The Use of Visual Feedback to Elicit Correct /r/

1995 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda I. Shuster ◽  
Dennis M. Ruscello ◽  
Amy R. Toth
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Visual Feedback ◽  
Visual Display ◽  
Acoustic Measures ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Type Feedback

Biofeedback in the form of the visual display from the monitor of a real-time spectrograph was presented to a 10-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl who had been unable to attain correct production of /r/ despite years of treatment. Both perceptual ratings and acoustic measures were made of the clients' productions of /r/ before and after treatment with the spectrograph. The results indicated that children and adolescents can use this type feedback to attain correct production of /r/ when other methods have failed. Potential reasons for the success of this approach are discussed.

The effectiveness of real-time ultrasound visual feedback on tongue movements in L2 pronunciation training

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Kocjančič Antolík ◽  
Claire Pillot-Loiseau ◽  
Takeki Kamiyama
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Visual Feedback ◽  
The Other ◽  
Acoustic Data ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Tongue Movements ◽  
L2 Pronunciation

Abstract The purpose of this study was to test the usability of ultrasound as a visual feedback tool in L2 pronunciation training. Six Japanese-speaking learners, aged 28–33 years, participating in a course in French phonetics for L2 learners, took part in the study. Four of them received three individual 45-minute lessons of ultrasound pronunciation training. The other two participants did not. Articulatory and acoustic data of French isolated /y/ and /u/ and Japanese [ɯ] were recorded before and after the ultrasound training, as well as two months later for the learners receiving the training. The analysis of the articulatory data revealed that three speakers with ultrasound feedback improved in the production of the French vowels, the contrast between them, as well as the contrast between the two French vowels and the Japanese [ɯ], suggesting that ultrasound may be a useful tool in second language pronunciation learning.

scholarly journals Influence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on serum microRNA expression

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (12) ◽  
pp. 6109-6119
Author(s):  
M. Scettri ◽  
H. Seeba ◽  
D. L. Staudacher ◽  
S. Robinson ◽  
D. Stallmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Real Time Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Serum Microrna ◽  
Clinical Biomarkers ◽  
Differentially Expressed Mirnas ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Medical Intensive Care

Objective To date, no biomarkers have been established to predict haematological complications and outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of a panel of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are promising biomarkers in many clinical fields, in patients before and after initiating ECMO. Methods Serum miRNA levels from 14 patients hospitalized for acute respiratory failure and supported with ECMO in our medical intensive care unit were analysed before and 24 hours after ECMO. In total, 179 serum-enriched miRNAs were profiled by using a real-time PCR panel. For validation, differentially expressed miRNAs were individually quantified with conventional real-time quantitative PCR at 0, 24, and 72 hours. Results Under ECMO support, platelet count significantly decreased by 65 × 103/µL (25th percentile = 154.3 × 103/µL; 75th percentile = 33 × 103/µL). Expression of the 179 miRNAs investigated in this study did not change significantly throughout the observational period. Conclusions According to our data, the expression of serum miRNAs was not altered by ECMO therapy itself. We conclude that ECMO does not limit the application of miRNAs as specific clinical biomarkers for the patients’ underlying disease.

scholarly journals Real-Time High-Level Acute Pain Detection Using a Smartphone and a Wrist-Worn Electrodermal Activity Sensor

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 3956
Author(s):  
Youngsun Kong ◽  
Hugo F. Posada-Quintero ◽  
Ki H. Chon
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Electrodermal Activity ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Real Time Processing ◽  
Pain Stimulation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Electrical Pulses ◽  
Pain Detection ◽  
High Level

The subjectiveness of pain can lead to inaccurate prescribing of pain medication, which can exacerbate drug addiction and overdose. Given that pain is often experienced in patients’ homes, there is an urgent need for ambulatory devices that can quantify pain in real-time. We implemented three time- and frequency-domain electrodermal activity (EDA) indices in our smartphone application that collects EDA signals using a wrist-worn device. We then evaluated our computational algorithms using thermal grill data from ten subjects. The thermal grill delivered a level of pain that was calibrated for each subject to be 8 out of 10 on a visual analog scale (VAS). Furthermore, we simulated the real-time processing of the smartphone application using a dataset pre-collected from another group of fifteen subjects who underwent pain stimulation using electrical pulses, which elicited a VAS pain score level 7 out of 10. All EDA features showed significant difference between painless and pain segments, termed for the 5-s segments before and after each pain stimulus. Random forest showed the highest accuracy in detecting pain, 81.5%, with 78.9% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity with leave-one-subject-out cross-validation approach. Our results show the potential of a smartphone application to provide near real-time objective pain detection.

scholarly journals SURG-03. IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY APPLICATIONS IN NEUROSURGICAL ONCOLOGY

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii461-iii461
Author(s):  
Andrea Carai ◽  
Angela Mastronuzzi ◽  
Giovanna Stefania Colafati ◽  
Paul Voicu ◽  
Nicola Onorini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Real Time ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Spatial Relationship ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Immersive Virtual Reality ◽  
Global Improvement ◽  
3D Rendering ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Tridimensional (3D) rendering of volumetric neuroimaging is increasingly been used to assist surgical management of brain tumors. New technologies allowing immersive virtual reality (VR) visualization of obtained models offer the opportunity to appreciate neuroanatomical details and spatial relationship between the tumor and normal neuroanatomical structures to a level never seen before. We present our preliminary experience with the Surgical Theatre, a commercially available 3D VR system, in 60 consecutive neurosurgical oncology cases. 3D models were developed from volumetric CT scans and MR standard and advanced sequences. The system allows the loading of 6 different layers at the same time, with the possibility to modulate opacity and threshold in real time. Use of the 3D VR was used during preoperative planning allowing a better definition of surgical strategy. A tailored craniotomy and brain dissection can be simulated in advanced and precisely performed in the OR, connecting the system to intraoperative neuronavigation. Smaller blood vessels are generally not included in the 3D rendering, however, real-time intraoperative threshold modulation of the 3D model assisted in their identification improving surgical confidence and safety during the procedure. VR was also used offline, both before and after surgery, in the setting of case discussion within the neurosurgical team and during MDT discussion. Finally, 3D VR was used during informed consent, improving communication with families and young patients. 3D VR allows to tailor surgical strategies to the single patient, contributing to procedural safety and efficacy and to the global improvement of neurosurgical oncology care.

scholarly journals Subtle changes of the crystalline lens after cycloplegia: a retrospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Dai ◽  
Meng Liu ◽  
Xiaodong Lv ◽  
Binzhong Li
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Population Change ◽  
Anterior Segment ◽  
Anterior Chamber Depth ◽  
Crystalline Lens ◽  
Equivalent Diameter ◽  
Crystalline Morphology ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shape of the crystalline lens in terms of biometry and diopters before and after cycloplegia using the CASIA2 swept-source (SS) optical coherence tomography (OCT) system on the anterior segment. Methods This was a retrospective study. Children and adolescents (26 males and 29 females, aged 4–21 years) with simple ametropia were selected for optometry and CASIA2 imaging at 2 separate visits before and after cycloplegia. Diopter values were derived from the spherical power (S) obtained by optometry. Biometric parameters of the crystalline lens, including the anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior and posterior curvature of the lens (ACL and PCL), lens thickness (LTH), lens decentration (LD), lens tilt (LT), and equivalent diameter of the lens (LED), were measured by the CASIA2 system. The differences in these parameters after compared with before cycloplegia were determined, and their relationships were analyzed. Results Fifty-five participants (106 eyes) were initially enrolled. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the S (t=-7.026, P < 0.001), ACD (t=-8.796, P < 0.001), ACL (t=-13.263, P < 0.001) and LTH (t = 7.363, P < 0.001) after compared with before cycloplegia. The change in the PCL (t = 1.557, P = 0.122), LD (t = 0.876, P = 0.383), LT (t = 0.440, P = 0.661) and LED (t=-0.351, P = 0.726) was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was a significant (P < 0.05) correlation of the change in the S with that in the ACL (r = 0.466, P < 0.001), LTH (r=-0.592, P < 0.001), and LED (r = 0.223, P = 0.021) but not the PCL (r = 0.19, P = 0.051), LD (r=-0.048, P = 0.0628) or LT (r=-0.022, P = 0.822). Furthermore, the change in the ACD was closely related to the change in crystalline morphology. However, in children and adolescents, we found that the change in crystalline morphology was unrelated to age. Conclusions Changes in lens morphology after compared with before cycloplegia are mainly related to the ACL and LTH, but there is no difference in the PCL, LD, LT, or LED. In the adolescent population, change in the S is related to change in the ACL, LED and LTH. However, age is unrelated to the shape and tendency of the crystalline lens. Further research is required to determine whether the same conclusion applies to different age groups and different refractive states (myopia, hyperopia, emmetropia) .

scholarly journals The Effect of Dual Language Activation on L2-Induced Changes in L1 Speech within a Code-Switched Paradigm

Languages ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 114
Author(s):  
Ulrich Reubold ◽  
Sanne Ditewig ◽  
Robert Mayr ◽  
Ineke Mennen
Keyword(s):  
Dual Language ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Predictor Variable ◽  
Predictor Variables ◽  
Acoustic Measures ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Language Activation ◽  
Dual Activation ◽  
Induced Changes

The present study sought to examine the effect of dual language activation on L1 speech in late English–Austrian German sequential bilinguals, and to identify relevant predictor variables. To this end, we compared the English speech patterns of adult migrants to Austria in a code-switched and monolingual condition alongside those of monolingual native speakers in England in a monolingual condition. In the code-switched materials, German words containing target segments known to trigger cross-linguistic interaction in the two languages (i.e., [v–w], [ʃt(ʁ)-st(ɹ)] and [l-ɫ]) were inserted into an English frame; monolingual materials comprised English words with the same segments. To examine whether the position of the German item affects L1 speech, the segments occurred either before the switch (“He wants a Wienerschnitzel”) or after (“I like Würstel with mustard”). Critical acoustic measures of these segments revealed no differences between the groups in the monolingual condition, but significant L2-induced shifts in the bilinguals’ L1 speech production in the code-switched condition for some sounds. These were found to occur both before and after a code-switch, and exhibited a fair amount of individual variation. Only the amount of L2 use was found to be a significant predictor variable for shift size in code-switched compared with monolingual utterances, and only for [w]. These results have important implications for the role of dual activation in the speech of late sequential bilinguals.

Reducing Culture Reporting Errors in the Microbiology Laboratory

2019 ◽  
Vol 152 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S131-S132
Author(s):  
Kathryn Hogan ◽  
Beena Umar ◽  
Mohamed Alhamar ◽  
Kathleen Callahan ◽  
Linoj Samuel
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Error Rate ◽  
Reporting System ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
Tracking Errors ◽  
Corrective Measures ◽  
Safety Awareness ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Set Up ◽  
System Errors

Abstract Objectives There are few papers that characterize types of errors in microbiology laboratories and scant research demonstrating the effects of interventions on microbiology lab errors. This study aims to categorize types of culture reporting errors found in microbiology labs and to document the error rates before and after interventions designed to reduce errors and improve overall laboratory quality. Methods To improve documentation of error incidence, a self-reporting system was changed to an automatic reporting system. Errors were categorized into five types Gram stain (misinterpretations), identification (incorrect analysis), set up labeling (incorrect patient labels), procedures (not followed), and miscellaneous. Error rates were tracked according to technologist, and technologists were given real-time feedback by a manager. Error rates were also monitored in the daily quality meeting and frequently detected errors were discussed at staff meetings. Technologists attended a year-end review with a manager to improve their performance. To maintain these changes, policies were developed to monitor technologist error rate and to define corrective measures. If a certain number of errors per month was reached, technologists were required to undergo retraining by a manager. If a technologist failed to correct any error according to protocol, they were also potentially subject to corrective measures. Results In 2013, we recorded 0.5 errors per 1,000 tests. By 2018, we recorded only 0.1 errors per 1,000 tests, an 80% decrease. The yearly culture volume from 2013 to 2018 increased by 32%, while the yearly error rate went from 0.05% per year to 0.01% per year, a statistically significant decrease (P = .0007). Conclusion This study supports the effectiveness of the changes implemented to decrease errors in culture reporting. By tracking errors in real time and using a standardized process that involved timely follow-up, technologists were educated on error prevention. This practice increased safety awareness in our micro lab.

scholarly journals Uric acid is associated with adiposity factors, especially with fat mass reduction during weight loss in obese children and adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Niu ◽  
Xue-lin Zhao ◽  
Hui-juan Ruan ◽  
Xiao-meng Mao ◽  
Qing-ya Tang
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Uric Acid ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Fat Mass ◽  
Dietary Control ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Background Current adult studies suggest that uric acid (UA) is associated with body fat, but the relationship in obese children is unclear. Thus, we aim to evaluate the association between uric acid and body composition of obese children. Methods A total of 79 obese children were included in this study, and 52 children (34 boys and 18 girls) underwent a 6-week weight loss camp, including 34 boys and 18 girls. Six-week weight-loss interventions were performed on all participants through aerobic exercise and appropriate dietary control. Laboratory tests and body composition were collected before and after the intervention. Results Before the intervention, correlation analysis demonstrated that uric acid was positively correlated with height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, fat mass (FM), and free fat mass (FFM) with adjusting for age and gender (P < 0.05). After 6 weeks of intervention, the participants gained 3.12 ± 0.85 cm in height, body fat percentage decreased by 7.23 ± 1.97%, and lost 10.30 ± 2.83 kg in weight. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that uric acid at baseline was associated with FM reduction during weight loss (P < 0.05). Conclusions This study is the first report that uric acid is associated with BMI and FM, and may play an important role in the reduction of FM during weight loss in obese children and adolescents. The interaction between UA and adiposity factors and its underlying mechanisms need to be further explored. Trial registration This study was registered in Clinical Trials.gov (NCT03490448) and approved by the Ethics Committee of Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.

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