Multimodal Affective Computing to Enhance the User Experience of Educational Software Applications

Affective computing is becoming more and more important as it enables to extend the possibilities of computing technologies by incorporating emotions. In fact, the detection of users’ emotions has become one of the most important aspects regarding Affective Computing. In this paper, we present an educational software application that incorporates affective computing by detecting the users’ emotional states to adapt its behaviour to the emotions sensed. This way, we aim at increasing users’ engagement to keep them motivated for longer periods of time, thus improving their learning progress. To prove this, the application has been assessed with real users. The performance of a set of users using the proposed system has been compared with a control group that used the same system without implementing emotion detection. The outcomes of this evaluation have shown that our proposed system, incorporating affective computing, produced better results than the one used by the control group.

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Engageability: a new sub-principle of the learnability principle in human-computer interaction

The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa ◽

10.4102/td.v7i2.248 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

Author(s):

B Chimbo ◽

J H Gelderblom ◽

M R De Villiers

Keyword(s):

Human Computer Interaction ◽

Eye Tracking ◽

Interaction Design ◽

Generational Differences ◽

Educational Software ◽

Learning Theories ◽

Software Application ◽

Software Applications ◽

Research Areas ◽

Computer Interaction

The learnability principle relates to improving the usability of software, as well as users’ performance and productivity. A gap has been identified as the current definition of the principle does not distinguish between users of different ages. To determine the extent of the gap, this article compares the ways in which two user groups, adults and children, learn how to use an unfamiliar software application. In doing this, we bring together the research areas of human-computer interaction (HCI), adult and child learning, learning theories and strategies, usability evaluation and interaction design. A literature survey conducted on learnability and learning processes considered the meaning of learnability of software applications across generations. In an empirical investigation, users aged from 9 to 12 and from 35 to 50 were observed in a usability laboratory while learning to use educational software applications. Insights that emerged from data analysis showed different tactics and approaches that children and adults use when learning unfamiliar software. Eye tracking data was also recorded. Findings indicated that subtle re- interpretation of the learnability principle and its associated sub-principles was required. An additional sub-principle, namely engageability was proposed to incorporate aspects of learnability that are not covered by the existing sub-principles. Our re-interpretation of the learnability principle and the resulting design recommendations should help designers to fulfill the varying needs of different-aged users, and improve the learnability of their designs.Keywords: Child computer interaction, Design principles, Eye tracking, Generational differences, human-computer interaction, Learning theories, Learnability, Engageability, Software applications, UasabilityDisciplines: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Studies, Computer science, Observational Studies

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The Development of Educational Replicas of Software Application Systems

Journal of Educational Technology Systems ◽

10.2190/6jqt-k74x-44la-pnlk ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 71-78 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

William Leigh ◽

Noemi Paz

Keyword(s):

Case Studies ◽

Educational Software ◽

Design Rationale ◽

Software Application ◽

Software Applications ◽

Application Systems

This article presents techniques for developing simplified, functional versions of software applications for training purposes. Representatives of this type of educational software are explained, the design rationale and process are reviewed, and implementation methods are outlined. Three short case studies, exemplifying three categories of this replica software, are included.

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Effect of Emotions in a Lexical Decision Task

Swiss Journal of Psychology ◽

10.1024/1421-0185/a000193 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 76 (2) ◽

pp. 71-79 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hélène Maire ◽

Renaud Brochard ◽

Jean-Luc Kop ◽

Vivien Dioux ◽

Daniel Zagar

Keyword(s):

Lexical Decision ◽

Lexical Decision Task ◽

Emotional State ◽

Control Group ◽

Decision Task ◽

Attentional Orienting ◽

Emotional States ◽

Sequence Effect ◽

Emotion Induction ◽

Before And After

Abstract. This study measured the effect of emotional states on lexical decision task performance and investigated which underlying components (physiological, attentional orienting, executive, lexical, and/or strategic) are affected. We did this by assessing participants’ performance on a lexical decision task, which they completed before and after an emotional state induction task. The sequence effect, usually produced when participants repeat a task, was significantly smaller in participants who had received one of the three emotion inductions (happiness, sadness, embarrassment) than in control group participants (neutral induction). Using the diffusion model ( Ratcliff, 1978 ) to resolve the data into meaningful parameters that correspond to specific psychological components, we found that emotion induction only modulated the parameter reflecting the physiological and/or attentional orienting components, whereas the executive, lexical, and strategic components were not altered. These results suggest that emotional states have an impact on the low-level mechanisms underlying mental chronometric tasks.

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The Effect of The Using of Computer Games On Academic Success In Teaching English To 8th Grade Students

10.31124/advance.7775678.v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bulent Dos ◽

Zeynep Sinem Balıkçıoğlu ◽

Semih Şengel

Keyword(s):

Academic Success ◽

Computer Games ◽

Experimental Information ◽

Control Group ◽

Traditional Teaching ◽

National Education ◽

8Th Grade ◽

Post Test ◽

Education Measurement ◽

The One

<p>In this study, the effect of using computer games in an English teaching classof the 8th grade students in secondary school is investigated. A total of 112 8th grade students, 57 in the experimental group and 55 in the control group, participated in the study. Academic Achievement Tests prepared by Ministry of National Education, Measurement, Evaluation and Exam Services Department were used as pre-test and post-test. Eight of the games, which were prepared specifically for Grade 8 students, were used in the Experimental Information Network (EBA). Preliminary tests as covariant, final tests as dependent variables and applied to groups of teaching and traditional teaching were discussed as independent variables. According to the one-way covariance analysis (COVARIANCE) results, it was found that the game was more effective than traditional teaching and this effect was moderate. In addition, it was determined that 36% of the final test scores of the students learning the game were explained by the game.</p>

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Real-World Experience of the One-Year Efficacy of Rifaximin Add-On to Lactulose Is Superior to Lactulose Alone in Patients with Cirrhosis Complicated with Recurrent Hepatic Encephalopathy in Taiwan

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11060478 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 478

Author(s):

Ching Chang ◽

Chien-Hao Huang ◽

Hsiao-Jung Tseng ◽

Fang-Chen Yang ◽

Rong-Nan Chien

Keyword(s):

Hepatic Encephalopathy ◽

Real World ◽

Ammonia Level ◽

Decompensated Cirrhosis ◽

Control Group ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Model ◽

Before And After ◽

One Year ◽

The One ◽

Serum Ammonia

Background: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a neuropsychiatric complication of decompensated cirrhosis, is associated with high mortality and high risk of recurrence. Rifaximin add-on to lactulose for 3 to 6 months is recommended for the prevention of recurrent episodes of HE after the second episode. However, whether the combination for more than 6 months is superior to lactulose alone in the maintenance of HE remission is less evident. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the one-year efficacy of rifaximin add-on to lactulose for the maintenance of HE remission in Taiwan. Methods: We conducted a real-world single-center retrospective cohort study to compare the long-term efficacy of rifaximin add-on to lactulose (group R + L) versus lactulose alone (group L, control group). Furthermore, the treatment efficacy before and after rifaximin add-on to lactulose was also analyzed. The primary endpoint of our study was time to first HE recurrence (Conn score ≥ 2). All patients were followed up every three months until death, and censored at one year if still alive. Results and Conclusions: 12 patients were enrolled in group R + L. Another 31 patients were stratified into group L. Sex, comorbidity, ammonia level, and ascites grade were matched while age, HE grade, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were adjusted in the multivariable logistic regression model. Compared with group L, significant improvement in the maintenance of HE remission and decreased episodes and days of HE-related hospitalizations were demonstrated in group R + L. The serum ammonia levels were significantly lower at the 3rd and 6th month in group 1. Concerning changes before and after rifaximin add-on in group R + L, mini-mental status examination (MMSE), episodes of hospitalization, and variceal bleeding also improved at 6 and 12 months. Days of hospitalization, serum ammonia levels also improved at 6th month. Except for concern over price, no patients discontinued rifaximin due to adverse events or complications. The above results provide evidence for the one-year use of rifaximin add-on to lactulose in reducing HE recurrence and HE-related hospitalization for patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

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Supplementation of Lactobacillus early in life alters attention bias to threat in piglets

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-89560-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Else Verbeek ◽

Johan Dicksved ◽

Linda Keeling

Keyword(s):

Lactobacillus Plantarum ◽

Lactobacillus Reuteri ◽

Attention Bias ◽

Control Group ◽

Emotional States ◽

Beneficial Microbes ◽

Gut Microbes ◽

Suitable Tool ◽

Vigilance Behaviour

AbstractGut microbes play an important role in regulating brain processes and influence behaviour, cognition and emotional states in humans and rodents. Nevertheless, it is not known how ingestion of beneficial microbes modulates emotional states in piglets and whether it can improve welfare. Here we use an attention bias task to assess the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC-PTA-6475 and Lactobacillus plantarum L1-6 supplementation early in life on emotional states in 33 piglets compared to 31 placebo supplemented piglets. We hypothesized that Lactobacillus supplementation would reduce vigilance behaviour (head at shoulder height or higher) and attention (head oriented towards the threat) in response to an auditory threat. The results showed that the control group increased vigilance behaviour in response to the threat, but there was no increase in the probiotics group. Despite the increased vigilance, the control group paid less attention to the threat. One explanation may be that control piglets avoided looking in the direction of the threat just because they perceived it as more threatening, but further research is necessary to confirm this. In conclusion, Lactobacillus supplementation may be a suitable tool to reduce anxiety, promote a more appropriate response to a challenge and so improve welfare.

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Analysis of Risk Factors in Dementia Through Machine Learning

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease ◽

10.3233/jad-200955 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-17

Author(s):

Francisco Javier Balea-Fernandez ◽

Beatriz Martinez-Vega ◽

Samuel Ortega ◽

Himar Fabelo ◽

Raquel Leon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Machine Learning ◽

Optimization Algorithms ◽

Progressive Increase ◽

Control Group ◽

Data Sets ◽

Modifiable Factors ◽

Validation Set ◽

The One ◽

And Control ◽

Potential Tool

Background: Sociodemographic data indicate the progressive increase in life expectancy and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is raised as one of the greatest public health problems. Its etiology is twofold: on the one hand, non-modifiable factors and on the other, modifiable. Objective: This study aims to develop a processing framework based on machine learning (ML) and optimization algorithms to study sociodemographic, clinical, and analytical variables, selecting the best combination among them for an accurate discrimination between controls and subjects with major neurocognitive disorder (MNCD). Methods: This research is based on an observational-analytical design. Two research groups were established: MNCD group (n = 46) and control group (n = 38). ML and optimization algorithms were employed to automatically diagnose MNCD. Results: Twelve out of 37 variables were identified in the validation set as the most relevant for MNCD diagnosis. Sensitivity of 100%and specificity of 71%were achieved using a Random Forest classifier. Conclusion: ML is a potential tool for automatic prediction of MNCD which can be applied to relatively small preclinical and clinical data sets. These results can be interpreted to support the influence of the environment on the development of AD.

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Influence of an Implant Fixture Including a Freely Removable Micro-Locking Implant Prosthesis on Peri-Implant Tissues and Implant Prostheses: A Prospective Clinical Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10153321 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (15) ◽

pp. 3321

Author(s):

Young-Gun Shin ◽

Won-Tak Cho ◽

Ho-Kyung Lim ◽

Su-Hyun Hwang ◽

Ji-Hyeon Bae ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Survival Rates ◽

Treatment Method ◽

Control Group ◽

Prospective Clinical Study ◽

Food Impaction ◽

Radiographic Findings ◽

The One ◽

Implant System ◽

Experimental Group ◽

Observation Period

This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical usefulness of a newly developed one-piece, screw-free, and micro-locking implant system, which was designed to overcome the shortcomings of the existing implant systems. Thirty-eight patients were recruited and randomly and equally assigned to an experimental group (micro-locking one-piece fixture, MLF; n = 19) or a control group (micro-locking abutment, MLA). Cumulative implant survival rates, marginal bone resorptions, probing depths, plaque indices, bleeding indices, and complications were obtained by using clinical and radiographic findings at 6 months and 12 months after prosthesis placement. Complications that occurred multiple times for single implants were counted. During the 12 month observation period, survival rates were 100% in both groups. No significant intergroup differences were observed for marginal bone resorption, probe depth, or bleeding index. However, mean plaque index was significantly lower in the MLF group at 12 months (p < 0.05). During the 12-month observation period, food impaction (26.3%) was the maincomplication in the MLF group and screw loosening (5.3%), prosthesis detachment (5.3%), and food impaction (5.3%) were observed in the MLA group. The results of this study suggest that the one-piece micro-locking implant system offers a predictable treatment method.

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School-based obesity interventions in the metropolitan area of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: pooled analysis from five randomised studies

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114521000076 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Renata da R. M. Rodrigues ◽

Bruna K. Hassan ◽

Michele R. Sgambato ◽

Bárbara da S. N. Souza ◽

Diana B. Cunha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Eating Habits ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Pooled Analysis ◽

Control Group ◽

Intention To Treat ◽

School Year ◽

School Based ◽

Obesity Interventions ◽

The One ◽

And Control

Abstract School-based studies, despite the large number of studies conducted, have reported inconclusive results on obesity prevention. The sample size is a major constraint in such studies by requiring large samples. This pooled analysis overcomes this problem by analysing 5926 students (mean age 11·5 years) from five randomised school-based interventions. These studies focused on encouraging students to change their drinking and eating habits, and physical activities over the one school year, with monthly 1-h sessions in the classroom; culinary class aimed at developing cooking skills to increase healthy eating and attempts to family engagement. Pooled intention-to-treat analysis using linear mixed models accounted for school clusters. Control and intervention groups were balanced at baseline. The overall result was a non-significant change in BMI after one school year of positive changes in behaviours associated with obesity. Estimated mean BMI changed from 19·02 to 19·22 kg/m2 in the control group and from 19·08 to 19·32 kg/m2 in the intervention group (P value of change over time = 0·09). Subgroup analyses among those overweight or with obesity at baseline also did not show differences between intervention and control groups. The percentage of fat measured by bioimpedance indicated a small reduction in the control compared with intervention (P = 0·05). This large pooled analysis showed no effect on obesity measures, although promising results were observed about modifying behaviours associated with obesity.

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Heritage Artefacts in the COVID-19 Era: The Aura and Authenticity of 3D Models

Open Archaeology ◽

10.1515/opar-2020-0147 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 519-539

Author(s):

Thiago Minete Cardozo ◽

Costas Papadopoulos

Keyword(s):

User Experience ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

3D Models ◽

Essential Elements ◽

The Other ◽

Social Distancing ◽

The Public ◽

Affective Experiences ◽

The One ◽

Digital Engagement

Abstract Museums have been increasingly investing in their digital presence. This became more pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic since heritage institutions had, on the one hand, to temporarily close their doors to visitors while, on the other, find ways to communicate their collections to the public. Virtual tours, revamped websites, and 3D models of cultural artefacts were only a few of the means that museums devised to create alternative ways of digital engagement and counteract the physical and social distancing measures. Although 3D models and collections provide novel ways to interact, visualise, and comprehend the materiality and sensoriality of physical objects, their mediation in digital forms misses essential elements that contribute to (virtual) visitor/user experience. This article explores three-dimensional digitisations of museum artefacts, particularly problematising their aura and authenticity in comparison to their physical counterparts. Building on several studies that have problematised these two concepts, this article establishes an exploratory framework aimed at evaluating the experience of aura and authenticity in 3D digitisations. This exploration allowed us to conclude that even though some aspects of aura and authenticity are intrinsically related to the physicality and materiality of the original, 3D models can still manifest aura and authenticity, as long as a series of parameters, including multimodal contextualisation, interactivity, and affective experiences are facilitated.

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