A Robotic Voice Simulator and the Interactive Training for Hearing-Impaired People

A talking and singing robot which adaptively learns the vocalization skill by means of an auditory feedback learning algorithm is being developed. The robot consists of motor-controlled vocal organs such as vocal cords, a vocal tract and a nasal cavity to generate a natural voice imitating a human vocalization. In this study, the robot is applied to the training system of speech articulation for the hearing-impaired, because the robot is able to reproduce their vocalization and to teach them how it is to be improved to generate clear speech. The paper briefly introduces the mechanical construction of the robot and how it autonomously acquires the vocalization skill in the auditory feedback learning by listening to human speech. Then the training system is described, together with the evaluation of the speech training by auditory impaired people

教師の熟達化に及ぼすマトリクス省察法の効果

内容の要約広島大学(Hiroshima University)博士(教育学)Doctor of Philosophy in Educationdoctora

Reflection Matrix to Analyze Changes in the Speech Protocol of an Experienced Elementary School Teacher

This study aims to change the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of an experienced elementary school teacher from the perspective of autonomous learning using a reflection matrix (Yasumori, 2013). The participant in this study was an elementary school math teacher with 11 years’ experience. The research methods were as follows. The teacher was interviewed while watching a video recording of him teaching arithmetic. He then analyzed himself using a reflection matrix. Subsequently, he was interviewed again, while watching a second video recording of him teaching arithmetic. Following that, he analyzed himself a second time using another reflection matrix. Results revealed the following: (1) by using reflection matrices, the teacher with 11 years’ work experience recognized the learners’ personalities and was conscious of their autonomous learning in the second recording and (2) when the target grade was changed, the teacher’s PCK regarding the learners’ personalities and their autonomous learning remained strengthened even after 6 months

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Invasive Ductal Breast Carcinoma: Correlation with Detailed Histologic Features and the Enhancement Ratio on Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Images

Purpose. To investigate the correlation of Apperent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values in invasive ductal breast carcinomas with detailed histologic features and enhancement ratios on dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Methods and Materials. Dynamic MR images and diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) of invasive ductal breast carcinomas were reviewed in 25 (26 lesions) women. In each patient, DWI, T2WI, T1WI, and dynamic images were obtained. The ADC values of the 26 carcinomas were calculated with b-factors of 0 and 1000 s/mm(2) using echoplanar DWI. Correlations of the ADC values were examined on dynamic MRI with enhancement ratios (early to delayed phase: E/D ratio) and detailed histologic findings for each lesion, including cellular density, the size of cancer nests, and architectural features of the stroma (broad, narrow, and delicate) between cancer nests. Results. The mean ADC was 0.915 ± 0.151 × 10(−3) mm(2)/sec. Cellular density was significantly correlated with ADC values (P = .0184) and E/D ratios (P = .0315). The ADC values were also significantly correlated to features of the stroma (broad to narrow, P = .0366). Conclusion. The findings suggest that DWIs reflect the growth patterns of carcinomas, including cellular density and architectural features of the stroma, and E/D ratios may also be closely correlated to cellular density

The Pirate and the Highwayman or Zenzai and Sake

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