by modulation information in both low and high frequency bands. The findings from these studies indicate that production of a breathy vocal quality might be a useful compensatory strategy for reducing the perceptual severity of modulation of voice for individuals with tremor affecting the larynx.

A Computer-Assisted Test Design and Diagnosis System for Use by Classroom Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

He, Q.; Tymms, P.

2005-01-01

Computer-assisted assessment (CAA) has become increasingly important in education in recent years. A variety of computer software systems have been developed to help assess the performance of students at various levels. However, such systems are primarily designed to provide objective assessment of students and analysis of test items, and focus…

Touchless interaction with software in interventional radiology and surgery: a systematic literature review.

PubMed

Mewes, André; Hensen, Bennet; Wacker, Frank; Hansen, Christian

2017-02-01

In this article, we systematically examine the current state of research of systems that focus on touchless human-computer interaction in operating rooms and interventional radiology suites. We further discuss the drawbacks of current solutions and underline promising technologies for future development. A systematic literature search of scientific papers that deal with touchless control of medical software in the immediate environment of the operation room and interventional radiology suite was performed. This includes methods for touchless gesture interaction, voice control and eye tracking. Fifty-five research papers were identified and analyzed in detail including 33 journal publications. Most of the identified literature (62 %) deals with the control of medical image viewers. The others present interaction techniques for laparoscopic assistance (13 %), telerobotic assistance and operating room control (9 % each) as well as for robotic operating room assistance and intraoperative registration (3.5 % each). Only 8 systems (14.5 %) were tested in a real clinical environment, and 7 (12.7 %) were not evaluated at all. In the last 10 years, many advancements have led to robust touchless interaction approaches. However, only a few have been systematically evaluated in real operating room settings. Further research is required to cope with current limitations of touchless software interfaces in clinical environments. The main challenges for future research are the improvement and evaluation of usability and intuitiveness of touchless human-computer interaction and the full integration into productive systems as well as the reduction of necessary interaction steps and further development of hands-free interaction.

Interactive Voice/Web Response System in clinical research

PubMed Central

Ruikar, Vrishabhsagar

2016-01-01

Emerging technologies in computer and telecommunication industry has eased the access to computer through telephone. An Interactive Voice/Web Response System (IxRS) is one of the user friendly systems for end users, with complex and tailored programs at its backend. The backend programs are specially tailored for easy understanding of users. Clinical research industry has experienced revolution in methodologies of data capture with time. Different systems have evolved toward emerging modern technologies and tools in couple of decades from past, for example, Electronic Data Capture, IxRS, electronic patient reported outcomes, etc. PMID:26952178

Interactive Voice/Web Response System in clinical research.

PubMed

Ruikar, Vrishabhsagar

2016-01-01

Emerging technologies in computer and telecommunication industry has eased the access to computer through telephone. An Interactive Voice/Web Response System (IxRS) is one of the user friendly systems for end users, with complex and tailored programs at its backend. The backend programs are specially tailored for easy understanding of users. Clinical research industry has experienced revolution in methodologies of data capture with time. Different systems have evolved toward emerging modern technologies and tools in couple of decades from past, for example, Electronic Data Capture, IxRS, electronic patient reported outcomes, etc.

Color and texture associations in voice-induced synesthesia

PubMed Central

Moos, Anja; Simmons, David; Simner, Julia; Smith, Rachel

2013-01-01

Voice-induced synesthesia, a form of synesthesia in which synesthetic perceptions are induced by the sounds of people's voices, appears to be relatively rare and has not been systematically studied. In this study we investigated the synesthetic color and visual texture perceptions experienced in response to different types of “voice quality” (e.g., nasal, whisper, falsetto). Experiences of three different groups—self-reported voice synesthetes, phoneticians, and controls—were compared using both qualitative and quantitative analysis in a study conducted online. Whilst, in the qualitative analysis, synesthetes used more color and texture terms to describe voices than either phoneticians or controls, only weak differences, and many similarities, between groups were found in the quantitative analysis. Notable consistent results between groups were the matching of higher speech fundamental frequencies with lighter and redder colors, the matching of “whispery” voices with smoke-like textures, and the matching of “harsh” and “creaky” voices with textures resembling dry cracked soil. These data are discussed in the light of current thinking about definitions and categorizations of synesthesia, especially in cases where individuals apparently have a range of different synesthetic inducers. PMID:24032023

Developing Oral Proficiency with VoiceThread: Learners' Strategic Uses and Views

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dugartsyrenova, Vera A.; Sardegna, Veronica G.

2017-01-01

This study explored Russian as a foreign language (RFL) learners' self-reported strategic uses of "VoiceThread" (VT)--a multimodal asynchronous computer-mediated communication tool--in order to gain insights into learner perceived effectiveness of VT for second language (L2) oral skills development and to determine the factors that…

Duenna-An experimental language teaching application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horváth, Balázs Zsigmond; Blaske, Bence; Szabó, Anita

The presented TTS (text-to-speech) application is an auxiliary tool for language teaching. It utilizes computer-generated voices to simulate dialogs representing different grammatical problems or speech contexts. The software is capable of producing as many examples of dialogs as required to enhance the language learning experience and thus serve curriculum representation, grammar contextualization and pronunciation at the same time. It is designed to be used on a regular basis in the language classroom and students gladly write materials for listening comprehension tasks with it. A pilot study involving 26 students (divided into control and trial groups) practicing for their school-leaving exam, indicates that computer-generated voices are adequate to recreate audio course book materials as well. The voices used were able to involve the students as effectively as if they were listening to recorded human speech.

[Cost analysis for navigation in knee endoprosthetics].

PubMed

Cerha, O; Kirschner, S; Günther, K-P; Lützner, J

2009-12-01

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most frequent procedures in orthopaedic surgery. The outcome depends on a range of factors including alignment of the leg and the positioning of the implant in addition to patient-associated factors. Computer-assisted navigation systems can improve the restoration of a neutral leg alignment. This procedure has been established especially in Europe and North America. The additional expenses are not reimbursed in the German DRG system (Diagnosis Related Groups). In the present study a cost analysis of computer-assisted TKA compared to the conventional technique was performed. The acquisition expenses of various navigation systems (5 and 10 year depreciation), annual costs for maintenance and software updates as well as the accompanying costs per operation (consumables, additional operating time) were considered. The additional operating time was determined on the basis of a meta-analysis according to the current literature. Situations with 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 computer-assisted TKAs per year were simulated. The amount of the incremental costs of the computer-assisted TKA depends mainly on the annual volume and the additional operating time. A relevant decrease of the incremental costs was detected between 50 and 100 procedures per year. In a model with 100 computer-assisted TKAs per year an additional operating time of 14 mins and a 10 year depreciation of the investment costs, the incremental expenses amount to 300-395 depending on the navigation system. Computer-assisted TKA is associated with additional costs. From an economical point of view an amount of more than 50 procedures per year appears to be favourable. The cost-effectiveness could be estimated if long-term results will show a reduction of revisions or a better clinical outcome.

Computer-assisted cartography: an overview.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Guptill, S.C.; Starr, L.E.

1984-01-01

An assessment of the current status of computer-assisted cartography, in part, is biased by one's view of the cartographic process as a whole. From a traditional viewpoint we are concerned about automating the mapping process; from a progressive viewpoint we are concerned about using the tools of computer science to convey spatial information. On the surface these viewpoints appear to be in opposition. However, it is postulated that in the final analysis, they face the same goal. This overview uses the perspectives from two viewpoints to depict the current state of computer-assisted cartography and speculate on future goals, trends, and challenges.-Authors

[The speaking fundamental frequency and the singing voice type].

PubMed

Chernobel'skiĭ, S I

2010-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine the speaking fundamental frequency (SFO) in professional opera singers and its dependence on their voice type, if any. A total of 75 persons were available for observation using a special computer clinical program. Male voices were categorized into three groups (viz, tenor, baritone, and bass), female ones into 2 groups (soprano and mezzo-soprano). It was shown that borderlines between SFO types varied within a wide range in all study groups. Significant differences in SFO were documented between tenors, baritones, and basses and between sopranos and mezzo-sopranos; the differences were insignificant between baritones and basses. It is concluded that the speaking fundamental frequency depends on the type of the singing voice; however this characteristic may serve only as an auxiliary tool but can not be used for the classification of singing voices.

Exploring expressivity and emotion with artificial voice and speech technologies.

PubMed

Pauletto, Sandra; Balentine, Bruce; Pidcock, Chris; Jones, Kevin; Bottaci, Leonardo; Aretoulaki, Maria; Wells, Jez; Mundy, Darren P; Balentine, James

2013-10-01

Emotion in audio-voice signals, as synthesized by text-to-speech (TTS) technologies, was investigated to formulate a theory of expression for user interface design. Emotional parameters were specified with markup tags, and the resulting audio was further modulated with post-processing techniques. Software was then developed to link a selected TTS synthesizer with an automatic speech recognition (ASR) engine, producing a chatbot that could speak and listen. Using these two artificial voice subsystems, investigators explored both artistic and psychological implications of artificial speech emotion. Goals of the investigation were interdisciplinary, with interest in musical composition, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), commercial voice announcement applications, human-computer interaction (HCI), and artificial intelligence (AI). The work-in-progress points towards an emerging interdisciplinary ontology for artificial voices. As one study output, HCI tools are proposed for future collaboration.

An acoustic feature-based similarity scoring system for speech rehabilitation assistance.

PubMed

Syauqy, Dahnial; Wu, Chao-Min; Setyawati, Onny

2016-08-01

The purpose of this study is to develop a tool to assist speech therapy and rehabilitation, which focused on automatic scoring based on the comparison of the patient's speech with another normal speech on several aspects including pitch, vowel, voiced-unvoiced segments, strident fricative and sound intensity. The pitch estimation employed the use of cepstrum-based algorithm for its robustness; the vowel classification used multilayer perceptron (MLP) to classify vowel from pitch and formants; and the strident fricative detection was based on the major peak spectral intensity, location and the pitch existence in the segment. In order to evaluate the performance of the system, this study analyzed eight patient's speech recordings (four males, four females; 4-58-years-old), which had been recorded in previous study in cooperation with Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Taoyuan General Hospital. The experiment result on pitch algorithm showed that the cepstrum method had 5.3% of gross pitch error from a total of 2086 frames. On the vowel classification algorithm, MLP method provided 93% accuracy (men), 87% (women) and 84% (children). In total, the overall results showed that 156 tool's grading results (81%) were consistent compared to 192 audio and visual observations done by four experienced respondents. Implication for Rehabilitation Difficulties in communication may limit the ability of a person to transfer and exchange information. The fact that speech is one of the primary means of communication has encouraged the needs of speech diagnosis and rehabilitation. The advances of technology in computer-assisted speech therapy (CAST) improve the quality, time efficiency of the diagnosis and treatment of the disorders. The present study attempted to develop tool to assist speech therapy and rehabilitation, which provided simple interface to let the assessment be done even by the patient himself without the need of particular knowledge of speech processing while at the same time, also provided further deep analysis of the speech, which can be useful for the speech therapist.

Real time analysis of voiced sounds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hong, J. P. (Inventor)

1976-01-01

A power spectrum analysis of the harmonic content of a voiced sound signal is conducted in real time by phase-lock-loop tracking of the fundamental frequency, (f sub 0) of the signal and successive harmonics (h sub 1 through h sub n) of the fundamental frequency. The analysis also includes measuring the quadrature power and phase of each frequency tracked, differentiating the power measurements of the harmonics in adjacent pairs, and analyzing successive differentials to determine peak power points in the power spectrum for display or use in analysis of voiced sound, such as for voice recognition.

Managerial and professional collaboration in the provision of home care rehabilitation.

PubMed

Hollis, Vivien; May, Laura

2005-01-01

Demand for home care rehabilitation continues to grow in response to faster hospital discharges. One solution is to expand rehabilitation services using therapist assistants. Professionals voice concerns regarding many instances of assistants providing interventions outside their expertise and practicing without therapist supervision. This paper provides principles elicited from practitioners' experiences of an effective management culture and collaboration in one home care organization that effectively assimilated assistants, with reports of consequent improvements to rehabilitation service and client outcomes.

Computer-Assisted Microscopy in Science Teaching and Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Radice, Gary P.

1997-01-01

Describes a technological approach to teaching the relationships between biological form and function. Computer-assisted image analysis was integrated into a microanatomy course. Students spend less time memorizing and more time observing, measuring, and interpreting, building technical and analytical skills. Appendices list hardware and software…

Broadening the interface bandwidth in simulation based training

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Somers, Larry E.

1989-01-01

Currently most computer based simulations rely exclusively on computer generated graphics to create the simulation. When training is involved, the method almost exclusively used to display information to the learner is text displayed on the cathode ray tube. MICROEXPERT Systems is concentrating on broadening the communications bandwidth between the computer and user by employing a novel approach to video image storage combined with sound and voice output. An expert system is used to combine and control the presentation of analog video, sound, and voice output with computer based graphics and text. Researchers are currently involved in the development of several graphics based user interfaces for NASA, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy. Here, the focus is on the human factors considerations, software modules, and hardware components being used to develop these interfaces.

The pattern of educator voice in clinical counseling in an educational hospital in Shiraz, Iran: a conversation analysis

PubMed Central

Kalateh Sadati, Ahmad; Bagheri Lankarani, Kamran

2017-01-01

Doctor-patient interaction (DPI) includes different voices, of which the educator voice is of considerable importance. Physicians employ this voice to educate patients and their caregivers by providing them with information in order to change the patients’ behavior and improve their health status. The subject has not yet been fully understood, and therefore the present study was conducted to explore the pattern of educator voice. For this purpose, conversation analysis (CA) of 33 recorded clinical consultations was performed in outpatient educational clinics in Shiraz, Iran between April 2014 and September 2014. In this qualitative study, all utterances, repetitions, lexical forms, chuckles and speech particles were considered and interpreted as social actions. Interpretations were based on inductive data-driven analysis with the aim to find recurring patterns of educator voice. The results showed educator voice to have two general features: descriptive and prescriptive. However, the pattern of educator voice comprised characteristics such as superficiality, marginalization of patients, one-dimensional approach, ignoring a healthy lifestyle, and robotic nature. The findings of this study clearly demonstrated a deficiency in the educator voice and inadequacy in patient-centered dialogue. In this setting, the educator voice was related to a distortion of DPI through the physicians’ dominance, leading them to ignore their professional obligation to educate patients. Therefore, policies in this regard should take more account of enriching the educator voice through training medical students and faculty members in communication skills. PMID:29296258

The pattern of educator voice in clinical counseling in an educational hospital in Shiraz, Iran: a conversation analysis.

PubMed

Kalateh Sadati, Ahmad; Bagheri Lankarani, Kamran

2017-01-01

Doctor-patient interaction (DPI) includes different voices, of which the educator voice is of considerable importance. Physicians employ this voice to educate patients and their caregivers by providing them with information in order to change the patients' behavior and improve their health status. The subject has not yet been fully understood, and therefore the present study was conducted to explore the pattern of educator voice. For this purpose, conversation analysis (CA) of 33 recorded clinical consultations was performed in outpatient educational clinics in Shiraz, Iran between April 2014 and September 2014. In this qualitative study, all utterances, repetitions, lexical forms, chuckles and speech particles were considered and interpreted as social actions. Interpretations were based on inductive data-driven analysis with the aim to find recurring patterns of educator voice. The results showed educator voice to have two general features: descriptive and prescriptive. However, the pattern of educator voice comprised characteristics such as superficiality, marginalization of patients, one-dimensional approach, ignoring a healthy lifestyle, and robotic nature. The findings of this study clearly demonstrated a deficiency in the educator voice and inadequacy in patient-centered dialogue. In this setting, the educator voice was related to a distortion of DPI through the physicians' dominance, leading them to ignore their professional obligation to educate patients. Therefore, policies in this regard should take more account of enriching the educator voice through training medical students and faculty members in communication skills.

Quantitative analysis of professionally trained versus untrained voices.

PubMed

Siupsinskiene, Nora

2003-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare healthy trained and untrained voices as well as healthy and dysphonic trained voices in adults using combined voice range profile and aerodynamic tests, to define the normal range limiting values of quantitative voice parameters and to select the most informative quantitative voice parameters for separation between healthy and dysphonic trained voices. Three groups of persons were evaluated. One hundred eighty six healthy volunteers were divided into two groups according to voice training: non-professional speakers group consisted of 106 untrained voices persons (36 males and 70 females) and professional speakers group--of 80 trained voices persons (21 males and 59 females). Clinical group consisted of 103 dysphonic professional speakers (23 males and 80 females) with various voice disorders. Eighteen quantitative voice parameters from combined voice range profile (VRP) test were analyzed: 8 of voice range profile, 8 of speaking voice, overall vocal dysfunction degree and coefficient of sound, and aerodynamic maximum phonation time. Analysis showed that healthy professional speakers demonstrated expanded vocal abilities in comparison to healthy non-professional speakers. Quantitative voice range profile parameters- pitch range, high frequency limit, area of high frequencies and coefficient of sound differed significantly between healthy professional and non-professional voices, and were more informative than speaking voice or aerodynamic parameters in showing the voice training. Logistic stepwise regression revealed that VRP area in high frequencies was sufficient to discriminate between healthy and dysphonic professional speakers for male subjects (overall discrimination accuracy--81.8%) and combination of three quantitative parameters (VRP high frequency limit, maximum voice intensity and slope of speaking curve) for female subjects (overall model discrimination accuracy--75.4%). We concluded that quantitative voice assessment with selected parameters might be useful for evaluation of voice education for healthy professional speakers as well as for detection of vocal dysfunction and evaluation of rehabilitation effect in dysphonic professionals.

Path Models of Vocal Emotion Communication

PubMed Central

Bänziger, Tanja; Hosoya, Georg; Scherer, Klaus R.

2015-01-01

We propose to use a comprehensive path model of vocal emotion communication, encompassing encoding, transmission, and decoding processes, to empirically model data sets on emotion expression and recognition. The utility of the approach is demonstrated for two data sets from two different cultures and languages, based on corpora of vocal emotion enactment by professional actors and emotion inference by naïve listeners. Lens model equations, hierarchical regression, and multivariate path analysis are used to compare the relative contributions of objectively measured acoustic cues in the enacted expressions and subjective voice cues as perceived by listeners to the variance in emotion inference from vocal expressions for four emotion families (fear, anger, happiness, and sadness). While the results confirm the central role of arousal in vocal emotion communication, the utility of applying an extended path modeling framework is demonstrated by the identification of unique combinations of distal cues and proximal percepts carrying information about specific emotion families, independent of arousal. The statistical models generated show that more sophisticated acoustic parameters need to be developed to explain the distal underpinnings of subjective voice quality percepts that account for much of the variance in emotion inference, in particular voice instability and roughness. The general approach advocated here, as well as the specific results, open up new research strategies for work in psychology (specifically emotion and social perception research) and engineering and computer science (specifically research and development in the domain of affective computing, particularly on automatic emotion detection and synthetic emotion expression in avatars). PMID:26325076

Characteristics and professional use of voice in street children in Aracaju, Brazil.

PubMed

Sales, Neuza Josina; Gurgel, Ricardo Queiroz; Gonçalves, Maria Inês Rebelo; Cunha, Edílson; Barreto, Valeria Maria Prado; Todt Neto, João Carlos; D'Avila, Jeferson Sampaio

2010-07-01

The objective of the study was to evaluate voice characteristics of children engaged in street selling, which involves an essentially professional use of voice in this population. A controlled cross-sectional study was carried out. A randomly chosen sample of 200 school children with a history of street selling assisted by public social services and 400 school children without this experience was selected. Seven- to 10-year-old children of both sexes were studied. Both groups were interviewed and given vocal assessment (auditory-perceptual assessment and spectrographic acoustic measures) and otorhinolaryngological evaluation (physical and videonasolaryngoscopic examination). Children with abnormal results in both groups were compared using chi(2) (Chi-squared test). The significance level was established at 5% (P<0.05). Voice problems were detected more frequently in working children (106-53%) than in regular school children (90-22.5%). The control group achieved better school performance as more children in this group attend school regularly than street children, although age-for-grade deficit was similar. The control group had more access to medical visits (80-40%) and treatment with a doctor (34-17%). Language assessment has shown that the control group had more dysphonia (73-37%) and myofunctional orofacial disorders (20-10%). Street children had more normal voice but had more nasal disorders and greater glottal closure than the school control group. Voice disorders were present in both groups, but less frequently in street children. Although subject to inadequate living conditions, street children had better voice quality than the control group. An explanation could be that by adapting their voice professionally for selling goods in the streets, they developed adequate resilience to their difficult living conditions. Copyright (c) 2010 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Computer-assisted spinal osteotomy: a technical note and report of four cases.

PubMed

Fujibayashi, Shunsuke; Neo, Masashi; Takemoto, Mitsuru; Ota, Masato; Nakayama, Tomitaka; Toguchida, Junya; Nakamura, Takashi

2010-08-15

A report of 4 cases of spinal osteotomy performed under the guidance of a computer-assisted navigation system and a technical note about the use of the navigation system for spinal osteotomy. To document the surgical technique and usefulness of computer-assisted surgery for spinal osteotomy. A computer-assisted navigation system provides accurate 3-dimensional (3D) real-time surgical information during the operation. Although there are many reports on the accuracy and usefulness of a navigation system for pedicle screw placement, there are few reports on the application for spinal osteotomy. We report on 4 complex cases including 3 solitary malignant spinal tumors and 1 spinal kyphotic deformity of ankylosing spondylitis, which were treated surgically using a computer-assisted spinal osteotomy. The surgical technique and postoperative clinical and radiologic results are presented. 3D spinal osteotomy under the guidance of a computer-assisted navigation system was performed successfully in 4 patients. All malignant tumors were resected en bloc, and the spinal deformity was corrected precisely according to the preoperative plan. Pathologic analysis confirmed the en bloc resection without tumor exposure in the 3 patients with a spinal tumor. The use of a computer-assisted navigation system will help ensure the safety and efficacy of a complex 3D spinal osteotomy.

78 FR 12794 - Notice of Determinations Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-25

... Brands Black River, NY.... November 19, 2011. Corporation (IBC), Hostess Brands, Inc. 82,165D Interstate... Verizon Business San Antonio, TX.... Networks Services, Inc., Senior Coordinator-Oder Management, Voice...

Making and Keeping Friends: A Self-Help Guide

MedlinePlus

... Acknowledgment is given to the many mental health consumers who worked on this project offering advice and ... 2647 (voice) Web site: www. mentalhealth. samhsa. gov Consumer Organization and Networking Technical Assistance Center (CONTAC) P. ...

Perceptions of the Barriers to Effective Inclusion in One Primary School: Voices of Teachers and Teaching Assistants

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glazzard, Jonathan

2011-01-01

This study examined the barriers to inclusion in one primary school in the north of England. Qualitative data were collected from teachers and teaching assistants through the use of a focus group. The evidence suggested that practices within the school were varied and ranged from highly inclusive to highly exclusive. Some teachers worked in good…

Miracle Workers: When Appropriately Prescribed and Supported by Solid Instruction, Alternative and Augmentative Communication Devices Can Give Voices to Students Otherwise "Trapped" by Their Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bainbridge, Marc

2005-01-01

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-PL 101-478) of 1990 assures the right to assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. Later versions of the law increased spending, support, and consumer decision making and encouraged research and development for a range of assistive instructional technologies. As a result, the…

Telecommunications Relay Service

MedlinePlus

... used with an existing voice telephone and a computer or other Web-enabled device without requiring any ... based TRS call. The user may use a computer or other web-enabled device to communicate with ...

Enhanced Living by Assessing Voice Pathology Using a Co-Occurrence Matrix

PubMed Central

Muhammad, Ghulam; Alhamid, Mohammed F.; Hossain, M. Shamim; Almogren, Ahmad S.; Vasilakos, Athanasios V.

2017-01-01

A large number of the population around the world suffers from various disabilities. Disabilities affect not only children but also adults of different professions. Smart technology can assist the disabled population and lead to a comfortable life in an enhanced living environment (ELE). In this paper, we propose an effective voice pathology assessment system that works in a smart home framework. The proposed system takes input from various sensors, and processes the acquired voice signals and electroglottography (EGG) signals. Co-occurrence matrices in different directions and neighborhoods from the spectrograms of these signals were obtained. Several features such as energy, entropy, contrast, and homogeneity from these matrices were calculated and fed into a Gaussian mixture model-based classifier. Experiments were performed with a publicly available database, namely, the Saarbrucken voice database. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system in light of its high accuracy and speed. The proposed system can be extended to assess other disabilities in an ELE. PMID:28146069

Enhanced Living by Assessing Voice Pathology Using a Co-Occurrence Matrix.

PubMed

Muhammad, Ghulam; Alhamid, Mohammed F; Hossain, M Shamim; Almogren, Ahmad S; Vasilakos, Athanasios V

2017-01-29

A large number of the population around the world suffers from various disabilities. Disabilities affect not only children but also adults of different professions. Smart technology can assist the disabled population and lead to a comfortable life in an enhanced living environment (ELE). In this paper, we propose an effective voice pathology assessment system that works in a smart home framework. The proposed system takes input from various sensors, and processes the acquired voice signals and electroglottography (EGG) signals. Co-occurrence matrices in different directions and neighborhoods from the spectrograms of these signals were obtained. Several features such as energy, entropy, contrast, and homogeneity from these matrices were calculated and fed into a Gaussian mixture model-based classifier. Experiments were performed with a publicly available database, namely, the Saarbrucken voice database. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system in light of its high accuracy and speed. The proposed system can be extended to assess other disabilities in an ELE.

Antecedent Knowledge and Intelligent Computer Assisted Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woodward, John P.; Carnine, Douglas W.

1988-01-01

The article reviews Intelligent Computer Assisted Instruction (ICAI), an area of artificial intelligence and notes its shortcomings for learning disabled students. It is suggested that emphasis on antecedent knowledge (important facts, concepts, rules, and/or strategies for the content area) and content analysis and design techniques would make…

A Multidisciplinary Model for Development of Intelligent Computer-Assisted Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Park, Ok-choon; Seidel, Robert J.

1989-01-01

Proposes a schematic multidisciplinary model to help developers of intelligent computer-assisted instruction (ICAI) identify the types of required expertise and integrate them into a system. Highlights include domain types and expertise; knowledge acquisition; task analysis; knowledge representation; student modeling; diagnosis of learning needs;…

Cost-Benefit Analysis for ECIA Chapter 1 and State DPPF Programs Comparing Groups Receiving Regular Program Instruction and Groups Receiving Computer Assisted Instruction/Computer Management System (CAI/CMS). 1986-87.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chamberlain, Ed

A cost benefit study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a computer assisted instruction/computer management system (CAI/CMS) as an alternative to conventional methods of teaching reading within Chapter 1 and DPPF funded programs of the Columbus (Ohio) Public Schools. The Chapter 1 funded Compensatory Language Experiences and Reading…

Vocal effectiveness of speech-language pathology students: Before and after voice use during service delivery.

PubMed

Couch, Stephanie; Zieba, Dominique; Van der Linde, Jeannie; Van der Merwe, Anita

2015-03-26

As a professional voice user, it is imperative that a speech-language pathologist's(SLP) vocal effectiveness remain consistent throughout the day. Many factors may contribute to reduced vocal effectiveness, including prolonged voice use, vocally abusive behaviours,poor vocal hygiene and environmental factors. To determine the effect of service delivery on the perceptual and acoustic features of voice. A quasi-experimental., pre-test-post-test research design was used. Participants included third- and final-year speech-language pathology students at the University of Pretoria(South Africa). Voice parameters were evaluated in a pre-test measurement, after which the participants provided two consecutive hours of therapy. A post-test measurement was then completed. Data analysis consisted of an instrumental analysis in which the multidimensional voice programme (MDVP) and the voice range profile (VRP) were used to measure vocal parameters and then calculate the dysphonia severity index (DSI). The GRBASI scale was used to conduct a perceptual analysis of voice quality. Data were processed using descriptive statistics to determine change in each measured parameter after service delivery. A change of clinical significance was observed in the acoustic and perceptual parameters of voice. Guidelines for SLPs in order to maintain optimal vocal effectiveness were suggested.

Vocal effectiveness of speech-language pathology students: Before and after voice use during service delivery

PubMed Central

Couch, Stephanie; Zieba, Dominique; van der Merwe, Anita

2015-01-01

Background As a professional voice user, it is imperative that a speech-language pathologist's (SLP) vocal effectiveness remain consistent throughout the day. Many factors may contribute to reduced vocal effectiveness, including prolonged voice use, vocally abusive behaviours, poor vocal hygiene and environmental factors. Objectives To determine the effect of service delivery on the perceptual and acoustic features of voice. Method A quasi-experimental., pre-test–post-test research design was used. Participants included third- and final-year speech-language pathology students at the University of Pretoria (South Africa). Voice parameters were evaluated in a pre-test measurement, after which the participants provided two consecutive hours of therapy. A post-test measurement was then completed. Data analysis consisted of an instrumental analysis in which the multidimensional voice programme (MDVP) and the voice range profile (VRP) were used to measure vocal parameters and then calculate the dysphonia severity index (DSI). The GRBASI scale was used to conduct a perceptual analysis of voice quality. Data were processed using descriptive statistics to determine change in each measured parameter after service delivery. Results A change of clinical significance was observed in the acoustic and perceptual parameters of voice. Conclusion Guidelines for SLPs in order to maintain optimal vocal effectiveness were suggested. PMID:26304213

Speaking Math--A Voice Input, Speech Output Calculator for Students with Visual Impairments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bouck, Emily C.; Flanagan, Sara; Joshi, Gauri S.; Sheikh, Waseem; Schleppenbach, Dave

2011-01-01

This project explored a newly developed computer-based voice input, speech output (VISO) calculator. Three high school students with visual impairments educated at a state school for the blind and visually impaired participated in the study. The time they took to complete assessments and the average number of attempts per problem were recorded…

The Voice Transcription Technique: Use of Voice Recognition Software to Transcribe Digital Interview Data in Qualitative Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matheson, Jennifer L.

2007-01-01

Transcribing interview data is a time-consuming task that most qualitative researchers dislike. Transcribing is even more difficult for people with physical limitations because traditional transcribing requires manual dexterity and the ability to sit at a computer for long stretches of time. Researchers have begun to explore using an automated…

Voice hearing: a secondary analysis of talk by people who hear voices.

PubMed

Jones, Malcolm; Coffey, Michael

2012-02-01

Unitary explanations of mental illness symptoms appear to be inadequate when faced with everyday experiences of living with these conditions. In particular, the experience of voice hearing is not sufficiently accounted for by biomedical explanations. This paper revisits data collected from a sample of people who hear voices to perform a secondary analysis with the aim of examining the explanatory devices deployed by individuals in their accounts of voice hearing. Secondary analysis is the use of existing data, collected for a previous study, in order to explore a research question distinct from the original inquiry. In this study, we subjected these data to a thematic analysis. People who hear voices make use of standard psychiatric explanations about the experience in their accounts. However, the accounts paint a more complex picture and show that people also impute personal meaning to the experience. This in turn implicates both personal and social identity; that is, how the person is known to themselves and to others. We suggest that this knowledge can inform a more thoughtful engagement with the experiences of voice hearing by mental health nurses. © 2011 The Authors; International Journal of Mental Health Nursing © 2011 Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc.

Nonlinear dynamic mechanism of vocal tremor from voice analysis and model simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yu; Jiang, Jack J.

2008-09-01

Nonlinear dynamic analysis and model simulations are used to study the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of vocal folds with vocal tremor, which can typically be characterized by low-frequency modulation and aperiodicity. Tremor voices from patients with disorders such as paresis, Parkinson's disease, hyperfunction, and adductor spasmodic dysphonia show low-dimensional characteristics, differing from random noise. Correlation dimension analysis statistically distinguishes tremor voices from normal voices. Furthermore, a nonlinear tremor model is proposed to study the vibrations of the vocal folds with vocal tremor. Fractal dimensions and positive Lyapunov exponents demonstrate the evidence of chaos in the tremor model, where amplitude and frequency play important roles in governing vocal fold dynamics. Nonlinear dynamic voice analysis and vocal fold modeling may provide a useful set of tools for understanding the dynamic mechanism of vocal tremor in patients with laryngeal diseases.

[Singing formant analysis of KunQu actors in their mutation and grown-up].

PubMed

Zhu, Mei; Zhang, Dao-Xing; Liu, Yong-Xiang; Yang, Xiao-ju

2005-04-01

To compare the singing formant differences between successful opera actors and non-successful opera actors during their adolescence period, and to compare the same index between adolescence and adult period of successful actors. From 1985 to 1986, the author had 21 adolescent actors' voice recorded, all of them were from Beijing KunQu opera troupe. In 2000, all the 21 subjects had their voice recorded and singing formant (Fs) analyzed by using computer and sound spectrograph, 7 of them had become adult actors, others quitted their actors career after adolescents period. Successful actors have obvious Fs, and stronger acoustic energy; successful actors had weaker Fs value during adolescence period than during adult period (t = 2. 9600, P < 0.05). Fs's presence and its acoustic energy were important to evaluate adolescent actors future locality potential.

Flood damage assessment using computer-assisted analysis of color infrared photography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, William H.

1978-01-01

Use of digitized aerial photographs for flood damage assessment in agriculture is new and largely untested. However, under flooding circumstances similar to the 1975 Red River Valley flood, computer-assisted techniques can be extremely useful, especially if detailed crop damage estimates are needed within a relatively short period of time.Airphoto interpretation techniques, manual or computer-assisted, are not intended to replace conventional ground survey and sampling procedures. But their use should be considered a valuable addition to the tools currently available for assessing agricultural flood damage.

Exploring the feasibility of smart phone microphone for measurement of acoustic voice parameters and voice pathology screening.

PubMed

Uloza, Virgilijus; Padervinskis, Evaldas; Vegiene, Aurelija; Pribuisiene, Ruta; Saferis, Viktoras; Vaiciukynas, Evaldas; Gelzinis, Adas; Verikas, Antanas

2015-11-01

The objective of this study is to evaluate the reliability of acoustic voice parameters obtained using smart phone (SP) microphones and investigate the utility of use of SP voice recordings for voice screening. Voice samples of sustained vowel/a/obtained from 118 subjects (34 normal and 84 pathological voices) were recorded simultaneously through two microphones: oral AKG Perception 220 microphone and SP Samsung Galaxy Note3 microphone. Acoustic voice signal data were measured for fundamental frequency, jitter and shimmer, normalized noise energy (NNE), signal to noise ratio and harmonic to noise ratio using Dr. Speech software. Discriminant analysis-based Correct Classification Rate (CCR) and Random Forest Classifier (RFC) based Equal Error Rate (EER) were used to evaluate the feasibility of acoustic voice parameters classifying normal and pathological voice classes. Lithuanian version of Glottal Function Index (LT_GFI) questionnaire was utilized for self-assessment of the severity of voice disorder. The correlations of acoustic voice parameters obtained with two types of microphones were statistically significant and strong (r = 0.73-1.0) for the entire measurements. When classifying into normal/pathological voice classes, the Oral-NNE revealed the CCR of 73.7% and the pair of SP-NNE and SP-shimmer parameters revealed CCR of 79.5%. However, fusion of the results obtained from SP voice recordings and GFI data provided the CCR of 84.60% and RFC revealed the EER of 7.9%, respectively. In conclusion, measurements of acoustic voice parameters using SP microphone were shown to be reliable in clinical settings demonstrating high CCR and low EER when distinguishing normal and pathological voice classes, and validated the suitability of the SP microphone signal for the task of automatic voice analysis and screening.

Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software.

PubMed

Cope, Diane G

2014-05-01

Advances in technology have provided new approaches for data collection methods and analysis for researchers. Data collection is no longer limited to paper-and-pencil format, and numerous methods are now available through Internet and electronic resources. With these techniques, researchers are not burdened with entering data manually and data analysis is facilitated by software programs. Quantitative research is supported by the use of computer software and provides ease in the management of large data sets and rapid analysis of numeric statistical methods. New technologies are emerging to support qualitative research with the availability of computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS).CAQDAS will be presented with a discussion of advantages, limitations, controversial issues, and recommendations for this type of software use.

Secure Recognition of Voice-Less Commands Using Videos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yau, Wai Chee; Kumar, Dinesh Kant; Weghorn, Hans

Interest in voice recognition technologies for internet applications is growing due to the flexibility of speech-based communication. The major drawback with the use of sound for internet access with computers is that the commands will be audible to other people in the vicinity. This paper examines a secure and voice-less method for recognition of speech-based commands using video without evaluating sound signals. The proposed approach represents mouth movements in the video data using 2D spatio-temporal templates (STT). Zernike moments (ZM) are computed from STT and fed into support vector machines (SVM) to be classified into one of the utterances. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed technique produces a high accuracy of 98% in a phoneme classification task. The proposed technique is demonstrated to be invariant to global variations of illumination level. Such a system is useful for securely interpreting user commands for internet applications on mobile devices.

Correcting Spellings in Second Language Learners' Computer-Assisted Collaborative Writing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Musk, Nigel

2016-01-01

The present study uses multimodal conversation analysis to examine how pupils studying English as a foreign language make spelling corrections in real time while doing collaborative computer-assisted project work. Unlike most previous related investigations, this study focuses on the "process" rather than evaluating the final…

Applications of Parsing Theory to Computer-Assisted Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Markosian, Lawrence Z.; Ager, Tryg A.

1983-01-01

Applications of an LR-1 parsing algorithm to intelligent programs for computer assisted instruction in symbolic logic and foreign languages are discussed. The system has been adequately used for diverse instructional applications, including analysis of student input, generation of pattern drills, and modeling the student's understanding of the…

How well does voice interaction work in space?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, Randy B.; Whitmore, Mihriban; Adam, Susan C.

1993-01-01

The methods and results of an evaluation of the Voice Navigator software package are discussed. The first phase or ground phase of the study consisted of creating, or training, computer voice files of specific commands. This consisted of repeating each of six commands eight times. The files were then tested for recognition accuracy by the software aboard the microgravity aircraft. During the second phase, both voice training and testing were performed in microgravity. Inflight training was done due to problems encountered in phase one which were believed to be caused by ambient noise levels. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Only one of the commands was found to offer consistently high recognition rates across subjects during the second phase.

Acoustic Analysis of Voice in Dysarthria following Stroke

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wang, Yu-Tsai; Kent, Ray D.; Kent, Jane Finley; Duffy, Joseph R.; Thomas, Jack E.

2009-01-01

Although perceptual studies indicate the likelihood of voice disorders in persons with stroke, there have been few objective instrumental studies of voice dysfunction in dysarthria following stroke. This study reports automatic analysis of sustained vowel phonation for 61 speakers with stroke. The results show: (1) men with stroke and healthy…

Aphasia vs. Apraxia

MedlinePlus

... tech system – Paper and pencil High-tech system – Computer program that produces voice output at keystroke Oral ... for Aphasia Actions Speak as Loud as Words Computers & Language Rehab From Singing to Speaking When the ...

Struggling to Hear? Tiny Devices Can Keep You Connected

MedlinePlus

... features. For example, some can connect to your mobile phone, TV, and other devices using Bluetooth technology. That ... Loss? Hearing Aids Hearing Loss and Hearing Aid Use (Infographic) Assistive Devices for People with Hearing, Voice, ...

Multidimensional assessment of strongly irregular voices such as in substitution voicing and spasmodic dysphonia: a compilation of own research.

PubMed

Moerman, Mieke; Martens, Jean-Pierre; Dejonckere, Philippe

2015-04-01

This article is a compilation of own research performed during the European COoperation in Science and Technology (COST) action 2103: 'Advance Voice Function Assessment', an initiative of voice and speech processing teams consisting of physicists, engineers, and clinicians. This manuscript concerns analyzing largely irregular voicing types, namely substitution voicing (SV) and adductor spasmodic dysphonia (AdSD). A specific perceptual rating scale (IINFVo) was developed, and the Auditory Model Based Pitch Extractor (AMPEX), a piece of software that automatically analyses running speech and generates pitch values in background noise, was applied. The IINFVo perceptual rating scale has been shown to be useful in evaluating SV. The analysis of strongly irregular voices stimulated a modification of the European Laryngological Society's assessment protocol which was originally designed for the common types of (less severe) dysphonia. Acoustic analysis with AMPEX demonstrates that the most informative features are, for SV, the voicing-related acoustic features and, for AdSD, the perturbation measures. Poor correlations between self-assessment and acoustic and perceptual dimensions in the assessment of highly irregular voices argue for a multidimensional approach.

Elementary and Advanced Computer Projects for the Physics Classroom and Laboratory

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-12-01

are SPF/PC, MS Word, n3, Symphony, Mathematics, and FORTRAN. The authors’ programs assist data analysis in particular laboratory experiments and make...assist data analysis in particular laboratory experiments and make use of the Monte Carlo and other numerical techniques in computer simulation and...the language of science and engineering in industry and government laboratories (alth..4h C is becoming a powerful competitor ). RM/FORTRAN (cost $400

Genetic expression programming-based DBA for enhancing peer-assisted music-on-demand service in EPON

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liem, Andrew Tanny; Hwang, I.-Shyan; Nikoukar, AliAkbar; Lee, Jhong-Yue

2015-03-01

Today, the popularity of peer-assisted music-on-demand (MoD) has increased significantly worldwide. This service allows users to access large music library tracks, listen to music, and share their playlist with other users. Unlike the conventional voice traffic, such an application maintains music quality that ranges from 160 kbps to 320 kbps, which most likely consumes more bandwidth than other traffics. In the access network, Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) is one of the best candidates for delivering such a service because of being cost-effective and with high bandwidth. To maintain music quality, a stutter needs to be prevented because of either network effects or when the due user was not receiving enough resources to play in a timely manner. Therefore, in this paper, we propose two genetic expression programming (GEP)-based dynamic bandwidth allocations (DBAs). The first DBA is a generic DBA that aims to find an optimum formula for voice, video, and data services. The second DBA aims to find optimum formulas so that Optical Line Terminal (OLT) can satisfy not only the voice and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) MoD traffics but also reduce the stutter. Optical Network Unit (ONU) traits such as REPORT and GATE messages, cycle time, and mean packet delay are set to be predictor variables. Simulation results show that our proposed DBAs can satisfy the voice and P2P MoD services packet delay and monitor other overall system performances such as expedited forwarding (EF) jitter, packet loss, bandwidth waste, and system throughputs.

Effects of Computer Applications on Elementary School Students' Achievement: A Meta-Analysis of Students in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liao, Yuen-kuang Cliff; Chang, Huei-wen; Chen, Yu-wen

2008-01-01

A meta-analysis was performed to synthesize existing research comparing the effects of computer applications (i.e., computer-assisted instruction, computer simulations, and Web-based learning) versus traditional instruction on elementary school students' achievement in Taiwan. Forty-eight studies were located from four sources, and their…

A model for treating voice disorders in school-age children within a video gaming environment.

PubMed

King, Suzanne N; Davis, Larry; Lehman, Jeffrey J; Ruddy, Bari Hoffman

2012-09-01

Clinicians use a variety of approaches to motivate children with hyperfunctional voice disorders to comply with voice therapy in a therapeutic session and improve the motivation of children to practice home-based exercises. Utilization of current entertainment technology in such approaches may improve participation and motivation in voice therapy. The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility of using an entertainment video game as a therapy device. Prospective cohort and case-control study. Three levels of game testing were conducted to an existing entertainment video game for use as a voice therapy protocol. The game was tested by two computer programmers and five normal participants. The third level of testing was a case study with a child diagnosed with a hyperfunctional voice disorder. Modifications to the game were made after each feasibility test. Errors with the video game performance were modified, including the addition of a time stamp directory and game controller. Resonance voice exercises were modified to accommodate the gaming environment and unique competitive situation, including speech rate, acoustic parameters, game speed, and point allocations. The development of video games for voice therapeutic purposes attempt to replicate the high levels of engagement and motivation attained with entertainment video games, stimulating a more productive means of learning while doing. This case study found that a purely entertainment video game can be implemented as a voice therapeutic protocol based on information obtained from the case study. Copyright © 2012 The Voice Foundation. All rights reserved.

"I Don't See Myself as a Medical Assistant Anymore": Learning to Become a Health Coach, in Our Own Voices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willard-Grace, Rachel; Najmabadi, Adriana; Araujo, Christina; Canizalez, Dalia; DeVore, Denise

2013-01-01

Health coaching may improve the health of patients with chronic conditions, and the model is growing in popularity. However, little is known about the experience of becoming a Health Coach. We explored our experiences as medical assistants moving into new roles as health coaches, a trainer of health coaches, and their supporting team. A focus…

Unheard Voices: Themes Emerging from Studies of the Views about School Engagement of Young People with High Support Needs in the Area of Mental Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holdsworth, Roger; Blanchard, Michelle

2006-01-01

We know that students' positive engagement with school is closely linked to their positive mental health. In particular, a positive engagement assists students to develop the human connections and resilience that reduces the risk of developing later mental health problems. What do students themselves say about what assists them to engage…

Plasma cell quantification in bone marrow by computer-assisted image analysis.

PubMed

Went, P; Mayer, S; Oberholzer, M; Dirnhofer, S

2006-09-01

Minor and major criteria for the diagnosis of multiple meloma according to the definition of the WHO classification include different categories of the bone marrow plasma cell count: a shift from the 10-30% group to the > 30% group equals a shift from a minor to a major criterium, while the < 10% group does not contribute to the diagnosis. Plasma cell fraction in the bone marrow is therefore critical for the classification and optimal clinical management of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias. The aim of this study was (i) to establish a digital image analysis system able to quantify bone marrow plasma cells and (ii) to evaluate two quantification techniques in bone marrow trephines i.e. computer-assisted digital image analysis and conventional light-microscopic evaluation. The results were compared regarding inter-observer variation of the obtained results. Eighty-seven patients, 28 with multiple myeloma, 29 with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, and 30 with reactive plasmocytosis were included in the study. Plasma cells in H&E- and CD138-stained slides were quantified by two investigators using light-microscopic estimation and computer-assisted digital analysis. The sets of results were correlated with rank correlation coefficients. Patients were categorized according to WHO criteria addressing the plasma cell content of the bone marrow (group 1: 0-10%, group 2: 11-30%, group 3: > 30%), and the results compared by kappa statistics. The degree of agreement in CD138-stained slides was higher for results obtained using the computer-assisted image analysis system compared to light microscopic evaluation (corr.coeff. = 0.782), as was seen in the intra- (corr.coeff. = 0.960) and inter-individual results correlations (corr.coeff. = 0.899). Inter-observer agreement for categorized results (SM/PW: kappa 0.833) was in a high range. Computer-assisted image analysis demonstrated a higher reproducibility of bone marrow plasma cell quantification. This might be of critical importance for diagnosis, clinical management and prognostics when plasma cell numbers are low, which makes exact quantifications difficult.

Effects of Voice Therapy on Laryngeal Motor Units During Phonation in Chronic Superior Laryngeal Nerve Paresis Dysphonia.

PubMed

Kaneko, Mami; Hitomi, Takefumi; Takekawa, Takashi; Tsuji, Takuya; Kishimoto, Yo; Hirano, Shigeru

2017-09-26

Injury to the superior laryngeal nerve can result in dysphonia, and in particular, loss of vocal range. It can be an especially difficult problem to address with either voice therapy or surgical intervention. Some clinicians and scientists suggest that combining vocal exercises with adjunctive neuromuscular electrical stimulation may enhance the positive effects of voice therapy for superior laryngeal nerve paresis (SLNP). However, the effects of voice therapy without neuromuscular electrical stimulation are unknown. The purpose of this retrospective study was to demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of voice therapy for rehabilitating chronic SLNP dysphonia in two subjects, using interspike interval (ISI) variability of laryngeal motor units by laryngeal electromyography (LEMG). Both patients underwent LEMG and were diagnosed with having 70% recruitment of the cricothyroid muscle, and 70% recruitment of the cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscles, respectively. Both patients received voice therapy for 3 months. Grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain (GRBAS) scale, stroboscopic examination, aerodynamic assessment, acoustic analysis, and Voice Handicap Index-10 were performed before and after voice therapy. Mean ISI variability during steady phonation was also assessed. After voice therapy, both patients showed improvement in vocal assessments by acoustic, aerodynamic, GRBAS, and Voice Handicap Index-10 analysis. LEMG indicated shortened ISIs in both cases. This study suggests that voice therapy for chronic SLNP dysphonia can be useful for improving SLNP and voice quality. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Performance, Accuracy, Data Delivery, and Feedback Methods in Order Selection: A Comparison of Voice, Handheld, and Paper Technologies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ludwig, Timothy D.; Goomas, David T.

2007-01-01

Field study was conducted in auto-parts after-market distribution centers where selectors used handheld computers to receive instructions and feedback about their product selection process. A wireless voice-interaction technology was then implemented in a multiple baseline fashion across three departments of a warehouse (N = 14) and was associated…

Improving the Capture and Re-Use of Data with Wearable Computers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfarr, Barbara; Fating, Curtis C.; Green, Daniel; Powers, Edward I. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

At the Goddard Space Flight Center, members of the Real-Time Software Engineering Branch are developing a wearable, wireless, voice-activated computer for use in a wide range of crosscutting space applications that would benefit from having instant Internet, network, and computer access with complete mobility and hands-free operations. These applications can be applied across many fields and disciplines including spacecraft fabrication, integration and testing (including environmental testing), and astronaut on-orbit control and monitoring of experiments with ground based experimenters. To satisfy the needs of NASA customers, this wearable computer needs to be connected to a wireless network, to transmit and receive real-time video over the network, and to receive updated documents via the Internet or NASA servers. The voice-activated computer, with a unique vocabulary, will allow the users to access documentation in a hands free environment and interact in real-time with remote users. We will discuss wearable computer development, hardware and software issues, wireless network limitations, video/audio solutions and difficulties in language development.

Computer-Assisted Digital Image Analysis of Plus Disease in Retinopathy of Prematurity.

PubMed

Kemp, Pavlina S; VanderVeen, Deborah K

2016-01-01

The objective of this study is to review the current state and role of computer-assisted analysis in diagnosis of plus disease in retinopathy of prematurity. Diagnosis and documentation of retinopathy of prematurity are increasingly being supplemented by digital imaging. The incorporation of computer-aided techniques has the potential to add valuable information and standardization regarding the presence of plus disease, an important criterion in deciding the necessity of treatment of vision-threatening retinopathy of prematurity. A review of literature found that several techniques have been published examining the process and role of computer aided analysis of plus disease in retinopathy of prematurity. These techniques use semiautomated image analysis techniques to evaluate retinal vascular dilation and tortuosity, using calculated parameters to evaluate presence or absence of plus disease. These values are then compared with expert consensus. The study concludes that computer-aided image analysis has the potential to use quantitative and objective criteria to act as a supplemental tool in evaluating for plus disease in the setting of retinopathy of prematurity.

An automatic speech recognition system with speaker-independent identification support

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caranica, Alexandru; Burileanu, Corneliu

2015-02-01

The novelty of this work relies on the application of an open source research software toolkit (CMU Sphinx) to train, build and evaluate a speech recognition system, with speaker-independent support, for voice-controlled hardware applications. Moreover, we propose to use the trained acoustic model to successfully decode offline voice commands on embedded hardware, such as an ARMv6 low-cost SoC, Raspberry PI. This type of single-board computer, mainly used for educational and research activities, can serve as a proof-of-concept software and hardware stack for low cost voice automation systems.

Intra-oral pressure-based voicing control of electrolaryngeal speech with intra-oral vibrator.

PubMed

Takahashi, Hirokazu; Nakao, Masayuki; Kikuchi, Yataro; Kaga, Kimitaka

2008-07-01

In normal speech, coordinated activities of intrinsic laryngeal muscles suspend a glottal sound at utterance of voiceless consonants, automatically realizing a voicing control. In electrolaryngeal speech, however, the lack of voicing control is one of the causes of unclear voice, voiceless consonants tending to be misheard as the corresponding voiced consonants. In the present work, we developed an intra-oral vibrator with an intra-oral pressure sensor that detected utterance of voiceless phonemes during the intra-oral electrolaryngeal speech, and demonstrated that an intra-oral pressure-based voicing control could improve the intelligibility of the speech. The test voices were obtained from one electrolaryngeal speaker and one normal speaker. We first investigated on the speech analysis software how a voice onset time (VOT) and first formant (F1) transition of the test consonant-vowel syllables contributed to voiceless/voiced contrasts, and developed an adequate voicing control strategy. We then compared the intelligibility of consonant-vowel syllables among the intra-oral electrolaryngeal speech with and without online voicing control. The increase of intra-oral pressure, typically with a peak ranging from 10 to 50 gf/cm2, could reliably identify utterance of voiceless consonants. The speech analysis and intelligibility test then demonstrated that a short VOT caused the misidentification of the voiced consonants due to a clear F1 transition. Finally, taking these results together, the online voicing control, which suspended the prosthetic tone while the intra-oral pressure exceeded 2.5 gf/cm2 and during the 35 milliseconds that followed, proved efficient to improve the voiceless/voiced contrast.

Predicting mutational change in the speaking voice of boys.

PubMed

Fuchs, Michael; Fröehlich, Matthias; Hentschel, Bettina; Stuermer, Ingo W; Kruse, Eberhard; Knauft, Daniel

2007-03-01

The authors investigated whether acoustic speaking voice analyses can be used to predict the beginning of mutation in 21 male members of a professional boys' choir. Over a period of 3 years before mutation, children were examined every 3 months by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and phoniatric specialists. At the same time, the voice was evaluated acoustically using analysis features of the Goettingen Hoarseness Diagram (GHD). Irregularity component and noise component, jitter, shimmer, mean waveform correlation coefficient, and fundamental frequency were determined from recordings of the speaking voice. Significant changes of acoustic features appeared 7 and 5 months before mutation onset, which indicates that vocal function is already restricted 6 months before mutation onset. This acoustic voice analysis is therefore suitable to support the care of the professional singing voice.

Modal response of a computational vocal fold model with a substrate layer of adipose tissue.

PubMed

Jones, Cameron L; Achuthan, Ajit; Erath, Byron D

2015-02-01

This study demonstrates the effect of a substrate layer of adipose tissue on the modal response of the vocal folds, and hence, on the mechanics of voice production. Modal analysis is performed on the vocal fold structure with a lateral layer of adipose tissue. A finite element model is employed, and the first six mode shapes and modal frequencies are studied. The results show significant changes in modal frequencies and substantial variation in mode shapes depending on the strain rate of the adipose tissue. These findings highlight the importance of considering adipose tissue in computational vocal fold modeling.

Computer-Assisted, Programmed Text, and Lecture Modes of Instruction in Three Medical Training Courses: Comparative Evaluation. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deignan, Gerard M.; And Others

This report contains a comparative analysis of the differential effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI), programmed instructional text (PIT), and lecture methods of instruction in three medical courses--Medical Laboratory, Radiology, and Dental. The summative evaluation includes (1) multiple regression analyses conducted to predict…

Factors Predicting the Use of Passive Voice in Newspaper Headlines

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Micciulla, Linnea Margaret

2011-01-01

Information packaging researchers have found that certain factors influence active/passive voice alternations: Animacy, Definiteness and Weight influence argument order and thus choice of voice. Researchers in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and psycholinguistics claim that voice is influenced by social factors, e.g. gender, social standing, or…

The Role of Occupational Voice Demand and Patient-Rated Impairment in Predicting Voice Therapy Adherence.

PubMed

Ebersole, Barbara; Soni, Resha S; Moran, Kathleen; Lango, Miriam; Devarajan, Karthik; Jamal, Nausheen

2018-05-01

Examine the relationship among the severity of patient-perceived voice impairment, perceptual dysphonia severity, occupational voice demand, and voice therapy adherence. Identify clinical predictors of increased risk for therapy nonadherence. A retrospective cohort study of patients presenting with a chief complaint of persistent dysphonia at an interdisciplinary voice center was done. The Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) survey scores, clinician rating of dysphonia severity using the Grade score from the Grade, Roughness Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain scale, occupational voice demand, and patient demographics were tested for associations with therapy adherence, defined as completion of the treatment plan. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was performed to establish thresholds for nonadherence risk. Of 166 patients evaluated, 111 were recommended for voice therapy. The therapy nonadherence rate was 56%. Occupational voice demand category, VHI-10, and V-RQOL scores were the only factors significantly correlated with therapy adherence (P < 0.0001, P = 0.018, and P = 0.008, respectively). CART analysis found that patients with low or no occupational voice demand are significantly more likely to be nonadherent with therapy than those with high occupational voice demand (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a VHI-10 score of ≤29 or a V-RQOL score of >40 is a significant cutoff point for predicting therapy nonadherence (P < 0.011 and P < 0.004, respectively). Occupational voice demand and patient perception of impairment are significantly and independently correlated with therapy adherence. A VHI-10 score of ≤9 or a V-RQOL score of >40 is a significant cutoff point for predicting nonadherence risk. Copyright © 2018 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Voice parameters and videonasolaryngoscopy in children with vocal nodules: a longitudinal study, before and after voice therapy.

PubMed

Valadez, Victor; Ysunza, Antonio; Ocharan-Hernandez, Esther; Garrido-Bustamante, Norma; Sanchez-Valerio, Araceli; Pamplona, Ma C

2012-09-01

Vocal Nodules (VN) are a functional voice disorder associated with voice misuse and abuse in children. There are few reports addressing vocal parameters in children with VN, especially after a period of vocal rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to describe measurements of vocal parameters including Fundamental Frequency (FF), Shimmer (S), and Jitter (J), videonasolaryngoscopy examination and clinical perceptual assessment, before and after voice therapy in children with VN. Voice therapy was provided using visual support through Speech-Viewer software. Twenty patients with VN were studied. An acoustical analysis of voice was performed and compared with data from subjects from a control group matched by age and gender. Also, clinical perceptual assessment of voice and videonasolaryngoscopy were performed to all patients with VN. After a period of voice therapy, provided with visual support using Speech Viewer-III (SV-III-IBM) software, new acoustical analyses, perceptual assessments and videonasolaryngoscopies were performed. Before the onset of voice therapy, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean FF, S and J, between the patients with VN and subjects from the control group. After the voice therapy period, a significant improvement (p<0.05) was found in all acoustic voice parameters. Moreover, perceptual voice analysis demonstrated improvement in all cases. Finally, videonasolaryngoscopy demonstrated that vocal nodules were no longer discernible on the vocal folds in any of the cases. SV-III software seems to be a safe and reliable method for providing voice therapy in children with VN. Acoustic voice parameters, perceptual data and videonasolaryngoscopy were significantly improved after the speech therapy period was completed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Medical image computing for computer-supported diagnostics and therapy. Advances and perspectives.

PubMed

Handels, H; Ehrhardt, J

2009-01-01

Medical image computing has become one of the most challenging fields in medical informatics. In image-based diagnostics of the future software assistance will become more and more important, and image analysis systems integrating advanced image computing methods are needed to extract quantitative image parameters to characterize the state and changes of image structures of interest (e.g. tumors, organs, vessels, bones etc.) in a reproducible and objective way. Furthermore, in the field of software-assisted and navigated surgery medical image computing methods play a key role and have opened up new perspectives for patient treatment. However, further developments are needed to increase the grade of automation, accuracy, reproducibility and robustness. Moreover, the systems developed have to be integrated into the clinical workflow. For the development of advanced image computing systems methods of different scientific fields have to be adapted and used in combination. The principal methodologies in medical image computing are the following: image segmentation, image registration, image analysis for quantification and computer assisted image interpretation, modeling and simulation as well as visualization and virtual reality. Especially, model-based image computing techniques open up new perspectives for prediction of organ changes and risk analysis of patients and will gain importance in diagnostic and therapy of the future. From a methodical point of view the authors identify the following future trends and perspectives in medical image computing: development of optimized application-specific systems and integration into the clinical workflow, enhanced computational models for image analysis and virtual reality training systems, integration of different image computing methods, further integration of multimodal image data and biosignals and advanced methods for 4D medical image computing. The development of image analysis systems for diagnostic support or operation planning is a complex interdisciplinary process. Image computing methods enable new insights into the patient's image data and have the future potential to improve medical diagnostics and patient treatment.

Development and preliminary validation of the EASE: a tool to measure perceived singing voice function.

PubMed

Phyland, Debra J; Pallant, Julie F; Benninger, Michael S; Thibeault, Susan L; Greenwood, Ken M; Smith, Julian A; Vallance, Neil

2013-07-01

Most voice self-rating tools are disease-specific measures and are not suitable for use with healthy voice users. There is a need for a tool that is sensitive to the subtleties of a singer's voice and to perceived physical changes in the singing voice mechanism as a function of load. The aim of this study was to devise and validate a scale to assess singer's perceptions of the current status of their singing voice. Ninety-five vocal health descriptors were collected from focus group interviews of singers. These were reviewed by 25 currently performing music theater (MT) singers. Based on a consensus technique, the number of descriptors was decreased to 42 items. These were administered to a sample of 284 professional MT singers using an online survey to evaluate their perception of current singing voice status. Principal component analysis identified two subsets of items. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate and refine these sets of items to form two 10-item subscales. Both subscales demonstrated good overall fit to the Rasch model, no differential item functioning by sex or age, and good internal consistency reliability. The two subscales were strongly correlated and subsequent Rasch analysis supported their combination to form a single 20-item scale with good psychometric properties. The Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily (EASE) is a concise clinical tool to assess singer's perceptions of the current status of their singing voice with good measurement properties. EASE may prove a useful tool to measure changes in the singing voice as indicators of the effect of vocal load. Furthermore, it may offer a valuable means for the prediction or screening of singers "at risk" of developing voice disorders. Copyright © 2013 The Voice Foundation. All rights reserved.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Resection of a Noninvasive Thymoma in a Cat with Myasthenia Gravis Using Low-Pressure Carbon Dioxide Insufflation.

PubMed

Griffin, Maureen A; Sutton, Jessie S; Hunt, Geraldine B; Pypendop, Bruno H; Mayhew, Philipp D

2016-11-01

To report the use of low-pressure carbon dioxide insufflation during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for resection of a noninvasive thymoma in a cat with secondary myasthenia gravis. Clinical case report. Client-owned cat. An 11-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was examined for generalized weakness, voice change, hypersalivation, hyporexia, vomiting, coughing, and gagging. Thoracic ultrasound revealed a cranial mediastinal mass for which cytology was consistent with a thymoma (or lymphoid tissue). Acetylcholine receptor antibody concentration was elevated at 3.16 mmol/L (reference interval < 0.3 mmol/L). Thoracic computed tomography showed two round, contrast-enhancing structures in the cranioventral mediastinum identified as the sternal lymph node and a cranial mediastinal mass (11 × 17 × 24 mm). A presumptive diagnosis of thymoma with paraneoplastic myasthenia gravis was made and surgical resection of both mediastinal masses was recommended. Video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of the cranial mediastinal mass and sternal lymph node were performed with low-pressure carbon dioxide insufflation maintained at an intrathoracic pressure of 2-3 mmHg. The cat recovered from surgery without serious complications. Nineteen months after surgery, the cat developed hind limb stiffness. Thoracic radiographs ruled out a cranial mediastinal mass or megaesophagus. Acetylcholine receptor antibody concentration remained elevated at 2.72 mmol/L. Low-pressure thoracic insufflation facilitated video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of cranial mediastinal masses in this cat. © Copyright 2016 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Two-voice fundamental frequency estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Cheveigné, Alain

2002-05-01

An algorithm is presented that estimates the fundamental frequencies of two concurrent voices or instruments. The algorithm models each voice as a periodic function of time, and jointly estimates both periods by cancellation according to a previously proposed method [de Cheveigné and Kawahara, Speech Commun. 27, 175-185 (1999)]. The new algorithm improves on the old in several respects; it allows an unrestricted search range, effectively avoids harmonic and subharmonic errors, is more accurate (it uses two-dimensional parabolic interpolation), and is computationally less costly. It remains subject to unavoidable errors when periods are in certain simple ratios and the task is inherently ambiguous. The algorithm is evaluated on a small database including speech, singing voice, and instrumental sounds. It can be extended in several ways; to decide the number of voices, to handle amplitude variations, and to estimate more than two voices (at the expense of increased processing cost and decreased reliability). It makes no use of instrument models, learned or otherwise, although it could usefully be combined with such models. [Work supported by the Cognitique programme of the French Ministry of Research and Technology.

Computer-assisted surgery in the lower jaw: double surgical guide for immediately loaded implants in postextractive sites-technical notes and a case report.

PubMed

De Santis, Daniele; Canton, Luciano Claudio; Cucchi, Alessandro; Zanotti, Guglielmo; Pistoia, Enrico; Nocini, Pier Francesco

2010-01-01

Computer-assisted surgery is based on computerized tomography (CT) scan technology to plan the placement of dental implants and a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology to create a custom surgical template. It provides guidance for insertion implants after analysis of existing alveolar bone and planning of implant position, which can be immediately loaded, therefore achieving esthetic and functional results in a surgical stage. The absence of guidelines to treat dentulous areas is often due to a lack of computer-assisted surgery. The authors have attempted to use this surgical methodology to replace residual teeth with an immediate implantoprosthetic restoration. The aim of this case report is to show the possibility of treating a dentulous patient by applying a computer-assisted surgical protocol associated with the use of a double surgical template: one before extraction and a second one after extraction of selected teeth.

Voice, stress, work and quality of life of soccer coaches and physical trainers.

PubMed

Penteado, Regina Zanella; Silva, Noelle Bernardi da; Montebello, Maria Imaculada de Lima

2015-01-01

To assess aspects related to work, stress and quality of life related to voice in soccer coaches (C) and physical trainers (T), comparing the categories. Qualitative and quantitative studies with 13 C and 13 T of teams competing in Phase One of the highest level (Série A ) of the 2012 Campeonato Paulista (São Paulo State Soccer Championship). The questions were open ended and related to complaints, difficulties, and/or problems regarding voice use during work and to the relations between voice, work, stress, and quality of life. Stress at work was analyzed by the Job Stress Scale (JSS) questionnaire. The perception of the impact of the voice on quality of life was evaluated by the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) protocol. The answers to the questions were transcribed and submitted to content analysis, and regarding the questionnaire, descriptive data and analytical statistics were used. Content analysis showed lack of preparation for voice care; voice complaints; and intense vocal use demand under stressful work, in addition to the absence of healthy habits and social/family support. The JSS dimensions showed that the Active Work situation and the high V-RQOL scores are compatible with vocal health without complaints. There were no statistical differences between the categories. Both categories reported complaints/problems linked to professional voice use and stressful workload. However, the perception of vocal impact on the quality of life was positive, and the analysis of stress at work resulted in "good" and favorable conditions. The relationship between voice, work, stress, and quality of life in both the categories require further investigations.

Acoustic Analysis of the Tremulous Voice: Assessing the Utility of the Correlation Dimension and Perturbation Parameters

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shao, Jun; MacCallum, Julia K.; Zhang, Yu; Sprecher, Alicia; Jiang, Jack J.

2010-01-01

Acoustic analysis may provide a useful means to quantitatively characterize the tremulous voice. Signals were obtained from 25 subjects with diagnoses of either Parkinson's disease or vocal polyps exhibiting vocal tremor. These were compared to signals from 24 subjects with normal voices. Signals were analyzed via correlation dimension and several…

Combined Functional Voice Therapy in Singers With Muscle Tension Dysphonia in Singing.

PubMed

Sielska-Badurek, Ewelina; Osuch-Wójcikiewicz, Ewa; Sobol, Maria; Kazanecka, Ewa; Rzepakowska, Anna; Niemczyk, Kazimierz

2017-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate vocal tract function and the voice quality in singers with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) after undergoing combined functional voice therapy of the singing voice. This is a prospective, randomized study. Forty singers (29 females and 11 males, mean age: 24.6 ± 8.8 years) with MTD were enrolled in the study. The study group consisted of 20 singers who underwent combined functional voice therapy (10-15 individual sessions, 30-40 minutes each). Singers who did not opt for vocal rehabilitation consisted of the control group. Effects of rehabilitation were assessed with videolaryngostroboscopy, palpation of the vocal tract structures, flexible fiberoptic evaluation of the pharynx and the larynx, perceptual speaking and singing voice assessment, acoustic analysis, maximal phonation time, and the Voice Handicap Index. After combined functional voice therapy in the study group, great improvement was noticed in palpation of the vocal tract structures (P < 0.001), perceptual voice assessment (P < 0.001), phonetograms (P = 0.002), and singing range obtained from acoustic analysis of glissando (P < 0.001). In the control group, no statistically significant differences were found between the first and the second assessments. Combined functional voice therapy proved to be an efficacious treatment method in singers with MTD in singing. Development of palpation and perceptual singing voice examination protocols enables one to compare results before and after rehabilitation in clinics. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Perception and analysis of Spanish accents in English speech

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chism, Cori; Lass, Norman

2002-05-01

The purpose of the present study was to determine what relates most closely to the degree of perceived foreign accent in the English speech of native Spanish speakers: intonation, vowel length, stress, voice onset time (VOT), or segmental accuracy. Nineteen native English speaking listeners rated speech samples from 7 native English speakers and 15 native Spanish speakers for comprehensibility and degree of foreign accent. The speech samples were analyzed spectrographically and perceptually to obtain numerical values for each variable. Correlation coefficients were computed to determine the relationship beween these values and the average foreign accent scores. Results showed that the average foreign accent scores were statistically significantly correlated with three variables: the length of stressed vowels (r=-0.48, p=0.05), voice onset time (r =-0.62, p=0.01), and segmental accuracy (r=0.92, p=0.001). Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Vocal tract length and formant frequency dispersion correlate with body size in rhesus macaques.

PubMed

Fitch, W T

1997-08-01

Body weight, length, and vocal tract length were measured for 23 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) of various sizes using radiographs and computer graphic techniques. linear predictive coding analysis of tape-recorded threat vocalizations were used to determine vocal tract resonance frequencies ("formants") for the same animals. A new acoustic variable is proposed, "formant dispersion," which should theoretically depend upon vocal tract length. Formant dispersion is the averaged difference between successive formant frequencies, and was found to be closely tied to both vocal tract length and body size. Despite the common claim that voice fundamental frequency (F0) provides an acoustic indication of body size, repeated investigations have failed to support such a relationship in many vertebrate species including humans. Formant dispersion, unlike voice pitch, is proposed to be a reliable predictor of body size in macaques, and probably many other species.

Role of Federal Food Assistance Programs in Strategies To Reduce Infant Mortality. Hearing before the Domestic Task Force of the Select Committee on Hunger. House of Representatives, One Hundredth Congress, First Session.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Select Committee on Hunger.

This document presents oral and written testimony concerning the effectiveness of federal assistance programs in reducing infant mortality. In opening statements, members of the House Select Committee on Hunger voiced their concern over the persistence of high infant death rates among minorities, the rural poor, and urban populations, despite…

The Effect of a Computerized Teaching Assistant on Student Interaction, Student Satisfaction, and Retention Rates of Students in a Distance Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reindl-Johnson, Cheryl

2004-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a computerized teaching assistant (CTA) on student interaction, student satisfaction, and retention rates of students in a distance course. The CTA is humanoid and speaks in a human voice from recorded sound clips, to give the student the feeling that he/she is interacting with a person,…

Top 10 "Smart" Technologies for Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fodeman, Doug; Holzberg, Carol S.; Kennedy, Kristen; McIntire, Todd; McLester, Susan; Ohler, Jason; Parham, Charles; Poftak, Amy; Schrock, Kathy; Warlick, David

2002-01-01

Describes 10 smart technologies for education, including voice to text software; mobile computing; hybrid computing; virtual reality; artificial intelligence; telementoring; assessment methods; digital video production; fingerprint recognition; and brain functions. Lists pertinent Web sites for each technology. (LRW)

Double Fourier analysis for Emotion Identification in Voiced Speech

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sierra-Sosa, D.; Bastidas, M.; Ortiz P., D.; Quintero, O. L.

2016-04-01

We propose a novel analysis alternative, based on two Fourier Transforms for emotion recognition from speech. Fourier analysis allows for display and synthesizes different signals, in terms of power spectral density distributions. A spectrogram of the voice signal is obtained performing a short time Fourier Transform with Gaussian windows, this spectrogram portraits frequency related features, such as vocal tract resonances and quasi-periodic excitations during voiced sounds. Emotions induce such characteristics in speech, which become apparent in spectrogram time-frequency distributions. Later, the signal time-frequency representation from spectrogram is considered an image, and processed through a 2-dimensional Fourier Transform in order to perform the spatial Fourier analysis from it. Finally features related with emotions in voiced speech are extracted and presented.

Perceptual structure of adductor spasmodic dysphonia and its acoustic correlates.

PubMed

Cannito, Michael P; Doiuchi, Maki; Murry, Thomas; Woodson, Gayle E

2012-11-01

To examine the perceptual structure of voice attributes in adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) before and after botulinum toxin treatment and identify acoustic correlates of underlying perceptual factors. Reliability of perceptual judgments is considered in detail. Pre- and posttreatment trial with comparison to healthy controls, using single-blind randomized listener judgments of voice qualities, as well as retrospective comparison with acoustic measurements. Oral readings were recorded from 42 ADSD speakers before and after treatment as well as from their age- and sex-matched controls. Experienced judges listened to speech samples and rated attributes of overall voice quality, breathiness, roughness, and brokenness, using computer-implemented visual analog scaling. Data were adjusted for regression to the mean and submitted to principal components factor analysis. Acoustic waveforms, extracted from the reading samples, were analyzed and measurements correlated with perceptual factor scores. Four reliable perceptual variables of ADSD voice were effectively reduced to two underlying factors that corresponded to hyperadduction, most strongly associated with roughness, and hypoadduction, most strongly associated with breathiness. After treatment, the hyperadduction factor improved, whereas the hypoadduction factor worsened. Statistically significant (P<0.01) correlations were observed between perceived roughness and four acoustic measures, whereas breathiness correlated with aperiodicity and cepstral peak prominence (CPPs). This study supported a two-factor model of ADSD, suggesting perceptual characterization by both hyperadduction and hypoadduction before and after treatment. Responses of the factors to treatment were consistent with previous research. Correlations among perceptual and acoustic variables suggested that multiple acoustic features contributed to the overall impression of roughness. Although CPPs appears to be a partial correlate of perceived breathiness, a physical basis of this percept remained less clear. Copyright © 2012 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Maxillary arch dimensions associated with acoustic parameters in prepubertal children.

PubMed

Hamdan, Abdul-Latif; Khandakji, Mohannad; Macari, Anthony Tannous

2018-04-18

To evaluate the association between maxillary arch dimensions and fundamental frequency and formants of voice in prepubertal subjects. Thirty-five consecutive prepubertal patients seeking orthodontic treatment were recruited (mean age = 11.41 ± 1.46 years; range, 8 to 13.7 years). Participants with a history of respiratory infection, laryngeal manipulation, dysphonia, congenital facial malformations, or history of orthodontic treatment were excluded. Dental measurements included maxillary arch length, perimeter, depth, and width. Voice parameters comprising fundamental frequency (f0_sustained), Habitual pitch (f0_count), Jitter, Shimmer, and different formant frequencies (F1, F2, F3, and F4) were measured using acoustic analysis prior to initiation of any orthodontic treatment. Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to measure the strength of associations between different dental and voice parameters. Multiple linear regressions were computed for the predictions of different dental measurements. Arch width and arch depth had moderate significant negative correlations with f0 ( r = -0.52; P = .001 and r = -0.39; P = .022, respectively) and with habitual frequency ( r = -0.51; P = .0014 and r = -0.34; P = .04, respectively). Arch depth and arch length were significantly correlated with formant F3 and formant F4, respectively. Predictors of arch depth included frequencies of F3 vowels, with a significant regression equation ( P-value < .001; R 2 = 0.49). Similarly, fundamental frequency f0 and frequencies of formant F3 vowels were predictors of arch width, with a significant regression equation ( P-value < .001; R 2 = 0.37). There is a significant association between arch dimensions, particularly arch length and depth, and voice parameters. The formant most predictive of arch depth and width is the third formant, along with fundamental frequency of voice.

An Approximation for Computing Reduction in Bandwidth Requirements Using Intelligent Multiplexers

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-03-01

Naval Postgraduate School__ Sc. ALX)HRSS(City, State, andLPCode) 10 . SOURCE 01- FUNUINU NUMBERS Monterey, CA 93943 ELEGRMEN N RO. EC NO.ORUII EME T O... 10 IV. MODEL DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................ 13 A. THE ERLANG MODEL...channel. Also, the silent periods of a voice or data transmission go unused. For combined voice and data traffic, TDM averages only 10 -25% efficiency

Toward Emotionally Accessible Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

PubMed

Hillaire, Garron; Iniesto, Francisco; Rienties, Bart

2017-01-01

This paper outlines an approach to evaluating the emotional content of three Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) using the affective computing approach of prosody detection on two different text-to-speech voices in conjunction with human raters judging the emotional content of course text. The intent of this work is to establish the potential variation on the emotional delivery of MOOC material through synthetic voice.

Acoustic analysis of voice in children with cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency.

PubMed

Villafuerte-Gonzalez, Rocio; Valadez-Jimenez, Victor M; Hernandez-Lopez, Xochiquetzal; Ysunza, Pablo Antonio

2015-07-01

Acoustic analysis of voice can provide instrumental data concerning vocal abnormalities. These findings can be used for monitoring clinical course in cases of voice disorders. Cleft palate severely affects the structure of the vocal tract. Hence, voice quality can also be also affected. To study whether the main acoustic parameters of voice, including fundamental frequency, shimmer and jitter are significantly different in patients with a repaired cleft palate, as compared with normal children without speech, language and voice disorders. Fourteen patients with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate and persistent or residual velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) were studied. A control group was assembled with healthy volunteer subjects matched by age and gender. Hypernasality and nasal emission were perceptually assessed in patients with VPI. Size of the gap as assessed by videonasopharyngoscopy was classified in patients with VPI. Acoustic analysis of voice including Fundamental frequency (F0), shimmer and jitter were compared between patients with VPI and control subjects. F0 was significantly higher in male patients as compared with male controls. Shimmer was significantly higher in patients with VPI regardless of gender. Moreover, patients with moderate VPI showed a significantly higher shimmer perturbation, regardless of gender. Although future research regarding voice disorders in patients with VPI is needed, at the present time it seems reasonable to include strategies for voice therapy in the speech and language pathology intervention plan for patients with VPI. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Does insecure attachment mediate the relationship between trauma and voice-hearing in psychosis?

PubMed

Pilton, Marie; Bucci, Sandra; McManus, James; Hayward, Mark; Emsley, Richard; Berry, Katherine

2016-12-30

This study extends existing research and theoretical developments by exploring the potential mediating role of insecure attachment within the relationship between trauma and voice-hearing. Fifty-five voice hearers with a psychosis-related diagnosis completed comprehensive assessments of childhood trauma, adult attachment, voice-related severity and distress, beliefs about voices and relationships with voices. Anxious attachment was significantly associated with the voice-hearing dimensions examined. More sophisticated analysis showed that anxious attachment mediated the relationship between childhood sexual and emotional abuse and voice-related severity and distress, voice-malevolence, voice-omnipotence, voice-resistance and hearer-dependence. Anxious attachment also mediated the relationship between childhood physical neglect and voice-related severity and distress and hearer-dependence. Furthermore, consistent with previous research, the relationship between anxious attachment and voice-related distress was mediated by voice-malevolence, voice-omnipotence and voice-resistance. We propose a model whereby anxious attachment mediates the well-established relationship between trauma and voice-hearing. In turn, negative beliefs about voices may mediate the association between anxious attachment and voice-related distress. Findings presented here highlight the need to assess and formulate the impact of attachment patterns upon the voice-hearing experience in psychosis and the potential to alleviate voice-related distress by fostering secure attachments to therapists or significant others. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Computers in aeronautics and space research at the Lewis Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

This brochure presents a general discussion of the role of computers in aerospace research at NASA's Lewis Research Center (LeRC). Four particular areas of computer applications are addressed: computer modeling and simulation, computer assisted engineering, data acquisition and analysis, and computer controlled testing.

Just ask Siri? A pilot study comparing smartphone digital assistants and laptop Google searches for smoking cessation advice.

PubMed

Boyd, Matt; Wilson, Nick

2018-01-01

To compare voice-activated internet searches by smartphone (two digital assistants) with laptop ones for information and advice related to smoking cessation. Responses to 80 questions on a range of topics related to smoking cessation (including the FAQ from a NHS website), compared for quality. Smartphone and internet searches as performed in New Zealand. Ranked responses to the questions. Google laptop internet searches came first (or first equal) for best quality smoking cessation advice for 83% (66/80) of the responses. Voiced questions to Google Assistant ("OK Google") came first/first equal 76% of the time vs Siri (Apple) at 28%. Google and Google Assistant were statistically significantly better than Siri searches (odds ratio 12.4 and 8.5 respectively, p<0.0001 in each comparison). When asked FAQs from the National Health Service website, or to find information the Centers for Disease Control has made videos on, the best search results used expert sources 59% (31/52) of the time, "some expertise" (eg, Wikipedia) 18% of the time, but also magazines and other low quality sources 19% of the time. Using all three methods failed to find relevant information 8% (6/80) of the time, with Siri having the most failed responses (53% of the time). Google internet searches and Google Assistant were found to be significantly superior to the Siri digital assistant for smoking cessation information. While expert content was returned over half the time, there is still substantial room for improvement in how these software systems deliver smoking cessation advice.

Computer Series, 87.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, John W., Ed.

1987-01-01

Included are two articles related to the use of computers. One activity is a computer exercise in chemical reaction engineering and applied kinetics for undergraduate college students. The second article shows how computer-assisted analysis can be used with reaction rate data. (RH)

Innovation in robotic surgery: the Indian scenario.

PubMed

Deshpande, Suresh V

2015-01-01

Robotics is the science. In scientific words a "Robot" is an electromechanical arm device with a computer interface, a combination of electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering. It is a mechanical arm that performs tasks in Industries, space exploration, and science. One such idea was to make an automated arm - A robot - In laparoscopy to control the telescope-camera unit electromechanically and then with a computer interface using voice control. It took us 5 long years from 2004 to bring it to the level of obtaining a patent. That was the birth of the Swarup Robotic Arm (SWARM) which is the first and the only Indian contribution in the field of robotics in laparoscopy as a total voice controlled camera holding robotic arm developed without any support by industry or research institutes.

Evaluation of Analytical Modeling Functions for the Phonation Onset Process.

PubMed

Petermann, Simon; Kniesburges, Stefan; Ziethe, Anke; Schützenberger, Anne; Döllinger, Michael

2016-01-01

The human voice originates from oscillations of the vocal folds in the larynx. The duration of the voice onset (VO), called the voice onset time (VOT), is currently under investigation as a clinical indicator for correct laryngeal functionality. Different analytical approaches for computing the VOT based on endoscopic imaging were compared to determine the most reliable method to quantify automatically the transient vocal fold oscillations during VO. Transnasal endoscopic imaging in combination with a high-speed camera (8000 fps) was applied to visualize the phonation onset process. Two different definitions of VO interval were investigated. Six analytical functions were tested that approximate the envelope of the filtered or unfiltered glottal area waveform (GAW) during phonation onset. A total of 126 recordings from nine healthy males and 210 recordings from 15 healthy females were evaluated. Three criteria were analyzed to determine the most appropriate computation approach: (1) reliability of the fit function for a correct approximation of VO; (2) consistency represented by the standard deviation of VOT; and (3) accuracy of the approximation of VO. The results suggest the computation of VOT by a fourth-order polynomial approximation in the interval between 32.2 and 67.8% of the saturation amplitude of the filtered GAW.

Computer-Assisted Training in the Comprehension of Authentic French Speech: A Closer View

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hoeflaak, Arie

2004-01-01

In this article, the development of a computer-assisted listening comprehension project is described. First, we comment briefly on the points of departure, the need for autonomous learning against the background of recent changes in Dutch education, and the role of learning strategies. Then, an error analysis, the programs used for this project,…

An open resource for transdiagnostic research in pediatric mental health and learning disorders

PubMed Central

Alexander, Lindsay M.; Escalera, Jasmine; Ai, Lei; Andreotti, Charissa; Febre, Karina; Mangone, Alexander; Vega-Potler, Natan; Langer, Nicolas; Alexander, Alexis; Kovacs, Meagan; Litke, Shannon; O'Hagan, Bridget; Andersen, Jennifer; Bronstein, Batya; Bui, Anastasia; Bushey, Marijayne; Butler, Henry; Castagna, Victoria; Camacho, Nicolas; Chan, Elisha; Citera, Danielle; Clucas, Jon; Cohen, Samantha; Dufek, Sarah; Eaves, Megan; Fradera, Brian; Gardner, Judith; Grant-Villegas, Natalie; Green, Gabriella; Gregory, Camille; Hart, Emily; Harris, Shana; Horton, Megan; Kahn, Danielle; Kabotyanski, Katherine; Karmel, Bernard; Kelly, Simon P.; Kleinman, Kayla; Koo, Bonhwang; Kramer, Eliza; Lennon, Elizabeth; Lord, Catherine; Mantello, Ginny; Margolis, Amy; Merikangas, Kathleen R.; Milham, Judith; Minniti, Giuseppe; Neuhaus, Rebecca; Levine, Alexandra; Osman, Yael; Parra, Lucas C.; Pugh, Ken R.; Racanello, Amy; Restrepo, Anita; Saltzman, Tian; Septimus, Batya; Tobe, Russell; Waltz, Rachel; Williams, Anna; Yeo, Anna; Castellanos, Francisco X.; Klein, Arno; Paus, Tomas; Leventhal, Bennett L.; Craddock, R. Cameron; Koplewicz, Harold S.; Milham, Michael P.

2017-01-01

Technological and methodological innovations are equipping researchers with unprecedented capabilities for detecting and characterizing pathologic processes in the developing human brain. As a result, ambitions to achieve clinically useful tools to assist in the diagnosis and management of mental health and learning disorders are gaining momentum. To this end, it is critical to accrue large-scale multimodal datasets that capture a broad range of commonly encountered clinical psychopathology. The Child Mind Institute has launched the Healthy Brain Network (HBN), an ongoing initiative focused on creating and sharing a biobank of data from 10,000 New York area participants (ages 5–21). The HBN Biobank houses data about psychiatric, behavioral, cognitive, and lifestyle phenotypes, as well as multimodal brain imaging (resting and naturalistic viewing fMRI, diffusion MRI, morphometric MRI), electroencephalography, eye-tracking, voice and video recordings, genetics and actigraphy. Here, we present the rationale, design and implementation of HBN protocols. We describe the first data release (n=664) and the potential of the biobank to advance related areas (e.g., biophysical modeling, voice analysis). PMID:29257126

High-End Scientific Computing

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA uses high-end scientific computing, geospatial services and remote sensing/imagery analysis to support EPA's mission. The Center for Environmental Computing (CEC) assists the Agency's program offices and regions to meet staff needs in these areas.

An analysis-by-synthesis approach to the estimation of vocal cord polyp features.

PubMed

Koizumi, T; Taniguchi, S; Itakura, F

1993-09-01

This paper deals with a new noninvasive method of estimating vocal cord polyp features through hoarse-voice analysis. A noteworthy feature of this method is that it enables us not only to discriminate hoarse voices caused by pathological vocal cords with a single golf-ball-like polyp from normal voices, but also to estimate polyp features such as the mass and dimension of polyp through the use of a novel model of pathological vocal cords which has been devised to simulate the subtle movement of the vocal cords. A synthetic hoarse voice produced with a hoarse-voice synthesizer is compared with a natural hoarse voice caused by the vocal cord polyp in terms of a distance measure and the polyp features are estimated by minimizing the distance measure. Some estimates of polyp dimension that have been obtained by applying this procedure to hoarse voices are found to compare favorably with actual polyp dimensions, demonstrating that the procedure is effective for estimating the features of golf-ball-like vocal cord polyps.

A comparative study between xerographic, computer-assisted overlay generation and animated-superimposition methods in bite mark analyses.

PubMed

Tai, Meng Wei; Chong, Zhen Feng; Asif, Muhammad Khan; Rahmat, Rabiah A; Nambiar, Phrabhakaran

2016-09-01

This study was to compare the suitability and precision of xerographic and computer-assisted methods for bite mark investigations. Eleven subjects were asked to bite on their forearm and the bite marks were photographically recorded. Alginate impressions of the subjects' dentition were taken and their casts were made using dental stone. The overlays generated by xerographic method were obtained by photocopying the subjects' casts and the incisal edge outlines were then transferred on a transparent sheet. The bite mark images were imported into Adobe Photoshop® software and printed to life-size. The bite mark analyses using xerographically generated overlays were done by comparing an overlay to the corresponding printed bite mark images manually. In computer-assisted method, the subjects' casts were scanned into Adobe Photoshop®. The bite mark analyses using computer-assisted overlay generation were done by matching an overlay and the corresponding bite mark images digitally using Adobe Photoshop®. Another comparison method was superimposing the cast images with corresponding bite mark images employing the Adobe Photoshop® CS6 and GIF-Animator©. A score with a range of 0-3 was given during analysis to each precision-determining criterion and the score was increased with better matching. The Kruskal Wallis H test showed significant difference between the three sets of data (H=18.761, p<0.05). In conclusion, bite mark analysis using the computer-assisted animated-superimposition method was the most accurate, followed by the computer-assisted overlay generation and lastly the xerographic method. The superior precision contributed by digital method is discernible despite the human skin being a poor recording medium of bite marks. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Compensation for pitch-shifted auditory feedback during the production of Mandarin tone sequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yi; Larson, Charles R.; Bauer, Jay J.; Hain, Timothy C.

2004-08-01

Recent research has found that while speaking, subjects react to perturbations in pitch of voice auditory feedback by changing their voice fundamental frequency (F0) to compensate for the perceived pitch-shift. The long response latencies (150-200 ms) suggest they may be too slow to assist in on-line control of the local pitch contour patterns associated with lexical tones on a syllable-to-syllable basis. In the present study, we introduced pitch-shifted auditory feedback to native speakers of Mandarin Chinese while they produced disyllabic sequences /ma ma/ with different tonal combinations at a natural speaking rate. Voice F0 response latencies (100-150 ms) to the pitch perturbations were shorter than syllable durations reported elsewhere. Response magnitudes increased from 50 cents during static tone to 85 cents during dynamic tone productions. Response latencies and peak times decreased in phrases involving a dynamic change in F0. The larger response magnitudes and shorter latency and peak times in tasks requiring accurate, dynamic control of F0, indicate this automatic system for regulation of voice F0 may be task-dependent. These findings suggest that auditory feedback may be used to help regulate voice F0 during production of bi-tonal Mandarin phrases.

Access to assisted reproductive technologies in France: the emergence of the patients' voice.

PubMed

Fournier, Véronique; Berthiau, Denis; d'Haussy, Julie; Bataille, Philippe

2013-02-01

Is there any ethical justification for limiting the reproductive autonomy and not make assisted reproductive technologies available to certain prospective parents? We present and discuss the results of an interdisciplinary clinical ethics study concerning access to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in situations which are considered as ethically problematic in France (overage or sick parents, surrogate motherhood). The study focused on the arguments that people in these situations put forward when requesting access to ART. It shows that requester's arguments are based on sound ethical values, and that their legitimacy is at least as strong as that of those used by doctors to question access to ART. Results reveal that the three implicit normative arguments that founded the law in 1994, which are still in force after the bioethics law revision in July 2011-the welfare of the child, the illegitimacy of a "right to a child," and the defense of the so called "social order"-are challenged on several grounds by requesters as reasons for limiting their reproductive autonomy. Although these results are limited to exceptional situations, they are of special interest insofar as they give voice to the requesters' own ethical concerns in the ongoing political debate over access to ART.

Google glass based immunochromatographic diagnostic test analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Steve; Caire, Romain; Cortazar, Bingen; Turan, Mehmet; Wong, Andrew; Ozcan, Aydogan

2015-03-01

Integration of optical imagers and sensors into recently emerging wearable computational devices allows for simpler and more intuitive methods of integrating biomedical imaging and medical diagnostics tasks into existing infrastructures. Here we demonstrate the ability of one such device, the Google Glass, to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of immunochromatographic rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) using a voice-commandable hands-free software-only interface, as an alternative to larger and more bulky desktop or handheld units. Using the built-in camera of Glass to image one or more RDTs (labeled with Quick Response (QR) codes), our Glass software application uploads the captured image and related information (e.g., user name, GPS, etc.) to our servers for remote analysis and storage. After digital analysis of the RDT images, the results are transmitted back to the originating Glass device, and made available through a website in geospatial and tabular representations. We tested this system on qualitative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and quantitative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) RDTs. For qualitative HIV tests, we demonstrate successful detection and labeling (i.e., yes/no decisions) for up to 6-fold dilution of HIV samples. For quantitative measurements, we activated and imaged PSA concentrations ranging from 0 to 200 ng/mL and generated calibration curves relating the RDT line intensity values to PSA concentration. By providing automated digitization of both qualitative and quantitative test results, this wearable colorimetric diagnostic test reader platform on Google Glass can reduce operator errors caused by poor training, provide real-time spatiotemporal mapping of test results, and assist with remote monitoring of various biomedical conditions.

Performance of wavelet analysis and neural networks for pathological voices identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salhi, Lotfi; Talbi, Mourad; Abid, Sabeur; Cherif, Adnane

2011-09-01

Within the medical environment, diverse techniques exist to assess the state of the voice of the patient. The inspection technique is inconvenient for a number of reasons, such as its high cost, the duration of the inspection, and above all, the fact that it is an invasive technique. This study focuses on a robust, rapid and accurate system for automatic identification of pathological voices. This system employs non-invasive, non-expensive and fully automated method based on hybrid approach: wavelet transform analysis and neural network classifier. First, we present the results obtained in our previous study while using classic feature parameters. These results allow visual identification of pathological voices. Second, quantified parameters drifting from the wavelet analysis are proposed to characterise the speech sample. On the other hand, a system of multilayer neural networks (MNNs) has been developed which carries out the automatic detection of pathological voices. The developed method was evaluated using voice database composed of recorded voice samples (continuous speech) from normophonic or dysphonic speakers. The dysphonic speakers were patients of a National Hospital 'RABTA' of Tunis Tunisia and a University Hospital in Brussels, Belgium. Experimental results indicate a success rate ranging between 75% and 98.61% for discrimination of normal and pathological voices using the proposed parameters and neural network classifier. We also compared the average classification rate based on the MNN, Gaussian mixture model and support vector machines.

47 CFR 74.882 - Station identification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... transmission or intermittent transmissions pertaining to a single event. (b) Each wireless video assist device..., AUXILIARY, SPECIAL BROADCAST AND OTHER PROGRAM DISTRIBUTIONAL SERVICES Low Power Auxiliary Stations § 74.882 Station identification. (a) For transmitters used for voice transmissions and having a transmitter output...

40 CFR 264.32 - Required equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... supply water hose streams, or foam producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems... communications or alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility...-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire...

40 CFR 264.32 - Required equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... supply water hose streams, or foam producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems... communications or alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility...-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire...

40 CFR 264.32 - Required equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... supply water hose streams, or foam producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems... communications or alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility...-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire...

40 CFR 264.32 - Required equipment.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... supply water hose streams, or foam producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems... communications or alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility...-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire...

Wireless Technician

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tech Directions, 2011

2011-01-01

One of the hottest areas in technology is invisible. Wireless communications allow people to transmit voice messages, data, and other signals through the air without physically connecting senders to receivers with cables or wires. And the technology is spreading at lightning speed. Cellular phones, personal digital assistants, and wireless…

Acoustic Analysis of the Voiced-Voiceless Distinction in Dutch Tracheoesophageal Speech

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jongmans, Petra; Wempe, Ton G.; van Tinteren, Harm; Hilgers, Frans J. M.; Pols, Louis C. W.; van As-Brooks, Corina J.

2010-01-01

Purpose: Confusions between voiced and voiceless plosives and voiced and voiceless fricatives are common in Dutch tracheoesophageal (TE) speech. This study investigates (a) which acoustic measures are found to convey a correct voicing contrast in TE speech and (b) whether different measures are found in TE speech than in normal laryngeal (NL)…

A Voice Onset Time Analysis of Apical Stop Production in 3-Year-Olds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilbert, John H. V.

1977-01-01

This paper reports data for voice onset time (VOT) for /d/ and /t/, from six children at average age 3;0. Values for /d/ clearly achieve the short voicing lag category of adults, reported previously. Values for /t/, however, are much more varied, although falling within the category long voicing lag. (CHK)

Student Voice Use and Vocal Health during an All-State Chorus Event

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daugherty, James F.; Manternach, Jeremy N.; Price, Kathy K.

2011-01-01

This field-based case study documented students' (N = 256) voice use and voice health perceptions during a 3-day all-state high school chorus event through daily surveys, phonation duration data, analysis of rehearsal voice use behaviors, and field notes. Among the primary results are the following: (a) First and final day survey comparisons…

A unified coding strategy for processing faces and voices

PubMed Central

Yovel, Galit; Belin, Pascal

2013-01-01

Both faces and voices are rich in socially-relevant information, which humans are remarkably adept at extracting, including a person's identity, age, gender, affective state, personality, etc. Here, we review accumulating evidence from behavioral, neuropsychological, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging studies which suggest that the cognitive and neural processing mechanisms engaged by perceiving faces or voices are highly similar, despite the very different nature of their sensory input. The similarity between the two mechanisms likely facilitates the multi-modal integration of facial and vocal information during everyday social interactions. These findings emphasize a parsimonious principle of cerebral organization, where similar computational problems in different modalities are solved using similar solutions. PMID:23664703

Through the HoloLens™ looking glass: augmented reality for extremity reconstruction surgery using 3D vascular models with perforating vessels.

PubMed

Pratt, Philip; Ives, Matthew; Lawton, Graham; Simmons, Jonathan; Radev, Nasko; Spyropoulou, Liana; Amiras, Dimitri

2018-01-01

Precision and planning are key to reconstructive surgery. Augmented reality (AR) can bring the information within preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging to life, allowing the surgeon to 'see through' the patient's skin and appreciate the underlying anatomy without making a single incision. This work has demonstrated that AR can assist the accurate identification, dissection and execution of vascular pedunculated flaps during reconstructive surgery. Separate volumes of osseous, vascular, skin, soft tissue structures and relevant vascular perforators were delineated from preoperative CTA scans to generate three-dimensional images using two complementary segmentation software packages. These were converted to polygonal models and rendered by means of a custom application within the HoloLens™ stereo head-mounted display. Intraoperatively, the models were registered manually to their respective subjects by the operating surgeon using a combination of tracked hand gestures and voice commands; AR was used to aid navigation and accurate dissection. Identification of the subsurface location of vascular perforators through AR overlay was compared to the positions obtained by audible Doppler ultrasound. Through a preliminary HoloLens-assisted case series, the operating surgeon was able to demonstrate precise and efficient localisation of perforating vessels.

Mucosal wave characteristics in three voice modes (fry, hiss & overpressure) produced by a female speaker: a preliminary study using stroboscopy, HSDI and analyzed by kymography, P-FFT & Nyquist plots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izdebski, Krzysztof; Ward, Ronald R.; Yan, Yuling

2012-02-01

HSDI provides a whole new way to investigate visually intra-laryngeal behavior and posturing during phonation by providing detailed real-time information about laryngeal biomechanics that include observations about mucosal wave, wave motion directionality, glottic area wave form, asymmetry of vibrations within and across vocal folds and contact area of the glottis including posterior commissure closure. These observations are fundamental to our understanding and modeling of both normal and disordered phonation. In this preliminary report we focus on direct HSDI in vivo observations of not only the glottic region, but also on the entire supraglottic laryngeal posturing during fry, breathy/hiss and over-pressured phonation modes produced in a non-pathological settings. Analysis included spatio-temporal vibration patterns of vocal folds, multi-line kymograms, spectral PFFT analysis, and Nyquist spatio-temporal plots. The presented examples reveal that supraglottic contraction assists in prolonged closed phase of the vibratory cycle, and that prolonged closed phase is longest in fry and overpressure and shortest albeit complex in hiss. Hiss also allows for vocal fold vibration despite glottis separation. These findings need to be compared to pathologic phonation representing the three voice modes to derive at better differential diagnosis.

A population-based study on the association between rheumatoid arthritis and voice problems.

PubMed

Hah, J Hun; An, Soo-Youn; Sim, Songyong; Kim, So Young; Oh, Dong Jun; Park, Bumjung; Kim, Sung-Gyun; Choi, Hyo Geun

2016-07-01

The objective of this study was to investigate whether rheumatoid arthritis increases the frequency of organic laryngeal lesions and the subjective voice complaint rate in those with no organic laryngeal lesion. We performed a cross-sectional study using the data from 19,368 participants (418 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 18,950 controls) of the 2008-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The associations between rheumatoid arthritis and organic laryngeal lesions/subjective voice complaints were analyzed using simple/multiple logistic regression analysis with complex sample adjusting for confounding factors, including age, sex, smoking status, stress level, and body mass index, which could provoke voice problems. Vocal nodules, vocal polyp, and vocal palsy were not associated with rheumatoid arthritis in a multiple regression analysis, and only laryngitis showed a positive association (adjusted odds ratio, 1.59; 95 % confidence interval, 1.01-2.52; P = 0.047). Rheumatoid arthritis was associated with subjective voice discomfort in a simple regression analysis, but not in a multiple regression analysis. Participants with rheumatoid arthritis were older, more often female, and had higher stress levels than those without rheumatoid arthritis. These factors were associated with subjective voice complaints in both simple and multiple regression analyses. Rheumatoid arthritis was not associated with organic laryngeal diseases except laryngitis. Rheumatoid arthritis did not increase the odds ratio for subjective voice complaints. Voice problems in participants with rheumatoid arthritis originated from the characteristics of the rheumatoid arthritis group (higher mean age, female sex, and stress level) rather than rheumatoid arthritis itself.

[Design and implementation of mobile terminal data acquisition for Chinese materia medica resources survey].

PubMed

Qi, Yuan-Hua; Wang, Hui; Zhang, Xiao-Bo; Jin, Yan; Ge, Xiao-Guang; Jing, Zhi-Xian; Wang, Ling; Zhao, Yu-Ping; Guo, Lan-Ping; Huang, Lu-Qi

2017-11-01

In this paper, a data acquisition system based on mobile terminal combining GPS, offset correction, automatic speech recognition and database networking technology was designed implemented with the function of locating the latitude and elevation information fast, taking conveniently various types of Chinese herbal plant photos, photos, samples habitat photos and so on. The mobile system realizes automatic association with Chinese medicine source information, through the voice recognition function it records the information of plant characteristics and environmental characteristics, and record relevant plant specimen information. The data processing platform based on Chinese medicine resources survey data reporting client can effectively assists in indoor data processing, derives the mobile terminal data to computer terminal. The established data acquisition system provides strong technical support for the fourth national survey of the Chinese materia medica resources (CMMR). Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Computer-Mediated Glosses in Second Language Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Learning: A Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abraham, Lee B.

2008-01-01

Language learners have unprecedented opportunities for developing second language literacy skills and intercultural understanding by reading authentic texts on the Internet and in multimedia computer-assisted language learning environments. This article presents findings from a meta-analysis of 11 studies of computer-mediated glosses in second…

Research and the Personal Computer.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blackburn, D. A.

1989-01-01

Discussed is the history and elements of the personal computer. Its uses as a laboratory assistant and generic toolkit for mathematical analysis and modeling are included. The future of the personal computer in research is addressed. (KR)

Quantitative Enzymatic and Immunologic Histophotometry of Diseased Human Kid-Ney Tissues Using Tv-Camera and Computer Assisted Image Processing Systems.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinert, G.; Mondorf, W.

1982-11-01

High speed image processing was used to analyse morphologic and metabolic characteristics of clinically relevant kidney tissue alterations.Qualitative computer-assisted histophotometry was performed to measure alterations in levels of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase (Ap),alanine aminopeptidase (AAP),g-glutamyltranspepti-dase (GGTP) and A-glucuronidase (B-G1) and AAP and GGTP immunologically determined in prepared renal and cancer tissue sections. A "Mioro-Videomat 2" image analysis system with a "Tessovar" macroscope,a computer-assisted "Axiomat" photomicroscope and an "Interactive Image Analysis System (IBAS)" were employed for analysing changes in enzyme activities determined by changes in absorbance or transmission.Diseased kidney as well as renal neoplastic tissues could be distinguished by significantly (wilcoxon test,p<0,05) decreased enzyme concentrations as compared to those found in normal human kidney tissues.This image analysis techniques might be of potential use in diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of renal cancer and diseased kidney tissues.

Removal of Noise from a Voice Signal by Synthesis

DTIC Science & Technology

1973-05-01

for 102.4 millisecond windows is about five times as great as the cost of computing for 25.6 millisecond windows. Hammett in his work on an adaptive...spectrum analysis vocoder, has examined the selection of data window widths in detail [18]. The solution Hammett used to optimize the trade off between...result is: n s(t) E Ri(t - i . T) i-1 In this equation n is the number of impulse responses under consideration, s(t) is the resulting synthetic signal

The COMMAND trial of cognitive therapy to prevent harmful compliance with command hallucinations: predictors of outcome and mediators of change.

PubMed

Birchwood, Max; Dunn, Graham; Meaden, Alan; Tarrier, Nicholas; Lewis, Shon; Wykes, Til; Davies, Linda; Michail, Maria; Peters, Emmanuelle

2017-12-05

Acting on harmful command hallucinations is a major clinical concern. Our COMMAND CBT trial approximately halved the rate of harmful compliance (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.23-0.88, p = 0.021). The focus of the therapy was a single mechanism, the power dimension of voice appraisal, was also significantly reduced. We hypothesised that voice power differential (between voice and voice hearer) was the mediator of the treatment effect. The trial sample (n = 197) was used. A logistic regression model predicting 18-month compliance was used to identify predictors, and an exploratory principal component analysis (PCA) of baseline variables used as potential predictors (confounders) in their own right. Stata's paramed command used to obtain estimates of the direct, indirect and total effects of treatment. Voice omnipotence was the best predictor although the PCA identified a highly predictive cognitive-affective dimension comprising: voices' power, childhood trauma, depression and self-harm. In the mediation analysis, the indirect effect of treatment was fully explained by its effect on the hypothesised mediator: voice power differential. Voice power and treatment allocation were the best predictors of harmful compliance up to 18 months; post-treatment, voice power differential measured at nine months was the mediator of the effect of treatment on compliance at 18 months.

Aspects of the speaking voice of elderly women with choral singing experience.

PubMed

Aquino, Fernanda Salvatico de; Silva, Marta Assumpção Andrada E; Teles, Lídia Cristina da Silva; Ferreira, Léslie Piccolotto

2016-01-01

Despite several studies related to singing and aging voice found in the literature, there is still the need for investigation seeking to understand the effects of this practice in the speaking voice of the elderly. To compare the characteristics of the speaking voice of elderlies with experience in choral singing with those of elderlies without this experience. Participants were 75 elderly women: 50 with experience in choral singing - group of singers (SG) and 25 without experience - group of nonsingers (NSG). A questionnaire was applied to characterize the elderly and collect data with respect to lifestyle and voice. Speech samples (sustained vowels, repetition of sentences, and running speech excerpts) were collected in a quiet room in sitting position. The voices were analyzed by three expert speech-language pathologists according to the protocol Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V). Data were submitted to descriptive and statistical analysis. The voices of elderly nonsingers (NSG) showed significant increase in scores related to the overall degree of deviance and presence of roughness and strain. Analysis of the aspects of the speaking voice of subjects in the SG, compared with that of subjects in the NSG, showed better overall degree of deviance due to lower roughness and strain.

Effects of the Voice over Internet Protocol on Perturbation Analysis of Normal and Pathological Phonation

PubMed Central

Zhu, Yanmei; Witt, Rachel E.; MacCallum, Julia K.; Jiang, Jack J.

2010-01-01

Objective In this study, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication based on G.729 protocol was simulated to determine the effects of this system on acoustic perturbation parameters of normal and pathological voice signals. Patients and Methods: Fifty recordings of normal voice and 48 recordings of pathological voice affected by laryngeal paralysis were transmitted through a VoIP communication system. The acoustic analysis programs of CSpeech and MDVP were used to determine the percent jitter and percent shimmer from the voice samples before and after VoIP transmission. The effects of three frequently used audio compression protocols (MP3, WMA, and FLAC) on the perturbation measures were also studied. Results It was found that VoIP transmission disrupts the waveform and increases the percent jitter and percent shimmer of voice samples. However, after VoIP transmission, significant discrimination between normal and pathological voices affected by laryngeal paralysis was still possible. It was found that the lossless compression method FLAC does not exert any influence on the perturbation measures. The lossy compression methods MP3 and WMA increase percent jitter and percent shimmer values. Conclusion This study validates the feasibility of these transmission and compression protocols in developing remote voice signal data collection and assessment systems. PMID:20588051

Computer-Based Instruction for TRIDENT FBM Training

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-01

remote voice feedback to an operator. In this case it is possible to display text which represents the voice messages required during sequential ...provides two main services: (a) the preparation of missiles for sequential launching with self-guidance after launch, and (b) the coordination of...monitor- ing the status of the guidance system in each missile. FCS SWS coordina- tion consists of monitoring systems involved in sequential functions at

Monkeys and Humans Share a Common Computation for Face/Voice Integration

PubMed Central

Chandrasekaran, Chandramouli; Lemus, Luis; Trubanova, Andrea; Gondan, Matthias; Ghazanfar, Asif A.

2011-01-01

Speech production involves the movement of the mouth and other regions of the face resulting in visual motion cues. These visual cues enhance intelligibility and detection of auditory speech. As such, face-to-face speech is fundamentally a multisensory phenomenon. If speech is fundamentally multisensory, it should be reflected in the evolution of vocal communication: similar behavioral effects should be observed in other primates. Old World monkeys share with humans vocal production biomechanics and communicate face-to-face with vocalizations. It is unknown, however, if they, too, combine faces and voices to enhance their perception of vocalizations. We show that they do: monkeys combine faces and voices in noisy environments to enhance their detection of vocalizations. Their behavior parallels that of humans performing an identical task. We explored what common computational mechanism(s) could explain the pattern of results we observed across species. Standard explanations or models such as the principle of inverse effectiveness and a “race” model failed to account for their behavior patterns. Conversely, a “superposition model”, positing the linear summation of activity patterns in response to visual and auditory components of vocalizations, served as a straightforward but powerful explanatory mechanism for the observed behaviors in both species. As such, it represents a putative homologous mechanism for integrating faces and voices across primates. PMID:21998576

A self-teaching image processing and voice-recognition-based, intelligent and interactive system to educate visually impaired children

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iqbal, Asim; Farooq, Umar; Mahmood, Hassan; Asad, Muhammad Usman; Khan, Akrama; Atiq, Hafiz Muhammad

2010-02-01

A self teaching image processing and voice recognition based system is developed to educate visually impaired children, chiefly in their primary education. System comprises of a computer, a vision camera, an ear speaker and a microphone. Camera, attached with the computer system is mounted on the ceiling opposite (on the required angle) to the desk on which the book is placed. Sample images and voices in the form of instructions and commands of English, Urdu alphabets, Numeric Digits, Operators and Shapes are already stored in the database. A blind child first reads the embossed character (object) with the help of fingers than he speaks the answer, name of the character, shape etc into the microphone. With the voice command of a blind child received by the microphone, image is taken by the camera which is processed by MATLAB® program developed with the help of Image Acquisition and Image processing toolbox and generates a response or required set of instructions to child via ear speaker, resulting in self education of a visually impaired child. Speech recognition program is also developed in MATLAB® with the help of Data Acquisition and Signal Processing toolbox which records and process the command of the blind child.

Effects of Voice Coding and Speech Rate on a Synthetic Speech Display in a Telephone Information System

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-01

Seeciv Limited- System for varying Senses term filter capacity output until some Figure 2. Original limited-capacity channel model (Frim Broadbent, 1958) S...2 Figure 2. Original limited-capacity channel model (From Broadbent, 1958) .... 10 Figure 3. Experimental...unlimited variety of human voices for digital recording sources. Synthesis by Analysis Analysis-synthesis methods electronically model the human voice

Vocal parameters and voice-related quality of life in adult women with and without ovarian function.

PubMed

Ferraz, Pablo Rodrigo Rocha; Bertoldo, Simão Veras; Costa, Luanne Gabrielle Morais; Serra, Emmeliny Cristini Nogueira; Silva, Eduardo Magalhães; Brito, Luciane Maria Oliveira; Chein, Maria Bethânia da Costa

2013-05-01

To identify the perceptual and acoustic parameters of voice in adult women with and without ovarian function and its impact on quality of life related to voice. Cross-sectional and analytical study with 106 women divided into, two groups: G1, with ovarian function (n=43) and G2, without physiological ovarian function (n=63). The women were instructed to sustain the vowel "a" and the sounds of /s/ and /z/ in habitual pitch and loudness. They were also asked to classify their voices and answer the voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL) questionnaire. The perceptual analysis of the vocal samples was performed by three speech-language pathologists using the GRBASI (G: grade; R: roughness; B: breathness; A: asthenia; S: strain; I: instability) scale. The acoustic analysis was carried out with the software VoxMetria 2.7h (CTS Informatica). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. In the perceptual analysis, both groups showed a mild deviation for the parameters roughness, strain, and instability, but only G2 showed a mild impact for the overall degree of dysphonia. The mean of fundamental frequency was significantly lower for the G2, with a difference of 17.41Hz between the two groups. There was no impact on V-RQOL in any of the V-RQOL domains for this group. With the menopause, there is a change in women's voices, impacting on some voice parameters. However, there is no direct impact on their quality of life related to voice. Copyright © 2013 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

An Analysis of Content Delivery Systems Using Speaking Voice, Speaking with Repetition Voice, Chanting Voice, and Singing Voice.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foster, Karen R.; Kersh, Mildred E.; Masztal, Nancy B.

This study investigated the way kindergarten classroom teachers delivered information to students to see if it affected the amount of information students could remember about the solar system. The study also examined whether this difference would be related to the degree of musical aptitude possessed by each student. The students were pretested…

Expectations and Experiences: The Voice of a First-Generation First-Year College Student and the Question of Student Persistence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stieha, Vicki

2010-01-01

This single case study takes a phenomenological approach using the voice centered analysis to analyze qualitative interview data so that the voice of this first-generation college student is brought forward. It is a poignant voice filled with conflicting emotional responses to the desire for college success, for family stability, for meaningful…

Vocal function after transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer.

PubMed

Tanaka, Shingo; Tomifuji, Masayuki; Araki, Koji; Uno, Kosuke; Tanaka, Yuya; Mizokami, Daisuke; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Miyagawa, Yoshihiro; Taniai, Shinichi; Shiotani, Akihiro

2017-04-01

The resection of the medial and lateral pyriform sinus was associated with post-operative voice impairment after TOVS. Scar contracture around the cricoarytenoid joint lead to arytenoid fixation toward lateral position, and this wound healing process caused insufficient glottis closure. Although oncological and functional outcomes of TOVS was satisfactory, surgeons should mention the risk of post-operative voice impairment in pre-operative counseling. Transoral surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer. Post-operative vocal function was satisfactory in most cases, but in some cases vocal cord was fixed and occasionally voice impairment persists. Vocal function of 55 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancers was evaluated by the GRBAS perceptive scale, aerodynamic tests and acoustic analyses, and the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. The risk factors for voice impairment were identified. Voice impairment (G score ≧2) was found in 16 cases (29.1%). Univariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p = .0018) and neck dissection (p = .0421) were associated with post-operative voice impairment. Multivariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p = .0021) was associated with post-operative voice impairment.

Relating therapy for people who hear voices: perspectives from clients, family members, referrers and therapists.

PubMed

Hayward, Mark; Fuller, Ella

2010-01-01

Current psychological models of voice hearing emphasise the personal meaning that individuals attribute to the voice hearing experience. Recent developments in theory and research have highlighted the importance of the relationship between the hearer and the voice. This study aims to contribute to this area of research, by exploring the experience and usefulness of a new form of 'Relating Therapy' that aims to modify distressing relationships with voices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants and explored the experience and usefulness of a pilot of Relating Therapy: three therapists, three voice hearers, two relatives and two referrers. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Three themes that emerged from the analysis are presented for discussion: engaging with the therapeutic model; developing a new relating style; and how change is described and defined by participants. This study is consistent with the growing body of theory and research that highlights the interpersonal nature of the voice hearing experience. It also offers tentative support for a therapeutic framework that aims to modify distressing relationships with voices as a means of bringing about positive change. Clinical implications and areas for future research are outlined.  © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Young children with severe congenital malformations (VACTERL) expressed mixed feelings about their condition and worries about needles and anaesthesia.

PubMed

Kassa, A-M; Engvall, G; Engstrand Lilja, H

2017-10-01

Our knowledge of the perceptions that children with severe congenital malformations have of their health, treatment and how to improve hospital care is limited. This study focused on patients with vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-oesophageal fistula, renal anomalies and limb abnormalities (VACTERL). We interviewed 10 children aged five to eight years with VACTERL association who were treated in a Swedish tertiary paediatric surgical centre, using a computer-assisted technique called In My Shoes. The interviews were analysed by qualitative content analysis. The children described their awareness of their health history and said they felt proud but different due to their physical dysfunction. They were happy to visit the hospital to meet familiar staff, but expressed negative feelings about missing normal life. They were afraid of needle-related procedures and not wakening up after anaesthesia. Various ways of coping with difficult situations were expressed, and suggestions to improve hospital care were voiced. Careful follow-up of these children by multidisciplinary teams is crucial to optimise their health and functional status. Fear of medical procedures may be reduced by carefully delivered information, listening to the children, providing continuity of care and creating individual care strategies. ©2017 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

40 CFR 267.32 - What equipment am I required to have?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... supply water hose streams, or foam-producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems. ... alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility...-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire...

40 CFR 267.32 - What equipment am I required to have?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... supply water hose streams, or foam-producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems. ... alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility...-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire...

40 CFR 267.32 - What equipment am I required to have?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... supply water hose streams, or foam-producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems. ... alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility...-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire...

40 CFR 267.32 - What equipment am I required to have?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... supply water hose streams, or foam-producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems. ... alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility...-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire...

40 CFR 267.32 - What equipment am I required to have?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... supply water hose streams, or foam-producing equipment, or automatic sprinklers, or water spray systems. ... alarm system capable of providing immediate emergency instruction (voice or signal) to facility...-held two-way radio, capable of summoning emergency assistance from local police departments, fire...

Speaking Activities and Reading.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ediger, Marlow

2000-01-01

Notes that each pupil needs to receive guidance and assistance to achieve as optimally as possible in oral communication. Discusses critical listening to the spoken voice, using puppets, using role play activities, committees in the classroom, giving oral reports, oral reading to classmates, giving and following directions, extemporaneous…

User involvement in assisted reproductive technologies: England and Portugal.

PubMed

Samorinha, Catarina; Lichon, Mateusz; Silva, Susana; Dent, Mike

2015-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to compare user involvement in the case of assisted reproductive technologies in England and Portugal through the concepts of voice, choice and co-production, assessing the implications for user empowerment. This qualitative study draws primarily on policy review and uses exploratory semi-structured interviews with key informants as a way of illustrating points. Data on the following themes was compared: voice (users' representativeness on licensing bodies and channels of communication between users and doctors); choice (funding and accessibility criteria; choice of fertility centres, doctors and level of care); and co-production (criteria through which users actively engage with health professionals in planning the treatment). Inter- and intra-healthcare systems variations between the two countries on choice and co-production were identified. Differences between funding and accessibility, regions, public and private sectors and attitudes towards doctor-patient relationship (paternalistic/partnership) were the key issues. Although consumer choice and indicators of co-production are evident in treatment pathways in both countries, user empowerment is not. This is limited by inequalities in accessibility criteria, dependence on doctors' individual perspectives and lack of genuine and formal hearing of citizens' voice. Enhancing users' involvement claims for individual and organizational cultures reflecting user-centred values. Effective ways to incorporate users' knowledge in shared decision making and co-design are needed to empower patients and to improve the delivery of care.

[Approach to the Development of Mind and Persona].

PubMed

Sawaguchi, Toshiko

2018-01-01

To access medical specialists by health specialists working in the regional health field, the possibility of utilizing the voice approach for dissociative identity disorder (DID) patients as a health assessment for medical access (HAMA) was investigated. The first step is to investigate whether the plural personae in a single DID patient can be discriminated by voice analysis. Voices of DID patients including these with different personae were extracted from YouTube and were analysed using the software PRAAT with basic frequency, oral factors, chin factors and tongue factors. In addition, RAKUGO story teller voices made artificially and dramatically were analysed in the same manner. Quantitive and qualitative analysis method were carried out and nested logistic regression and a nested generalized linear model was developed. The voice from different personae in one DID patient could be visually and easily distinquished using basic frequency curve, cluster analysis and factor analysis. In the canonical analysis, only Roy's maximum root was <0.01. In the nested generalized linear model, the model using a standard deviation (SD) indicator fit best and some other possibilities are shown here. In DID patients, the short transition time among plural personae could guide to the risky situation such as suicide. So if the voice approach can show the time threshold of changes between the different personae, it would be useful as an Access Assessment in the form of a simple HAMA.

Bigdata Oriented Multimedia Mobile Health Applications.

PubMed

Lv, Zhihan; Chirivella, Javier; Gagliardo, Pablo

2016-05-01

In this paper, two mHealth applications are introduced, which can be employed as the terminals of bigdata based health service to collect information for electronic medical records (EMRs). The first one is a hybrid system for improving the user experience in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber by 3D stereoscopic virtual reality glasses and immersive perception. Several HMDs have been tested and compared. The second application is a voice interactive serious game as a likely solution for providing assistive rehabilitation tool for therapists. The recorder of the voice of patients could be analysed to evaluate the long-time rehabilitation results and further to predict the rehabilitation process.

Early assessment of the likely cost-effectiveness of a new technology: A Markov model with probabilistic sensitivity analysis of computer-assisted total knee replacement.

PubMed

Dong, Hengjin; Buxton, Martin

2006-01-01

The objective of this study is to apply a Markov model to compare cost-effectiveness of total knee replacement (TKR) using computer-assisted surgery (CAS) with that of TKR using a conventional manual method in the absence of formal clinical trial evidence. A structured search was carried out to identify evidence relating to the clinical outcome, cost, and effectiveness of TKR. Nine Markov states were identified based on the progress of the disease after TKR. Effectiveness was expressed by quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The simulation was carried out initially for 120 cycles of a month each, starting with 1,000 TKRs. A discount rate of 3.5 percent was used for both cost and effectiveness in the incremental cost-effectiveness analysis. Then, a probabilistic sensitivity analysis was carried out using a Monte Carlo approach with 10,000 iterations. Computer-assisted TKR was a long-term cost-effective technology, but the QALYs gained were small. After the first 2 years, the incremental cost per QALY of computer-assisted TKR was dominant because of cheaper and more QALYs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was sensitive to the "effect of CAS," to the CAS extra cost, and to the utility of the state "Normal health after primary TKR," but it was not sensitive to utilities of other Markov states. Both probabilistic and deterministic analyses produced similar cumulative serious or minor complication rates and complex or simple revision rates. They also produced similar ICERs. Compared with conventional TKR, computer-assisted TKR is a cost-saving technology in the long-term and may offer small additional QALYs. The "effect of CAS" is to reduce revision rates and complications through more accurate and precise alignment, and although the conclusions from the model, even when allowing for a full probabilistic analysis of uncertainty, are clear, the "effect of CAS" on the rate of revisions awaits long-term clinical evidence.

Objective voice and speech analysis of persons with chronic hoarseness by prosodic analysis of speech samples.

PubMed

Haderlein, Tino; Döllinger, Michael; Matoušek, Václav; Nöth, Elmar

2016-10-01

Automatic voice assessment is often performed using sustained vowels. In contrast, speech analysis of read-out texts can be applied to voice and speech assessment. Automatic speech recognition and prosodic analysis were used to find regression formulae between automatic and perceptual assessment of four voice and four speech criteria. The regression was trained with 21 men and 62 women (average age 49.2 years) and tested with another set of 24 men and 49 women (48.3 years), all suffering from chronic hoarseness. They read the text 'Der Nordwind und die Sonne' ('The North Wind and the Sun'). Five voice and speech therapists evaluated the data on 5-point Likert scales. Ten prosodic and recognition accuracy measures (features) were identified which describe all the examined criteria. Inter-rater correlation within the expert group was between r = 0.63 for the criterion 'match of breath and sense units' and r = 0.87 for the overall voice quality. Human-machine correlation was between r = 0.40 for the match of breath and sense units and r = 0.82 for intelligibility. The perceptual ratings of different criteria were highly correlated with each other. Likewise, the feature sets modeling the criteria were very similar. The automatic method is suitable for assessing chronic hoarseness in general and for subgroups of functional and organic dysphonia. In its current version, it is almost as reliable as a randomly picked rater from a group of voice and speech therapists.

Validation of the Acoustic Voice Quality Index in the Japanese Language.

PubMed

Hosokawa, Kiyohito; Barsties, Ben; Iwahashi, Toshihiko; Iwahashi, Mio; Kato, Chieri; Iwaki, Shinobu; Sasai, Hisanori; Miyauchi, Akira; Matsushiro, Naoki; Inohara, Hidenori; Ogawa, Makoto; Maryn, Youri

2017-03-01

The Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) is a multivariate construct for quantification of overall voice quality based on the analysis of continuous speech and sustained vowel. The stability and validity of the AVQI is well established in several language families. However, the Japanese language has distinct characteristics with respect to several parameters of articulatory and phonatory physiology. The aim of the study was to confirm the criterion-related concurrent validity of AVQI, as well as its responsiveness to change and diagnostic accuracy for voice assessment in the Japanese-speaking population. This is a retrospective study. A total of 336 voice recordings, which included 69 pairs of voice recordings (before and after therapeutic interventions), were eligible for the study. The auditory-perceptual judgment of overall voice quality was evaluated by five experienced raters. The concurrent validity, responsiveness to change, and diagnostic accuracy of the AVQI were estimated. The concurrent validity and responsiveness to change based on the overall voice quality was indicated by high correlation coefficients 0.828 and 0.767, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an excellent diagnostic accuracy for discrimination between dysphonic and normophonic voices (area under the curve: 0.905). The best threshold level for the AVQI of 3.15 corresponded with a sensitivity of 72.5% and specificity of 95.2%, with the positive and negative likelihood ratios of 15.1 and 0.29, respectively. We demonstrated the validity of the AVQI as a tool for assessment of overall voice quality and that of voice therapy outcomes in the Japanese-speaking population. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neural effects of environmental advertising: An fMRI analysis of voice age and temporal framing.

PubMed

Casado-Aranda, Luis-Alberto; Martínez-Fiestas, Myriam; Sánchez-Fernández, Juan

2018-01-15

Ecological information offered to society through advertising enhances awareness of environmental issues, encourages development of sustainable attitudes and intentions, and can even alter behavior. This paper, by means of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and self-reports, explores the underlying mechanisms of processing ecological messages. The study specifically examines brain and behavioral responses to persuasive ecological messages that differ in temporal framing and in the age of the voice pronouncing them. The findings reveal that attitudes are more positive toward future-framed messages presented by young voices. The whole-brain analysis reveals that future-framed (FF) ecological messages trigger activation in brain areas related to imagery, prospective memories and episodic events, thus reflecting the involvement of past behaviors in future ecological actions. Past-framed messages (PF), in turn, elicit brain activations within the episodic system. Young voices (YV), in addition to triggering stronger activation in areas involved with the processing of high-timbre, high-pitched and high-intensity voices, are perceived as more emotional and motivational than old voices (OV) as activations in anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala. Messages expressed by older voices, in turn, exhibit stronger activation in areas formerly linked to low-pitched voices and voice gender perception. Interestingly, a link is identified between neural and self-report responses indicating that certain brain activations in response to future-framed messages and young voices predicted higher attitudes toward future-framed and young voice advertisements, respectively. The results of this study provide invaluable insight into the unconscious origin of attitudes toward environmental messages and indicate which voice and temporal frame of a message generate the greatest subconscious value. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dimensionality in voice quality.

PubMed

Bele, Irene Velsvik

2007-05-01

This study concerns speaking voice quality in a group of male teachers (n = 35) and male actors (n = 36), as the purpose was to investigate normal and supranormal voices. The goal was the development of a method of valid perceptual evaluation for normal to supranormal and resonant voices. The voices (text reading at two loudness levels) had been evaluated by 10 listeners, for 15 vocal characteristics using VA scales. In this investigation, the results of an exploratory factor analysis of the vocal characteristics used in this method are presented, reflecting four dimensions of major importance for normal and supranormal voices. Special emphasis is placed on the effects on voice quality of a change in the loudness variable, as two loudness levels are studied. Furthermore, the vocal characteristics Sonority and Ringing voice quality are paid special attention, as the essence of the term "resonant voice" was a basic issue throughout a doctoral dissertation where this study was included.

When the face fits: recognition of celebrities from matching and mismatching faces and voices.

PubMed

Stevenage, Sarah V; Neil, Greg J; Hamlin, Iain

2014-01-01

The results of two experiments are presented in which participants engaged in a face-recognition or a voice-recognition task. The stimuli were face-voice pairs in which the face and voice were co-presented and were either "matched" (same person), "related" (two highly associated people), or "mismatched" (two unrelated people). Analysis in both experiments confirmed that accuracy and confidence in face recognition was consistently high regardless of the identity of the accompanying voice. However accuracy of voice recognition was increasingly affected as the relationship between voice and accompanying face declined. Moreover, when considering self-reported confidence in voice recognition, confidence remained high for correct responses despite the proportion of these responses declining across conditions. These results converged with existing evidence indicating the vulnerability of voice recognition as a relatively weak signaller of identity, and results are discussed in the context of a person-recognition framework.

Older Adults Perceptions of Technology and Barriers to Interacting with Tablet Computers: A Focus Group Study.

PubMed

Vaportzis, Eleftheria; Clausen, Maria Giatsi; Gow, Alan J

2017-10-04

New technologies provide opportunities for the delivery of broad, flexible interventions with older adults. Focus groups were conducted to: (1) understand older adults' familiarity with, and barriers to, interacting with new technologies and tablets; and (2) utilize user-engagement in refining an intervention protocol. Eighteen older adults (65-76 years old; 83.3% female) who were novice tablet users participated in discussions about their perceptions of and barriers to interacting with tablets. We conducted three separate focus groups and used a generic qualitative design applying thematic analysis to analyse the data. The focus groups explored attitudes toward tablets and technology in general. We also explored the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using tablets, familiarity with, and barriers to interacting with tablets. In two of the focus groups, participants had previous computing experience (e.g., desktop), while in the other, participants had no previous computing experience. None of the participants had any previous experience with tablet computers. The themes that emerged were related to barriers (i.e., lack of instructions and guidance, lack of knowledge and confidence, health-related barriers, cost); disadvantages and concerns (i.e., too much and too complex technology, feelings of inadequacy, and comparison with younger generations, lack of social interaction and communication, negative features of tablets); advantages (i.e., positive features of tablets, accessing information, willingness to adopt technology); and skepticism about using tablets and technology in general. After brief exposure to tablets, participants emphasized the likelihood of using a tablet in the future. Our findings suggest that most of our participants were eager to adopt new technology and willing to learn using a tablet. However, they voiced apprehension about lack of, or lack of clarity in, instructions and support. Understanding older adults' perceptions of technology is important to assist with introducing it to this population and maximize the potential of technology to facilitate independent living.

Older Adults Perceptions of Technology and Barriers to Interacting with Tablet Computers: A Focus Group Study

PubMed Central

Vaportzis, Eleftheria; Giatsi Clausen, Maria; Gow, Alan J.

2017-01-01

Background: New technologies provide opportunities for the delivery of broad, flexible interventions with older adults. Focus groups were conducted to: (1) understand older adults' familiarity with, and barriers to, interacting with new technologies and tablets; and (2) utilize user-engagement in refining an intervention protocol. Methods: Eighteen older adults (65–76 years old; 83.3% female) who were novice tablet users participated in discussions about their perceptions of and barriers to interacting with tablets. We conducted three separate focus groups and used a generic qualitative design applying thematic analysis to analyse the data. The focus groups explored attitudes toward tablets and technology in general. We also explored the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using tablets, familiarity with, and barriers to interacting with tablets. In two of the focus groups, participants had previous computing experience (e.g., desktop), while in the other, participants had no previous computing experience. None of the participants had any previous experience with tablet computers. Results: The themes that emerged were related to barriers (i.e., lack of instructions and guidance, lack of knowledge and confidence, health-related barriers, cost); disadvantages and concerns (i.e., too much and too complex technology, feelings of inadequacy, and comparison with younger generations, lack of social interaction and communication, negative features of tablets); advantages (i.e., positive features of tablets, accessing information, willingness to adopt technology); and skepticism about using tablets and technology in general. After brief exposure to tablets, participants emphasized the likelihood of using a tablet in the future. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that most of our participants were eager to adopt new technology and willing to learn using a tablet. However, they voiced apprehension about lack of, or lack of clarity in, instructions and support. Understanding older adults' perceptions of technology is important to assist with introducing it to this population and maximize the potential of technology to facilitate independent living. PMID:29071004

Experimental analysis of the characteristics of artificial vocal folds.

PubMed

Misun, Vojtech; Svancara, Pavel; Vasek, Martin

2011-05-01

Specialized literature presents a number of models describing the function of the vocal folds. In most of those models, an emphasis is placed on the air flowing through the glottis and, further, on the effect of the parameters of the air alone (its mass, speed, and so forth). The article focuses on the constructional definition of artificial vocal folds and their experimental analysis. The analysis is conducted for voiced source voice phonation and for the changing mean value of the subglottal pressure. The article further deals with the analysis of the pressure of the airflow through the vocal folds, which is cut (separated) into individual pulses by the vibrating vocal folds. The analysis results show that air pulse characteristics are relevant to voice generation, as they are produced by the flowing air and vibrating vocal folds. A number of artificial vocal folds have been constructed to date, and the aforementioned view of their phonation is confirmed by their analysis. The experiments have confirmed that man is able to consciously affect only two parameters of the source voice, that is, its fundamental frequency and voice intensity. The main forces acting on the vocal folds during phonation are as follows: subglottal air pressure and elastic and inertia forces of the vocal folds' structure. The correctness of the function of the artificial vocal folds is documented by the experimental verification of the spectra of several types of artificial vocal folds. Copyright © 2011 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Freddie Mercury-acoustic analysis of speaking fundamental frequency, vibrato, and subharmonics.

PubMed

Herbst, Christian T; Hertegard, Stellan; Zangger-Borch, Daniel; Lindestad, Per-Åke

2017-04-01

Freddie Mercury was one of the twentieth century's best-known singers of commercial contemporary music. This study presents an acoustical analysis of his voice production and singing style, based on perceptual and quantitative analysis of publicly available sound recordings. Analysis of six interviews revealed a median speaking fundamental frequency of 117.3 Hz, which is typically found for a baritone voice. Analysis of voice tracks isolated from full band recordings suggested that the singing voice range was 37 semitones within the pitch range of F#2 (about 92.2 Hz) to G5 (about 784 Hz). Evidence for higher phonations up to a fundamental frequency of 1,347 Hz was not deemed reliable. Analysis of 240 sustained notes from 21 a-cappella recordings revealed a surprisingly high mean fundamental frequency modulation rate (vibrato) of 7.0 Hz, reaching the range of vocal tremor. Quantitative analysis utilizing a newly introduced parameter to assess the regularity of vocal vibrato corroborated its perceptually irregular nature, suggesting that vibrato (ir)regularity is a distinctive feature of the singing voice. Imitation of subharmonic phonation samples by a professional rock singer, documented by endoscopic high-speed video at 4,132 frames per second, revealed a 3:1 frequency locked vibratory pattern of vocal folds and ventricular folds.

Prototype app for voice therapy: a peer review.

PubMed

Lavaissiéri, Paula; Melo, Paulo Eduardo Damasceno

2017-03-09

Voice speech therapy promotes changes in patients' voice-related habits and rehabilitation. Speech-language therapists use a host of materials ranging from pictures to electronic resources and computer tools as aids in this process. Mobile technology is attractive, interactive and a nearly constant feature in the daily routine of a large part of the population and has a growing application in healthcare. To develop a prototype application for voice therapy, submit it to peer assessment, and to improve the initial prototype based on these assessments. a prototype of the Q-Voz application was developed based on Apple's Human Interface Guidelines. The prototype was analyzed by seven speech therapists who work in the voice area. Improvements to the product were made based on these assessments. all features of the application were considered satisfactory by most evaluators. All evaluators found the application very useful; evaluators reported that patients would find it easier to make changes in voice behavior with the application than without it; the evaluators stated they would use this application with their patients with dysphonia and in the process of rehabilitation and that the application offers useful tools for voice self-management. Based on the suggestions provided, six improvements were made to the prototype. the prototype Q-Voz Application was developed and evaluated by seven judges and subsequently improved. All evaluators stated they would use the application with their patients undergoing rehabilitation, indicating that the Q-Voz Application for mobile devices can be considered an auxiliary tool for voice speech therapy.

Internet Voice Distribution System (IVoDS) Utilization in Remote Payload Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Best, Susan; Bradford, Bob; Chamberlain, Jim; Nichols, Kelvin; Bailey, Darrell (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Due to limited crew availability to support science and the large number of experiments to be operated simultaneously, telescience is key to a successful International Space Station (ISS) science program. Crew, operations personnel at NASA centers, and researchers at universities and companies around the world must work closely together to perform scientific experiments on-board ISS. NASA has initiated use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to supplement the existing HVoDS mission voice communications system used by researchers. The Internet Voice Distribution System (IVoDS) connects researchers to mission support "loops" or conferences via Internet Protocol networks such as the high-speed Internet 2. Researchers use IVoDS software on personal computers to talk with operations personnel at NASA centers. IVoDS also has the capability, if authorized, to allow researchers to communicate with the ISS crew during experiment operations. NODS was developed by Marshall Space Flight Center with contractors A2 Technology, Inc. FVC, Lockheed- Martin, and VoIP Group. IVoDS is currently undergoing field-testing with full deployment for up to 50 simultaneous users expected in 2002. Research is currently being performed to take full advantage of the digital world - the Personal Computer and Internet Protocol networks - to qualitatively enhance communications among ISS operations personnel. In addition to the current voice capability, video and data-sharing capabilities are being investigated. Major obstacles being addressed include network bandwidth capacity and strict security requirements. Techniques being investigated to reduce and overcome these obstacles include emerging audio-video protocols and network technology including multicast and quality-of-service.

Keyboard With Voice Output

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huber, W. C.

1986-01-01

Voice synthesizer tells what key is about to be depressed. Verbal feedback useful for blind operators or where dim light prevents sighted operator from seeing keyboard. Also used where operator is busy observing other things while keying data into control system. Used as training aid for touch typing, and to train blind operators to use both standard and braille keyboards. Concept adapted to such equipment as typewriters, computers, calculators, telephones, cash registers, and on/off controls.

Speech rate reduction and "nasality" in normal speakers.

PubMed

Brancewicz, T M; Reich, A R

1989-12-01

This study explored the effects of reduced speech rate on nasal/voice accelerometric measures and nasality ratings. Nasal/voice accelerometric measures were obtained from normal adults for various speech stimuli and speaking rates. Stimuli included three sentences (one obstruent-loaded, one semivowel-loaded, and one containing a single nasal), and /pv/ syllable trains.. Speakers read the stimuli at their normal rate, half their normal rate, and as slowly as possible. In addition, a computer program paced each speaker at rates of 1, 2, and 3 syllables per second. The nasal/voice accelerometric values revealed significant stimulus effects but no rate effects. The nasality ratings of experienced listeners, evaluated as a function of stimulus and speaking rate, were compared to the accelerometric measures. The nasality scale values demonstrated small, but statistically significant, stimulus and rate effects. However, the nasality percepts were poorly correlated with the nasal/voice accelerometric measures.

Responses to assisted suicide requests: an interview study with Swiss palliative care physicians.

PubMed

Gamondi, Claudia; Borasio, Gian Domenico; Oliver, Pam; Preston, Nancy; Payne, Sheila

2017-08-11

Assisted suicide in Switzerland is mainly performed by right-to-die societies. Medical involvement is limited to the prescription of the drug and certification of eligibility. Palliative care has traditionally been perceived as generally opposed to assisted suicide, but little is known about palliative care physicians' involvement in assisted suicide practices. This paper aims to describe their perspectives and involvement in assisted suicide practices. A qualitative interview study was conducted with 23 palliative care physicians across Switzerland. Thematic analysis was used to interpret data. Swiss palliative care physicians regularly receive assisted suicide requests while none reported having received specific training in managing these requests. Participants reported being involved in assisted suicide decision making most were not willing to prescribe the lethal drug. After advising patients of the limits on their involvement in assisted suicide, the majority explored the origins of the patient's request and offered alternatives. Many participants struggled to reconcile their understanding of palliative care principles with patients' wishes to exercise their autonomy. The majority of participants had no direct contact with right-to-die societies, many desired better collaboration. A desire was voiced for a more structured debate on assisted suicide availability in hospitals and clearer legal and institutional frameworks. The Swiss model of assisted suicide gives palliative care physicians opportunities to develop roles which are compatible with each practitioner's values, but may not correspond to patients' expectations. Specific education for all palliative care professionals and more structured ways to manage communication about assisted suicide are warranted. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Collaborative Consultation to Promote Inclusion: Voices from the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomson, Charlotte

2013-01-01

The role of Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB), established under the policy initiatives outlined in Special Education 2000 [Ministry of Education 1996. "Special Education 2000." Wellington: Learning Media], is to assist schools and teachers in developing and maintaining inclusive classrooms and schools through a…

Ralph Mero: An Omega Interview.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kastenbaum, Robert J.

1994-01-01

Presents interview with Ralph Mero, Executive Director of Compassion in Dying, Seattle (Washington)-based organization that has brought new voice to controversial issue of physician-assisted rational suicide. Mero explains how his years as minister watching people suffer with cancer or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome led him to work for…

The Effects of Computer-Assisted Instruction Based on Top-Level Structure Method in English Reading and Writing Abilities of Thai EFL Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jinajai, Nattapong; Rattanavich, Saowalak

2015-01-01

This research aims to study the development of ninth grade students' reading and writing abilities and interests in learning English taught through computer-assisted instruction (CAI) based on the top-level structure (TLS) method. An experimental group time series design was used, and the data was analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance…

A Differential Feature-Cost Analysis of Fifteen Computer-Assisted Career Guidance Systems: Technical Report Number 10. (Fourth Edition).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sampson, James P., Jr.; And Others

This study examined similarities and differences among 15 computer-assisted career guidance (CACG) systems: (1) the Career Information System; (2) Choices; (3) Choices CT; (4) Choices Jr; (5) MODULAR C-LECT; (6) COIN; (7) COIN Jr; (8) DISCOVER for Colleges and Adults; (9) DISCOVER for High Schools; (10) DISCOVER for Junior High and Middle Schools;…

Ki-67 reactivity in breast carcinoma analyzed by a computer-assisted image system: preliminary results.

PubMed Central

Mir, R.; Johnson, H.; Mathur, R.; Wise, L.; Kahn, L. B.

1995-01-01

The proliferative index of 63 breast carcinomas was measured on Ki-67 immunostained frozen tissue sections with a computer-assisted image analysis system. The mean proliferative index in estrogen-positive breast carcinomas was lower than in estrogen-negative carcinomas. An inverse relationship between proliferative index and short-term disease-free survival was noted. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:7674345

Investigating the Effects of Glottal Stop Productions on Voice in Children With Cleft Palate Using Multidimensional Voice Assessment Methods.

PubMed

Aydınlı, Fatma Esen; Özcebe, Esra; Kulak Kayıkçı, Maviş E; Yılmaz, Taner; Özgür, Fatma F

2016-11-01

The aim was to investigate the effects of glottal stop productions (GS) on voice in children with cleft palate using multidimensional voice assessment methods. This is a prospective case-control study. Children with repaired cleft palate (n = 34) who did not have any vocal fold lesions were separated into two groups based on the results of the articulation test. The glottal stop group (GSG) consisted of 17 children who had GS. The control group (CG) consisted of an equal number of age- and gender-matched children who did not have GS. The voice evaluation protocol included acoustic analysis, Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI), and perceptual analysis (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain method). The velopharyngeal statuses of the groups were compared using the nasopharyngoscopy and the nasometer. The total pVHI score and the subscales of the pVHI were found to be significantly higher in the GSG. The F0, jitter, and shimmer were found to be numerically higher in the GSG with the difference being statistically significant in jitter (P < 0.05). Audioperceptual analysis revealed a difference in overall voice quality and roughness between the groups. Greater incidence of significant velopharyngeal insufficiency and higher nasalance scores were found in the GSG (P < 0.05). These results may indicate that the vocal quality characteristics of children with GS differ from children who do not have this type of production. It is suggested that children with cleft palate who have GS should receive a comprehensive speech and language pathology intervention including voice therapy techniques. Copyright © 2016 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The influence of nationality on the accuracy of face and voice recognition.

PubMed

Doty, N D

1998-01-01

Sixty English and U.S. citizens were tested to determine the effect of nationality on accuracy in recognizing previously witnessed faces and voices. Subjects viewed a frontal facial photograph and were then asked to select that face from a set of 10 oblique facial photographs. Subjects listened to a recorded voice and were then asked to select the same voice from a set of 10 voice recordings. This process was repeated 7 more times, such that subjects identified a male and female face and voice from England, France, Belize, and the United States. Subjects demonstrated better accuracy recognizing the faces and voices of their own nationality. Subgoups analysis further supported the other-nationality effect as well as the previously documented other-race effect.

Acoustic Analysis of Voice and Electroglottography in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.

PubMed

Ramírez, Daphne Anahit Morales; Jiménez, Víctor Manuel Valadez; López, Xochiquetzal Hernández; Ysunza, Pablo Antonio

2018-05-01

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) refers to the flow of gastric acid content into the laryngopharynx. It has been reported that 10% of the patients consulting an otolaryngologist present with this condition. Signs of LPR can be identified during flexible or rigid laryngoscopy. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) is a reliable tool for detecting the impact of voice disorders, and acoustic assessment of voice including acoustic analysis of voice (AAV) and electroglottography (EGG) provide objective data of voice production and voice disorders. This study aimed to describe changes in AAV, EGG, and VHI in patients who present with LPR compared with a matched control group of healthy subjects. Seventeen patients with LPR were studied. A group of healthy subjects matched by age and gender without any history of voice disorder, LPR, or gastroesophageal reflux disease was assembled. Both groups of patients were studied by VHI, flexible laryngoscopy, AAV, and EGG. All patients with LPR demonstrated abnormal VHI values. Shimmer, jitter, open quotient, and irregularity were significantly increased in the patients with LPR. Nonsignificant correlations were found between VHI scores and abnormal acoustic parameters in patients with LPR. Although abnormal acoustic parameters of patients with LPR were not predictive of the overall VHI score, the abnormal acoustic parameters of patients with LPR suggest a decrease in adequate laryngeal control during phonation. Copyright © 2018 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Voice measures of workload in the advanced flight deck

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, Sid J.; Alpert, Murray; Odonnell, Richard

1989-01-01

Voice samples were obtained from 14 male subjects under high and low workload conditions. Acoustical analysis of the voice suggested that high workload conditions can be revealed by their effects on the voice over time. Aircrews in the advanced flight deck will be voicing short, imperative sentences repeatedly. A drop in the energy of the voice, as reflected by reductions in amplitude and frequency over time, and the failure to achieve old amplitude and frequency levels after rest periods, can signal that the workload demands of the situation are straining the speaker. This kind of measurement would be relatively unaffected by individual differences in acoustical measures.

Children's voices: can we hear them?

PubMed

McPherson, G; Thorne, S

2000-02-01

This article addresses an important but often neglected notion in the care of children--the notion of voice. Recognizing that a crucial role for pediatric nurses is that of advocate for the child, this article poses the questions of how children's voices can be heard and how nurses know whose voice they represent when they act in an advocacy capacity. Drawing on contributions from psychology, sociology, and feminist studies, the analysis narrows our focus to the special challenge created for pediatric nurses when they recognize the importance of voice in caring for children, and examines the complexities inherent in attending to voice in pediatric nursing practice.

Computer and Software Use in Teaching the Beginning Statistics Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bartz, Albert E.; Sabolik, Marisa A.

2001-01-01

Surveys the extent of computer usage in the beginning statistics course and the variety of statistics software used. Finds that 69% of the psychology departments used computers in beginning statistics courses and 90% used computer-assisted data analysis in statistics or other courses. (CMK)

Effects of Radioactive Iodine Ablation Therapy on Voice Quality.

PubMed

Aydoğdu, İmran; Atar, Yavuz; Saltürk, Ziya; Sarı, Hüseyin; Ataç, Enes; Aydoğdu, Zeynep; İnan, Muzaffer; Mersinlioğlu, Gökhan; Uyar, Yavuz

2017-01-01

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of radioactive iodine ablation therapy on voice quality of patients diagnosed with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. We enrolled 36 patients who underwent total or subtotal thyroidectomy due to well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Voice recordings from patients were analyzed for acoustic and aerodynamic voice. The Voice Handicap Index-10 was used for subjective analysis. The control group consisted of 36 healthy participants. Results taken before and after therapy were compared statistically. There were no differences in the results taken before and after therapy for the radioactive iodine ablation group. The Voice Handicap Index-10 results did not differ between groups before and after therapy. Radioactive iodine ablation therapy has no effect on voice quality objectively or subjectively. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Examining Effects of Virtual Machine Settings on Voice over Internet Protocol in a Private Cloud Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liao, Yuan

2011-01-01

The virtualization of computing resources, as represented by the sustained growth of cloud computing, continues to thrive. Information Technology departments are building their private clouds due to the perception of significant cost savings by managing all physical computing resources from a single point and assigning them to applications or…

Internet-Based System for Voice Communication With the ISS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamberlain, James; Myers, Gerry; Clem, David; Speir, Terri

2005-01-01

The Internet Voice Distribution System (IVoDS) is a voice-communication system that comprises mainly computer hardware and software. The IVoDS was developed to supplement and eventually replace the Enhanced Voice Distribution System (EVoDS), which, heretofore, has constituted the terrestrial subsystem of a system for voice communications among crewmembers of the International Space Station (ISS), workers at the Payloads Operations Center at Marshall Space Flight Center, principal investigators at diverse locations who are responsible for specific payloads, and others. The IVoDS utilizes a communication infrastructure of NASA and NASArelated intranets in addition to, as its name suggests, the Internet. Whereas the EVoDS utilizes traditional circuitswitched telephony, the IVoDS is a packet-data system that utilizes a voice over Internet protocol (VOIP). Relative to the EVoDS, the IVoDS offers advantages of greater flexibility and lower cost for expansion and reconfiguration. The IVoDS is an extended version of a commercial Internet-based voice conferencing system that enables each user to participate in only one conference at a time. In the IVoDS, a user can receive audio from as many as eight conferences simultaneously while sending audio to one of them. The IVoDS also incorporates administrative controls, beyond those of the commercial system, that provide greater security and control of the capabilities and authorizations for talking and listening afforded to each user.

Average ambulatory measures of sound pressure level, fundamental frequency, and vocal dose do not differ between adult females with phonotraumatic lesions and matched control subjects

PubMed Central

Van Stan, Jarrad H.; Mehta, Daryush D.; Zeitels, Steven M.; Burns, James A.; Barbu, Anca M.; Hillman, Robert E.

2015-01-01

Objectives Clinical management of phonotraumatic vocal fold lesions (nodules, polyps) is based largely on assumptions that abnormalities in habitual levels of sound pressure level (SPL), fundamental frequency (f0), and/or amount of voice use play a major role in lesion development and chronic persistence. This study used ambulatory voice monitoring to evaluate if significant differences in voice use exist between patients with phonotraumatic lesions and normal matched controls. Methods Subjects were 70 adult females: 35 with vocal fold nodules or polyps and 35 age-, sex-, and occupation-matched normal individuals. Weeklong summary statistics of voice use were computed from anterior neck surface acceleration recorded using a smartphone-based ambulatory voice monitor. Results Paired t-tests and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests resulted in no statistically significant differences between patients and matched controls regarding average measures of SPL, f0, vocal dose measures, and voicing/voice rest periods. Paired t-tests comparing f0 variability between the groups resulted in statistically significant differences with moderate effect sizes. Conclusions Individuals with phonotraumatic lesions did not exhibit differences in average ambulatory measures of vocal behavior when compared with matched controls. More refined characterizations of underlying phonatory mechanisms and other potentially contributing causes are warranted to better understand risk factors associated with phonotraumatic lesions. PMID:26024911

Assured Information Flow Capping Architecture.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-05-01

Air Control System Deployment, ESD-TR-71-371, AD 733 584, Electronic Systems Division, AFSC, Hanscom Air Force Base, MA, November 1971. 3. I. Gitman and...H. Frank, "Economic Analysis of Integrated Voice and Data Networks: A Case Study," Proceedings of the IEEE, November 1978. 4. H. Frank and I. Gitman ... Gitman , "Study Shows Packet Switching Best for Voice Traffic, Too," Data Communications, March 1979. ___ "Economic Analysis of Integrated Voice and

A posteriori error estimates in voice source recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonov, A. S.; Sorokin, V. N.

2017-12-01

The inverse problem of voice source pulse recovery from a segment of a speech signal is under consideration. A special mathematical model is used for the solution that relates these quantities. A variational method of solving inverse problem of voice source recovery for a new parametric class of sources, that is for piecewise-linear sources (PWL-sources), is proposed. Also, a technique for a posteriori numerical error estimation for obtained solutions is presented. A computer study of the adequacy of adopted speech production model with PWL-sources is performed in solving the inverse problems for various types of voice signals, as well as corresponding study of a posteriori error estimates. Numerical experiments for speech signals show satisfactory properties of proposed a posteriori error estimates, which represent the upper bounds of possible errors in solving the inverse problem. The estimate of the most probable error in determining the source-pulse shapes is about 7-8% for the investigated speech material. It is noted that a posteriori error estimates can be used as a criterion of the quality for obtained voice source pulses in application to speaker recognition.

Voice-stress measure of mental workload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alpert, Murray; Schneider, Sid J.

1988-01-01

In a planned experiment, male subjects between the age of 18 and 50 will be required to produce speech while performing various tasks. Analysis of the speech produced should reveal which aspects of voice prosody are associated with increased workloads. Preliminary results with two female subjects suggest a possible trend for voice frequency and amplitude to be higher and the variance of the voice frequency to be lower in the high workload condition.

Laryngoscopic, acoustic, perceptual, and functional assessment of voice in rock singers.

PubMed

Guzman, Marco; Barros, Macarena; Espinoza, Fernanda; Herrera, Alejandro; Parra, Daniela; Muñoz, Daniel; Lloyd, Adam

2013-01-01

The present study aimed to vocally assess a group of rock singers who use growl voice and reinforced falsetto. A group of 21 rock singers and a control group of 18 pop singers were included. Singing and speaking voice was assessed through acoustic, perceptual, functional and laryngoscopic analysis. No significant differences were observed between groups in most of the analyses. Acoustic and perceptual analysis of the experimental group demonstrated normality of speaking voice. Endoscopic evaluation showed that most rock singers presented during singing voice a high vertical laryngeal position, pharyngeal compression and laryngeal supraglottic compression. Supraglottic activity during speaking voice tasks was also observed. However, overall vocal fold integrity was demonstrated in most of the participants. Slightly abnormal observations were demonstrated in few of them. Singing voice handicap index revealed that the most affected variable was the physical sphere, followed by the social and emotional spheres. Although growl voice and reinforced falsetto represent laryngeal and pharyngeal hyperfunctional activity, they did not seem to contribute to the presence of any major vocal fold disorder in our subjects. Nevertheless, we cannot rule out the possibility that more evident vocal fold disorders could be found in singers who use these techniques more often and during a longer period of time.

Tridimensional assessment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia pre- and post-treatment with Botulinum toxin.

PubMed

Dejonckere, P H; Neumann, K J; Moerman, M B J; Martens, J P; Giordano, A; Manfredi, C

2012-04-01

Spasmodic dysphonia voices form, in the same way as substitution voices, a particular category of dysphonia that seems not suited for a standardized basic multidimensional assessment protocol, like the one proposed by the European Laryngological Society. Thirty-three exhaustive analyses were performed on voices of 19 patients diagnosed with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (SD), before and after treatment with Botulinum toxin. The speech material consisted of 40 short sentences phonetically selected for constant voicing. Seven perceptual parameters (traditional and dedicated) were blindly rated by a panel of experienced clinicians. Nine acoustic measures (mainly based on voicing evidence and periodicity) were achieved by a special analysis program suited for strongly irregular signals and validated with synthesized deviant voices. Patients also filled in a VHI-questionnaire. Significant improvement is shown by all three approaches. The traditional GRB perceptual parameters appear to be adequate for these patients. Conversely, the special acoustic analysis program is successful in objectivating the improved regularity of vocal fold vibration: the basic jitter remains the most valuable parameter, when reliably quantified. The VHI is well suited for the voice-related quality of life. Nevertheless, when considering pre-therapy and post-therapy changes, the current study illustrates a complete lack of correlation between the perceptual, acoustic, and self-assessment dimensions. Assessment of SD-voices needs to be tridimensional.

Computer-assisted trauma care prototype.

PubMed

Holzman, T G; Griffith, A; Hunter, W G; Allen, T; Simpson, R J

1995-01-01

Each year, civilian accidental injury results in 150,000 deaths and 400,000 permanent disabilities in the United States alone. The timely creation of and access to dynamically updated trauma patient information at the point of injury is critical to improving the state of care. Such information is often non-existent, incomplete, or inaccurate, resulting in less than adequate treatment by medics and the loss of precious time by medical personnel at the hospital or battalion aid station as they attempt to reassess and treat the patient. The Trauma Care Information Management System (TCIMS) is a prototype system for facilitating information flow and patient processing decisions in the difficult circumstances of civilian and military trauma care activities. The program is jointly supported by the United States Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) and a consortium of universities, medical centers, and private companies. The authors' focus has been the human-computer interface for the system. We are attempting to make TCIMS powerful in the functions it delivers to its users in the field while also making it easy to understand and operate. To develop such a usable system, an approach known as user-centered design is being followed. Medical personnel themselves are collaborating with the authors in its needs analysis, design, and evaluation. Specifically, the prototype being demonstrated was designed through observation of actual civilian trauma care episodes, military trauma care exercises onboard a hospital ship, interviews with civilian and military trauma care providers, repeated evaluation of evolving prototypes by potential users, and study of the literature on trauma care and human factors engineering. This presentation at MedInfo '95 is still another avenue for soliciting guidance from medical information system experts and users. The outcome of this process is a system that provides the functions trauma care personnel desire in a manner that can be easily and accurately used in urban, rural, and military field settings. his demonstration will focus on the user interfaces for the hand-held computer device included in TCIMS, the Field Medic Associate (FMA). The FMA prototype is a ruggedized, water-resistant personal computer, weighing approximately 5 lbs. It has an LCD graphical user interface display for patient record input and output, pen-based and audio input, audio output, and wireless communications capabilities. Automatic recording and dynamic, graphical display of time-stamped trends in patient vital signs will be simulated during the demonstration. Means for accessing existing patient record information (e.g., allergies to particular medications) and updating the record with the nature of the injury, its cause, and the treatments that were administered will be shown. These will include use of an electronic pen to mark up anatoglyphs (standard drawings of human body appearing on computer screen) to show where injuries occurred and where treatments were applied, and to input textual descriptions of the nature of the injury, its cause, what treatments were administered, etc. Computer recognition of handwritten inputs will be shown. Likewise, voice annotation and audio playback of patient record information by medics and hospital personnel will be illustrated. These latter technologies free the care providers' hands to treat the patient; they can therefore provide inputs to the patient record while information is fresh in their minds. The audio playback option allows hospital personnel to select more detailed voice annotations of specific portions of the patient record by simply touching the electronic pen to a particular place where an electronic pen marking was made by a medic in the field and then listening to the medic's corresponding audio commentary. Finally, the FMA's means for assisting the medic in simultaneously managing several injured patients will be shown. (abstract truncated)

The interaction of tone with voicing and foot structure: evidence from Kera phonetics and phonology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearce, Mary Dorothy

This thesis uses acoustic measurements as a basis for the phonological analysis of the interaction of tone with voicing and foot structure in Kera (a Chadic language). In both tone spreading and vowel harmony, the iambic foot acts as a domain for spreading. Further evidence for the foot comes from measurements of duration, intensity and vowel quality. Kera is unusual in combining a tone system with a partially independent metrical system based on iambs. In words containing more than one foot, the foot is the tone bearing unit (TBU), but in shorter words, the TBU is the syllable. In perception and production experiments, results show that Kera speakers, unlike English and French, use the fundamental frequency as the principle cue to 'Voicing" contrast. Voice onset time (VOT) has only a minor role. Historically, tones probably developed from voicing through a process of tonogenesis, but synchronically, the feature voice is no longer contrastive and VOT is used in an enhancing role. Some linguists have claimed that Kera is a key example for their controversial theory of long-distance voicing spread. But as voice is not part of Kera phonology, this thesis gives counter-evidence to the voice spreading claim. An important finding from the experiments is that the phonological grammars are different between village women, men moving to town and town men. These differences are attributed to French contact. The interaction between Kera tone and voicing and contact with French have produced changes from a 2-way voicing contrast, through a 3-way tonal contrast, to a 2-way voicing contrast plus another contrast with short VOT. These diachronic and synchronic tone/voicing facts are analysed using laryngeal features and Optimality Theory. This thesis provides a body of new data, detailed acoustic measurements, and an analysis incorporating current theoretical issues in phonology, which make it of interest to Africanists and theoreticians alike.

Voice amplification versus vocal hygiene instruction for teachers with voice disorders: a treatment outcomes study.

PubMed

Roy, Nelson; Weinrich, Barbara; Gray, Steven D; Tanner, Kristine; Toledo, Sue Walker; Dove, Heather; Corbin-Lewis, Kim; Stemple, Joseph C

2002-08-01

Voice problems are common among schoolteachers. This prospective, randomized clinical trial used patient-based treatment outcomes measures combined with acoustic analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of two treatment programs. Forty-four voice-disordered teachers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: voice amplification using the ChatterVox portable amplifier (VA, n = 15), vocal hygiene (VH, n = 15), and a nontreatment control group (n = 14). Before and after a 6-week treatment phase, all teachers completed: (a) the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), an instrument designed to appraise the self-perceived psychosocial consequences of voice disorders; (b) a voice severity self-rating scale; and (c) an audiorecording for later acoustic analysis. Based on pre- and posttreatment comparisons, only the amplification group experienced significant reductions on mean VHI scores (p = .045), voice severity self-ratings (p = .012), and the acoustic measures of percent jitter (p = .031) and shimmer (p = .008). The nontreatment control group reported a significant increase in level of vocal handicap as assessed by the VHI (p = .012). Although most pre- to posttreatment changes were in the desired direction, no significant improvements were observed within the VH group on any of the dependent measures. Between-group comparisons involving the three possible pairings of the groups revealed a pattern of results to suggest that: (a) compared to the control group, both treatment groups (i.e., VA and VH) experienced significantly more improvement on specific outcomes measures and (b) there were no significant differences between the VA and VH groups to indicate superiority of one treatment over another. Results, however, from a posttreatment questionnaire regarding the perceived benefits of treatment revealed that, compared to the VH group, the VA group reported more clarity of their speaking and singing voice (p = .061), greater ease of voice production (p = .001), and greater compliance with the treatment program (p = .045). These findings clearly support the clinical utility of voice amplification as an alternative for the treatment of voice problems in teachers.

Voice similarity in identical twins.

PubMed

Van Gysel, W D; Vercammen, J; Debruyne, F

2001-01-01

If people are asked to discriminate visually the two individuals of a monozygotic twin (MT), they mostly get into trouble. Does this problem also exist when listening to twin voices? Twenty female and 10 male MT voices were randomly assembled with one "strange" voice to get voice trios. The listeners (10 female students in Speech and Language Pathology) were asked to label the twins (voices 1-2, 1-3 or 2-3) in two conditions: two standard sentences read aloud and a 2.5-second midsection of a sustained /a/. The proportion correctly labelled twins was for female voices 82% and 63% and for male voices 74% and 52% for the sentences and the sustained /a/ respectively, both being significantly greater than chance (33%). The acoustic analysis revealed a high intra-twin correlation for the speaking fundamental frequency (SFF) of the sentences and the fundamental frequency (F0) of the sustained /a/. So the voice pitch could have been a useful characteristic in the perceptual identification of the twins. We conclude that there is a greater perceptual resemblance between the voices of identical twins than between voices without genetic relationship. The identification however is not perfect. The voice pitch possibly contributes to the correct twin identifications.

A Multimodal Emotion Detection System during Human-Robot Interaction

PubMed Central

Alonso-Martín, Fernando; Malfaz, María; Sequeira, João; Gorostiza, Javier F.; Salichs, Miguel A.

2013-01-01

In this paper, a multimodal user-emotion detection system for social robots is presented. This system is intended to be used during human–robot interaction, and it is integrated as part of the overall interaction system of the robot: the Robotics Dialog System (RDS). Two modes are used to detect emotions: the voice and face expression analysis. In order to analyze the voice of the user, a new component has been developed: Gender and Emotion Voice Analysis (GEVA), which is written using the Chuck language. For emotion detection in facial expressions, the system, Gender and Emotion Facial Analysis (GEFA), has been also developed. This last system integrates two third-party solutions: Sophisticated High-speed Object Recognition Engine (SHORE) and Computer Expression Recognition Toolbox (CERT). Once these new components (GEVA and GEFA) give their results, a decision rule is applied in order to combine the information given by both of them. The result of this rule, the detected emotion, is integrated into the dialog system through communicative acts. Hence, each communicative act gives, among other things, the detected emotion of the user to the RDS so it can adapt its strategy in order to get a greater satisfaction degree during the human–robot dialog. Each of the new components, GEVA and GEFA, can also be used individually. Moreover, they are integrated with the robotic control platform ROS (Robot Operating System). Several experiments with real users were performed to determine the accuracy of each component and to set the final decision rule. The results obtained from applying this decision rule in these experiments show a high success rate in automatic user emotion recognition, improving the results given by the two information channels (audio and visual) separately. PMID:24240598

MAT - MULTI-ATTRIBUTE TASK BATTERY FOR HUMAN OPERATOR WORKLOAD AND STRATEGIC BEHAVIOR RESEARCH

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Comstock, J. R.

1994-01-01

MAT, a Multi-Attribute Task battery, gives the researcher the capability of performing multi-task workload and performance experiments. The battery provides a benchmark set of tasks for use in a wide range of laboratory studies of operator performance and workload. MAT incorporates tasks analogous to activities that aircraft crew members perform in flight, while providing a high degree of experiment control, performance data on each subtask, and freedom to use non-pilot test subjects. The MAT battery primary display is composed of four separate task windows which are as follows: a monitoring task window which includes gauges and warning lights, a tracking task window for the demands of manual control, a communication task window to simulate air traffic control communications, and a resource management task window which permits maintaining target levels on a fuel management task. In addition, a scheduling task window gives the researcher information about future task demands. The battery also provides the option of manual or automated control of tasks. The task generates performance data for each subtask. The task battery may be paused and onscreen workload rating scales presented to the subject. The MAT battery was designed to use a serially linked second computer to generate the voice messages for the Communications task. The MATREMX program and support files, which are included in the MAT package, were designed to work with the Heath Voice Card (Model HV-2000, available through the Heath Company, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022); however, the MATREMX program and support files may easily be modified to work with other voice synthesizer or digitizer cards. The MAT battery task computer may also be used independent of the voice computer if no computer synthesized voice messages are desired or if some other method of presenting auditory messages is devised. MAT is written in QuickBasic and assembly language for IBM PC series and compatible computers running MS-DOS. The code in MAT is written for Microsoft QuickBasic 4.5 and Microsoft Macro Assembler 5.1. This package requires a joystick and EGA or VGA color graphics. An 80286, 386, or 486 processor machine is highly recommended. The standard distribution medium for MAT is a 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskette. The files are compressed using the PKZIP file compression utility. PKUNZIP is included on the distribution diskette. MAT was developed in 1992. IBM PC is a registered trademark of International Business Machines. MS-DOS, Microsoft QuickBasic, and Microsoft Macro Assembler are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. PKZIP and PKUNZIP are registered trademarks of PKWare, Inc.

BioAcoustica: a free and open repository and analysis platform for bioacoustics

PubMed Central

Baker, Edward; Price, Ben W.; Rycroft, S. D.; Smith, Vincent S.

2015-01-01

We describe an online open repository and analysis platform, BioAcoustica (http://bio.acousti.ca), for recordings of wildlife sounds. Recordings can be annotated using a crowdsourced approach, allowing voice introductions and sections with extraneous noise to be removed from analyses. This system is based on the Scratchpads virtual research environment, the BioVeL portal and the Taverna workflow management tool, which allows for analysis of recordings using a grid computing service. At present the analyses include spectrograms, oscillograms and dominant frequency analysis. Further analyses can be integrated to meet the needs of specific researchers or projects. Researchers can upload and annotate their recordings to supplement traditional publication. Database URL: http://bio.acousti.ca PMID:26055102

Life in Special Schools in South Africa: Voices of Former Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKinney, Emma Louise; Swartz, Leslie

2016-01-01

We describe educational experiences of people with disabilities who attended special schools in South Africa. We found significant differences in education between White and Black participants in terms of teaching quality, access to therapy and assistive devices, class sizes, subjects, and grades offered. Additional differences were noted between…

Supporting Listening Comprehension and Vocabulary Acquisition with Multimedia Annotations: The Students' Voice.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Linda C.

2003-01-01

Extends Mayer's (1997, 2001) generative theory of multimedia learning and investigates under what conditions multimedia annotations can support listening comprehension in a second language. Highlights students' views on the effectiveness of multimedia annotations (visual and verbal) in assisting them in their comprehension and acquisition of…

To amend title 38, United States Code, to specify the responsibilities of the Directors and Assistant Directors of Veterans' Employment and Training.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Flores, Bill [R-TX-17

2013-03-21

House - 04/25/2013 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote . (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

EFF Voice, Winter 2002.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

EFF Voice, 2002

2002-01-01

This newsletter reports on the activities of Equipped for the Future (EFF), which is a National Institute for Literacy initiative. EFF helps Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients build the skills needed to balance work and home and make a successful transition to work. The article "EFF Frames Family Literacy Programs"…

75 FR 59058 - Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-Formula Federal Assistance Programs-Specific Administrative...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-27

..., Science and Education Resources Development; Voice: 202-720-2067; E-mail: [email protected] rural communities. Authority Section 1405 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching... (USDA) as the lead Federal agency for agriculture research, extension and teaching in the food and...

Mentoring Partnerships in Science Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schwortz, Andria C.; Burrows, Andrea C.; Guffey, Sarah Katie

2017-01-01

The authors use an action research (AR) approach in a collegiate studio physics class to investigate the power of partnerships via conferences as they relate to issues of establishing a student/mentor rapport, empowering students to reduce inequity, and the successes and barriers to hearing students' voices. The graduate teaching assistant (TA,…

CALEA: Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wigen, Wendy

2006-01-01

On August 5, 2005, nearly a year since requesting public comment on the issue, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to extend the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) to broadband Internet and interconnected Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers. This includes college and university campus networks, as…

Multimodal approaches for emotion recognition: a survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebe, Nicu; Cohen, Ira; Gevers, Theo; Huang, Thomas S.

2004-12-01

Recent technological advances have enabled human users to interact with computers in ways previously unimaginable. Beyond the confines of the keyboard and mouse, new modalities for human-computer interaction such as voice, gesture, and force-feedback are emerging. Despite important advances, one necessary ingredient for natural interaction is still missing-emotions. Emotions play an important role in human-to-human communication and interaction, allowing people to express themselves beyond the verbal domain. The ability to understand human emotions is desirable for the computer in several applications. This paper explores new ways of human-computer interaction that enable the computer to be more aware of the user's emotional and attentional expressions. We present the basic research in the field and the recent advances into the emotion recognition from facial, voice, and physiological signals, where the different modalities are treated independently. We then describe the challenging problem of multimodal emotion recognition and we advocate the use of probabilistic graphical models when fusing the different modalities. We also discuss the difficult issues of obtaining reliable affective data, obtaining ground truth for emotion recognition, and the use of unlabeled data.

Multimodal approaches for emotion recognition: a survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebe, Nicu; Cohen, Ira; Gevers, Theo; Huang, Thomas S.

2005-01-01

Recent technological advances have enabled human users to interact with computers in ways previously unimaginable. Beyond the confines of the keyboard and mouse, new modalities for human-computer interaction such as voice, gesture, and force-feedback are emerging. Despite important advances, one necessary ingredient for natural interaction is still missing-emotions. Emotions play an important role in human-to-human communication and interaction, allowing people to express themselves beyond the verbal domain. The ability to understand human emotions is desirable for the computer in several applications. This paper explores new ways of human-computer interaction that enable the computer to be more aware of the user's emotional and attentional expressions. We present the basic research in the field and the recent advances into the emotion recognition from facial, voice, and physiological signals, where the different modalities are treated independently. We then describe the challenging problem of multimodal emotion recognition and we advocate the use of probabilistic graphical models when fusing the different modalities. We also discuss the difficult issues of obtaining reliable affective data, obtaining ground truth for emotion recognition, and the use of unlabeled data.

Voice, Schooling, Inequality, and Scale

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collins, James

2013-01-01

The rich studies in this collection show that the investigation of voice requires analysis of "recognition" across layered spatial-temporal and sociolinguistic scales. I argue that the concepts of voice, recognition, and scale provide insight into contemporary educational inequality and that their study benefits, in turn, from paying attention to…

Self-perception, complaints and vocal quality among undergraduate students enrolled in a Pedagogy course.

PubMed

Fabron, Eliana Maria Gradim; Regaçone, Simone Fiuza; Marino, Viviane Cristina de Castro; Mastria, Marina Ludovico; Motonaga, Suely Mayumi; Sebastião, Luciana Tavares

2015-01-01

To compare the vocal self-perception and vocal complaints reported by two groups of students of the pedagogy course (freshmen and graduates); to relate the vocal self-perception to the vocal complaints for these groups; and to compare the voice quality of the students from these groups through perceptual auditory assessment and acoustic analysis. Initially, 89 students from the pedagogy course answered a questionnaire about self-perceived voice quality and vocal complaints. In a second phase, auditory-perceptual evaluation and acoustic analyses of 48 participants were made through voice recordings of sustained vowel emission and poem reading. The most reported vocal complaints were fatigue while using the voice, sore throat, effort to speak, irritation or burning in the throat, hoarseness, tightness in the neck, and variations of voice throughout the day. There was a higher occurrence of complaints from graduates than from freshmen, with significant differences for four of the nine complaints. It was also possible to observe the relationship between vocal self-perception and complaints reported by these students. No significant differences were observed in the results of auditory-perceptual evaluation; however, some graduates had their voices evaluated with higher severity of deviation of normalcy. During acoustic analysis no difference was observed between groups. The increase in vocal demand by the graduates may have caused the greatest number and diversity of vocal complaints, and several of them are related to the self-assessment of voice quality. The auditory-perceptual evaluation and acoustic analysis showed no deviations in their voice.

Animal trials of a Magnetically Levitated Left-Ventricular Assist Device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paden, Brad; Antaki, James; Groom, Nelson

2000-01-01

The University of Pittsburgh/Magnetic Moments mag-lev left-ventricular assist devices (LVADs), the Streamliner HG3b and HG3c, have successfully been implanted in calves. The first was implanted for 4 hours on July 10, 1998 and the second for 34 days on August 24, 1999 respectively. The tests confirmed the feasibility of low power levitation (1.5 watts coil power) and very low blood damage in a mag-lev ventricular assist device. In this paper, we describe the unique geometry of this pump and its design. Key features of this LVAD concept are the passive radial suspension and active voice-coil thrust bearing.

Relationship between Activity Noise, Voice Parameters, and Voice Symptoms among Female Teachers.

PubMed

Pirilä, Sirpa; Pirilä, Paula; Ansamaa, Terhi; Yliherva, Anneli; Sonning, Samuel; Rantala, Leena

2017-01-01

Our interest was in how teachers' voices behave during the delivery of lessons in core subjects (e.g., mathematics, science, etc.). We sought to evaluate the relationship between voice sound pressure level (SPL), vocal fundamental frequency (F0), voice symptoms, activity noise, and differences therein during the first and the last lessons in core subjects of the day. The participants were 24 female elementary school teachers. Voice symptoms were evaluated by questionnaire. The data were recorded on 2 portable voice accumulators (VoxLog) from the first and last lessons of the day. The versions of accumulators differed by frequency weighting; therefore, the analysis and the results of noise and voice SPL were treated separately: unweighted (group 1) and A-weighted (group 2). Difference in voice SPL followed difference in activity noise. F0 increased between the first and last lessons. Correlations were found between differences in the noise and the voice symptoms of tiredness and dryness. Irritating mucus was associated with high F0 during the first lesson. An apparent increase in voice loading due to the activity noise was observed during lessons in core subjects. Collaboration between specialists in voice and acoustics and teachers and pupils is needed to reduce this voice loading. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The phonatory deviation diagram: a novel objective measurement of vocal function.

PubMed

Madazio, Glaucya; Leão, Sylvia; Behlau, Mara

2011-01-01

To identify the discriminative characteristics of the phonatory deviation diagram (PDD) in rough, breathy and tense voices. One hundred and ninety-six samples of normal and dysphonic voices from adults were submitted to perceptual auditory evaluation, focusing on the predominant vocal quality and the degree of deviation. Acoustic analysis was performed with the VoxMetria (CTS Informatica). Significant differences were observed between the dysphonic and normal groups (p < 0.001), and also between the breathy and rough samples (p = 0.044) and the breathy and tense samples (p < 0.001). All normal voices were positioned in the inferior left quadrant, 45% of the rough voices in the inferior right quadrant, 52.6% of the breathy voices in the superior right quadrant and 54.3% of the tense voices in the inferior left quadrant of the PDD. In the inferior left quadrant, 93.8% of voices with no deviation were located and 72.7% of voices with mild deviation; voices with moderate deviation were distributed in the inferior and superior right quadrants, the latter ones containing the most deviant voices and 80% of voices with severe deviation. The PDD was able to discriminate normal from dysphonic voices, and the distribution was related to the type and degree of voice alteration. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Cartographic Modeling: Computer-assisted Analysis of Spatially Defined Neighborhoods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berry, J. K.; Tomlin, C. D.

1982-01-01

Cartographic models addressing a wide variety of applications are composed of fundamental map processing operations. These primitive operations are neither data base nor application-specific. By organizing the set of operations into a mathematical-like structure, the basis for a generalized cartographic modeling framework can be developed. Among the major classes of primitive operations are those associated with reclassifying map categories, overlaying maps, determining distance and connectivity, and characterizing cartographic neighborhoods. The conceptual framework of cartographic modeling is established and techniques for characterizing neighborhoods are used as a means of demonstrating some of the more sophisticated procedures of computer-assisted map analysis. A cartographic model for assessing effective roundwood supply is briefly described as an example of a computer analysis. Most of the techniques described have been implemented as part of the map analysis package developed at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Histopathological Image Analysis: A Review

PubMed Central

Gurcan, Metin N.; Boucheron, Laura; Can, Ali; Madabhushi, Anant; Rajpoot, Nasir; Yener, Bulent

2010-01-01

Over the past decade, dramatic increases in computational power and improvement in image analysis algorithms have allowed the development of powerful computer-assisted analytical approaches to radiological data. With the recent advent of whole slide digital scanners, tissue histopathology slides can now be digitized and stored in digital image form. Consequently, digitized tissue histopathology has now become amenable to the application of computerized image analysis and machine learning techniques. Analogous to the role of computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) algorithms in medical imaging to complement the opinion of a radiologist, CAD algorithms have begun to be developed for disease detection, diagnosis, and prognosis prediction to complement to the opinion of the pathologist. In this paper, we review the recent state of the art CAD technology for digitized histopathology. This paper also briefly describes the development and application of novel image analysis technology for a few specific histopathology related problems being pursued in the United States and Europe. PMID:20671804

Voice Habits and Behaviors: Voice Care Among Flamenco Singers.

PubMed

Garzón García, Marina; Muñoz López, Juana; Y Mendoza Lara, Elvira

2017-03-01

The purpose of this study is to analyze the vocal behavior of flamenco singers, as compared with classical music singers, to establish a differential vocal profile of voice habits and behaviors in flamenco music. Bibliographic review was conducted, and the Singer's Vocal Habits Questionnaire, an experimental tool designed by the authors to gather data regarding hygiene behavior, drinking and smoking habits, type of practice, voice care, and symptomatology perceived in both the singing and the speaking voice, was administered. We interviewed 94 singers, divided into two groups: the flamenco experimental group (FEG, n = 48) and the classical control group (CCG, n = 46). Frequency analysis, a Likert scale, and discriminant and exploratory factor analysis were used to obtain a differential profile for each group. The FEG scored higher than the CCG in speaking voice symptomatology. The FEG scored significantly higher than the CCG in use of "inadequate vocal technique" when singing. Regarding voice habits, the FEG scored higher in "lack of practice and warm-up" and "environmental habits." A total of 92.6% of the subjects classified themselves correctly in each group. The Singer's Vocal Habits Questionnaire has proven effective in differentiating flamenco and classical singers. Flamenco singers are exposed to numerous vocal risk factors that make them more prone to vocal fatigue, mucosa dehydration, phonotrauma, and muscle stiffness than classical singers. Further research is needed in voice training in flamenco music, as a means to strengthen the voice and enable it to meet the requirements of this musical genre. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

World Voice Day in news: analysis of reports on the Voice Campaign in Brazil.

PubMed

Dornelas, Rodrigo; Giannini, Susana Pimentel Pinto; Ferreira, Léslie Piccolotto

2015-01-01

To analyze the television reports on the World Voice Day transmitted by Globo(r) TV. We researched television reports broadcasted by Globo(r) Network in regional television news programs from March 15 to April 20, 2013. For the data analysis, the Document Analysis technique was used. The analyzed variables were the following: location, broadcasting period, duration, interviewed professional, mention of multiprofessional work, orientation to the population, and the interview approach (health promotion or disease prevention). Through statistical analysis, the interview approach was considered the outcome and associated with the other variables. On the regions where there are news programs for the researched TV station, the majority made reports about the Voice Campaign. Among these, we discovered that the five regions of Brazil were contemplated, in the morning/afternoon periods, with medium duration of 5.3 minutes. The presence of the speech-language pathologist was observed in greater numbers of the interviews, as also the emphasis on the importance of a multiprofessional work. Regarding the content presented, the interviewees focused on diseases caused by habits that impair the voice, with orientation to the public about what negatively interferes in the vocal well-being. The approach of the interviews was not, in the majority of times, of the same nature (promoting the vocal well-being or preventing voice disorder), and the interprofessional practice is still seen less frequently as a possible work strategy.

Operator vision aids for space teleoperation assembly and servicing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, Thurston L.; Ince, Ilhan; Lee, Greg

1992-01-01

This paper investigates concepts for visual operator aids required for effective telerobotic control. Operator visual aids, as defined here, mean any operational enhancement that improves man-machine control through the visual system. These concepts were derived as part of a study of vision issues for space teleoperation. Extensive literature on teleoperation, robotics, and human factors was surveyed to definitively specify appropriate requirements. This paper presents these visual aids in three general categories of camera/lighting functions, display enhancements, and operator cues. In the area of camera/lighting functions concepts are discussed for: (1) automatic end effector or task tracking; (2) novel camera designs; (3) computer-generated virtual camera views; (4) computer assisted camera/lighting placement; and (5) voice control. In the technology area of display aids, concepts are presented for: (1) zone displays, such as imminent collision or indexing limits; (2) predictive displays for temporal and spatial location; (3) stimulus-response reconciliation displays; (4) graphical display of depth cues such as 2-D symbolic depth, virtual views, and perspective depth; and (5) view enhancements through image processing and symbolic representations. Finally, operator visual cues (e.g., targets) that help identify size, distance, shape, orientation and location are discussed.

Distributing Data to Hand-Held Devices in a Wireless Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodges, Mark; Simmons, Layne

2008-01-01

ADROIT is a developmental computer program for real-time distribution of complex data streams for display on Web-enabled, portable terminals held by members of an operational team of a spacecraft-command-and-control center who may be located away from the center. Examples of such terminals include personal data assistants, laptop computers, and cellular telephones. ADROIT would make it unnecessary to equip each terminal with platform- specific software for access to the data streams or with software that implements the information-sharing protocol used to deliver telemetry data to clients in the center. ADROIT is a combination of middleware plus software specific to the center. (Middleware enables one application program to communicate with another by performing such functions as conversion, translation, consolidation, and/or integration.) ADROIT translates a data stream (voice, video, or alphanumerical data) from the center into Extensible Markup Language, effectuates a subscription process to determine who gets what data when, and presents the data to each user in real time. Thus, ADROIT is expected to enable distribution of operations and to reduce the cost of operations by reducing the number of persons required to be in the center.

An Analysis of En Route Controller-Pilot Voice Communications

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1993-03-01

The purposes of this analysis were to examine current pilot-controller communication practices in the en route : environment. Forty-eight hours of voice tapes from eight different Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs) were : examined. There were...

Hearing Children's Voices through a Conversation Analysis Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bateman, Amanda

2017-01-01

This article introduces the methodological approach of conversation analysis (CA) and demonstrates its usefulness in presenting more authentic documentation and analysis of children's voices. Grounded in ethnomethodology, CA has recently gained interest in the area of early childhood studies due to the affordances it holds for gaining access to…

Measurement errors in voice-key naming latency for Hiragana.

PubMed

Yamada, Jun; Tamaoka, Katsuo

2003-12-01

This study makes explicit the limitations and possibilities of voice-key naming latency research on single hiragana symbols (a Japanese syllabic script) by examining three sets of voice-key naming data against Sakuma, Fushimi, and Tatsumi's 1997 speech-analyzer voice-waveform data. Analysis showed that voice-key measurement errors can be substantial in standard procedures as they may conceal the true effects of significant variables involved in hiragana-naming behavior. While one can avoid voice-key measurement errors to some extent by applying Sakuma, et al.'s deltas and by excluding initial phonemes which induce measurement errors, such errors may be ignored when test items are words and other higher-level linguistic materials.

Humor as a Communication Strategy in Provider-Patient Communication in a Chronic Care Setting.

PubMed

Schöpf, Andrea C; Martin, Gillian S; Keating, Mary A

2017-02-01

Humor is a potential communication strategy to accomplish various and potentially conflicting consultation goals. We investigated humor use and its reception in diabetes consultations by analyzing how and why humor emerges and its impact on the interaction. We did this by using an interactional sociolinguistics approach. We recorded 50 consultations in an Irish diabetes setting. Analysis of the humor events drew on framework analysis and on concepts from Conversation Analysis and pragmatics. The study also comprised interviews using tape-assisted recall. We identified 10 humor functions and two umbrella functions. A key finding is that most humor is relationship-protecting humor initiated by patients, that is, they voice serious messages and deal with emotional issues through humor. Our findings imply that patients' and providers' awareness of indirect communication strategies needs to be increased. We also recommend that researchers employ varied methods to adequately capture the interactive nature of humor.

Comparative Performance of Broadcast Bus Local Area Networks with Voice and Data Traffic

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-01

networks [Maxemchuk & Netravali 85, Weinstein & Forgie 831. Others have dealt with economic aspects of voice/data networks [ Gitman & Frank 78] and...88. North Holland, Amsterdam, 1981. [ Gitman & Frank 78] I. Gitman & H. Frank. Economic Analysis of Integrated Voice and Data Networks: A Case Study

Voice Recognition Software Accuracy with Second Language Speakers of English.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coniam, D.

1999-01-01

Explores the potential of the use of voice-recognition technology with second-language speakers of English. Involves the analysis of the output produced by a small group of very competent second-language subjects reading a text into the voice recognition software Dragon Systems "Dragon NaturallySpeaking." (Author/VWL)

Listening to More Voices: Why Being Heard Matters

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elisha-Primo, Iris; Sandler, Simone; Goldfrad, Keren

2015-01-01

This article examines various voices in a triangulated needs analysis project aimed at reevaluating the curriculum of a graduate level EAP program. Previous work (Elisha-Primo, et al., 2010) presented students' voices; this article focuses on department chairpersons and graduate advisors, and graduate EFL instructors with respect to the perceived…

Voice Dysfunction in Dysarthria: Application of the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kent, R. D.; Vorperian, H. K.; Kent, J. F.; Duffy, J. R.

2003-01-01

Part 1 of this paper recommends procedures and standards for the acoustic analysis of voice in individuals with dysarthria. In Part 2, acoustic data are reviewed for dysarthria associated with Parkinson disease (PD), cerebellar disease, amytrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, unilateral hemispheric stroke, and essential tremor.…

Long-term average spectrum in screening of voice quality in speech: untrained male university students.

PubMed

Leino, Timo

2009-11-01

Voice quality has mainly been studied in trained speakers, singers, and dysphonic patients. Few studies have concerned ordinary untrained university students' voices. In light of earlier studies of professional voice users, it was hypothesized that good, poor, and intermediate voices would be distinguishable on the basis of long-term average spectrum characteristics. In the present study, voice quality of 50 Finnish vocally untrained male university students was studied perceptually and using long-term average spectrum analysis of text reading samples of one minute duration. Equivalent sound level (Leq) of text reading was also measured. According to the results, the good and ordinary voices differed from the poor ones in their relatively higher sound level in the frequency range of 1-3 kHz and a prominent peak at 3-4 kHz. Good voices, however, did not differ from the ordinary voices in terms of the characteristics of the long-term average spectrum (LTAS). The strength of the peak at 3-4 kHz and the voice-quality scores correlated weakly but significantly. Voice quality and alpha ratio (level difference above and below 1 kHz) correlated likewise. Leq was significantly higher in the students with good and ordinary voices than in those with poor voices. The connections between Leq, voice quality, and the formation of the peak at 3-4 kHz warrant further studies.

Home Diabetes Monitoring through Touch-Tone Computer Data Entry and Voice Synthesizer Response

PubMed Central

Arbogast, James G.; Dodrill, William H.

1984-01-01

Current studies suggest that the control of Diabetes mellitus can be improved with home monitoring of blood sugars. Voice synthesizers and recent technology, allowing decoding of Touch-Tone® pulses into their digital equivalents, make it possible for diabetics with no more sophisticated equipment than a Touch-Tone® telephone to enter their blood sugars directly into a medical office computer. A working prototype that can provide physicians with timely, logically oriented information about their diabetics is discussed along with plans to expand this concept into giving the patients uncomplicated therapeutic advice without the need for a direct patient/physician interaction. The potential impact on health care costs and the management of other chronic diseases is presented.

Measuring the intuitive response of users when faced with different interactive paradigms to control a gastroenterology CAD system.

PubMed

Abrantes, D; Gomes, P; Pereira, D; Coimbra, M

2016-08-01

The gastroenterology specialty could benefit from the introduction of Computer Assisted Decision (CAD) systems, since gastric cancer is a serious concern in which an accurate and early diagnosis usually leads to a good prognosis. Still, the way doctors interact with these systems is very important because it will often determine its embracement or rejection, as any gains in productivity will frequently hinge on how comfortable they are with it. Using other types of interaction paradigms such as voice and motion control, is important in a way that typical inputs such as keyboard and mouse are sometimes not the best choice for certain clinical scenarios. In order to ascertain how a doctor could control a hypothetical CAD system during a gastroenterology exam, we measured the natural response of users when faced with three different task requests, using three types of interaction paradigms: voice, gesture and endoscope. Results fit in what was expected, with gesture control being the most intuitive to use, and the endoscope being on the other edge. All the technologies are mature enough to cope with the response concepts the participants gave us. However, when having into account the scenario context, better natural response scores may not always be the best choice for implementation. That way, simplification or reduction of tasks, along with a well tought-out interface, or even mixing more oriented paradigms for particular requests, could allow for better system control with fewer inconveniences for the user.

Full Duplex, Spread Spectrum Radio System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harvey, Bruce A.

2000-01-01

The goal of this project was to support the development of a full duplex, spread spectrum voice communications system. The assembly and testing of a prototype system consisting of a Harris PRISM spread spectrum radio, a TMS320C54x signal processing development board and a Zilog Z80180 microprocessor was underway at the start of this project. The efforts under this project were the development of multiple access schemes, analysis of full duplex voice feedback delays, and the development and analysis of forward error correction (FEC) algorithms. The multiple access analysis involved the selection between code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA). Full duplex voice feedback analysis involved the analysis of packet size and delays associated with full loop voice feedback for confirmation of radio system performance. FEC analysis included studies of the performance under the expected burst error scenario with the relatively short packet lengths, and analysis of implementation in the TMS320C54x digital signal processor. When the capabilities and the limitations of the components used were considered, the multiple access scheme chosen was a combination TDMA/FDMA scheme that will provide up to eight users on each of three separate frequencies. Packets to and from each user will consist of 16 samples at a rate of 8,000 samples per second for a total of 2 ms of voice information. The resulting voice feedback delay will therefore be 4 - 6 ms. The most practical FEC algorithm for implementation was a convolutional code with a Viterbi decoder. Interleaving of the bits of each packet will be required to offset the effects of burst errors.

Computer assisted spirometry.

PubMed

Hansen, D J; Toy, V M; Deininger, R A; Collopy, T K

1983-06-01

Three of the most popular microcomputers, the TRS-80 Model I, the APPLE II+, and the IBM Personal Computer were connected to a spirometer for data acquisition and analysis. Simple programs were written which allow the collection, analysis and storage of the data produced during spirometry. Three examples demonstrate the relative ease for automating spirometers.

What Can You Learn from a Cell Phone? Almost Anything!

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prensky, Marc

2005-01-01

Today's high-end cell phones have the computing power of a mid-1990s personal computer (PC)--while consuming only one one-hundredth of the energy. Even the simplest, voice-only phones have more complex and powerful chips than the 1969 on-board computer that landed a spaceship on the moon. In the United States, it is almost universally acknowledged…

Micro-video display with ocular tracking and interactive voice control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, James E.

1993-01-01

In certain space-restricted environments, many of the benefits resulting from computer technology have been foregone because of the size, weight, inconvenience, and lack of mobility associated with existing computer interface devices. Accordingly, an effort to develop a highly miniaturized and 'wearable' computer display and control interface device, referred to as the Sensory Integrated Data Interface (SIDI), is underway. The system incorporates a micro-video display that provides data display and ocular tracking on a lightweight headset. Software commands are implemented by conjunctive eye movement and voice commands of the operator. In this initial prototyping effort, various 'off-the-shelf' components have been integrated into a desktop computer and with a customized menu-tree software application to demonstrate feasibility and conceptual capabilities. When fully developed as a customized system, the interface device will allow mobile, 'hand-free' operation of portable computer equipment. It will thus allow integration of information technology applications into those restrictive environments, both military and industrial, that have not yet taken advantage of the computer revolution. This effort is Phase 1 of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Topic number N90-331 sponsored by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport. The prime contractor is Foster-Miller, Inc. of Waltham, MA.

Multimodal Speech Capture System for Speech Rehabilitation and Learning.

PubMed

Sebkhi, Nordine; Desai, Dhyey; Islam, Mohammad; Lu, Jun; Wilson, Kimberly; Ghovanloo, Maysam

2017-11-01

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained to correct articulation of people diagnosed with motor speech disorders by analyzing articulators' motion and assessing speech outcome while patients speak. To assist SLPs in this task, we are presenting the multimodal speech capture system (MSCS) that records and displays kinematics of key speech articulators, the tongue and lips, along with voice, using unobtrusive methods. Collected speech modalities, tongue motion, lips gestures, and voice are visualized not only in real-time to provide patients with instant feedback but also offline to allow SLPs to perform post-analysis of articulators' motion, particularly the tongue, with its prominent but hardly visible role in articulation. We describe the MSCS hardware and software components, and demonstrate its basic visualization capabilities by a healthy individual repeating the words "Hello World." A proof-of-concept prototype has been successfully developed for this purpose, and will be used in future clinical studies to evaluate its potential impact on accelerating speech rehabilitation by enabling patients to speak naturally. Pattern matching algorithms to be applied to the collected data can provide patients with quantitative and objective feedback on their speech performance, unlike current methods that are mostly subjective, and may vary from one SLP to another.

[A study of the phenomenon of voice intonation: analysis, usage and diagnosis].

PubMed

Kazanecka, E; Pawłowski, Z; Zółtowski, M

1997-01-01

The aim of this work was to study the average rise time (RT) and average flow rate (MRT) in utterance. Data were collected from 48 singers and 44 patients. The group of patients included cases of modulus vocale, polypus laryngis, paresis bilateralis, hemiparesis, and CA laryngis. Various characteristics of utterance were recorded synchronously: the frequency and intensity of the fundamental laryngeal tone were measured with a laryngophone, a microphone was used to monitor acoustic radiation from the mouth, and a pneumotrachometer was applied for the measurement of flow rate. The data were stored and analysed with the use of a computer. Results show that the analysis carried out in the study describes the distinctive characteristics of normal and pathologic utterance. The main findings are as follows: a) rise time (RT) decreases with increasing loudness and pitch of the sound and is also shorter in staccato than inlegato sounds; b) during the initial transient of staccato sounds, the average flow rate in the glottis increases with intensity and pitch of the sound; c) pre-fonation time (TPP) and air volume do not differentiate normal and pathologic utterance; d) in cases of voice pathology, the analysis of utterance described in this study can be used for the evaluation of therapy and rehabilitation.

Validation of an Improved Computer-Assisted Technique for Mining Free-Text Electronic Medical Records.

PubMed

Duz, Marco; Marshall, John F; Parkin, Tim

2017-06-29

The use of electronic medical records (EMRs) offers opportunity for clinical epidemiological research. With large EMR databases, automated analysis processes are necessary but require thorough validation before they can be routinely used. The aim of this study was to validate a computer-assisted technique using commercially available content analysis software (SimStat-WordStat v.6 (SS/WS), Provalis Research) for mining free-text EMRs. The dataset used for the validation process included life-long EMRs from 335 patients (17,563 rows of data), selected at random from a larger dataset (141,543 patients, ~2.6 million rows of data) and obtained from 10 equine veterinary practices in the United Kingdom. The ability of the computer-assisted technique to detect rows of data (cases) of colic, renal failure, right dorsal colitis, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in the population was compared with manual classification. The first step of the computer-assisted analysis process was the definition of inclusion dictionaries to identify cases, including terms identifying a condition of interest. Words in inclusion dictionaries were selected from the list of all words in the dataset obtained in SS/WS. The second step consisted of defining an exclusion dictionary, including combinations of words to remove cases erroneously classified by the inclusion dictionary alone. The third step was the definition of a reinclusion dictionary to reinclude cases that had been erroneously classified by the exclusion dictionary. Finally, cases obtained by the exclusion dictionary were removed from cases obtained by the inclusion dictionary, and cases from the reinclusion dictionary were subsequently reincluded using Rv3.0.2 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Manual analysis was performed as a separate process by a single experienced clinician reading through the dataset once and classifying each row of data based on the interpretation of the free-text notes. Validation was performed by comparison of the computer-assisted method with manual analysis, which was used as the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive values (NPVs), positive predictive values (PPVs), and F values of the computer-assisted process were calculated by comparing them with the manual classification. Lowest sensitivity, specificity, PPVs, NPVs, and F values were 99.82% (1128/1130), 99.88% (16410/16429), 94.6% (223/239), 100.00% (16410/16412), and 99.0% (100×2×0.983×0.998/[0.983+0.998]), respectively. The computer-assisted process required few seconds to run, although an estimated 30 h were required for dictionary creation. Manual classification required approximately 80 man-hours. The critical step in this work is the creation of accurate and inclusive dictionaries to ensure that no potential cases are missed. It is significantly easier to remove false positive terms from a SS/WS selected subset of a large database than search that original database for potential false negatives. The benefits of using this method are proportional to the size of the dataset to be analyzed. ©Marco Duz, John F Marshall, Tim Parkin. Originally published in JMIR Medical Informatics (http://medinform.jmir.org), 29.06.2017.

Validation of an Improved Computer-Assisted Technique for Mining Free-Text Electronic Medical Records

PubMed Central

Marshall, John F; Parkin, Tim

2017-01-01

Background The use of electronic medical records (EMRs) offers opportunity for clinical epidemiological research. With large EMR databases, automated analysis processes are necessary but require thorough validation before they can be routinely used. Objective The aim of this study was to validate a computer-assisted technique using commercially available content analysis software (SimStat-WordStat v.6 (SS/WS), Provalis Research) for mining free-text EMRs. Methods The dataset used for the validation process included life-long EMRs from 335 patients (17,563 rows of data), selected at random from a larger dataset (141,543 patients, ~2.6 million rows of data) and obtained from 10 equine veterinary practices in the United Kingdom. The ability of the computer-assisted technique to detect rows of data (cases) of colic, renal failure, right dorsal colitis, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in the population was compared with manual classification. The first step of the computer-assisted analysis process was the definition of inclusion dictionaries to identify cases, including terms identifying a condition of interest. Words in inclusion dictionaries were selected from the list of all words in the dataset obtained in SS/WS. The second step consisted of defining an exclusion dictionary, including combinations of words to remove cases erroneously classified by the inclusion dictionary alone. The third step was the definition of a reinclusion dictionary to reinclude cases that had been erroneously classified by the exclusion dictionary. Finally, cases obtained by the exclusion dictionary were removed from cases obtained by the inclusion dictionary, and cases from the reinclusion dictionary were subsequently reincluded using Rv3.0.2 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Manual analysis was performed as a separate process by a single experienced clinician reading through the dataset once and classifying each row of data based on the interpretation of the free-text notes. Validation was performed by comparison of the computer-assisted method with manual analysis, which was used as the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive values (NPVs), positive predictive values (PPVs), and F values of the computer-assisted process were calculated by comparing them with the manual classification. Results Lowest sensitivity, specificity, PPVs, NPVs, and F values were 99.82% (1128/1130), 99.88% (16410/16429), 94.6% (223/239), 100.00% (16410/16412), and 99.0% (100×2×0.983×0.998/[0.983+0.998]), respectively. The computer-assisted process required few seconds to run, although an estimated 30 h were required for dictionary creation. Manual classification required approximately 80 man-hours. Conclusions The critical step in this work is the creation of accurate and inclusive dictionaries to ensure that no potential cases are missed. It is significantly easier to remove false positive terms from a SS/WS selected subset of a large database than search that original database for potential false negatives. The benefits of using this method are proportional to the size of the dataset to be analyzed. PMID:28663163

Factors associated with perception of singing voice handicap.

PubMed

Cohen, Seth M; Noordzij, J Pieter; Garrett, C Gaelyn; Ossoff, Robert H

2008-04-01

This study will determine factors that influence the self-perceived handicap associated with singing voice problems. A prospective cohort. Singers presenting to a voice clinic prospectively completed the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) before evaluation and treatment. Demographic data, singing style, professional status, duration of symptoms, medical problems, and diagnosis were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. One hundred seventy-one singers completed the SVHI. The duration of symptoms, being an amateur singer or singing teacher, benign vocal fold lesions, and neurologic voice disorders were associated with increased SVHI scores (P < 0.05, multiple linear regression). Age greater than 50 years and gospel singing were predictive of increased SVHI scores only on univariate analysis (P < 0.05, t test). Singers experience significant handicap as a result of their singing problems with certain factors associated with greater impairment. Targeting interventions at patients more severely affected may improve outcomes.

An Analysis of TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) Controller-Pilot Voice Communication

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-06-01

The purpose of this analysis was to examine pilot-controller communication practices in the TRACONI (Terminal Radar Approach : Control) environment. Forty-eight hours of communications recorded on the voice tapes from eight TRACONs were analyzed. : T...

An Analysis of Tower (Local) Controller - Pilot Voice Communications

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-06-01

The purposes of this analysis were to examine current pilot-controller communication practices in the terminal environment. Forty-nine hours of voice tapes from local positions in ten Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs) were examined. There were 8,444...

"Who" is saying "what"? Brain-based decoding of human voice and speech.

PubMed

Formisano, Elia; De Martino, Federico; Bonte, Milene; Goebel, Rainer

2008-11-07

Can we decipher speech content ("what" is being said) and speaker identity ("who" is saying it) from observations of brain activity of a listener? Here, we combine functional magnetic resonance imaging with a data-mining algorithm and retrieve what and whom a person is listening to from the neural fingerprints that speech and voice signals elicit in the listener's auditory cortex. These cortical fingerprints are spatially distributed and insensitive to acoustic variations of the input so as to permit the brain-based recognition of learned speech from unknown speakers and of learned voices from previously unheard utterances. Our findings unravel the detailed cortical layout and computational properties of the neural populations at the basis of human speech recognition and speaker identification.

A Spot Reminder System for the Visually Impaired Based on a Smartphone Camera

PubMed Central

Takizawa, Hotaka; Orita, Kazunori; Aoyagi, Mayumi; Ezaki, Nobuo; Mizuno, Shinji

2017-01-01

The present paper proposes a smartphone-camera-based system to assist visually impaired users in recalling their memories related to important locations, called spots, that they visited. The memories are recorded as voice memos, which can be played back when the users return to the spots. Spot-to-spot correspondence is determined by image matching based on the scale invariant feature transform. The main contribution of the proposed system is to allow visually impaired users to associate arbitrary voice memos with arbitrary spots. The users do not need any special devices or systems except smartphones and do not need to remember the spots where the voice memos were recorded. In addition, the proposed system can identify spots in environments that are inaccessible to the global positioning system. The proposed system has been evaluated by two experiments: image matching tests and a user study. The experimental results suggested the effectiveness of the system to help visually impaired individuals, including blind individuals, recall information about regularly-visited spots. PMID:28165403

Use of a portable voice organizer to remember therapy goals in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation: a within-subjects trial.

PubMed

Hart, Tessa; Hawkey, Karen; Whyte, John

2002-12-01

To test the efficacy of a portable voice organizer in helping people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to recall therapy goals and plans discussed with their clinical case managers. Prospective within-subjects trial, in which individualized therapy goals were randomly assigned to intervention or no intervention. Comprehensive postacute TBI rehabilitation program. Ten people with moderate to severe TBI enrolled from 3 months to 18 years after injury. Memory for therapy goals. Clinicians generated statements describing six current therapy goals, half of which were randomly assigned to be recorded on a voice organizer during the next case management session. Participants selected three times per day to listen to the recorded goals, prompted by an alarm. One-week recall was tested using both free- and cued-recall formats. Recorded goals were recalled better than unrecorded goals and appeared to be associated with better awareness or follow-through with therapy objectives. Portable electronic devices have the potential to assist with treatment areas beyond tasks involving prospective memory.

A Spot Reminder System for the Visually Impaired Based on a Smartphone Camera.

PubMed

Takizawa, Hotaka; Orita, Kazunori; Aoyagi, Mayumi; Ezaki, Nobuo; Mizuno, Shinji

2017-02-04

The present paper proposes a smartphone-camera-based system to assist visually impaired users in recalling their memories related to important locations, called spots, that they visited. The memories are recorded as voice memos, which can be played back when the users return to the spots. Spot-to-spot correspondence is determined by image matching based on the scale invariant feature transform. The main contribution of the proposed system is to allow visually impaired users to associate arbitrary voice memos with arbitrary spots. The users do not need any special devices or systems except smartphones and do not need to remember the spots where the voice memos were recorded. In addition, the proposed system can identify spots in environments that are inaccessible to the global positioning system. The proposed system has been evaluated by two experiments: image matching tests and a user study. The experimental results suggested the effectiveness of the system to help visually impaired individuals, including blind individuals, recall information about regularly-visited spots.

7 CFR 2.98 - Director, Management Services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... management services; information technology services related to end user office automation, desktop computers, enterprise networking support, handheld devices and voice telecommunications; with authority to take actions...

7 CFR 2.98 - Director, Management Services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... management services; information technology services related to end user office automation, desktop computers, enterprise networking support, handheld devices and voice telecommunications; with authority to take actions...

7 CFR 2.98 - Director, Management Services.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... management services; information technology services related to end user office automation, desktop computers, enterprise networking support, handheld devices and voice telecommunications; with authority to take actions...

Computer Series, 15: Bits and Pieces, 4.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, John W., Ed.

1981-01-01

Supplies short descriptions of several computer applications in the college science classroom and laboratory, including: applications; interfacing and data collection with the TRS-80; programs for activity corrections in acid/base and precipitation titration curve calculations; computer-assisted data analysis of enzyme kinetics; and microcomputer…

Voice reaction times with recognition for Commodore computers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Washburn, David A.; Putney, R. Thompson

1990-01-01

Hardware and software modifications are presented that allow for collection and recognition by a Commodore computer of spoken responses. Responses are timed with millisecond accuracy and automatically analyzed and scored. Accuracy data for this device from several experiments are presented. Potential applications and suggestions for improving recognition accuracy are also discussed.

Evaluation of Speech Recognition of Cochlear Implant Recipients Using Adaptive, Digital Remote Microphone Technology and a Speech Enhancement Sound Processing Algorithm.

PubMed

Wolfe, Jace; Morais, Mila; Schafer, Erin; Agrawal, Smita; Koch, Dawn

2015-05-01

Cochlear implant recipients often experience difficulty with understanding speech in the presence of noise. Cochlear implant manufacturers have developed sound processing algorithms designed to improve speech recognition in noise, and research has shown these technologies to be effective. Remote microphone technology utilizing adaptive, digital wireless radio transmission has also been shown to provide significant improvement in speech recognition in noise. There are no studies examining the potential improvement in speech recognition in noise when these two technologies are used simultaneously. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits and limitations associated with the simultaneous use of a sound processing algorithm designed to improve performance in noise (Advanced Bionics ClearVoice) and a remote microphone system that incorporates adaptive, digital wireless radio transmission (Phonak Roger). A two-by-two way repeated measures design was used to examine performance differences obtained without these technologies compared to the use of each technology separately as well as the simultaneous use of both technologies. Eleven Advanced Bionics (AB) cochlear implant recipients, ages 11 to 68 yr. AzBio sentence recognition was measured in quiet and in the presence of classroom noise ranging in level from 50 to 80 dBA in 5-dB steps. Performance was evaluated in four conditions: (1) No ClearVoice and no Roger, (2) ClearVoice enabled without the use of Roger, (3) ClearVoice disabled with Roger enabled, and (4) simultaneous use of ClearVoice and Roger. Speech recognition in quiet was better than speech recognition in noise for all conditions. Use of ClearVoice and Roger each provided significant improvement in speech recognition in noise. The best performance in noise was obtained with the simultaneous use of ClearVoice and Roger. ClearVoice and Roger technology each improves speech recognition in noise, particularly when used at the same time. Because ClearVoice does not degrade performance in quiet settings, clinicians should consider recommending ClearVoice for routine, full-time use for AB implant recipients. Roger should be used in all instances in which remote microphone technology may assist the user in understanding speech in the presence of noise. American Academy of Audiology.

Analysis of Integrated and Nonintegrated Voice and Data Networks for DoD Communications.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-09-01

not. A study of this nature was completed In 1973 by jItman and Frank(31). Gitman and Frank evaluated switching strageties for integrated DOD voice and...miieaea from Figure 5. fhe voice digitization costs were deterained for 56Kbps using information from the Gitman (30) study. Switching costs were...technique. this agrees with the research accomplished by Gitman and Frank(30) which found voice and data integration was the best approach to take

Office-Based Intracordal Hyaluronate Injections Improve Quality of Life in Thoracic-Surgery-Related Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis.

PubMed

Fang, Tuan-Jen; Hsin, Li-Jen; Chung, Hsiu-Feng; Chiang, Hui-Chen; Li, Hsueh-Yu; Wong, Alice M K; Pei, Yu-Chen

2015-10-01

Thoracic-surgery-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) may cause severe morbidity and can cause profound functional impairment and psychosocial stress in patients with pre-existing thoracic diseases. In-office intracordal hyaluronate (HA) injections have recently been applied to improve voice and quality of life in patients with vocal incompetence, but their effect on thoracic-surgery-related UVFP remains inconclusive. We therefore conducted a prospective study to clarify the effect of early HA injection on voice and quality of life in patients with thoracic-surgery-related UVFP. Patients with UVFP within 3 months after thoracic surgery who received office-based HA injection were recruited. Quantitative laryngeal electromyography, videolaryngostroboscopy, voice-related life quality (voice outcome survey), laboratory voice analysis, and health-related quality of life (SF-36) were evaluated at baseline, and at 1 month postinjection. A total of 104 consecutive patients accepted office-based HA intracordal injection during the study period, 34 of whom were treated in relation to thoracic surgery and were eligible for inclusion. Voice-related life quality, voice laboratory analysis, and most generic quality of life domains were significantly improved at 1 month after in-office HA intracordal injection. No HA-related complications were reported. Single office-based HA intracordal injection is a safe and effective treatment for thoracic-surgery-related UVFP, resulting in immediate improvements in patient quality of life, voice quality, and swallowing ability.

Patient Perspectives on Strengths and Challenges of Therapist-Assisted Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Using the Patient Voice to Improve Care.

PubMed

Hadjistavropoulos, H D; Faller, Y N; Klatt, A; Nugent, M N; Dear, B F; Titov, N

2018-05-26

Therapist-assisted internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (T-ICBT) involves patients reading online treatment materials, completing relevant exercises, and receiving therapist support. This study aimed to understand the preferences and recommendations of 225 patients enrolled in a T-ICBT course for depression and anxiety via an online therapy unit in collaboration with community mental health clinics dispersed across one Canadian province. An open-ended survey asked participants their opinions of the course and responses were analyzed using a content analysis approach. Patient comments addressed many strengths of the course (64%), with some opportunities for improvement (36%). Most-appreciated features included ability to download content for future use, reading other patients' experiences, and content of lessons. Patients made suggestions for improving the breadth of patient stories, timeline of the course, and matching availability of the therapist to patient need. Patient feedback regarding preferences provides valuable information for improving the patient-centered nature of T-ICBT.

Acceptability of an e-learning program to help nursing assistants manage relationship conflict in nursing homes.

PubMed

Marziali, Elsa; Mackenzie, Corey Scott; Tchernikov, Illia

2015-02-01

Management of nursing assistants' (NAs) emotional stress from relationship conflicts with residents, families, and coworkers is rarely the focus of educational programs. Our objective was to gather feedback from NAs and their nursing supervisors (NSs) about the utility of our e-learning program for managing relationship stress. A total of 147 NAs and their NSs from 17 long-term care homes viewed the educational modules (DVD slides with voice-over), either individually or in small groups, and provided feedback using conference call focus groups. Qualitative analysis of NA feedback showed that workplace relationship conflict stress was associated with workload and the absence of a forum for discussing relationship conflicts that was not acknowledged by NSs. This accessible e-learning program provides NAs with strategies for managing stressful emotions arising from workplace relationship conflict situations and underscores the importance of supervisory support and team collaboration in coping with emotionally evoked workplace stress. © The Author(s) 2014.

Quality of life of patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

PubMed

San Giorgi, Michel R M; Aaltonen, Leena-Maija; Rihkanen, Heikki; Tjon Pian Gi, Robin E A; van der Laan, Bernard F A M; Hoekstra-Weebers, Josette E H M; Dikkers, Frederik G

2017-08-01

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a disease with a high disease burden. Few studies have assessed quality of life (QoL) of RRP patients. This study compares QoL of these patients with controls. Associations between QoL and sociodemographic and illness-related factors are examined, as is uptake of psychosocial care and speech therapy. Prospective cross-sectional questionnaire research. Ninety-one RRP patients (response = 67%) from two university hospitals in the Netherlands and Finland completed the following patient reported outcome measures: (HADS), 15-dimensional health-related quality-of-life scale (15D), Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the RAND 36-item health-related quality-of-life survey instrument (RAND-36) assessing health-related QoL and voice handicap, and they provided sociodemographic, illness-related, and allied healthcare use. Descriptive analyses, χ 2 tests, t tests, analysis of variance tests, and Pearson correlations were computed to describe the study population and to examine differences between groups. RRP patients had significantly higher mean scores on depression, health-related QoL (15D) and on voice problems (VHI), and significantly lower mean scores on anxiety than controls. Dutch patients had more pain and a decreased general health perception (RAND-36) than controls. Dutch patients and older patients were more depressed, women were more anxious, older patients had lower health-related QoL, and smoking was significantly associated with voice handicap. Patients who had received psychosocial care had significantly higher HADS-depression mean scores than patients who did not receive psychosocial care. Having RRP has significant effect on voice-related QoL and depression, but has no negative effect on anxiety and health-related QoL. Risk factors for decreased functioning are different than previously hypothesized by many authors. Prevention should be aimed at these risk factors. 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1826-1831, 2017. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Computer-assisted image analysis to quantify daily growth rates of broiler chickens.

PubMed

De Wet, L; Vranken, E; Chedad, A; Aerts, J M; Ceunen, J; Berckmans, D

2003-09-01

1. The objective was to investigate the possibility of detecting daily body weight changes of broiler chickens with computer-assisted image analysis. 2. The experiment included 50 broiler chickens reared under commercial conditions. Ten out of 50 chickens were randomly selected and video recorded (upper view) 18 times during the 42-d growing period. The number of surface and periphery pixels from the images was used to derive a relationship between body dimension and live weight. 3. The relative error in weight estimation, expressed in terms of the standard deviation of the residuals from image surface data was 10%, while it was found to be 15% for the image periphery data. 4. Image-processing systems could be developed to assist the farmer in making important management and marketing decisions.

Quantitative high-speed laryngoscopic analysis of vocal fold vibration in fatigued voice of young karaoke singers.

PubMed

Yiu, Edwin M-L; Wang, Gaowu; Lo, Andy C Y; Chan, Karen M-K; Ma, Estella P-M; Kong, Jiangping; Barrett, Elizabeth Ann

2013-11-01

The present study aimed to determine whether there were physiological differences in the vocal fold vibration between nonfatigued and fatigued voices using high-speed laryngoscopic imaging and quantitative analysis. Twenty participants aged from 18 to 23 years (mean, 21.2 years; standard deviation, 1.3 years) with normal voice were recruited to participate in an extended singing task. Vocal fatigue was induced using a singing task. High-speed laryngoscopic image recordings of /i/ phonation were taken before and after the singing task. The laryngoscopic images were semiautomatically analyzed with the quantitative high-speed video processing program to extract indices related to the anteroposterior dimension (length), transverse dimension (width), and the speed of opening and closing. Significant reduction in the glottal length-to-width ratio index was found after vocal fatigue. Physiologically, this indicated either a significantly shorter (anteroposteriorly) or a wider (transversely) glottis after vocal fatigue. The high-speed imaging technique using quantitative analysis has the potential for early identification of vocally fatigued voice. Copyright © 2013 The Voice Foundation. All rights reserved.

Initial Experiences with Machine-Assisted Reconsiderative Test Scoring: A New Method for Partial Credit and Multiple Correct Responses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Paul S.

Initial experiences with computer-assisted reconsiderative scoring are described. Reconsiderative scoring occurs when student responses are received and reviewed by the teacher before points for correctness are assigned. Manually scored completion-style questions are reconsiderative. A new method of machine assistance produces an item analysis on…

Voice Relative Fundamental Frequency via Neck-Skin Acceleration in Individuals with Voice Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lien, Yu-An S.; Calabrese, Carolyn R.; Michener, Carolyn M.; Murray, Elizabeth Heller; Van Stan, Jarrad H.; Mehta, Daryush D.; Hillman, Robert E.; Noordzij, J. Pieter; Stepp, Cara E.

2015-01-01

Purpose: This study investigated the use of neck-skin acceleration for relative fundamental frequency (RFF) analysis. Method: Forty individuals with voice disorders associated with vocal hyperfunction and 20 age- and sex-matched control participants were recorded with a subglottal neck-surface accelerometer and a microphone while producing speech…

Spectral Analysis of the Voice in Down Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albertini, G.; Bonassi, S.; Dall'Armi, V.; Giachetti, I.; Giaquinto, S.; Mignano, M.

2010-01-01

The voice quality of individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) is generally described as husky, monotonous and raucous. On the other hand, the voice of DS children is characterized by breathiness, roughness, and nasality and is typically low pitched. However, research on phonation and intonation in these participants is limited. The present study was…

The Voice of Curriculum Developers in Teacher Guides

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahl, Linda; Koljonen, Tuula; Helenius, Ola

2017-01-01

By combining linguistic analysis with metaphors for mediating between a body of knowledge and teaching practice, we exemplify curriculum developers' voices in teacher guides. We discuss two types of voices, that of the Expert, who talks through the teacher and restricts the pedagogical agency of the teacher, and that of the Philosopher, who speaks…

Feigned Depression and Feigned Sleepiness: A Voice Acoustical Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reilly, Nicole; Cannizzaro, Michael S.; Harel, Brian T.; Snyder, Peter J.

2004-01-01

We sought to profile the voice acoustical correlates of simulated, or feigned depression by neurologically and psychiatrically healthy control subjects. We also sought to identify the voice acoustical correlates of feigned sleepiness for these same subjects. Twenty-two participants were asked to speak freely about a cartoon, to count from 1 to 10,…

Voice Quality After a Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercise With a Ventilation Mask in Contemporary Commercial Singers: Acoustic Analysis and Self-Assessments.

PubMed

Fantini, Marco; Succo, Giovanni; Crosetti, Erika; Borragán Torre, Alfonso; Demo, Roberto; Fussi, Franco

2017-05-01

The current study aimed at investigating the immediate effects of a semi-occluded vocal tract exercise with a ventilation mask in a group of contemporary commercial singers. A randomized controlled study was carried out. Thirty professional or semi-professional singers with no voice complaints were randomly divided into two groups on recruitment: an experimental group and a control group. The same warm-up exercise was performed by the experimental group with an occluded ventilation mask placed over the nose and the mouth and by the control group without the ventilation mask. Voice was recorded before and after the exercise. Acoustic and self-assessment analysis were accomplished. The acoustic parameters of the voice samples recorded before and after training were compared, as well as the parameters' variations between the experimental and the control group. Self-assessment results of the experimental and the control group were compared too. Significant changes after the warm-up exercise included jitter, shimmer, and singing power ratio (SPR) in the experimental group. No significant changes were recorded in the control group. Significant differences between the experimental and the control group were found for ΔShimmer and ΔSPR. Self-assessment analysis confirmed a significantly higher phonatory comfort and voice quality perception for the experimental group. The results of the present study support the immediate advantageous effects on singing voice of a semi-occluded vocal tract exercise with a ventilation mask in terms of acoustic quality, phonatory comfort, and voice quality perception in contemporary commercial singers. Long-term effects still remain to be studied. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Trends in musical theatre voice: an analysis of audition requirements for singers.

PubMed

Green, Kathryn; Freeman, Warren; Edwards, Matthew; Meyer, David

2014-05-01

The American musical theatre industry is a multibillion dollar business in which the requirements for singers are varied and complex. This study identifies the musical genres and voice requirements that are currently most requested at professional auditions to help voice teachers, pedagogues, and physicians who work with musical theatre singers understand the demands of their clients' business. Frequency count. One thousand two thirty-eight professional musical theatre audition listings were gathered over a 6-month period, and information from each listing was categorized and entered into a spreadsheet for analysis. The results indicate that four main genres of music were requested over a wide variety of styles, with more than half of auditions requesting genre categories that may not be served by traditional or classical voice technique alone. To adequately prepare young musical theatre performers for the current job market and keep the performers healthily making the sounds required by the industry, new singing styles may need to be studied and integrated into voice training that only teaches classical styles. Copyright © 2014 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of effects on voice of diode laser and cold knife microlaryngology techniques for vocal fold polyps.

PubMed

Karasu, Mehmet Fatih; Gundogdu, Ramazan; Cagli, Sedat; Aydin, Mesut; Arli, Turan; Aydemir, Samet; Yuce, Imdat

2014-05-01

To compare the effects on voice of endolaryngeal microsurgery (EMS) with cold instruments and a new method, "diode laser," for vocal fold polyps. Fifty-one patients with vocal fold polyps suffering from dysphonia who were treated in the Erciyes University Department of Otolaryngology were included in the study. Voice analysis was performed in a soundproof room, holding the microphone 15 cm away from the patients' mouth and by recording a sustained [a] vowel for at least 10 seconds. Fundamental frequency (F0), Jitter, Shimmer, and noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR) parameters were evaluated in terms of vocal analysis. All patients were asked for to fill in a questionnaire, after being informed about the voice handicap index (VHI). EMS was performed with a diode laser and cold knife on 26 and 25 patients, respectively. Patient follow-up was performed 8 weeks after surgery. Changes in F0, Jitter, Shimmer, and NHR values were measured and recorded. VHI was also completed and reassessed. There was a significant difference in each technique's VHI score between the preoperative and postoperative questionnaire (P < 0.001). Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in VHI scores between two groups (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in voice analysis values measured preoperatively and at the postoperative controls for both groups (P < 0.05). Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in voice analysis values between two groups (P > 0.05). In the treatment of vocal polyps, EMS with both diode laser and traditional cold knife is effective. Copyright © 2014 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Machine learning applications in genetics and genomics.

PubMed

Libbrecht, Maxwell W; Noble, William Stafford

2015-06-01

The field of machine learning, which aims to develop computer algorithms that improve with experience, holds promise to enable computers to assist humans in the analysis of large, complex data sets. Here, we provide an overview of machine learning applications for the analysis of genome sequencing data sets, including the annotation of sequence elements and epigenetic, proteomic or metabolomic data. We present considerations and recurrent challenges in the application of supervised, semi-supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods, as well as of generative and discriminative modelling approaches. We provide general guidelines to assist in the selection of these machine learning methods and their practical application for the analysis of genetic and genomic data sets.

Corps Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-26

accomplishes these actions by developing, recommending, and briefing the scheme of fires, including both lethal fires and nonlethal actions (electronic...Install and operate the corps information technology help desk. Provide voice, video teleconference, e-mail—Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router...Network (NIPRNET), SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET), and other communication networks—assistance, and other help desk functions

Perceptions of Older Adults: The Voices of Eldercare Employees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tailor, Megha; Zaturenskaya, Mariya; Iwamasa, Gayle Y.; Ferrari, Joseph R.

2007-01-01

Eldercare employees (73 women, 15 men) at rural and urban facilities in Australia responded to two open-ended questions related to perceptions of older adults. On average, employees assisted 62 adults per week, working at the facility for 19 years. Participants identified the following characteristics of an "independent older adult:"…

The Long Term Implication of RTLB Support: Listening to the Voices of Student Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pillay, Poobie; Flanagan, Paul

2011-01-01

Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) have supported more than 15,000 students since RTLB 1999 by assisting teachers to manage and support students with learning or behaviour difficulties within inclusive classroom environments. Research indicates that there are long term positive educational effects for students receiving short-term…

Taking a Giant Step into Our Technological Future. A Talk with Diana Oshiro.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Speidel, Gisela E.

1995-01-01

Diana Oshiro, Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Information and Telecommunications Services, Hawaii State Department of Education, supervises voice, data, video, and information systems serving the department. This article presents an interview in which she discusses the importance of technology in education and describes the need for…

Making an Impression: YA Authors and Their Influential Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eisenbach, Brooke; Kaywell, Joan F.

2013-01-01

This article recounts significant moments from online interviews these authors conducted with Young Adult (YA) authors concerning the teachers who left a lasting impression on them and assisted them in finding their voice and unique writing abilities. S. E. Hinton, Walter Dean Myers, Erin Gruwell, Chris Crutcher, and other popular YA authors…

RCN congress offers nurses the chance to tell it how it is.

PubMed

Davies, Janet

2016-06-22

Almost a year into my role as RCN chief executive and general secretary, one of the things I have enjoyed most is the opportunity to speak out on behalf of nurses. Wherever you work, as a registrant or healthcare assistant, yours are the voices that need to be heard.

Raise Your Voice: Leonard Haynes III Advocates for HBCUs in Washington

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stuart, Reginald

2012-01-01

When Leonard Haynes III came to Washington in 1989 as an assistant secretary of education, the Southern University-trained historian found a national government marked by bipartisanship, collaboration and cooperation on a wide range of topics of importance to people of color in higher education. Today, the landscape and environment are "more…

Pakistani Children's Participation in Health Promotion Activities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ahmed, Shabnam

2011-01-01

This paper examines the effects of a Child-to-Child (CtC) health education programme designed to assist children in Pakistan to greater participation and voice in both their own education and their families' health by empowering them as change agents. The study compares parental involvement in their children's participation in health promotion…

Shifting Discourses about Gender in Higher Education Enrolments: Retrieving Marginalised Voices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alloway, Nola; Gilbert, Pam

2004-01-01

In this paper the authors describe the ways poststructuralist discourses assisted us to reading and reflection on data collected as part of a traditional survey-style research study. The study--generated in response to widespread concern about falling male enrolment rates at the authors' regional university--focused upon factors affecting rural…

78 FR 26747 - Amendment to Notice of Funding Availability for the Rural Energy for America Program

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-08

... Statement USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color... status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or...) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: USDA, Assistant Secretary...

Voice-Dictated versus Typed-in Clinician Notes: Linguistic Properties and the Potential Implications on Natural Language Processing

PubMed Central

Zheng, Kai; Mei, Qiaozhu; Yang, Lei; Manion, Frank J.; Balis, Ulysses J.; Hanauer, David A.

2011-01-01

In this study, we comparatively examined the linguistic properties of narrative clinician notes created through voice dictation versus those directly entered by clinicians via a computer keyboard. Intuitively, the nature of voice-dictated notes would resemble that of natural language, while typed-in notes may demonstrate distinctive language features for reasons such as intensive usage of acronyms. The study analyses were based on an empirical dataset retrieved from our institutional electronic health records system. The dataset contains 30,000 voice-dictated notes and 30,000 notes that were entered manually; both were encounter notes generated in ambulatory care settings. The results suggest that between the narrative clinician notes created via these two different methods, there exists a considerable amount of lexical and distributional differences. Such differences could have a significant impact on the performance of natural language processing tools, necessitating these two different types of documents being differentially treated. PMID:22195229

Design and methodological considerations of an effectiveness trial of a computer-assisted intervention: an example from the NIDA Clinical Trials Network.

PubMed

Campbell, Aimee N C; Nunes, Edward V; Miele, Gloria M; Matthews, Abigail; Polsky, Daniel; Ghitza, Udi E; Turrigiano, Eva; Bailey, Genie L; VanVeldhuisen, Paul; Chapdelaine, Rita; Froias, Autumn; Stitzer, Maxine L; Carroll, Kathleen M; Winhusen, Theresa; Clingerman, Sara; Perez, Livangelie; McClure, Erin; Goldman, Bruce; Crowell, A Rebecca

2012-03-01

Computer-assisted interventions hold the promise of minimizing two problems that are ubiquitous in substance abuse treatment: the lack of ready access to treatment and the challenges to providing empirically-supported treatments. Reviews of research on computer-assisted treatments for mental health and substance abuse report promising findings, but study quality and methodological limitations remain an issue. In addition, relatively few computer-assisted treatments have been tested among illicit substance users. This manuscript describes the methodological considerations of a multi-site effectiveness trial conducted within the National Institute on Drug Abuse's (NIDA's) National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN). The study is evaluating a web-based version of the Community Reinforcement Approach, in addition to prize-based contingency management, among 500 participants enrolled in 10 outpatient substance abuse treatment programs. Several potential effectiveness trial designs were considered and the rationale for the choice of design in this study is described. The study uses a randomized controlled design (with independent treatment arm allocation), intention-to-treat primary outcome analysis, biological markers for the primary outcome of abstinence, long-term follow-up assessments, precise measurement of intervention dose, and a cost-effectiveness analysis. Input from community providers during protocol development highlighted potential concerns and helped to address issues of practicality and feasibility. Collaboration between providers and investigators supports the utility of infrastructures that enhance research partnerships to facilitate effectiveness trials and dissemination of promising, technologically innovative treatments. Outcomes from this study will further the empirical knowledge base on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of computer-assisted treatment in clinical treatment settings. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design and Methodological Considerations of an Effectiveness Trial of a Computer-assisted Intervention: An Example from the NIDA Clinical Trials Network

PubMed Central

Campbell, Aimee N. C.; Nunes, Edward V.; Miele, Gloria M.; Matthews, Abigail; Polsky, Daniel; Ghitza, Udi E.; Turrigiano, Eva; Bailey, Genie L.; VanVeldhuisen, Paul; Chapdelaine, Rita; Froias, Autumn; Stitzer, Maxine L.; Carroll, Kathleen M.; Winhusen, Theresa; Clingerman, Sara; Perez, Livangelie; McClure, Erin; Goldman, Bruce; Crowell, A. Rebecca

2011-01-01

Computer-assisted interventions hold the promise of minimizing two problems that are ubiquitous in substance abuse treatment: the lack of ready access to treatment and the challenges to providing empirically-supported treatments. Reviews of research on computer-assisted treatments for mental health and substance abuse report promising findings, but study quality and methodological limitations remain an issue. In addition, relatively few computer-assisted treatments have been tested among illicit substance users. This manuscript describes the methodological considerations of a multi-site effectiveness trial conducted within the National Institute on Drug Abuse's (NIDA's) National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN). The study is evaluating a web-based version of the Community Reinforcement Approach, in addition to prize-based contingency management, among 500 participants enrolled in 10 outpatient substance abuse treatment programs. Several potential effectiveness trial designs were considered and the rationale for the choice of design in this study is described. The study uses a randomized controlled design (with independent treatment arm allocation), intention-to-treat primary outcome analysis, biological markers for the primary outcome of abstinence, long-term follow-up assessments, precise measurement of intervention dose, and a cost-effectiveness analysis. Input from community providers during protocol development highlighted potential concerns and helped to address issues of practicality and feasibility. Collaboration between providers and investigators supports the utility of infrastructures that enhance research partnerships to facilitate effectiveness trials and dissemination of promising, technologically innovative treatments. Outcomes from this study will further the empirical knowledge base on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of computer-assisted treatment in clinical treatment settings. PMID:22085803

Voice- and swallow-related quality of life in idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

van Hooren, Michel R A; Baijens, Laura W J; Vos, Rein; Pilz, Walmari; Kuijpers, Laura M F; Kremer, Bernd; Michou, Emilia

2016-02-01

This study explores whether changes in voice- and swallow-related QoL are associated with progression of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). Furthermore, it examines the relationship between patients' perception of both voice and swallowing disorders in IPD. Prospective clinical study, quality of life (QoL). One-hundred mentally competent IPD patients with voice and swallowing complaints were asked to answer four QoL questionnaires (Voice Handicap Index, MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory, Visual Analog Scale [VAS] voice, and Dysphagia Severity Scale [DSS]). Differences in means for the QoL questionnaires and their subscales within Hoehn and Yahr stage groups were calculated using one-way analysis of variance. The relationship between voice- and swallow-related QoL questionnaires was determined with the Spearman correlation coefficient. Scores on both voice and swallow questionnaires suggest an overall decrease in QoL with progression of IPD. A plateau in QoL for VAS voice and the DSS was seen in the early Hoehn and Yahr stages. Finally, scores on voice-related QoL questionnaires were significantly correlated with swallow-related QoL outcomes. Voice- and swallow-related QoL decreases with progression of IPD. A significant association was found between voice- and swallow-related QoL questionnaires. Healthcare professionals can benefit from voice- and swallow-related QoL questionnaires in a multidimensional voice- or swallow-assessment protocol. The patient's perception of his/her voice and swallowing disorders and its impact on QoL in IPD should not be disregarded. 2b. © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Computer-Assisted Text-Analysis for ESL Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reid, Joy; And Others

1983-01-01

Reports an investigation into possibilities of using word processors and text analysis software with English as second language (ESL) students to determine (1) if foreign students can learn to use computer equipment, (2) if students feel time invested is worthwhile, and (3) if ESL students' problems with writing American academic prose can be…

MOVANAID: An Interactive Aid for Analysis of Movement Capabilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooper, George E.; And Others

A computer-drive interactive aid for movement analysis, called MOVANAID, has been developed to be of assistance in the performance of certain Army intelligence processing tasks in a tactical environment. It can compute fastest travel times and paths through road networks for military units of various types, as well as fastest times in which…

A Meta-Analysis of Referential Communication Studies: A Computer Readable Literature Review.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dickson, W. Patrick; Moskoff, Mary

A computer-assisted analysis of studies on referential communication (giving directions/explanations) located 66 reports involving 80 experiments, 114 referential tasks, and over 6,200 individuals. The studies were entered into a statistical software package system (SPSS) and analyzed for characteristics of the subjects and experimental designs,…

Synthesizing Results from Empirical Research on Computer-Based Scaffolding in STEM Education: A Meta-Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belland, Brian R.; Walker, Andrew E.; Kim, Nam Ju; Lefler, Mason

2017-01-01

Computer-based scaffolding assists students as they generate solutions to complex problems, goals, or tasks, helping increase and integrate their higher order skills in the process. However, despite decades of research on scaffolding in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, no existing comprehensive meta-analysis has…

Injection Laryngoplasty Using Micronized Acellular Dermis for Vocal Fold Paralysis: Long-term Voice Outcomes.

PubMed

Hernandez, Stephen C; Sibley, Haley; Fink, Daniel S; Kunduk, Melda; Schexnaildre, Mell; Kakade, Anagha; McWhorter, Andrew J

2016-05-01

Micronized acellular dermis has been used for nearly 15 years to correct glottic insufficiency. With previous demonstration of safety and efficacy, this study aims to evaluate intermediate and long-term voice outcomes in those who underwent injection laryngoplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Technique and timing of injection were also reviewed to assess their impact on outcomes. Case series with chart review. Tertiary care center. Patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty from May 2007 to September 2012 were reviewed for possible inclusion. Pre- and postoperative Voice Handicap Index (VHI) scores, as well as senior speech-language pathologists' blinded assessment of voice, were collected for analysis. The final sample included patients who underwent injection laryngoplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis, 33 of whom had VHI results and 37 of whom had voice recordings. Additional data were obtained, including technique and timing of injection. Analysis was performed on those patients above with VHI and perceptual voice grades before and at least 6 months following injection. Mean VHI improved by 28.7 points at 6 to 12 months and 22.8 points at >12 months (P = .001). Mean perceptual voice grades improved by 17.6 points at 6 to 12 months and 16.3 points at >12 months (P < .001). No statistically significant difference was found with technique or time to injection. Micronized acellular dermis is a safe injectable that improved both patient-completed voice ratings and blinded reviewer voice gradings at intermediate and long-term follow-up. Further investigation may be warranted regarding technique and timing of injection. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2016.

Changes of the speaking and singing voice after thyroid or parathyroid surgery.

PubMed

Musholt, Thomas J; Musholt, Petra B; Garm, Jens; Napiontek, Ulrike; Keilmann, Annerose

2006-12-01

While permanent dysphonia is a rare complication of thyroid or parathyroid surgery, postoperative changes of the speaking and/or singing voice often remain unrecognized. In a prospective 4-arm study, vocal fold videolaryngostroboscopy and functional assessment of pre- and postoperative vocal performance was used to evaluate voice disturbances in 120 patients undergoing extended cervical surgery and in 19 patients with limited interventions for thyroid and/or parathyroid pathology. Impairments, especially of the singing voice, were predominantly observed after extended endocrine neck surgery. In women, the highest pitch of the singing voice (HPS) dropped from 651 Hz to 563 Hz (E5 to Csharp5, P < .001). In men, the HPS decreased to a lesser extent (423 Hz to 374 Hz, (Gsharp4 to Fsharp4, P = .009). Covariant analysis of influencing factors revealed the preoperative maximum frequency range and the HPS as predictors of the postoperative voice outcome. While alterations of the speaking voice after thyroid and parathyroid surgery usually remain subclinical, transient changes of the singing voice will matter to voice professionals.

On shame and voice-hearing

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Hearing voices in the absence of another speaker—what psychiatry terms an auditory verbal hallucination—is often associated with a wide range of negative emotions. Mainstream clinical research addressing the emotional dimensions of voice-hearing has tended to treat these as self-evident, undifferentiated and so effectively interchangeable. But what happens when a richer, more nuanced understanding of specific emotions is brought to bear on the analysis of distressing voices? This article draws findings from the ‘What is it like to hear voices’ study conducted as part of the interdisciplinary Hearing the Voice project into conversation with philosopher Dan Zahavi's Self and Other: Exploring Subjectivity, Empathy and Shame to consider how a focus on shame can open up new questions about the experience of hearing voices. A higher-order emotion of social cognition, shame directs our attention to aspects of voice-hearing which are understudied and elusive, particularly as they concern the status of voices as other and the constitution and conceptualisation of the self. PMID:28389551

Phonological experience modulates voice discrimination: Evidence from functional brain networks analysis.

PubMed

Hu, Xueping; Wang, Xiangpeng; Gu, Yan; Luo, Pei; Yin, Shouhang; Wang, Lijun; Fu, Chao; Qiao, Lei; Du, Yi; Chen, Antao

2017-10-01

Numerous behavioral studies have found a modulation effect of phonological experience on voice discrimination. However, the neural substrates underpinning this phenomenon are poorly understood. Here we manipulated language familiarity to test the hypothesis that phonological experience affects voice discrimination via mediating the engagement of multiple perceptual and cognitive resources. The results showed that during voice discrimination, the activation of several prefrontal regions was modulated by language familiarity. More importantly, the same effect was observed concerning the functional connectivity from the fronto-parietal network to the voice-identity network (VIN), and from the default mode network to the VIN. Our findings indicate that phonological experience could bias the recruitment of cognitive control and information retrieval/comparison processes during voice discrimination. Therefore, the study unravels the neural substrates subserving the modulation effect of phonological experience on voice discrimination, and provides new insights into studying voice discrimination from the perspective of network interactions. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Analysis of the Auditory Feedback and Phonation in Normal Voices.

PubMed

Arbeiter, Mareike; Petermann, Simon; Hoppe, Ulrich; Bohr, Christopher; Doellinger, Michael; Ziethe, Anke

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the auditory feedback mechanisms and voice quality during phonation in response to a spontaneous pitch change in the auditory feedback. Does the pitch shift reflex (PSR) change voice pitch and voice quality? Quantitative and qualitative voice characteristics were analyzed during the PSR. Twenty-eight healthy subjects underwent transnasal high-speed video endoscopy (HSV) at 8000 fps during sustained phonation [a]. While phonating, the subjects heard their sound pitched up for 700 cents (interval of a fifth), lasting 300 milliseconds in their auditory feedback. The electroencephalography (EEG), acoustic voice signal, electroglottography (EGG), and high-speed-videoendoscopy (HSV) were analyzed to compare feedback mechanisms for the pitched and unpitched condition of the phonation paradigm statistically. Furthermore, quantitative and qualitative voice characteristics were analyzed. The PSR was successfully detected within all signals of the experimental tools (EEG, EGG, acoustic voice signal, HSV). A significant increase of the perturbation measures and an increase of the values of the acoustic parameters during the PSR were observed, especially for the audio signal. The auditory feedback mechanism seems not only to control for voice pitch but also for voice quality aspects.

Voice and persuasion in a banking telemarketing context.

PubMed

Chebat, Jean-Charles; El Hedhli, Kamel; Gélinas-Chebat, Claire; Boivin, Robert

2007-04-01

Voice has been neglected in research on advertising and persuasion. The present study examined the influence of voice and sex on the credibility of the voice source in a banking telemarketing context as well as with regards to the attitude toward the advertisement, and subjects' behavioral intention. An experiment using voices of a man and a woman was conducted. A recorded mock-telemarketing message consisted of an advertisement for an ATM card offered by a Canadian bank. Subjects were undergraduate students (N=399; 71.6% women, 28.4% men; M age=26.5 yr., SD = 7.4). They completed a questionnaire after hearing the message in telemarketing conditions. Analysis indicated a moderate intensity, an unmarked intonation, and a fast speech rate are associated with a more credible source than the other combinations. Sex was not a significant moderator in the relationship between voice characteristics and source credibility. Voice characteristics significantly affected attitudes toward the advertisement and behavioral intention.