Words Per Minute Research Articles

Shear Thickening Polishing of Rotary Workpieces with Large Curvature Edges

The polishing of rotary workpieces, which were characterized by large curvature edges, presents considerable challenges due to the difficulty of applying uniform polishing forces. Numerous solutions have been proposed to address this issue. However, none have successfully achieved an optimal balance between efficiency and surface quality. To this end, a “gentle” but effective method known as shear thickening polishing (STP) has been developed, which can improve the surface roughness to less than Ra 30 nm within a matter of minutes and without any surface abnormality. Influences of the STP were systematically investigated by single factor experimental designs, including abrasive type, abrasive concentration, installation angle, and polishing speed. And an illustrative case study involving the polishing of a rotary workpiece with a large curvature edge was presented, wherein the surface roughness can be reduced to Ra 25 nm within a mere 15 min and without the occurrence of burns or scratches typically associated with conventional polishing techniques. In contrast, traditional cashmere ball polishing requires approximately 30 min to achieve a similar surface quality, which often results in residual burns and scratches. The findings confirm that shear thickening polishing is an effective and efficient approach for enhancing the surface quality of rotary workpieces with significant curvature.

Dose–response of tDCS effects on motor learning and cortical excitability: A preregistered study

Abstract Multiple studies have demonstrated that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) can influence corticospinal excitability and motor skill acquisition. However, the evidence for these effects is inconsistent, and a common neural substrate for these effects has not been directly demonstrated. To address this, we hypothesized that higher tDCS intensities would produce more robust effects, and uncover their relationship. In this preregistered study, 120 participants engaged in a motor skill learning task while receiving tDCS with posterior-to-anterior currents through M1. We employed a double-blind, between-subjects design, with groups of 4 mA, 6 mA, or sham stimulation, while ensuring balanced groups in terms of typing speed. Cortical excitability was assessed via motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) before and after motor skill learning with concurrent tDCS. tDCS at these higher intensities was well tolerated, and motor learning correlated with pretraining typing speed. Planned analyses found no dose–response effect of tDCS on motor skill performance or MEP amplitude. This suggests that, under our experimental conditions, tDCS did not significantly modulate motor skill learning or corticospinal excitability. Furthermore, there was no correlation between motor performance and MEP, and thus no evidence for a common neural substrate. Exploratory analyses found an increase in MEP and TEP amplitudes following the sequence learning task. Motor skill gains positively correlated with TEP changes over the stimulated M1, which were more negative with increasing tDCS intensity. The effects of tDCS on motor skill learning and MEPs, if they exist, may require particular experimental conditions that have not been tested here. Preregistration: https://osf.io/jyuev (in-principle acceptance: 2024/06/05)

RSVP Keyboard with Inquiry Preview: mixed performance and user experience with an adaptive, multimodal typing interface combining EEG and switch input.

The RSVP Keyboard is a non-implantable, event-related potential-based brain-computer interface (BCI) system designed to support communication access for people with severe speech and physical impairments. Here we introduce Inquiry Preview, a new RSVP Keyboard interface incorporating switch input for users with some voluntary motor function, and describe its effects on typing performance and other outcomes. Four individuals with disabilities participated in the collaborative design of possible switch input applications for the RSVP Keyboard, leading to the development of Inquiry Preview and a method of fusing switch input with language model and electroencephalography (EEG) evidence for typing. Twenty-four participants without disabilities and one potential end user with incomplete locked-in syndrome took part in two experiments investigating the effects of Inquiry Preview and two modes of switch input on typing accuracy and speed during a copy-spelling task. For participants without disabilities, Inquiry Preview and switch input tended to worsen typing performance compared to the standard RSVP Keyboard condition, with more consistent effects across participants for speed than for accuracy. However, there was considerable variability, with some participants demonstrating improved typing performance and better user experience with Inquiry Preview and switch input. Typing performance for the potential end user was comparable to that of participants without disabilities. He typed most quickly and accurately with Inquiry Preview and switch input and gave favorable user experience ratings to those conditions, but preferred standard RSVP Keyboard. Inquiry Preview is a novel multimodal interface for the RSVP Keyboard BCI, incorporating switch input as an additional control signal. Typing performance and user experience and preference varied widely across participants, reinforcing the need for flexible, customizable BCI systems that can adapt to individual users. gov Identifier: NCT04468919.

High-resolution Observations of Clustered Dynamic Extreme-Ultraviolet Bright Tadpoles Near the Footpoints of Corona Loops

An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) close-up view of the Sun offers unprecedented detail of heating events in the solar corona. Enhanced temporal and spatial images obtained by the Solar Orbiter during its first science perihelion enabled us to identify clustered EUV bright tadpoles (CEBTs) occurring near the footpoints of coronal loops. Combining SDO/AIA observations, we determine the altitudes of six distinct CEBTs by stereoscopy, ranging from ∼1300 to 3300 km. We then notice a substantial presence of dark, cooler filamentary structures seemingly beneath the CEBTs, displaying periodic up-and-down motions lasting 3–5 minutes. This periodic behavior suggests an association of the majority of CEBTs with Type I spicules. Out of the ten selected CEBTs with fast downward velocity, six exhibit corrected velocities close to or exceeding 50 km s−1. These velocities notably surpass the typical speeds of Type I spicules. We explore the generation of such velocities. It indicates that due to the previous limited observations of spicules in the EUV wavelengths, they may reveal novel observational features beyond our current understanding. Gaining insights into these features contributes to a better comprehension of small-scale coronal heating dynamics.

Fast scanning pattern selection in laser directed energy deposition via simulation data-driven based deep regression method

Thermal accumulation in the laser directed energy deposition (LDED) process is a crucial issue that can significantly affect the microstructure and texture of the deposited layer. In addition to the process parameters (including beam type, power, and scanning speed), the scanning strategy is also a significant factor that affects the temperature field. Most scanning strategies used in the past are heuristic methods due to the computation limit of the finite element model. In this paper, an optimal framework for the fast selection of scanning patterns for the LDED process is proposed. Firstly, a temperature field dataset is built based on the finite element simulation results of random scanning patterns. Secondly, a deep regression model based on skip-connected 3D convolutional autoencoder (SC-3DCAE) is developed and trained by the dataset for temperature field prediction. Afterward, optimal scanning patterns are quickly selected from randomly generated candidates using the validated SC-3DCAE model based on the thermal variance criterion. Finally, finite element simulations and a 50-layer thin-wall deposition process are performed with the recommended optimal scanning pattern. The trained SC-3DCAE model shows high accuracy and fast prediction of the temperature field. The optimized scanning pattern achieves higher cooling rates and temperature gradients compared to the continuous deposition pattern. Smaller dendrite spacing and grain size are found in the samples with the optimized scanning pattern.

RingGesture: A Ring-Based Mid-Air Gesture Typing System Powered by a Deep-Learning Word Prediction Framework.

Text entry is a critical capability for any modern computing experience, with lightweight augmented reality (AR) glasses being no exception. Designed for all-day wearability, a limitation of lightweight AR glass is the restriction to the inclusion of multiple cameras for extensive field of view in hand tracking. This constraint underscores the need for an additional input device. We propose a system to address this gap: a ring-based mid-air gesture typing technique, RingGesture, utilizing electrodes to mark the start and end of gesture trajectories and inertial measurement units (IMU) sensors for hand tracking. This method offers an intuitive experience similar to raycast-based mid-air gesture typing found in VR headsets, allowing for a seamless translation of hand movements into cursor navigation. To enhance both accuracy and input speed, we propose a novel deep-learning word prediction framework, Score Fusion, comprised of three key components: a) a word-gesture decoding model, b) a spatial spelling correction model, and c) a lightweight contextual language model. In contrast, this framework fuses the scores from the three models to predict the most likely words with higher precision. We conduct comparative and longitudinal studies to demonstrate two key findings: firstly, the overall effectiveness of RingGesture, which achieves an average text entry speed of 27.3 words per minute (WPM) and a peak performance of 47.9 WPM. Secondly, we highlight the superior performance of the Score Fusion framework, which offers a 28.2% improvement in uncorrected Character Error Rate over a conventional word prediction framework, Naive Correction, leading to a 55.2% improvement in text entry speed for RingGesture. Additionally, RingGesture received a System Usability Score of 83 signifying its excellent usability.

Using large language models to accelerate communication for eye gaze typing users with ALS

Accelerating text input in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a long-standing area of research with bearings on the quality of life in individuals with profound motor impairments. Recent advances in large language models (LLMs) pose opportunities for re-thinking strategies for enhanced text entry in AAC. In this paper, we present SpeakFaster, consisting of an LLM-powered user interface for text entry in a highly-abbreviated form, saving 57% more motor actions than traditional predictive keyboards in offline simulation. A pilot study on a mobile device with 19 non-AAC participants demonstrated motor savings in line with simulation and relatively small changes in typing speed. Lab and field testing on two eye-gaze AAC users with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis demonstrated text-entry rates 29–60% above baselines, due to significant saving of expensive keystrokes based on LLM predictions. These findings form a foundation for further exploration of LLM-assisted text entry in AAC and other user interfaces.

Pre-Service Teachers' Writing Accuracy and Fluency: The Role of Weekly Reading

The benefits of Extensive Reading (ER) have been extensively explored in the field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), particularly in how this approach enhances writing skills. In Ecuador, writing represents one of the biggest challenges students face when acquiring language proficiency. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of weekly story reading (WSR) over an eight-week period on improving written accuracy and fluency among twenty-two EFL pre-service teachers at the Faculty of Education, Quevedo State Technical University, Ecuador. This action research employed a pre/post-test design to collect data before and after the pedagogical intervention. Written book reports were used as the pre- and post-test instruments to identify accuracy issues and measure words-per-minute (WPM) rates. The participants´ tokens of accuracy problems and WPM were quantitatively analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed, among the eight types of writing accuracy analyzed, the three most common errors made by students were punctuation, spelling, and syntax. Notably, they increased as more words were produced in writing. The findings indicate that weekly story reading assignments significantly improved writing fluency, with a mean difference of (M=5.24), and moderately reduced written accuracy problems. Extensive reading might magnify writing skills development among pre-service teachers in Ecuador or other contexts.

Effect of Mechanical Keyboard Switch and Backlight Status on Typing Performance and User Experience

Mechanical keyboards are one of the most used keyboards in daily work, and as the core component of a mechanical keyboard, keyswitches’ characteristics have been widely researched during the last several decades. Meanwhile, keyboards’ backlight design has become an emerging market trend, even though its actual influence on user experience remains unknown. Our study investigated the influence of keyboard switch characteristics and backlight states on typing performance and subjective typing experience. Thirty-three participants were involved in an English-language typing task on keyboards with four typical switches (red, black, brown, and blue types). Software was used to automatically record typing speed and accuracy, and a 7-point Likert subjective scale was used to evaluate typing experience. Results showed that tactile characteristics performed better than linear switches in typing speed, accuracy, and subjective refresh feeling in pair comparison of blue and red switches, and turning on the backlight effect improved typing speed, refreshing feeling, and pleasure. Among six physical characteristics of switches measured in the experiment, pre travel, reset travel, make force, and bottom force contributed more to better typing performance and subjective experience. Our findings provide keyboard manufacturers and researchers with a reference to optimize users’ typing experience.

Comparing typing methods for uppercase input in virtual reality: Modifier Key vs. alternative approaches

Typing tasks are basic interactions in a virtual environment (VE). The presence of uppercase letters affects the meanings of words and their readability. By typing uppercase letters on a QWERTY keyboard, the layers can be switched using a modifier key. Considering that VE controllers are typically used in a VE, this input method can result in user fatigue and errors. Thus, this study proposed new alternative interactions for the modifier key input and compared their typing performance and user experience. In an experiment, 30 participants were instructed to type 10 sentences using different typing interaction methods (shift, long press, and double-tap) on a virtual keyboard in a VE. The typing speed, error rate, and number of backspace inputs were measured to compare typing performance. Upon the completion of the typing task, the usability, workload, and sickness associated with each typing method were evaluated. The results showed that the double-tap method exhibited significantly higher typing speed, error rate, ease of use, satisfaction, and workload. This result is consistent with those of previous studies demonstrating that selection tasks were more efficient with fewer hand movements. Thus, this study implies that the double-tap method can be considered as a potential typing interaction for the VEs instead of the traditional method using the shift as a modifier key. Therefore, this study is expected to contribute to the design and development of user-friendly interactions.

A real-time eye movement-based computer interface for people with disabilities

It is costly to develop systems that enable individuals exposed to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and similar diseases that directly affect the neuromotor ability to communicate with the outside world. In this study, a budget friendly, high-accuracy, software-based, gaze-controlled, real-time virtual keyboard approach that can enable these people to communicate effectively is proposed. The proposed application requires only a computer and a webcam and has a user-friendly interface that meets the basic daily needs of individuals with disabilities. Since the proposed system does not require an extra action such as blinking, it makes it possible to use computers in advanced stage patients who cannot blink their eyes. The application which uses a deep learning-based facial landmark detector, determines the letters the user focuses on the screen and converts thoughts into text. The part of the screen that the user focuses on is determined with a new selection approach inspired by the K-Nearest Neighbors algorithm. This approach, which does not require blinking, offers high speed and accuracy. In the tests, a typing speed of 23.33 characters per minute is achieved with an accuracy rate of 95.12%. It is anticipated that the study will increase computer accessibility for disabled individuals with limited mobility and contribute to the development of real-time eye tracking systems.

The Difference in Achilles Tendon Loading within Immobilizing Boots Based on Ankle Angle, Boot Type, and Walking Speed.

Achilles tendon rupture is an increasingly common injury treated with progressive rehabilitation in an immobilizing boot. However, it is poorly understood how ankle angle, boot type, and walking speed affect Achilles tendon loading. These different parameters would affect Achilles tendon loading in terms of (from greatest to least) ankle angle constraint, immobilization style, boot construction, and walking speed. Descriptive laboratory study. Ten healthy young adults (8 women and 2 men; age, 21 ± 2 years; body mass index, 21.5 ± 3.0 kg/m2) walked in 3 different immobilizing boots at self-selected slow, medium, and fast walking speeds. The authors estimated Achilles tendon loading using a 3-part instrumented insole within the immobilizing boot. The authors averaged tendon load across every stride for each condition and calculated 2-sided bootstrap confidence intervals. Peak tendon loading was compared across all boots, ankle angles, and walking speeds. All boots and immobilization styles decreased tendon loading with respect to shod walking. Immobilization angle had the largest effect on tendon loading, followed by boot construction, and finally walking speed. Ankle angle, boot type, and walking speed can be modified to change loading progression during rehabilitation. Understanding how immobilization affects tendon loading will enable clinicians to modify rehabilitation to improve functional outcomes.

Students' Perceptions of Written Examinations and Typed Examinations- A Comparative Study in Gulf University

Abstract : Assessment is inevitable in any kind of formal education because it provides an idea of the amount of learning achieved to both the students and the instructors. Assessment has undergone a drastic change in its form and nature owing to the COVID-19 intervention. During the pandemic, most traditional assessments were reframed to suit to the online mode of conduct. Hence, the typed examinations came into picture replacing the written examinations. Though the students were not trained for the typing exams, they were enforced to take up typed examinations as there was no choice available during that time. This study intends to understand the students’ perceptions with respect to written examinations and typed examinations to identify the preferred mode of giving the examinations. A survey questionnaire comprising closed ended questions on a 5-point Likert was used to get the inputs from the students at Gulf University, Bahrain. Descriptive statistics methodology was adopted after carrying out the Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson’s chi square tests and linear regression on the data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v21 was employed for data analysis. The results of the study suggest that the students prefer typing examinations for the ease of typing speed, proficiency in online reading skills, and typing function awareness. The scope of the study is to recommend bringing in the necessary changes in the policies and practices abiding the typing examinations to sustain the preferred mode in an ethical manner. Plus, it suggests addressing the challenges pertaining to the less preferred mode of examinationshandwritten examination for improvisation and further enhancement. Keywords : students, written, typed, examinations, assessments, Gulf University

High performance P300 spellers using GPT2 word prediction with cross-subject training

ABSTRACT Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) severely impairs patients’ ability to communicate, often leading to a decline in their quality of life within a few years of diagnosis. The P300 speller brain–computer interface (BCI) offers an alternative communication method by interpreting a subject’s EEG response to flashing characters presented on a grid interface. This paper addresses the common speed limitations encountered in training efficient P300-based multi-subject classifiers by introducing innovative ‘across-subject’ classifiers. We leverage a combination of the second-generation Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT2) and Dijkstra’s algorithm to optimize stimuli and suggest word completion choices based on subjects’ typing history. Additionally, we employ a multi-layered smoothing technique to accommodate out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words. Through extensive simulations employing random sampling of EEG data from multiple subjects, we demonstrate significant speed enhancements in typing passages containing rare and OOV words. These optimizations result in approximately 10 % improvement in character-level typing speed and up to 40 % improvement in multi-word prediction. We demonstrate that augmenting standard row/column highlighting techniques with layered word prediction yields close-to-optimal performance. Furthermore, we explore both ‘within-subject’ and ‘across-subject’ training techniques, showing that speed improvements are consistent across both approaches.

Comparison of mental fatigue using EEG signals and task performance in normal and slump posture adults during computer typing

ObjectivesSlump sitting at workstations has been focused on by clinicians and researchers nowadays; however, there is limited evidence to date that improper positioning affects the mental state. Accordingly, the main objective of this research was to examine the impact of slump posture on mental fatigue and task performance. MethodsA sample of 60 participants, 30 in each group including those with normal and slump postures were recruited to perform an hour of typing on the computer. Mental fatigue through EEG and task performances were considered as outcome measures and then were analyzed statistically in the first and last 3 min of typing. ResultsThe EEG showed a significant increasing trend in theta rhythm at different brain regions during 60 min of typing (P < 0.05). Besides, an interaction between time and posture was observed; it can mean the increasing trend of theta rhythm is different in normal and slump posture acquired sets (P < 0.05).Interestingly the speed of typing was found to be better (P < 0.05) in the normal posture group while no difference found between the groups in terms of errors (P > 0.05). ConclusionOur results showed poor posture can induce more mental fatigue during the given task, than the normal posture. These findings have provided evidence to indicate that in addition to the peripheral and biomechanical component, the assessment of the cortex as the central component should be considered in poor posture individuals. Besides, for any possible physical therapy rehabilitation protocol for the management of poor posture, the peripheral and central components should be focused. Trial registrationRegistered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on September 21, 2022, IRCT Identifier: IRCT20161026030516N2.

Impact of Atmospheric Turbulence on Dynamic Wind Loads on Heliostats

This study analyses the turbulent wind properties in the lower 10 m of the atmospheric surface layer close to the ground where heliostats are located. Power spectral densities of streamwise and vertical components of wind are analysed, and the frequencies associated with the peak of the spectra are determined using field data collected at two open-country terrains in addition to spectral models of ESDU85020. Variations of the peak frequencies with height from the ground, terrain type and average wind speed are discussed and the impact on heliostat wind loads are described. It is found that while the peak frequency of the streamwise turbulence is between 0.01–0.1 Hz, the peak of the vertical turbulence occurs at frequencies in the range of 0.1–1 Hz. It is shown that smaller heliostats that are located closer to the ground are exposed to turbulent wind fluctuations at a higher frequency and are thus expected to experience wind loads with a higher dominant frequency compared to larger heliostats located higher above the ground. These frequencies need to be considered in design of heliostat drives and structural components

Simulation-based Methodology to Investigate the Impact of Material Type and Compressive Speed Variation on Effective Strain Rate and Springback

To obtain the desired results in the manufacturing process, especially the bending process, the occurrence of springback must be reduced. The effective strain rate must be increased to predict the increase in material. This study uses a simulation method to determine the influence of material type and compressive speed variation on spring back and effective strain rate. This study uses 3 kinds of materials: JIS SPHD, JIS A1100 BE, and JIS SN400A, and speed variations, namely: 90 mm/s, 105 mm/s, and 120 mm/s. This study shows that JIS SN400A material has the smallest springback value compared to JIS A1100 BE and JIS SPHD materials because the nitrogen content in JIS SN400A makes it more plastic. At a compressive speed of 105 mm/s, springbacks tend to decrease in JIS SN400A, JIS SPHD, and JIS A1100 BE materials caused by residual stress. The average effective strain in JIS SN400A material increases in line with the increase in compressive speed, because JIS SN400A material has the highest melting temperature compared to JIS SPHD and JIS A1100 BE materials to reduce the risk of residual stress, the nitrogen content in JIS SN400A material also plays a role in increasing the effective strain value.

TYPING SPEED TEST: INNOVATION IN TYPING SPEED MEASUREMENT FOR OFFICE MANAGEMENT STUDENTS IN THE INDEPENDENT CURRICULUM

This study aims to develop and evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI)-based typing speed test platform for Office Management program students in the Merdeka Curriculum. In the ever-evolving digital era, fast and accurate typing skills are becoming increasingly important both in the workplace and in education. This study follows the Research &amp; Development method with five main steps: initial research, product development, expert validation, small-scale and large-scale trials. The developed platform, called the Typing Speed ​​Test, is designed to provide real-time feedback, performance analysis, and personalized exercises based on user abilities. The trial involved 150 students from various schools in East Java, showing positive results with 90% of students reporting significant improvements in their typing skills. The platform is considered effective in improving typing speed and accuracy and supports the principles of the Merdeka Curriculum which emphasizes independent learning and the development of 21st-century competencies. The integration of AI into the platform allows for dynamic adaptation of learning, making it a modern solution that can be easily integrated into the educational curriculum. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of digital literacy and the potential of AI in providing innovative and effective learning experiences to prepare students for the demands of an increasingly technology-dependent workforce

Exploring the impact of word prediction assistive features on smartphone keyboards for blind users

Assistive technologies have been developed to enhance blind users’ typing performance, focusing on speed, accuracy, and effort reduction. One such technology is word prediction software, designed to minimize keystrokes required for text input. This study investigates the impact of word prediction on typing performance among blind users using an on-screen QWERTY keyboard. We conducted a comparative study involving eleven blind participants, evaluating both standard QWERTY input and word prediction-assisted typing. Our findings reveal that while word prediction slightly improves typing speed, it does not enhance typing accuracy and increases both physical and temporal workload compared to the default keyboard. We conclude with recommendations for improving word prediction systems, including more efficient editing methods and the integration of voice pitch variations to aid error recognition.

Pengembangan dan Evaluasi Game Edukasi ICOTYPE untuk Melatih Keterampilan Mengetik

Innovations in information and communication technology have brought about a transformation in the world of education, especially in typing skills that are essential for academic and professional efficiency and productivity. However, traditional typing instruction is often considered monotonous and uninteresting, which reduces students' learning motivation. This study proposes the development of an educational game called ICOTYPE to train typing skills quickly and accurately through interactive and interesting methods. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ICOTYPE in improving typing speed and accuracy and motivating students in the learning process. The research method used is Research and Development (R&amp;D) with the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate). The study participants consisted of 30 junior high and high school students aged 14-18 years. Data were collected through questionnaires that assessed user experience, psychological aspects, and typing performance, data analysis applied using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling method. The results showed that ICOTYPE was effective in improving students' typing skills and learning motivation. This game provides an interactive learning environment, reduces boredom, and increases student engagement. These findings support the use of educational games as an effective alternative method in teaching typing and provide educational game developers with insights into effective components in designing learning products. This study also indicates the potential for integrating game-based approaches into educational curricula to teach practical skills such as typing, which are essential in today's digital age.