Words Per Minute Research Articles

Detection of Abnormal Patterns in Children’s Handwriting by Using an Artificial-Intelligence-Based Method

Using camera-based algorithms to detect abnormal patterns in children’s handwriting has become a promising tool in education and occupational therapy. This study analyzes the performance of a camera- and tablet-based handwriting verification algorithm to detect abnormal patterns in handwriting samples processed from 71 students of different grades. The study results revealed that the algorithm saw abnormal patterns in 20% of the handwriting samples processed, which included practices such as delayed typing speed, excessive pen pressure, irregular slant, and lack of word spacing. In addition, it was observed that the detection accuracy of the algorithm was 95% when comparing the camera data with the abnormal patterns detected, which indicates a high reliability in the results obtained. The highlight of the study was the feedback provided to children and teachers on the camera data and any abnormal patterns detected. This can significantly impact students’ awareness and improvement of writing skills by providing real-time feedback on their writing and allowing them to adjust to correct detected abnormal patterns.

End-point determination of heterogeneous formulations using inline torque measurements for a high-shear wet granulation process

In this study, the torque profiles of heterogeneous granulation formulations with varying powder properties in terms of particle size, solubility, deformability, and wettability, were studied, and the feasibility of identifying the end-point of the granulation process for each formulation based on the torque profiles was evaluated. Dynamic median particle size (d50) and porosity were correlated to the torque measurements to understand the relationship between torque and granule properties, and to validate distinction between different granulation stages based on the torque profiles made in previous studies. Generally, the torque curves obtained from the different granulation runs in this experimental design could be categorized into two different types of torque profiles. The primary factor influencing the likelihood of producing each profile was the binder type used in the formulation. A lower viscosity, higher solubility binder resulted in a type 1 profile. Other contributing factors that affected the torque profiles include API type and impeller speed. Material properties such as the deformability and solubility of the blend formulation and the binder were identified as important factors affecting both granule growth and the type of torque profiles observed. By correlating dynamic granule properties with torque values, it was possible to determine the granulation end-point based on a pre-determined target median particle size (d50) range which corresponded to specific markers identified in the torque profiles. In type 1 torque profiles, the end-point markers corresponded to the plateau phase, whereas in type 2 torque profiles the markers were indicated by the inflection point where the slope gradient changes. Additionally, we proposed an alternative method of identification by using the first derivative of the torque values, which facilitates an easier identification of the system approaching the end-point. Overall, this study identified the effects of different variations in formulation parameters on torque profiles and granule properties and implemented an improved method of identification of granulation end-point that is not dependent on the different types of torque profiles observed.

Keydrop: Dynamic Keyboard Layout for Faster Typing and Fewer Typos

The keyboard, in a physical or virtual form, is one of the most popular and available communication mediums for computers and mobile devices. In this paper, we introduce the Keydrop, a novel virtual keyboard layout for a touchscreen that dynamically changes the keys’ labels. The results collected from 54 participants showed that Keydrop outperforms the usual QWERTY virtual keyboard in terms of typing speed and the number of typos. The solution gained positive feedback from participants, and the empirical results showed that users type 6% faster, making 33% fewer typos. The proposed solution achieves a speed of 25.17 words per minute (WPM) and 1.20 keystrokes per character (KSPC).

Study on the Gas Release of 3D-Printed Furan Resin Sand Core during the Casting Process.

In sand casting, gas porosity is a common defect that can result in decreased strength, leakage, rough surfaces, or other problems. Although the forming mechanism is very complicated, gas release from sand cores is often a significant contributor to the formation of gas porosity defects. Therefore, studying the gas release behavior of sand cores is crucial to solving this problem. Current research on the gas release behavior of sand cores mainly focuses on parameters such as gas permeability and gas generation properties, through experimental measurement and numerical simulation methods. However, accurately reflecting the gas generation situation in the actual casting process is difficult, and there are certain limitations. To achieve the actual casting condition, a sand core was designed and enclosed inside a casting. The core print was extended to the sand mold surface, with two types of core prints: hollow and dense. Pressure and airflow speed sensors were installed on the exposed surface of the core print to investigate the burn-off of the binder of the 3D-printed furan resin quartz sand cores. The experimental results showed that the gas generation rate was high in the initial stage of the burn-off process. The gas pressure quickly reached its peak in the initial stage and then decreased rapidly. The exhaust speed of the dense type of core print was 1 m/s, lasting for 500 s. The pressure peak of the hollow-type sand core was 1.09 kPa, and the exhaust speed peak was 1.89 m/s. The binder can be sufficiently burned off for the location surrounding the casting and the crack-affected area, so the burnt sand appears white, while the burnt core appears black due to insufficient burning of the binder because of isolation from the air. The gas generated by the burnt resin sand in contact with air was 30.7% less than that generated by the burnt resin sand insulated from the air.

Efficacy of stretching exercises versus transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on task performance, kinematic and electroencephalography (EEG) spectrum in subjects with slump posture: a study protocol

BackgroundSlump sitting is a common posture in workplaces. There is limited evidence that poor posture impacts the mental state. This study aims to investigate whether slump posture results in more mental fatigue during computer typing, compared with normal posture and also to compare the effectiveness of stretching exercises with tDCS in fatigue monitoring.MethodsThe sample size for this study is set at 36 participants with slump posture and 36 participants with normal posture. In the first step, to find out the differences between normal and poor posture, they will be asked to perform the typewriting task for 60 min. During the first and last 3 min of typing, mental fatigue as the primary outcome using EEG signals and further measures including kinematic behavior of neck, visual analog fatigue scale, and musculoskeletal discomfort will be assessed. Post-experiment task performance will be calculated based on typing speed and typing errors. In the next step, to compare the effect of tDCS and stretching exercises on the outcome measures, the slump posture group will receive these interventions in two separate sessions before the typing task.DiscussionWith the assumption of showing significant differences in terms of outcome measures between slump and normal posture groups and also by showing the possible changes of the measures, by using either tDCS as a central modality or stretching exercises as a peripheral modality; the findings may provide evidence to indicate that poor posture has adverse effect on mental state and to introduce the effective method to overcome mental fatigue and promote work productivity.Trial registrationRegistered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 21 September 2022, IRCT Identifier: IRCT20161026030516N2.

EXPLORING LINEARITY AND TYPES OF SELF-CORRECTIONS IN THE TRANSLATION OF STUDENT TRANSLATORS

Considering the importance of correction (post-drafting phase) in translation process, this study aims at finding the linearity and types of self-corrections done by student translators in completing their translation tasks. Three students majoring translation studies who, in this study, were called student translators, were selected as the participants using a purposive sampling method. They were selected based on their relatively homogeneous profile following their linguistic competence including Test of bahasa Indonesia proficiency (UKBI), Test of English proficiency (TOEFL), and Test of typing speed by using TQ (TypingQueen) typing test. In the process of data collection, they were asked to translate two texts from English into bahasa Indonesia. The translation process was recorded using Translog and screen recording (Camtasia Studio 8). In doing their tasks, they were allowed to use online dictionaries and resources. The results of this study show that eight types of self-corrections were done by the student translators, including deletion, word substitution, spelling, return, addition, meaning, capitalization, and grammar, among which word substitution was most frequently used. This study also found types of word deletion that include deleting (i) unnecessary words, (ii) unnecessarily added words, (iii) incomplete words, (iv) repeated words, (v) miscollocation, and (vi) redundancy.

Factors Affecting Success of New Drug Clinical Trials.

Clinical trials are an essential process in the development of new drugs. In spite of time-consuming processes and high costs, the overall success rate of clinical trials is only 7.9%, which is a high risk for biopharmaceutical companies. However, despite these huge risks, research on finding factors affecting clinical trials to overcome and manage to risks has been insufficient. Considering these characteristics of the pharmaceutical industry, this study investigated the factors affecting the success of sponsor-initiated clinical trials. The success factors investigated were categorized into four factors: quality of clinical trials, speed of clinical trials, relationship type, and communication. Logistic regression was performed to measure each factor by analyzing 24,295 cases of Phase 1 to 4 trials from ClinicalTrials.gov. Because of the analysis, the factors affecting the success of the clinical trials were varied according to each clinical phase and the drug types: New Molecular Entity (NME)/Biologics, and the success ratio in the quality variable affected the overall clinical trial phases. Additionally, the experience, speed, relationship type, and communication variables were also found to be statistically significant for the success of each phase and drug type.

3D wearable piezoresistive sensor with waterproof and antibacterial activity for multimodal smart sensing

High sensitivity, excellent stability and rapid response have been gradually satisfied with the rapid development of 3D wearable piezoresistive sensors. Nevertheless, advanced parameters such as waterproof and antibacterial property, which are critical to wearable electronics, have received inadequate attention. Herein, a 3D wearable piezoresistive sensor with waterproof and antibacterial activity was fabricated with the utilization of graphene, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), polyurethane (PU) and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU). This 3D TPU@rGO-Ag NPs@PU sensor exhibits competitive sensing performance, achieving a remarkable sensitivity (GFmax=152.97kPa−1), reliable dynamic stability (over 10,000 cycles), fast response/recovery time (50 ms/40 ms), and satisfactory sensitivity retention (∼90%). Furthermore, this sensor achieves outstanding waterproof and high antibacterial activity (>99.9%), providing ample convenience for the realization of wearable. Besides, fingering habits, typing strength and typing speed can be captured by this sensor, which overcomes the security deficiencies of password authentication system and improves the security of information. This 3D piezoresistive sensor shows huge potential in multimodal smart sensing, which provides opportunities for developing intelligent wearable sensors and future broad commercial applications.

Exploring the effects of virtual hand appearance on midair typing efficiency

SummaryMidair typing has gradually become the potential mainstream of virtual reality (VR) typing, as it eliminates the setup of additional hardware devices and provides convenience for portable head‐mounted displays (HMDs). In midair typing, users type on a virtual keyboard while using their virtual hands. In addition to the lack of a dominant method for VR‐based midair typing, we still do not know the impact that different appearances of virtual hands could have on text input in VR. Thus, we picked a widely used midair typing method (i.e., the VR‐rendered QWERTY keyboard) and conducted a VR study to explore the effects of three hand appearances (i.e., abstract, mannequin, realistic hands) on typing efficiency in terms of typing accuracy, typing speed, and task load. Our within‐group study revealed that (1) the mannequin hand caused significantly higher performance on typing speed than the abstract and realistic hands, (2) the abstract hand caused significantly lower performance (more typing errors) on typing accuracy compared to the mannequin and realistic hands, and (3) participants rated the task load of using the abstract hand significantly higher than the mannequin and realistic hands.

A Portable One-Hand Braille Input System Enabled by Dual-Interlocked Tactile Sensors for Communication

This article presents a novel portable one-hand Braille input system (BIS) to assist visually impaired users in entering text on electronic devices. The proposed BIS is designed based on a flexible Braille keyboard (FBK), it mainly consists of five dual-interlocked tactile sensors, a processing circuit, and a software modulus. The fully elastomeric graphene/carbon nanotube/ silicone rubber nanocomposites are synthesized and used as tactile sensing material and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the structural and encapsulation for the fabrication of sensors. Characterization tests showed the tactile sensor has relatively high force sensing sensitivity of 0.649 N <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^{-\text{1}}$</tex-math> </inline-formula> at sensing range of 0–5 N and a frequency sensing ability of 0.5–2.0 Hz, which can meet human finger pressing requirements. A specific Braille input method is proposed, and personalized parameters are set for users to fit different pressing habits. The average input speed of 3.37 words per minute (WPM) with an average accuracy of 92.2% for Braille characters input is demonstrated by evaluating text entry performance. The results indicated that our developed tactile sensor enabled portable one-hand BIS can assist visual impaired users with enhanced text entry on electronic devices effectively and privately.

Neck Proprioception in Chronic Neck Pain Patients with Different Typing Speeds: A Pilot Study

Neck Proprioception in Chronic Neck Pain Patients with Different Typing Speeds: A Pilot Study

Reading Speed Using the International Reading Speed Texts in a Normal Canadian Cohort.

Background The International Reading Speed Texts (IReST) are commonly used to measure reading speed, which may be affected in many eye conditions. They were originally tested in a younger British population. Our study evaluates IReST in a normal Canadian population. Methodology A normal Canadian cohort in Ontario was prospectively recruited with age >14 years, education >9 years, English as the primary language, and best-corrected visual acuity >20/25 distance and >N8 near in each eye. Participants with eye conditions and neurological/cognitive problems were excluded. Each participant consecutively read two IReST passages (passages 1 and 8). Reading speed in words per minute (WPM) was calculated. One-sample t-test was used to compare our cohort to published IReST standards. Results A total of 112 participants were included (35 male, 77 female). The mean age was 40 ± 17 years (14-18 years: 12; 18-35 years: 34; 35-60 years: 53; 60-75 years: 13). The mean reading speed for passage 1 was 211 ± 33 WPM compared to the published IReST standard of 236 ± 29 WPM (p < 0.0001). The mean reading speed for passage 8 was 218 ± 34 WPM compared to the IReST standard of 237 ± 24 WPM (p < 0.0001). Thus, our cohort read slower for both passages compared to IReST standards. The mean reading speed for passages 1 and 8 was the highest for the 14-18-year (231 and 239, respectively) and the lowest for the 60-75-year group (195 and 192, respectively). Conclusions Normal older populations have slower reading compared to younger populations. The slower reading in our cohort may also be because the passages were in British rather than in Canadian English. It is important that the IReST is evaluated in different populations to ensure reliable comparison standards for future research.

Redundancy resolution of 9-DOF machine through synthesized global and local performance indices

The 9-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) machine is used to lay the rotating mold driven by the positioner. In order to reduce the 9-DOF machine to a 6-DOF non-redundant structure, this paper proposes a redundancy resolution method based on synthesized global and local performance indices. Since the number of non-redundant machine types is enormous, all non-redundant machines are divided into six classes depending on the redundant joints, called axis assignment schemes. After defining the global and the local performance indices of the non-redundant machine, the redundancy resolution method is proposed. It consists of three parts: Firstly, refine the machine types of each axis assignment scheme based on the average global indices. Then, select the best axis assignment scheme by comparing the scheme’s local indices for a given mold. Finally, optimize the non-redundant machine type contained in the optimal scheme with the objective of superior local indices and continuous positioner rotation space. In the experiment, using the air-inlet as an example, two motion planning methods gave different motion trajectories for the 7-DOF layup system. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified analytically by comparing the joint motion and fiber placement speed of the optimal machine type with other types.

SwingBoard: introducing swipe based virtual keyboard for visually impaired and blind users

Purpose Nowadays, typing is considered as one of the highly important aspects of accessibility that the visually impaired and blinds struggle with the most as existing virtual keyboards are complex and slow. Materials and methods This paper proposes a new text entry method named SwingBoard for visually impaired and blind smartphone users to solve their accessibility problem. It supports a–z, 0–9, 7 punctuations, 12 symbols, and eight keyboard functionalities that are arranged in 8 zones (specific range of angles), four segments, two modes, and different gestures. The proposed keyboard is suitable for the either single-handed or both-handed operation that tracks swipe angle and length to trigger any of the 66 key events. The key triggering process is based on only swiping the finger at different angles with different lengths. Typing speed of SwingBoard is increased by including some effective features such as the quick alphabet and number mode shifting, haptic feedback feature, talkback on swipe to learn the map quickly, and customizable swipe length feature. Results At the end of 150 one-minute tests, seven blind participants reached an average of 19.89 words per minute (WPM) with an 88% accuracy rate which is one of the fastest-ever recorded average typing speeds for the blind. Conclusion Almost all users found SwingBoard effective, easy to learn and want to keep using it. SwingBoard is a handy virtual keyboard for visually impaired people with amazing typing speed and accuracy.

Peningkatan Kemampuan Mengetik Siswa Melalui Penggunaan Aplikasi Typing Master Sebagai Media Pembelajaran

This study aims to find out to determine increase students' speed before using the application and after using the Typing Master application in the OTKP major at SMK Nusatama Padang, and improving students' typing accuracy before using the application and after using the Typing Master application in the OTKP major at SMK Nusatama Padang. This type of research is class action research (CAR). The research design used consisted of several cycle stages starting from the Pretest, Cycle I, Cycle II, and Posttest. This research was conducted on 19 students of class X OTKP 2 SMK Nusatama Padang. The instruments used are observation sheets and assessment sheets. Data collection techniques use observation, tests, and documentation. The data analysis technique used is data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The criterion for success in this research was the total number of students who passed the specified typing target, namely 70%, or as many as 14 students graduated from a total of 19 students with a speed of 80 cpm and 90% accuracy. Based on the results of each cycle there was an average increase in the number of students who reached the target, namely in Cycle I 73.68%, Cycle II 68.42%, Cycle III 73.68%, and Posttest 78.94%. That way it can be concluded that the use of the Typing Master application to increase the typing speed of class X OTKP 2 students is declared acceptable.

The use of an artificial neural network for predicting the machining characterizing of wood materials densified by compressing

In this study, an approach for artificial neural network (ANN) was presented to predict and control arithmetical mean surface roughness value (Ra), machining properties of wood materials densified by compressing in a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. Black poplar (Populus nigra L.) tree species were used as the experimental material. After specimens were densified by Thermo-Mechanical (TM) method at 0%, 20%, and 40% ratios, machining process of specimens were performed at 1000, 1500, and 2000 mm/min feed speeds and in 12000, 15000, 18000 rpm rotation speed on a CNC vertical wood machining center by using two different cutters. Data used for the training and testing of an ANN. Cutter type, compression ratio, feed rate, and spindle speed were selected as Four parameters. While hidden layer of the Ra model has ten neurons, one hidden layer was used, Compression ratio is the most significant parameter, followed by feed speed for Ra values. surface roughness increases with increased feed rate. Ra values in training, validation, and testing the data set for Ra were 0.97122, 0.8538, and 0.76685, respectively. The Mean Square Error (MSE) value was determined as 0.0019914 test of the network. The proposed ANN model came to agreement with the measured values in predicting surface roughness Ra values of MAPE. The MAPE value was calculated as 6.61, which can be considered a very good prediction (MAPE&lt; 10 % = very good prediction). The study showed that obtained ANN prediction model is a practical and efficient tool to model the Ra of wood. For reducing energy, time and cost in the wood industry (densification and CNC wood machining), current research results can be implemented.

Dynamic behaviour of integral abutment bridge transition under moving train loads

Transition zones, such as bridge approaches, are discontinuities along a railway line that are highly prone to differential movement due to a rapid variation of support conditions along the track. The concrete approach slabs are often provided before and after the bridges to reduce this differential movement and provide a gradual variation in track stiffness. This paper provides insights into the dynamic behaviour of an integral abutment railway bridge (IARB) transition zone consisting of approach slab under moving train loads using finite element (FE) analyses. Firstly, the FE model is successfully validated against the published field data. Subsequently, the validated model is employed to investigate the influence of parameters such as approach slab geometry (length, thickness, inclination, and shape), backfill soil type, direction of train movement and train speed. Results show that the behaviour of IARB is sensitive to the length of the approach slab, backfill soil type and train speed. The findings of this study enhance the current understanding of the behaviour of IARBs subjected to moving train loading and identify the important parameters that influence their performance.

Typing Performance and Technique of Higher Education Students with Specific Learning Disorders

AbstractHigher education students with specific learning disorders (SLD) often experience difficulties in basic learning skills, including typing on computers, which has become the most common writing mode for academic purposes. This may affect their academic performance. We compared the typing performance, product, and technique (screen gaze, finger use) of 35 SLD and 30 typically developing (TD) students using keylogging software. Compared to TD peers, students with SLD typed more slowly and less accurately, and gazed less at the screen, suggesting a less effective typing technique. They typed slower even after controlling for screen gaze, implying that additional factors may account for their lower typing speed such as language processing. Hence, students with SLD may benefit from typing instruction alongside test accommodations during computer‐based exams.

From 2D to 3D

Mid-air text entry on virtual keyboards suffers from the lack of tactile feedback, which brings challenges to both tap detection and input prediction. In this paper, we explored the feasibility of single-finger typing on virtual QWERTY keyboards in mid-air. We first conducted a study to examine users' 3D typing behavior on different sizes of virtual keyboards. Results showed that the participants perceived the vertical projection of the lowest point on the keyboard during a tap as the target location and inferring taps based on the intersection between the finger and the keyboard was not applicable. Aiming at this challenge, we derived a novel input prediction algorithm that took the uncertainty in tap detection into a calculation as probability, and performed probabilistic decoding that could tolerate false detection. We analyzed the performance of the algorithm through a full-factorial simulation. Results showed that the SVM-based probabilistic touch detection together with a 2D elastic probabilistic decoding algorithm (elasticity = 2) could achieve the optimal top-5 accuracy of 94.2%. In the evaluation user study, the participants reached a single-finger typing speed of 26.1 WPM with 3.2% uncorrected word-level error rate, which was significantly better than both tap-based and gesture-based baseline techniques. Also, the proposed technique received the highest preference score from the users, proving its usability in real text entry tasks.

Identifying an Appropriate Picture Stimulus for a Bangla Picture Description Task.

The absence of culture- and language-specific aphasia assessment in Bangla underscores a critical problem in communication sciences and disorders. Aphasia occurs in ~41% of Bangla-speaking stroke survivors. In the past 40 years, stroke incidence has doubled in low- and middle-income countries, such as Bangladesh and India, where there are ~250 million native Bangla speakers. This study aims to initiate the first step toward identifying an appropriate picture stimulus for the Bangla picture description task (PDT) intended for inclusion in a Bangla aphasia assessment. Researchers have reported the importance of cultural relevance and three visuographic variables of a picture (high-context, color, and photograph vs. black-and-white line drawing) for faster comprehension and comprehensive language production in people with aphasia and neurologically healthy adults. Ninety-six neurologically healthy native Bangla speakers of three age groups (young 19-30, middle age 40-55, and older 65-89 years) were recruited to compare spontaneous language production for four selected culturally related and nonrelated picture stimuli with and without the three visuographic variables. Five linguistic variables were used to analyze the language samples. The results demonstrated a significant (a) picture type effect for moving-average type-token ratio, words per minute (WPM), and mean length of utterance in morphemes (MLU) and (b) age group effect for WPM, MLU, and complexity index. This study suggests that a culturally related high-context color photograph is the optimal choice for the Bangla PDT. This study also indicates reduced fluency, grammatical complexity, and syntactic complexity in healthy Bangla-speaking adults aged 65 years and above. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22233664.