Transfer Effects from Listening to Frequency-Controlled and Frequency-Shifted Accelerated Speech

1981 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
William P. Wallace ◽  
Georgette Koury
Keyword(s):  
Speech Signal ◽  
Speech Rate ◽  
Test Sentence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Transfer Effects ◽  
Intelligibility Test ◽  
Tonal Frequency ◽  
Sentence Intelligibility

Two experiments examined intelligibility of sentences reproduced with increased tonal frequency (the spectrum of the speech signal shifted upward), increased speech rate, or both frequency and speech rate increased. The first experiment showed that both the frequency and speech rate increases independently impaired sentence intelligibility. Sentences played back at increased rates and increased frequencies also were perceived as having been spoken more rapidly. In the second experiment subjects listened either to practice sentences played back at frequency-shifted (FS) or frequency-controlled (FC) accelerated rates. Subsequent to this practice, an intelligibility test was given on 10 FS and 10 FC accelerated sentences played back at double speed. The accelerated sentences were more intelligible for practice groups than for a no-practice control group, and FC accelerated rates produced more intelligible sentences than FS acceleration. The specific training experiences produced an interaction with the type of test-sentence acceleration early in transfer. The FS accelerated sentences were more intelligible following FS practice compared to FC practice, and the FC accelerated sentences were more intelligible following FC practice compared to FS practice.

scholarly journals The Effect of Clear Speech on Cantonese Alaryngeal Speakers’ Intelligibility

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Tak Fai Hui ◽  
Steven Randall Cox ◽  
Ting Huang ◽  
Wei-Rong Chen ◽  
Manwa Lawrence Ng
Keyword(s):  
Preliminary Data ◽  
Speech Rate ◽  
Speaking Rate ◽  
Clear Speech ◽  
Heterogeneous Groups ◽  
Intelligibility Test ◽  
Sentence Intelligibility ◽  
Communication Methods ◽  
Training Protocols

<b><i>Background/Aim:</i></b> The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary data concerning the effect of clear speech (CS) on Cantonese alaryngeal speakers’ intelligibility. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Voice recordings of 11 sentences randomly selected from the Cantonese Sentence Intelligibility Test (CSIT) were obtained from 31 alaryngeal speakers (9 electrolarynx [EL] users, 10 esophageal speakers and 12 tracheoesophageal [TE] speakers) in habitual speech (HS) and CS. Two naïve listeners orthographically transcribed a total of 1,364 sentences. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Significant effects of speaking condition on speaking rate and CSIT scores were observed, but no significant effect of alaryngeal communication methods was noted. CS was significantly slower than HS by 0.78 syllables/s. Esophageal speakers demonstrated the slowest speech rate when using CS, while EL users demonstrated the largest decrease in speaking rate when using CS compared to HS. TE speakers had the highest CSIT scores in HS (listener 1 = 81.4%; listener 2 = 81.3%), and esophageal speakers had the highest CSIT scores in CS (listener 1 = 87.5%; listener 2 = 89.7%). EL users experienced the largest increase in intelligibility while using CS compared to HS (9.1%) followed by esophageal speakers (8.9%) and TE speakers (1.4%). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Preliminary data indicate that CS may significantly affect Cantonese alaryngeal speakers’ speaking rate and intelligibility. However, intelligibility appeared to vary considerably across speakers. Further research involving larger, heterogeneous groups of speakers and listeners alongside longer and more refined CS training protocols should be conducted to confirm that CS can improve Cantonese alaryngeal speakers’ intelligibility.

scholarly journals PETTLEP imagery and tennis service performance: an applied investigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nafih Cherappurath ◽  
Masilamani Elayaraja ◽  
Dilshith A. Kabeer ◽  
Amila Anjum ◽  
Paris Vogazianos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Service Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Imagery Training ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Junior Tennis

AbstractTennis is one of the most popular and widely played sports enjoyed by players of different age groups and genders as a profession as well as a mode of recreation. A novel method, PETTLEP imagery combines both conventional and non-conventional style of training of an athlete and improves one’s performance. This study aimed to analyze the tennis service performance of junior tennis players based on PETTLEP imagery training. Forty-four junior male tennis players (Mage=13.22 years, SD=0.42) were selected for the study. The investigator handed over the MIQ-R questionnaire to all the participants in which they scored 16 and above points as per previous research. The participants were equally divided (n=11) into three experimental groups (E1, E2, and E3) and a control group. The service performance outcomes of all the players were compared before and after a training session. The three experimental groups were assigned with service-specific training, service-specific training combined with PETTLEP imagery training, and PETTLEP imagery training alone, respectively, for three days per week for 12 weeks. They were tested on their service accuracy based on the International tennis number (ITN) manual on-court assessment test. The data were assessed for normality and analyzed using non-parametric methods to reveal main effects (each training method alone) as well as to calculate the combined effect of PETTLEP and service-specific training. Certain significant improvements in tennis service were observed with service-specific training alone. Though it marginally outperformed the PETTLEP imagery method, the most improved services were observed with both PETTLEP and service-specific training utilized together. This implies an additive effect when both methods are used together.

Speech Synthesis Using Damped Sinusoids

2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
James M. Hillenbrand ◽  
Robert A. Houde
Keyword(s):  
Spectrum Analysis ◽  
Speech Signal ◽  
Speech Synthesis ◽  
Fourier Spectrum ◽  
Fundamental Period ◽  
Speech Synthesizer ◽  
Perceptual Evaluation ◽  
Random Intervals ◽  
Sentence Intelligibility ◽  
Nonsense Syllables

A speech synthesizer was developed that operates by summing exponentially damped sinusoids at frequencies and amplitudes corresponding to peaks derived from the spectrum envelope of the speech signal. The spectrum analysis begins with the calculation of a smoothed Fourier spectrum. A masking threshold is then computed for each frame as the running average of spectral amplitudes over an 800-Hz window. In a rough simulation of lateral suppression, the running average is then subtracted from the smoothed spectrum (with negative spectral values set to zero), producing a masked spectrum. The signal is resynthesized by summing exponentially damped sinusoids at frequencies corresponding to peaks in the masked spectra. If a periodicity measure indicates that a given analysis frame is voiced, the damped sinusoids are pulsed at a rate corresponding to the measured fundamental period. For unvoiced speech, the damped sinusoids are pulsed on and off at random intervals. A perceptual evaluation of speech produced by the damped sinewave synthesizer showed excellent sentence intelligibility, excellent intelligibility for vowels in /hVd/ syllables, and fair intelligibility for consonants in CV nonsense syllables.

scholarly journals Long-Term and Transfer Effects of an Action Control Intervention in Overweight Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Text Messages

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corina Berli ◽  
Urte Scholz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Action Control ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Transfer Effects ◽  
Control Intervention

Keeping a physically active lifestyle requires consistent self-regulatory effort such as action control (e.g., continuously monitoring and evaluating a behavior in terms of one’s goals). Involving the romantic partner in interventions might be particularly effective in the long run. The present study examined the long-term and transfer effects of an action control intervention in couples using text messaging for promoting target persons’ and partners’ physical activity, anthropometric measures and physical fitness 6 months post baseline. A total of 121 overweight and obese romantic couples, randomly allocated to an intervention (n = 60; information + action control text messages) or a control group (n = 61; information only) and to participating as target person or partner, completed baseline assessments (T1). 100 couples (82.6%) completed the 6-month follow-up (T3) assessment. Primary outcomes included self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and objective MVPA and MVPA adherence using triaxial accelerometers across a diary period of 14 days after T3. Secondary outcomes included BMI, waist-to-hip circumference and physical fitness (target persons only) using a submaximal aerobic cycle test. At T3, there were no significant between-group differences between target persons and partners with regard to their objective MVPA, self-reported MVPA, BMI, waist-hip ratio or physical fitness. No significant changes in outcomes were observed from T1 to T3; however, changes in BMI from T1 to T3 between target persons and partners in the intervention group were associated. Overall, the brief 14-days action control intervention was not effective in improving target person’s physical activity, body measures and physical fitness in the long-term. Moreover, no long-term benefits for partners emerged. While brief ecological momentary interventions might be a promising tool for short-term effects, future studies are needed to test features enhancing long-term effectiveness. Associations in romantic partners’ changes suggest that dyadic interventions can be a promising approach, as changes induced in one partner may then transfer over to the other (controlled-trials.com ISRCTN15705531).

Effects of Cognitive Training on Cognitive Performance of Healthy Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Teles Santos Golino ◽  
Carmen Flores Mendoza ◽  
Hudson Fernandes Golino
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Digit Symbol ◽  
Transfer Effects ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Picture Completion

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of cognitive training on healthy older adults and verify the transfer effects of targeted and non-targeted abilities. The design consisted of a semi-randomized clinical controlled trial. The final sample was composed of 80 volunteers recruited from a Brazilian community (mean age = 69.69; SD = 7.44), which were separated into an intervention group (N = 47; mean age = 69.66, SD = 7.51) and a control group (N = 33; mean age = 69.73, SD = 7.45). Intervention was characterized by adaptive cognitive training with 12 individual training sessions of 60 to 90 minutes (once a week). Eight instruments were used to assess effects of cognitive training. Five were used to assess trained abilities (near effects), including: Memorization Tests (List and History), Picture Completion, Digit Span, Digit Symbol-Coding, and Symbol Search (the last four from WAIS-III). Two instruments assessed untrained abilities (far effects): Arithmetic and Matrix Reasoning (WAIS-III). The non-parametric repeated measures ANOVA test revealed a significant interaction between group by time interaction for Picture Completion [F(74) = 14.88, p = .0002, d = 0.90, CLES = 73.69%], Digit Symbol-Coding [F(74) = 5.66, p = .019, d = 0.55, CLES = 65.21%] and Digit Span [F(74) = 5.38, p = .02, d = 0.54, CLES = 64.85%], suggesting an interventional impact on these performance tasks. The results supported near transfer effects, but did not demonstrate a far transfer effects.

scholarly journals Separate and Combined Influence of Cognitive Impairment and Dysarthria on Functional Communication in Multiple Sclerosis

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 1051-1065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynda Feenaughty ◽  
Kris Tjaden ◽  
Bianca Weinstock-Guttman ◽  
Ralph H. B. Benedict
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Functional Communication ◽  
Group Assignment ◽  
Communication Problems ◽  
Intelligibility Test ◽  
Sentence Intelligibility ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Dysarthria is a consequence of multiple sclerosis (MS) that can co-occur with cognitive impairment. Clinical management thus requires understanding the separate and combined effects of dysarthria and cognitive impairment on functional communication in MS. This study compared perceptual measures of intelligibility and speech severity that capture functional communication deficits for 4 operationally defined groups with MS. The relationship between communication participation and perceptual measures was also examined. Method Forty-eight adults with MS and 12 healthy controls participated. Cognitive testing and dysarthria diagnosis determined group assignment: (a) MS with cognitive impairment (MSCI), (b) MS with a diagnosis of dysarthria and no cognitive impairment (MSDYS), (c) MS with dysarthria and cognitive impairment (MSDYS + CI), and (d) MS without dysarthria or cognitive impairment (MS). Sentence Intelligibility Test scores, scaled speech severity obtained from the “Grandfather Passage,” and Communication Participation Item Bank (CPIB) scores were analyzed. Results Sentence Intelligibility Test scores approached 100% for all groups. Speech severity was greater for the MSDYS + CI and MSDYS groups versus controls. CPIB scores were greatest for the MSDYS + CI group and were not significantly correlated with either perceptual measure. Conclusions The CPIB and speech severity were sensitive to aspects of communication problems for some groups with MS not reflected in a measure of sentence intelligibility. Findings suggest the importance of employing a variety of measures to capture functional communication problems experienced by persons with MS.

Training of Spatial Ability on Engineering Students Through a Remedial Course Based on Augmented Reality

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Martín-Gutiérrez ◽  
Cristina Roca González ◽  
Melchor García Domínguez
Keyword(s):  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Spatial Ability ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Spatial Skills ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Spanish Universities

This paper presents the results of a study designed to evaluate the effect of attending an intensive remedial course based on desktop augmented reality exercises to improve the spatial ability of freshman engineering students. Many of these students have problems in managing visual information or in creating mental models of objects represented by their orthographic projections. The study reports about research on comparison tests about the spatial skills of engineering students from two Spanish universities before and after performing a specific training for improving these abilities. The training was completed by 66 students as participants, considering a control group composed of 25 students from both universities. Results show that students from both universities improve their spatial ability and there is no statistical significance between students from both universities, neither before nor after training, so we may conclude that training’s effect on both universities is analogue.

The efficacy of a multifactorial memory training in older adults living in residential care settings

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1885-1897 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Vranić ◽  
Ana Marija Španić ◽  
Barbara Carretti ◽  
Erika Borella
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Transfer Effects ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Criterion Task

ABSTRACTBackground:Several studies have shown an increase in memory performance after teaching mnemonic techniques to older participants. However, transfer effects to non-trained tasks are generally either very small, or not found.Methods:The present study investigates the efficacy of a multifactorial memory training program for older adults living in a residential care center. The program combines teaching of memory strategies with activities based on metacognitive (metamemory) and motivational aspects. Specific training-related gains in the Immediate list recall task (criterion task), as well as transfer effects on measures of short-term memory, long-term memory, working memory, motivational (need for cognition), and metacognitive aspects (subjective measure of one's memory) were examined. Maintenance of training benefits was assessed after seven months.Fifty-one older adults living in a residential care center, with no cognitive impairments, participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to two programs: the experimental group attended the training program, while the active control group was involved in a program in which different psychological issues were discussed.Results:A benefit in the criterion task and substantial general transfer effects were found for the trained group, but not for the active control, and they were maintained at the seven months follow-up.Conclusion:Our results suggest that training procedures, which combine teaching of strategies with metacognitive–motivational aspects, can improve cognitive functioning and attitude toward cognitive activities in older adults.

Benefits of training working memory in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: specific and transfer effects

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Carretti ◽  
Erika Borella ◽  
Silvia Fostinelli ◽  
Michela Zavagnin
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Transfer Effects ◽  
Memory Problems

ABSTRACTBackground:A growing number of studies are attempting to understand how effective cognitive interventions may be for patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), particularly in relation to their memory problems.Methods:The present study aimed to explore the benefits of a working memory (WM) training program in aMCI patients. Patients (N= 20) were randomly assigned to two training programs: the experimental group practiced with a verbal WM task, while the active control group conducted educational activities on memory.Results:Results showed that the aMCI patients completing the WM training obtained specific gains in the task trained with some transfer effects on other WM measures (visuospatial WM) and on processes involved in or related to WM, e.g. fluid intelligence (the Cattell test) and long-term memory. This was not the case for the aMCI control group, who experienced only a very limited improvement.Conclusion:This pilot study suggests that WM training could be a valuable method for improving cognitive performance in aMCI patients, possibly delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

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