Music and Speech in Auditory Interfaces: When is One Mode More Appropriate Than the Other?

A number of experiments, which have been carried out using non-speech auditory interfaces, are reviewed and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. The possible advantages of using non-speech audio media such as music are discussed – richness of the representations possible, the aesthetic appeal, and the possibilities of such interfaces being able to handle abstraction and consistency across the interface

An empirical two-group study into electronic note-taking

The relationship between students learning traditionally or through virtual worlds using computer-oriented tools is of keen interest. Although, the extent to electronic learning varies in great degrees from entire online environments to partial complimentary tools which differ according to their functions. The focus of this research paper is to discuss the paradigm shift from traditional means of study to computerisation, in particular relating to the area of note-taking. Research into cognitive factors associated with learning and performance including memory have put forward suggestions, which could assist the cumulative learning process. Comparative analysis between a number of note-taking techniques refined the study with the electronic adaptation of the popular Cornell method with the proposed En-AISR platform. Emphasis has been placed on the influence and significance towards the amalgamation of multi-modal features to enhance and stimulate students learning experience. A two-group study measured students learning, performance, and experience between both systems using usability criteria. Outcomes from this experiment suggest a positive influence of a multi-modal note-taking tool as a complimentary learning aid

E-commerce purchase intention in emerging markets: the influence of gender and culture

Abstract. This paper explores the external factors that influence the decision making process of young Asian females when they shop online for fashion clothing. The empirical investigation was carried out with a positivistic approach and a sample size of 142 young females in Pakistan. As females get more financially independent in developing Asian nations it leads to a question whether their buying decisions are still dominated by external factors? It was found that young educated adult Pakistani females make on-line purchase deci-sions under a significant influence of a highly collective and masculine environment. These results could be extrapolated to other similar cultures and emerging e-retailing areas

The Role of Facial Expressions and Body Gestures in Avatars for e-Commerce Interfaces

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Communicating graphical information to blind users using music : the role of context

We describe the design and use of AUDIOGRAPH - a tool for investigating the use of music in the communication of graphical information to blind and partially sighted users. This paper examines the use of the system to communicate complex diagrams and gives some examples of user output. Performance is not as good as expected and it is postulated that context will play an important part in the perception of diagrams communicated using music. A set of experiments are reported which indicate that context does indeed seem to play an important role in assisting meaningful understanding of the diagrams communicated. The implications for using music in auditory interface design are discussed

Music and speech in auditory interfaces: When is one mode more appropriate than another?

Presented at the 11th International Conference on Auditory Display (ICAD2005)A number of experiments, which have been carried out using non-speech auditory interfaces, are reviewed and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. The possible advantages of using non-speech audio media such as music are discussed – richness of the representations possible, the aesthetic appeal, and the possibilities of such interfaces being able to handle abstraction and consistency across the interface

Extraction of consensus protein patterns in regions containing non-proline cis peptide bonds and their functional assessment

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In peptides and proteins, only a small percentile of peptide bonds adopts the <it>cis </it>configuration. Especially in the case of amide peptide bonds, the amount of <it>cis </it>conformations is quite limited thus hampering systematic studies, until recently. However, lately the emerging population of databases with more 3D structures of proteins has produced a considerable number of sequences containing non-proline <it>cis </it>formations (<it>cis</it>-nonPro).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In our work, we extract regular expression-type patterns that are descriptive of regions surrounding the <it>cis</it>-nonPro formations. For this purpose, three types of pattern discovery are performed: i) exact pattern discovery, ii) pattern discovery using a chemical equivalency set, and iii) pattern discovery using a structural equivalency set. Afterwards, using each pattern as predicate, we search the Eukaryotic Linear Motif (ELM) resource to identify potential functional implications of regions with <it>cis</it>-nonPro peptide bonds. The patterns extracted from each type of pattern discovery are further employed, in order to formulate a pattern-based classifier, which is used to discriminate between <it>cis</it>-nonPro and <it>trans</it>-nonPro formations.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In terms of functional implications, we observe a significant association of <it>cis</it>-nonPro peptide bonds towards ligand/binding functionalities. As for the pattern-based classification scheme, the highest results were obtained using the structural equivalency set, which yielded 70% accuracy, 77% sensitivity and 63% specificity.</p

Modeling andsimulationofspeedselectiononleftventricular assist devices

The control problem for LVADs is to set pump speed such that cardiac output and pressure perfusion are within acceptable physiological ranges. However, current technology of LVADs cannot provide for a closed-loop control scheme that can make adjustments based on the patient\u27s level of activity. In this context, the SensorART Speed Selection Module (SSM) integrates various hardware and software components in order to improve the quality of the patients\u27 treatment and the workflow of the specialists. It enables specialists to better understand the patient-device interactions, and improve their knowledge. The SensorART SSM includes two tools of the Specialist Decision Support System (SDSS); namely the Suction Detection Tool and the Speed Selection Tool. A VAD Heart Simulation Platform (VHSP) is also part of the system. The VHSP enables specialists to simulate the behavior of a patient?s circulatory system, using different LVAD types and functional parameters. The SDSS is a web-based application that offers specialists with a plethora of tools for monitoring, designing the best therapy plan, analyzing data, extracting new knowledge and making informative decisions. In this paper, two of these tools, the Suction Detection Tool and Speed Selection Tool are presented. The former allows the analysis of the simulations sessions from the VHSP and the identification of issues related to suction phenomenon with high accuracy 93%. The latter provides the specialists with a powerful support in their attempt to effectively plan the treatment strategy. It allows them to draw conclusions about the most appropriate pump speed settings. Preliminary assessments connecting the Suction Detection Tool to the VHSP are presented in this paper