Voice Users Research Articles

Patient Perspectives in Postlaryngectomy Communication Rehabilitation and Outcomes.

To evaluate patient-reported outcomes in postlaryngectomy communication rehabilitation. Cross-sectional survey study. (a) Patients who underwent laryngectomy at a single institution and (b) members of the International Association of Laryngectomees (IAL). We examined demographics, treatment history, speech rehabilitation methods and outcomes postlaryngectomy. A total of 157 participants responded to the survey (124 IAL; 33 institutional cohort). The most used primary methods of communication were tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) 61.5%, electrolarynx (EL) 24.4%, and writing 9%. In all categories, except for communication in a noisy environment, alaryngeal voice was rated superior to aphonic communication (P < .05). Subset analysis of the alaryngeal voice cohort demonstrated higher communication efficacy for TEP compared to other modalities in all environments except for conversation with family and friends. Among TEP users, a history of a regional flap for reconstruction compared to free tissue transfer was associated with higher communication effectiveness scores (16.3 vs 10.6; P = .0085). Neither treatment modality (primary vs. salvage laryngectomy vs. radiation therapy) nor engagement in speech therapy impacted communication effectiveness scores for alaryngeal voice users. Alaryngeal voice users reported higher efficacy of communication in most social contexts compared to aphonic communicators. Among alaryngeal voice users, TEP speech performed better in most social situations compared to an EL. Treatment characteristics including timing of surgery and radiation therapy were not associated with the ability to acquire alaryngeal voice, while the extent of resection and the type of reconstruction did show potential to impact voicing outcomes in patients who desire to pursue alaryngeal voicing techniques.

Exploring the views and experiences of professionals using PBS and emotional development assessment for individuals with an intellectual disability: a case study

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to investigate the utility of including emotional development (ED) assessment into a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach in clinical practice with a patient with an intellectual disability (ID) and challenging behaviour. Design/methodology/approach Interviews were conducted with four staff involved in the care of the patient. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis and three reflective sessions were completed with the lead psychologist of the service. Findings Using thematic analysis, four themes were identified: getting everyone around the table: a collaborative approach, complementary approaches: a feedback loop, helping to make sense of the individual and ensuring a voice for service users. Research limitations/implications This was a case study selected from routine clinical practice and as such generalisability may be limited. This case study was designed as an exploration of the potential benefits of incorporating ED alongside PBS for ID and provides a basis for future research. Practical implications This study highlights the value of integration of ED assessment for people with ID and challenging behaviour within a healthcare team. Originality/value There is a lack of literature relating to ED and challenging behaviour within an ID population, particularly exploring ED within a PBS framework. This study provides a starting point for exploring how practice can be improved through incorporating ED assessment for individuals with ID and challenging behaviour.

An integrated empirical and computational study to decipher help-seeking behaviors and vocal stigma

BackgroundProfessional voice users often experience stigma associated with voice disorders and are reluctant to seek medical help. This study deployed empirical and computational tools to (1) quantify the experience of vocal stigma and help-seeking behaviors in performers; and (2) predict their modulations with peer influences in social networks.MethodsExperience of vocal stigma and information-motivation-behavioral (IMB) skills were prospectively profiled using online surveys from a total of 403 Canadians (200 singers and actors and 203 controls). Data were used to formulate an agent-based network model of social interactions on vocal stigma (self-stigma and social-stigma) and help-seeking behaviors. Network analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of social network structure on the flow of IMB among virtual agents.ResultsLarger social networks are more likely to contribute to an increase in vocal stigma. For small social networks, total stigma is reduced with higher total IMB but not much so for large networks. For agents with high social-stigma and risk for voice disorder, their vocal stigma is resistant to large changes in IMB ( > 2 standard deviations). Agents with extreme IMB and stigma values are likely to polarize their networks faster in larger social groups.ConclusionsWe integrated empirical surveys and computational techniques to contextualize vocal stigma and IMB beyond theory and to quantify the interaction among stigma, health-seeking behavior and influence of social interactions. This work establishes an effective, predictable experimental platform to provide scientific evidence in developing interventions to reduce health stigma in voice disorders and other medical conditions.

The Outcomes of the Voice Use Reduction Program on Voice Quality and Vocal Fatigue in Occupational Voice Users

The study aimed to describe the outcomes of the voice use reduction (VUR) program on voice quality and vocal fatigue (VF) in occupational voice users (OVUs). A within-subject, quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test research design was performed on 30 OVUs. Perceptual and acoustic outcome measures were employed pre-and post-implementation of the VUR, including the GRBASI 4-point rating scale, jitter, shimmer, fundamental frequency ( F0), harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR), maximum phonation time (MPT), frequency min and max, intensity min and max, the dysphonia severity index (DSI), and the vocal fatigue index (VFI). The pre-and post-test outcomes revealed significant ( p &lt; .001) decreases in perceptual G (Grade of hoarseness), R (Roughness), A (Asthenia), S (Strain), and I (Instability). Perceptual normality in these areas increased significantly ( p &lt; .001). Acoustic measures revealed significant ( p &lt; .05) decreases in Jitter%, Intensity (dB) Min, and DSI scores as well as significant ( p &lt; .05) increases in MPT /a/, /s/, and /z/, Frequency (Hz) Max, and F0 (Hz) Max, indicating improved voice quality at post-test. The VUR program positively affected and improved OVUs’ perception of VF in the areas of tiredness of voice and physical discomfort. OVUs strongly perceive improvement of VF symptoms with rest regardless of the current level of VF they are experiencing. When approaching OVUs, clinicians are encouraged to use a combination of direct voice therapy and vocal hygiene accompanied by VUR to help develop healthier use of the voice, facilitate healing, and prevent further/future injury or disorder.

The multiple affordances of micro-credentials – turning potential into possibility

PurposeThe study aims to consider the multiple affordances of micro-credentials as a means of creating agency and making a positive contribution to the human experience, through the voices of practitioners and stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachMultiple case study, narrative inquiry, using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to identify themes was the approach used. Qualitative Descriptive Research is employed to present and analyse the re-told tales.FindingsMicro-credentials possess numerous characteristics which coalesce to create multiple affordances, which are identified as follows: Micro-credentials as: Urgent and Emergent, Critical and Transformative, Promoting Equity, Access and Participation, and Servicing Traditional Qualifications. These concomitant multiple affordances possess the core affordance of micro-credentials making a difference to the lives of learners. The more powerful affordances a micro-credential has, the more powerful it is and the greater the difference it can make to the human experience.Research limitations/implicationsPractitioners will arguably do well to consider these multiple affordances in the future development of micro-credentials. Equally, those working in urgent or emergent spaces, in critical or transformative areas of practice, those engaged in a social justice environment or in the re-development of curricula, would do well to consider micro-credentials as a means of creating agency in the development and recognition of knowledge and skills. This study has focused on the voices of practitioners and their storied professional lives. However, the learner voice is limited to one and the employer voice is absent. Future research will benefit from a consideration of the employer voice in the development of micro-credentials as well as the voice of the end user, the learner.Practical implicationsIt is hoped the study will assist practitioners in the judicious development of micro-credentials that possess agency and make a positive contribution to the human experience.Social implicationsIt is hoped the study will shed light on how micro-credentials can afford equity, access and participation to priority learners, and to all learners, in the development of cognitively manageable, affordable, time-achievable micro-credentials, that enable learners to see success quickly, whereby encouraging them to further their life-long and life-wide learning journeys.Originality/valueThis study unusually gives voice to practitioners and other stakeholders in the micro-credentials arena. Most studies to date have focused on the potential of micro-credentials. This study considers their actuality and new ways of ‘doing' micro-credentialing based on the voices of experience.

Voice Search Technology and Consumer Buying Behaviour of Smart Phones in Port Harcourt

This study investigated the relationship between voice search technology and consumer buying behaviour of smartphones in Port Harcourt. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to determine how voice recognition accuracy and user experience relates to routine and impulse purchase behaviour of smartphones in Port Harcourt. The population of this study comprised of twenty-two registered mobile phone dealers in Port Harcourt. The census approach was adopted to choose the respondents for this study. To generate data for the study, researcher purposively distributed the copies of questionnaire in the frame of three (3) copies to each mobile phone firm. A total of sixty-six (66) respondents were used as the study subjects, however only fifty-eight (58) respondents provided data for the analysis. From results of the analysis it was revealed that voice recognition accuracy and user experience which are the dimensions of voice search technology positively and significantly relate with routine buying behaviour and impulse buying behaviour (measures of consumer buying behaviour). Therefore, the study concludes that the impact of voice search technology on consumer buying behavior of smartphones in Port Harcourt reveals significant correlations between the dimensions of voice search technology—voice recognition accuracy and user experience—and different buying behaviors. Furthermore, the study recommended that amongst others that Smartphone dealers should invest in advanced voice recognition technology to ensure high accuracy in voice commands. This will enhance consumer satisfaction and potentially increase both routine and impulse purchases.

Flexible Hair‐Like Piezoelectric Acoustic Particle Velocity Sensor with Enhanced Sensitivity for Speaker Recognition

AbstractFlexible resonant acoustic sensors exhibit enhanced sensitivity near their resonant frequencies and have attracted increasing interest as essential components for next‐generation human‐machine speech interactions. However, membrane‐based resonant acoustic sensors are bulky owing to the inherently high bending stiffness of the sensing membrane. Inspired by the tiny hair‐based sensitive acoustic receptors of spiders, this study reports a hair‐like piezoelectric resonant acoustic particle velocity sensor (HP‐APVS) that enables highly sensitive sound sensing with a significantly reduced size. The HP‐APVS device is essentially a polyimide cantilever array fabricated using Nb0.02‐Pb(Zr0.6Ti0.4)O3 (PZT) on polyimide and self‐bending processes. The experimental results demonstrate that the HP‐APVS shows a linear response to acoustic particle velocity instead of acoustic pressure, with enhanced sensitivity in the resonance mode. Additionally, the proposed HP‐APVS exhibits an outstanding speaker recognition rate of 95.3% with an error rate reduction of 75% compared with that of a reference commercial microphone, indicating many potential applications in the realms of biometric authentication, voice user interfaces, and other intelligent acoustic electronics.

Nurturing ideas, practices and knowledge circulation in child and family social work: results from a collaborative project

ABSTRACT This article reports from a research and development project aiming to improve support for parents with children in out-of-home care in Sweden. The project was carried out in collaboration between the authors and around 60 social workers organized in improvement teams during 2019–2021. The aim of the article is to explore the turnout in three of the participating teams. At the start of the project, social work with parents of placed children was described as ‘stuck in a rut’, in spite of numerous alerts on improvement needs. As parent support can concern a wide range of actions, and as there was no specific evidence-based programme to recommend, the collaborative project focused on nurturing new ideas and practices. In the initial phase, the teams formulated about 30 ideas covering new forms of support and improved prerequisites for a shared parenthood. A fourth of these ideas were turned into new practices that were tested in the services. The most frequent practices concerned information, crisis support and contact visits. The findings indicate that the breakthrough of new practices was dependent on a new translation of parents’ rights and parent support which resulted in a new understanding of how to perform support without outcompeting a child's perspective. The translation process was highly influenced by the project interactions and knowledge circulation in which service user voices seem to have been especially vital.

Direct quotations in social work writing: multi-functionality and double voicing

Abstract Writing comprises a core area of social work as a substantial amount of time is spent on producing case notes, assessment reports, and other required documentation in order to progress cases; however, little research has been carried out on social workers’ writing and, in particular, the specific discursive and rhetorical devices employed to create effective texts. One rhetorical device often employed in order to include the voices of service users and their families is the use of quotations. This article explores the extent to which quotations are used across social work domains and text types, the different voices represented through quotations, and the perceived functions of the quotations. The study draws on three different data types: (1) a 1-million-word corpus of social workers’ writing; (2) social worker interviews (n = 81); (3) two case studies comprising texts, interviews with the social worker writer, and researcher observations. All data were collected within the WiSP project and were interrogated through a mix of computational and qualitative analysis to develop a taxonomy of functions of quotations. In addition to furthering our understanding of how quotations are employed in professional writing, the study has implications for social worker training and practice.

국어교사의 음성에 대한 고등학생들의 선호도 및 감정 반응 조사 연구

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of the voice of Korean language teachers preferred by students by examining the preferences and emotional responses of high school students to the voice of Korean teachers. Methods To this end, after producing a test tool consisting of a questionnaire and 12 audio data of Korean teachers, 514 high school students were selected as subjects for the study to investigate the preference and emotional response. Results First, high school students tended to prefer voices that make them focus on classes, accurately convey the contents of the class, and prevent them from getting sleepy. Second, It was found that high school students' preference for the voice of Korean teachers was moderate. Third, there was no significant difference in students' preferences according to the presence or absence of voice problem of Korean teachers, but there was a significant difference in preference according to gender and career. Fourth, it was found that abnormal voices evoke more negative emotions in students than normal. Fifth, it was found that there was a positive correlation between the positive emotions and preferences of Korean teachers, and a negative correlation between negative emotions and preferences. Conclusions Korean teachers need to check and manage their voice usage patterns in order to enhance students' task performance and concentration, and in particular, they need to adjust their voice so that they can elicit a positive response from students so that they do not get bored. In addition, when a Korean teacher controls the voice in class, the situation of the class, such as the number of students and the structure of the classroom, should be considered. Finally, in order to create voice education materials for Korean teachers, it is necessary to analyze the voice usage patterns of highly experienced teachers.

Functional performance comparison of long cane and secondary electronic travel aids for mobility enhancement

This study investigated the impact of secondary electronic travel aids (ETAs) on the mobility performance of individuals with profound visual impairment, specifically focusing on object detection and obstacle avoidance tasks. Seven experienced long-cane users were recruited for the study. The ETAs tested as secondary aids to the long cane included the MiniGuide, utilizing ultrasonic echo location, and the vOICe (Vision-to-Auditory Sensory Substitution Device), which translates visual information into auditory signals. Two software modes of the vOICe were examined: the standard contrast mode and a novel algorithm utilizing relative depth information. Notably, 30 min of familiarization was provided before the trials. Results indicated that while the use of the secondary ETAs led to increased awareness of the surrounding environment, it also resulted in longer processing times and more hesitations, compared with using the long cane alone. Participants demonstrated improved object detection and larger detection and safety ranges during obstacle avoidance. The study also introduced the concept of margin of stability (MoS) as a novel metric for evaluating gait stability while using ETAs. Both MiniGuide and vOICe users exhibited consistent and stable movements, suggesting that these additional aids did not negatively impact overall gait stability. The findings highlight the trade-offs between efficiency and effectiveness when using secondary mobility aids, with longer training periods potentially mitigating these issues. In addition, the study emphasizes the need for ongoing research to optimize the design and training programmes for new ETAs. Future studies may explore the impact of extended training periods on mobility performance. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how ETAs can enhance the mobility of individuals with visual impairments while also highlighting some of the challenges associated with their use. Optimizing ETA design and training programmes is crucial for maximizing benefits for individuals with impaired vision.

EEG Dataset for the Recognition of Different Emotions Induced in Voice-User Interaction

Electroencephalography (EEG)-based open-access datasets are available for emotion recognition studies, where external auditory/visual stimuli are used to artificially evoke pre-defined emotions. In this study, we provide a novel EEG dataset containing the emotional information induced during a realistic human-computer interaction (HCI) using a voice user interface system that mimics natural human-to-human communication. To validate our dataset via neurophysiological investigation and binary emotion classification, we applied a series of signal processing and machine learning methods to the EEG data. The maximum classification accuracy ranged from 43.3% to 90.8% over 38 subjects and classification features could be interpreted neurophysiologically. Our EEG data could be used to develop a reliable HCI system because they were acquired in a natural HCI environment. In addition, auxiliary physiological data measured simultaneously with the EEG data also showed plausible results, i.e., electrocardiogram, photoplethysmogram, galvanic skin response, and facial images, which could be utilized for automatic emotion discrimination independently from, as well as together with the EEG data via the fusion of multi-modal physiological datasets.

An Interactive Vision-Based 3D Augmented Reality System for In-Home Physical Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Inquiry to Inform System Development.

Postoperative physical rehabilitation is crucial after total joint replacement (TJR). However, completing the recommended levels of postoperative physical exercise is challenging for many older adults with TJR. Lack of adequate postoperative physical exercise has negative consequences on rehabilitation outcomes. Innovative rehabilitation tools for postoperative physical exercises are needed to ensure successful rehabilitation outcomes among older adults with TJR. The aim of this study is to explore key knowledge users' perspectives about how to design an interactive vision-based three-dimensional augmented reality system (3D ARS) to support in-home postoperative physical rehabilitation for older adults with TJR. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study involving 11 semi-structured interviews and six focus groups with 42 older adults with TJR and four unrelated family caregivers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Participant insights were grouped into two main themes: (1) dreaming up possibilities and (2) being pragmatic. The first theme captured participants' reflections on the potential utility of a 3D ARS for postoperative physical rehabilitation and features that could be embedded in the 3D ARS to support successful postoperative physical rehabilitation. The second theme captured participants' reflections on practical issues and considerations that could impact access and usage of the 3D ARS. These findings provide researchers, rehabilitation providers and system developers with the foundations for designing, implementing and evaluating innovative augmented reality tools that support effective in-home physical rehabilitation among older adults with TJR. Research users (i.e., individuals and organisations invested in and using the research findings) were actively engaged throughout this work. Specifically, a meeting was held between the research team and representatives of an Expert by Experience team (individuals with lived experience), which was established to support the National Research Council's (organisation) Aging in Place programme. During this meeting, the idea to develop and evaluate an ARS for postoperative physical rehabilitation of older adults with TJR was supported. Research users had the opportunity to review the current study protocol and provide feedback on the study design, offering direction to maximize the relevance and usefulness of our findings to the National Research Council Canada's Aging in Place programme. Research users contributed to participant recruitment efforts and the development of the interview guide. Two Experts by Experience also agreed to be on the Advisory Panel for this multi-phased study, supporting active engagement and centring the voice of research users in knowledge creation and implementation. These experts reviewed a brief report of the current study findings, and continue to guide how the study findings are used to inform the next phase of this multi-phased research.

Vocal Hygiene: What Are Professional Voice Users Saying About It on YouTube?

PurposeHealth content has been presented and accessed freely on social networks and can generate misinformation; hence, this study aimed to analyze the voice guidance in videos available on YouTube. MethodThis observational cross-sectional research selected the 45 most viewed videos on YouTube in 2022, produced by professional voice users with guidance on vocal hygiene and well-being. The content was described and compared with the scientific literature on the topic, analyzing which category of professional voice users produced the most scientifically based content. ResultsAltogether, 38 topics were found in the videos, distributed in nine blocks, identified from A to I. Block A (foods with a positive effect on the voice) was the only one that had no citations in scientific articles, whereas block D (negative habits for the voice) had the highest mean number of articles in relation to the others. The most publicized guidelines were mainly related to actions and/or behaviors and resources considered positive for the voice. Eight professional categories were found who produced these videos. Singing teachers who also worked as singers produced the most scientifically based content. ConclusionThe study showed that not all the information in the videos was scientifically based, which means that people with voice problems have easy access to information that could even harm them if used in their professions.

Pick and Place Control of a 3-DOF Robot Manipulator Based on Image and Pattern Recognition

Board games like chess serve as an excellent testbed for human–robot interactions, where advancements can lead to broader human–robot cooperation systems. This paper presents a chess-playing robotic system to demonstrate controlled pick and place operations using a 3-DoF manipulator with image and speech recognition. The system identifies chessboard square coordinates through image processing and centroid detection before mapping them onto the physical board. User voice input is processed and transcribed into a string from which the system extracts the current and destination locations of a chess piece with a word error rate of 8.64%. Using an inverse-kinematics algorithm, the system calculates the joint angles needed to position the end effector at the desired coordinates actuating the robot. The developed system was evaluated experimentally on the 3-DoF manipulator with a voice command used to direct the robot movement in grasping a chess piece. Consideration was made involving both the own pieces as well as capturing the opponent’s pieces and moving the captured piece outside the board workspace.

User Experience and Usability of Voice User Interfaces: A Systematic Literature Review

As voice user interfaces (VUIs) rapidly transform the landscape of human–computer interaction, their potential to revolutionize user engagement is becoming increasingly evident. This paper aims to advance the field of human–computer interaction by conducting a bibliometric analysis of the user experience associated with VUIs. It proposes a classification framework comprising six research categories to systematically organize the existing literature, analyzes the primary research streams, and identifies future research directions within each category. This systematic literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of the development and effectiveness of VUIs in facilitating natural human–machine interaction. It offers critical insights into the user experience of VUIs, contributing to the refinement of VUI design to optimize overall user interaction and satisfaction.

Voice user interfaces for effortless navigation in medical virtual reality environments

In various situations, such as clinical environments with sterile conditions or when hands are occupied with multiple devices, traditional methods of navigation and scene adjustment are impractical or even impossible. We explore a new solution by using voice control to facilitate interaction in virtual worlds to avoid the use of additional controllers. Therefore, we investigate three scenarios: Object Orientation, Visualization Customization, and Analytical Tasks and evaluate whether natural language interaction is possible and promising in each of these scenarios. In our quantitative user study participants were able to control virtual environments effortlessly using verbal instructions. This resulted in rapid orientation adjustments, adaptive visual aids, and accurate data analysis. In addition, user satisfaction and usability surveys showed consistently high levels of acceptance and ease of use. In conclusion, our study shows that the use of natural language can be a promising alternative for the improvement of user interaction in virtual environments. It enables intuitive interactions in virtual spaces, especially in situations where traditional controls have limitations.

Influence of Carnatic Vocal Training on Voice Measures in Males

Introduction: Training is an integral part of learning any skill. The vocal training helps singers attain proficiency as they are the most demanding vocal group of all professional voice users. Hence, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of training on the singer’s voice. The current study objective was to investigate the influence of vocal training on voice measures (acoustic and aerodynamic) between male Carnatic singers with lower (6 months–5 years) and higher (6–10 years) training using novel task “mkaram” along with lyrical task. Methods: Group 1 consisted of 30 trained male Carnatic singers with lower vocal training, and group 2, thirty trained male singers with higher training in the age of 18–45 years. The acoustic (frequency-related parameter, cepstral, spectral, perturbation, and noise) and aerodynamic measures (maximum phonation time and s/z ratio) of voice were obtained. The test-retest reliability was conducted on a sample of 10% of the population from each group, with a 2-week interval between the tests. Cross-sectional study design was applied. Results: The statistical analysis revealed significantly decreased frequency-related parameters (semitones) such as the mean fundamental frequency, lowest fundamental frequency, highest fundamental frequency at the low register and the highest fundamental frequency at the middle register in group 2 during “mkaram” task (p ≤ 0.05). Similarly, one of the spectral-related measures 1st harmonic-2nd harmonic (dB) during lyrical task and one of the noise-related measure harmonic-to-noise ratio (dB) at the middle register during “mkaram” task showed a significant decrease in group 2 compared to group 1 (p ≤ 0.05). Test-retest reliability revealed that most of the parameters had “acceptable to excellent” internal consistency (Cronbach’s α >0.7 to 1). Conclusion: Few frequency and noise measures during “mkaram” task and a spectral measure during lyrical task showed to be sensitive in distinguishing the impact of vocal training on the voices of male Carnatic singers. The higher vocal training was found to help the singers to perform more efficiently with enhanced vocal range particularly in the low register and to some extent in the middle register. Indeed, the study highlighted the positive effects of vocal training on male Carnatic singers.

Implementing Triage-Bot: Supporting the Current Practice for Triage Nurses.

In Canada, emergency departments (ED) have 15.1 million unscheduled visits every year; this has been suggested to indicate that patients rely on ED to address the gaps experienced by 6.5 million Canadians who lack a primary care provider. When this large number of visits is coupled with a predicted shortage of 100,000 nurses in Canada by 2030, ED can be expected to face resource limitations, which highlights the importance of triage systems as a source of immediate support. Technology that incorporates innovative analytical methods, automation of routine, and efficient processing can be leveraged to enhance patient outcomes, streamline clinical processes, and improve the overall quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. This paper aims to highlight how the Triage-Bot, a proposed AI system, can assist ED nurses when triaging patients. The Triage-Bot system is based on the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), which currently serves as a standardized and highly effective tool for prioritizing patient care in emergency departments across the country. Pre-set and open-ended questions are asked using voice and video, allowing patients to describe their health concerns and conditions. Triage-Bot automatically measures the following vital signs: heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate (RR), blood pressure (BP), blood glucose (BG), and stress. The system uses artificial intelligence models, particularly those with a deep learning approach that simultaneously analyzes both the user's facial expression and voice tone. Implementation: A systematic review addressed the implications of AI in nursing and concluded that it could contribute to patient care by providing personalized instructions and/or remotely monitoring patients. The Triage-Bot system can be implemented in healthcare facilities, such as emergency department waiting rooms. The information it collects can then be added to a patient's health records to support nurses in assessing the severity of each patient's condition. Limitations: If the system is accessed without a nurse's guidance, it is imperative that the user receives information regarding when to visit a healthcare provider or ED. Continuous improvements in Triage-Bot's accessibility for patients with varying abilities are required to ensure that the system remains user-friendly during times of illness. The voice and text interaction can also be influenced by a user's understanding of language, culture, and age-related factors.

Penerapan Text-To-Speech pada Aplikasi Novel Berbasis Multiplatform

The development of technology and easy access to the internet has affected reading habits, with digital novel platforms becoming popular as an alternative to reading. However, novelists face obstacles in publishing their works, due to fierce competition in the publishing industry. The proposed solution is to build a multiplatform application system as a platform for novelists to publish their works using the Laravel API. The development method used is Waterfall, which consists of five stages of development. This application will provide features that facilitate interaction between novelists and readers, such as likes, comments, and uniquely there is a feature to listen to novels via voice for users who prefer to listen rather than read, with a text-to-speech system. In addition, the app allows novelists to build a stronger fan base. This research aims to provide a practical and efficient platform for novelists to write, edit and publish their works online through the features provided in the application. System testing was carried out using the System Usability Scale (SUS) method to get a score of 79.5 including the Good category with grade scale B. The programming language used in the development of this application is Flutter, which allows the creation of multiplatform applications with responsive and consistent performance on various devices.