Voice-enabled Intelligent Virtual Agents for People with Amnesia: A Systematic Review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roel Boumans ◽  
Yana van de Sande ◽  
Serge Thill ◽  
Tibor Bosse
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Verbal Interaction ◽  
Virtual Agents ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Virtual Agent ◽  
Memory Problems ◽  
Intelligent Virtual Agents ◽  
With Memory ◽  
Confounding Parameters

BACKGROUND Older adults often have increasing memory problems, and worldwide about 50 million people have dementia. This syndrome gradually affects a patient over a period of 10-20 years. Intelligent virtual agents may support people suffering from memory problems. OBJECTIVE To identify the state of the art of experimental studies with virtual agents on a screen capable of verbal dialogues with older adults with memory problems. METHODS Conduct a systematic search into selected databases PubMed, SCOPUS, Microsoft Academic, Google Scholar, Web of Science and CrossRef on Virtual Agent and Memory Problems on papers that describe such experiments. Search criteria were (“Virtual Agent” OR “Virtual Assistant” OR “Virtual Human” OR “Conversational Agent” OR “Virtual Coach” OR Chatbot) AND (Dementia OR Alzheimer OR Amnesia OR “Mild Cognitive Impairment”). Risk of bias has been evaluated using the QualSyst tool that scores 14 study quality items. Eligible studies are reported in a table including country, study design type, target sample size, controls, study aims, experiment population, intervention details, results and an image of the agent. RESULTS Nine studies were included. The average number of participants in the studies was 18 (SD=12). The verbal interactions were generally short. The human utterance consisted in 8 out of 9 studies out of short words or phrases that were predefined in the agent’s speech recognition algorithm. The average study quality score was .68 (SD=.08) on a scale 0-1.The number of experimental studies on talking virtual agents that support people with memory problems is still small. The details on the verbal interaction are limited, which make it difficult to assess the quality of that interaction and the possible effect of confounding parameters. Further research is needed with extended and prolonged dialogues. CONCLUSIONS The number of experimental studies on talking virtual agents that support people with memory problems is still small. The details on the verbal interaction are limited, which make it difficult to assess the quality of that interaction and the possible effect of confounding parameters. Further research is needed with extended and prolonged dialogues.

A Transparent and Decentralized Model of Perception and Action for Intelligent Virtual Agents

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (04) ◽  
pp. 1460020 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Anastassakis ◽  
Themis Panayiotopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Representation ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Perception And Action ◽  
Virtual Agents ◽  
Virtual Agent ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Intelligent Virtual Agents ◽  
Decentralized Model ◽  
Over Time

Intelligent virtual agent behaviour is a crucial element of any virtual environment application as it essentially brings the environment to life, introduces believability and realism and enables complex interactions and evolution over time. However, the development of mechanisms for virtual agent perception and action is neither a trivial nor a straight-forward task. In this paper we present a model of perception and action for intelligent virtual agents that meets specific requirements and can as such be systematically implemented, can seamlessly and transparently integrate with knowledge representation and intelligent reasoning mechanisms, is highly independent of virtual world implementation specifics, and enables virtual agent portability and reuse.

A Preliminary Investigation of the Empirical Validity of Study Quality Appraisal

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan G. Cook ◽  
Danielle N. Dupuis ◽  
Asha K. Jitendra
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Students With Learning Disabilities ◽  
Quality Appraisal ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Evidence Based Practices

When classifying the evidence base of practices, special education scholars typically appraise study quality to identify and exclude from consideration in their reviews unacceptable-quality studies that are likely biased and might bias review findings if included. However, study quality appraisals used in the process of identifying evidence-based practices for students with learning and other disabilities have not been empirically validated (e.g., studies classified as unacceptable quality shown to have different, and presumably more biased, effects than high-quality studies). Using Gersten et al.’s (2005) approach for appraising the quality of group experimental studies in special education, we examined whether (a) studies classified as unacceptable quality and high quality had meaningfully different effects and (b) unacceptable-quality studies were more likely to have outlying effects than high-quality studies among 36 group experimental studies that investigated the effectiveness of instructional practices for students with learning disabilities. Our preliminary analyses found that the effects of unacceptable-quality studies were not meaningfully different from the effects of high-quality studies. We discuss implications of these findings and call for more research to be conducted in this area.

A New Multiple Intelligent Agents Reasoning Model Based on Fluent Calculus

2013 ◽  
Vol 411-414 ◽  
pp. 2017-2022
Author(s):  
Tao Yang ◽  
Hong Li Deng ◽  
Yong Feng Diao
Keyword(s):  
Intelligent Agents ◽  
Dynamic Environment ◽  
Virtual Agents ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Virtual Agent ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Intelligent Virtual Agents

In this paper, we discuss the cooperation behaviors of intelligent virtual agents with autonomous and cooperative ability .Based on the theory of fluent calculus, we have designed an agent reasoning model .In this model, intelligent virtual agent could automatically judge the next action in the action queue and constructs the dynamic environment quickly with limited information from sensor. Furthermore, a type of request/server cooperation function has been designed for the cooperation among virtual agents to solve the conflicts and to realize the joint goals. Experiment results obtained demonstrated that intelligent virtual agents could cooperate well by our reasoning model.

The system of indicators of the quality of the carbon-carbon composite materials and technologies of their production

2018 ◽  
pp. 127-132
Author(s):  
T. N. Antipova ◽  
D. S. Shiroyan
Keyword(s):  
Composite Material ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Carbon Matrix ◽  
Carbon Composite ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Laboratory Equipment ◽  
Carbon Composite Material ◽  
Carbon Composite Materials

The system of indicators of quality of carbon-carbon composite material and technological operations of its production is proved in the work. As a result of the experimental studies, with respect to the existing laboratory equipment, the optimal number of cycles of saturation of the reinforcing frame with a carbon matrix is determined. It was found that to obtain a carbon-carbon composite material with a low cost and the required quality indicators, it is necessary to introduce additional parameters of the pitch melt at the impregnation stage.

scholarly journals Differentiating PSP from MSA using MR planimetric measurements: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice Heim ◽  
Florian Krismer ◽  
Klaus Seppi
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Index Test ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Parkinsonian Syndromes ◽  
Quantitative Mr ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Planimetric Measurements

AbstractDifferential diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes is considered one of the most challenging in neurology. Quantitative MR planimetric measurements were reported to discriminate between progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and non-PSP-parkinsonism. Several studies have used midbrain to pons ratio (M/P) and the Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index (MRPI) in distinguishing PSP patients from those with Parkinson's disease. The current meta-analysis aimed to compare the performance of these measures in discriminating PSP from multiple system atrophy (MSA). A systematic MEDLINE review identified 59 out of 2984 studies allowing a calculation of sensitivity and specificity using the MRPI or M/P. Meta-analyses of results were carried out using random effects modelling. To assess study quality and risk of bias, the QUADAS-2 tool was used. Eight studies were suitable for analysis. The meta‐analysis showed a pooled sensitivity and specificity for the MRPI of PSP versus MSA of 79.2% (95% CI 72.7–84.4%) and 91.2% (95% CI 79.5–96.5%), and 84.1% (95% CI 77.2–89.2%) and 89.2% (95% CI 81.8–93.8%), respectively, for the M/P. The QUADAS-2 toolbox revealed a high risk of bias regarding the methodological quality of patient selection and index test, as all patients were seen in a specialized outpatient department without avoiding case control design and no predefined threshold was given regarding MRPI or M/P cut-offs. Planimetric brainstem measurements, in special the MRPI and M/P, yield high diagnostic accuracy for the discrimination of PSP from MSA. However, there is an urgent need for well-designed, prospective validation studies to ameliorate the concerns regarding the risk of bias.

scholarly journals It Has Not Been a Good Day: Managing Difficult Behaviors of Relatives With Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 639-639
Author(s):  
Karen Roberto ◽  
Brandy Renee McCann ◽  
Tina Savla ◽  
Emily Hoyt ◽  
Rosemary Blieszner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavior Management ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Behavior Understanding ◽  
Supportive Environment ◽  
Memory Problems ◽  
Appropriate Care ◽  
With Memory

Abstract Most family caregivers provide appropriate care and a supportive environment for their older relatives with dementia (PwD), yet the stress and strain associated with caregiving can trigger potentially harmful responses. Although much has been written about dealing with memory problems, researchers know less about how caregivers cope with difficult behaviors such as hallucinations, violent outbursts, or refusing food, medicine, or bathing. Interviews with 30 relatives providing care to community-dwelling PwD in rural Virginia revealed that caregivers typically used four behavior management strategies: reasoning with PwD; redirecting PwD’s attention; forceful actions, such as shouting at PwD; and withdrawing from interactions. Forceful management strategies and withdrawing from interactions were usually employed after reasoning and redirection failed to elicit desired behavior. Understanding whether caregivers’ expectations of PwD’s capacities are realistic, and why and when caregivers use various behavior management strategies, can help service providers develop appropriate educational interventions for frustrated caregivers.

Venous leg symptoms, ecchymosis, and coldness in patients with peripheral varicose vein: A multicenter assessment and validation study (VEIN-VIOLET study)

Vascular ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 170853812098020
Author(s):  
Ertan Yetkin ◽  
Makbule Kutlu Karadag ◽  
Mehmet Ileri ◽  
Ramazan Atak ◽  
Nevzat Erdil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Varicose Vein ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Venous Insufficiency ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Economic Study ◽  
Independent Association

Objectives We aimed to evaluate peripheral varicose vein symptoms including ecchymosis and coldness by using the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life/Symptoms (VEINES-QoL/Sym) questionnaire. Methods A total of 1120 patients were enrolled to the analysis after the exclusion of 199 patients who did not match the inclusion criteria. Patients were asked to answer the VEINES-Sym questionnaire and questions about ecchymosis and coldness. Scores of ecchymosis and coldness were calculated similar to VEINES-Sym questionnaire. Classifications of peripheral varicose vein were made according to the clinical part of clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological classification system and patients with grade 2 or higher were considered as positive for peripheral varicose vein. Results Frequency of symptoms present in the VEINES-Sym instrument, ecchymosis and coldness were significantly higher in patients with peripheral varicose vein. Mean score of each symptom was significantly lower in peripheral varicose vein patients including scores of ecchymosis and coldness. Logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of hemorrhoids and all symptoms in VEINES-Sym questionnaire except restless leg were significantly and independently associated with peripheral varicose vein. Besides, ecchymosis (odds ratio: 2.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.34–3.08, p = 0.008) but not coldness was significantly and independently associated with peripheral varicose vein. There was also significant correlation of VEINES-Sym score with ecchymosis ( r = 0.43, p < 0.001) and coldness ( r = 0.47, p < 0.001). Conclusions Venous leg symptoms present in VEINES-Sym questionnaire except restless legs, presence of hemorrhoids and ecchymosis are significantly and independently associated with peripheral varicose vein. Not only ecchymosis but also coldness has shown an independent association with total VEINES-Sym score.

Influence of different factors on the growth rate of young animals and the quality of beef

2021 ◽  
pp. 28-39
Author(s):  
V. N. Pristupa ◽  
D. S. Torosyan
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Federal District ◽  
Steppe Zone ◽  
Industrial Complex ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Dry Steppe ◽  
Intensive Rearing ◽  
Meat Productivity

The purpose of the work was to study and identify the main factors aff ecting the quantity and quality of beef produced and sold in the Southern Federal district. A comparative assessment of the growth, development, formation of meat productivity and quality of beef of young animals of beef, dual and dairy breeds with stall-pasture technology and intensive rearing in the industrial complex. Experimental studies have been carried out in farms in the Rostov region. The object of research was cows with calves of Kalmyk, Hereford, Aberdeen-Angus, Russian komolaya, Kazakh White-headed breeds, as well as young animals of the same breeds, in addition, Black-and-White and Swiss breeds. Removable live weight in Hereford steers at 18 months of age was 658,0 kg, and Aberdeen-Angus – 655,2 kg. Domestic steers of Kalmyk were 41–44 kg lower in live weight than their herdmates of two imported breeds. However, with intensive rearing at 18 months of age, steers of Kalmyk breed had a removable live weight of more than 613,7 kg and a carcass weight of 326 kg. The yield of hot carcass was 55,4 %, and the slaughter yield was 58,89 %, which was only 1–2 % lower than the world’s leading beef breeds. It has been found when analyzing the results of boning the half-carcasses of experimental steers that the biggest weight of half-carcasses and the content of muscle and fat tissue in them in absolute terms were in Hereford steers. Steers of Kalmyk breed took the third place in terms of weight of large-sized semi–fi nished products and signifi cantly lost to Aberdeen-Angus herdmates by 7,3 kg or 6,5 %, and Hereford steers by 9,2 kg or 8,3 %. The results obtained prove the expediency of using stallpasture technology in the dry-steppe zone of the Southern Federal district when rearing young animals for beef up to 350–400 kg live weight at 15 months of age and its subsequent intensive rearing under industrial technology, in order to obtain the live weight of more than 570 kg and produce cost-eff ective beef.

Method of experimental evaluation of the efficiency coefficient of vibration protection of the rope-rod coupling "MAMSAR+A" of the diesel generator set DGA-8.83

2021 ◽  
pp. 88-95
Author(s):  
М.А. Минасян ◽  
А.М. Минасян ◽  
Ц. Цзэн
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Evaluation ◽  
Vibration Isolation ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Original Method ◽  
Efficiency Coefficient ◽  
Diesel Generator ◽  
Vibration Protection ◽  
Rigid Connection ◽  
Two Stages

Объектом исследования является опытный образец запатентованной канатностержневой муфты (КСМ) «MAMSAR+А» в качестве привода дизель-генераторного агрегата ДГА-8,83 мощностью 9,56 кВт при частоте вращения 1500 мин-1 с дизелем 2Ч 8,5/11 и генератором «ГК-5,6». Целью исследования является экспериментальная оценка коэффициента эффективности вибрационной защиты КСМ. Поставленная цель достигается разработкой и реализацией оригинальной методики экспериментальной оценки коэффициента эффективности КСМ с анализом и выводами результатов экспериментальных исследований. Экспериментальные исследования проводятся в два этапа. Первый этап – с упругим соединением КСМ, второй этап – с жестким соединением. Оригинальность методики экспериментальной оценки коэффициента эффективности вибрационной защиты КСМ главным образом заключается в том, что между двумя этапами экспериментальных исследований КСМ не демонтируется. Следовательно, качество центровки не нарушается. Усредненный коэффициент эффективности виброизоляции КСМ составляет от 3 до 8 дБ. The object of this research is a prototype of the patented wire rope coupling (KSM) "MAMSAR+A" as a drive for a diesel-generator unit DGA-8.83 with a power of 9.56 kW at a speed of 1500 min-1 with a 2CH 8.5/11 diesel engine and a generator "KG-5.6". The aim of the research is to experimentally evaluate the efficiency coefficient of vibration protection of the KSM. This goal is achieved by developing and implementing an original method for experimental evaluation the efficiency coefficient of the KSM with analysis and conclusions of the results of experimental studies. Experimental studies are conducted in two stages. The first stage - with an elastic connection of the coupling, the second stage - with a rigid connection. The originality of the method of experimental evaluation of the efficiency coefficient of vibration protection of the KSM mainly lies in the fact that the KSM is not dismantled between the two stages of experimental research. Therefore, the quality of alignment is not violated. The average coefficient of vibration isolation efficiency of the KSM is from 3 to 8 dB.

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