To help circumvent reading disability (RD) decoding difficulty, Text-To-Speech (TTS) software can be used to present written language audibly. Although TTS software is currently being used to help RD students, there is a lack of empirically supported literature to inform developers and users of TTS software on best practices. This dissertation investigated two methods to determine whether they increase the effectiveness of TTS for RD and typically-developing students. The first method compared low and high quality TTS voices in regards to understanding. TTS voice quality was identified by having 40 university students listen to and rate the quality of 10 commonly used TTS voices and 2 human voices. Three voices were chosen for the subsequent study based on the ratings; one low quality TTS, one high quality TTS, and one natural voice (Microsoft Mary, AT&T Crystal, and Susan, respectively). Understanding was assessed with tests of intelligibility and comprehensibility. Forty-five grade 6 to 8 students who were identified as having a RD were compared to same-age typically-developing peers. Results showed high quality TTS and natural voice were more intelligible than the low quality TTS voice, and high quality TTS voice resulted in higher comprehensibility scores than low quality TTS and natural voice. The second method investigated whether it is possible to increase a student’s comprehension when using TTS by modifying the presentation style of the TTS voice. The presentation style was manipulated in two ways: varying the speed at which the TTS presented the materials (120, 150, 180 words per minute) and the presence of pauses varied (no pauses inserted, random pauses inserted, or 500 millisecond pauses at the end of noun phrases). Due to a floor effect on the comprehension of the texts the expected results were not obtained. A follow up analysis compared the participants’ prosodic sensitivity skills based on whether they had a specific language impairment, (SLI) a reading impairment (RI), or were typically-developing. Results suggested that SLI has significantly less auditory working memory then RI impacting their auditory processing. Recommendations for future research and the use of TTS based on different learning profiles are provided.

To help circumvent reading disability (RD) decoding difficulty, Text-To-Speech (TTS) software can be used to present written language audibly. Although TTS software is currently being used to help RD students, there is a lack of empirically supported literature to inform developers and users of TTS software on best practices. This dissertation investigated two methods to determine whether they increase the effectiveness of TTS for RD and typically-developing students. The first method compared low and high quality TTS voices in regards to understanding. TTS voice quality was identified by having 40 university students listen to and rate the quality of 10 commonly used TTS voices and 2 human voices. Three voices were chosen for the subsequent study based on the ratings; one low quality TTS, one high quality TTS, and one natural voice (Microsoft Mary, AT&T Crystal, and Susan, respectively). Understanding was assessed with tests of intelligibility and comprehensibility. Forty-five grade 6 to 8 students who were identified as having a RD were compared to same-age typically-developing peers. Results showed high quality TTS and natural voice were more intelligible than the low quality TTS voice, and high quality TTS voice resulted in higher comprehensibility scores than low quality TTS and natural voice. The second method investigated whether it is possible to increase a student’s comprehension when using TTS by modifying the presentation style of the TTS voice. The presentation style was manipulated in two ways: varying the speed at which the TTS presented the materials (120, 150, 180 words per minute) and the presence of pauses varied (no pauses inserted, random pauses inserted, or 500 millisecond pauses at the end of noun phrases). Due to a floor effect on the comprehension of the texts the expected results were not obtained. A follow up analysis compared the participants’ prosodic sensitivity skills based on whether they had a specific language impairment, (SLI) a reading impairment (RI), or were typically-developing. Results suggested that SLI has significantly less auditory working memory then RI impacting their auditory processing. Recommendations for future research and the use of TTS based on different learning profiles are provided.

Powered orthotic devices can be used to restore mobility to the impaired user, and may thereby assist them in daily living tasks. An investigation is performed herein to examine the feasibility of a powered lower-limb orthotic in assisting the sit-to-stand task by 50% of the required torque. Feasibility is considered via simulation. A three-link sit-to-stand model, which is driven by kinematic data, is developed. Models of a Pneumatic Muscle Actuator and a DC motor are used to determine which of the two technologies can make a more appropriate contribution to the sit-to-stand task. Simulation revealed that both the Pneumatic Muscle Actuator and the DC motor are reasonable actuator choices, and neither limited the ability to achieve 50% torque assistance. The ability to assist the task was, however, limited by the ability to derive a control signal for the actuator from the user-orthotic interface. It was concluded that the user-orthotic interface requires further investigation. It was also found that while both actuator technologies are suitable for contributing 50% of the required torque, the Pneumatic Muscle Actuator is preferable due to its ability to scale to greater torques.

Powered orthotic devices can be used to restore mobility to the impaired user, and may thereby assist them in daily living tasks. An investigation is performed herein to examine the feasibility of a powered lower-limb orthotic in assisting the sit-to-stand task by 50% of the required torque. Feasibility is considered via simulation. A three-link sit-to-stand model, which is driven by kinematic data, is developed. Models of a Pneumatic Muscle Actuator and a DC motor are used to determine which of the two technologies can make a more appropriate contribution to the sit-to-stand task. Simulation revealed that both the Pneumatic Muscle Actuator and the DC motor are reasonable actuator choices, and neither limited the ability to achieve 50% torque assistance. The ability to assist the task was, however, limited by the ability to derive a control signal for the actuator from the user-orthotic interface. It was concluded that the user-orthotic interface requires further investigation. It was also found that while both actuator technologies are suitable for contributing 50% of the required torque, the Pneumatic Muscle Actuator is preferable due to its ability to scale to greater torques.

Submitted by Liara Mucio de Mattos null (liaramattos@gmail.com) on 2017-10-24T21:52:58Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Liara M de Mattos.pdf: 6359270 bytes, checksum: 41af22c13736ccfb6007e72b692f7a1a (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luiz Galeffi (luizgaleffi@gmail.com) on 2017-10-26T18:16:58Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 mattos_lm_me_bauru.pdf: 6359270 bytes, checksum: 41af22c13736ccfb6007e72b692f7a1a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-10-26T18:16:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 mattos_lm_me_bauru.pdf: 6359270 bytes, checksum: 41af22c13736ccfb6007e72b692f7a1a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-24 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Os objetos de uso diário comunicam algo sobre quem os utiliza e as pessoas tendem naturalmente a associar esses produtos com a personalidade do usuário. Assim como a maioria das Tecnologias Assistivas, em muitos casos a cadeira de rodas manual não possui aparência agradável e tem sido associada a julgamentos negativos com relação a quem os utiliza. Nesse sentido, este estudo, de caráter transversal, tem como objetivo avaliar o julgamento visual de cadeiras de rodas manuais por sujeitos não usuários, com a finalidade de verificar se existe relação entre características do design deste objeto e percepções negativas (estigma) relacionadas a quem o utiliza. Para isso, foram utilizadas fotografias de 6 modelos diferentes de cadeiras, uma cadeira comum de madeira e 5 cadeiras de rodas diferentes. A pesquisa contou com a participação de 156 estudantes de graduação e pós-graduação das três faculdades do campus de Bauru da UNESP (FAAC, FC e FEB). Para avaliação das imagens foi utilizado um protocolo de Diferencial Semântico composto de 14 pares de adjetivos opostos relacionados a um julgamento da pessoa que utiliza a cadeira. Os sujeitos responderam de forma anônima a um dos seis testes de Diferencial Semântico disponível por meio digital e, em seguida, um questionário a respeito do grau de convivência com usuários de cadeiras de rodas. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva (média e desvio padrão) e os testes estatísticos de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney e Teste “T” foram utilizados para comparação de médias. Os resultados sugerem que a cadeira de rodas implica em julgamento negativo sobre quem a utiliza e que o julgamento de pessoas usuárias de cadeiras de rodas é influenciado pela aparência dos equipamentos que utilizam. Além disso, aparentemente, a proximidade de um indivíduo com outro que utiliza cadeiras de rodas interfere de forma positiva no julgamento dos mesmos. Os resultados podem contribuir para se repensar o design da cadeira de rodas, especialmente em suas funções estéticas e simbólicas, de modo a lançar um novo olhar sobre as pessoas com deficiência. / The everyday objects communicate about who uses it and people naturally tend to associate those products with the user's personality. Most of Assistive Technologies, including manual wheelchairs, do not have pleasant appearance and. In this sense, this cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the visual judgment of manual wheelchairs by non-users in order to verify if there are a relation between characteristics in the design of this object and negative perceptions (stigma) about who uses it. To this study, used photograph 6 different models of chairs, a common wooden chair and 5 different wheelchairs. For the tests, 156 students of undergraduate and graduate levels participated from the three campus of colleges of UNESP/Bauru (FAAC, FC e FEB). The subjects responded anonymously to one of six semantic differential tests available in digital media and, after that, a questionnaire about the degree of interaction with users of wheelchairs. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and the statistical tests of Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Test "T" were used to compare means. The results suggests that the wheelchair implies a negative judgment about who uses it and the judgment about wheelchairs users is influenced by the appearance of the equipment that they use. Furthermore, apparently, the proximity of an individual to wheelchairs users interferes positively in their judgment. The results can contribute to rethinking the design of the wheelchair, especially in its aesthetic and symbolic functions, in order to throw a new look at people with disabilities. / CNPq: 458740/2013-6

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a behaviour disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD is often associated with co-morbid disorders like bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The diagnosis of ADHD is clinically established by a review of symptoms and impairment from the child’s young age. There are numerous assistive technologies that exist for people suffering from ADHD but there exists a research gap in developing self-reflective tools for people with neurodevelopmental disorders. This paper bridges this research gap for students at Malmö University. This project will focus on developing a personalized interactive AI-based system that captures contextual data, analyses it to find relevant patterns in user’s behaviour, and visualizes it effectively to provide students with ADHD with insights into the parameters influencing the nature of their disorder. The project is performed under a Double Diamond method which allows for iteration. The methods used mostly comprise co-design methods to ensure the concept caters to the user’s needs. The project is based on learnings from three key areas: Interactive AI, Personal Informatics and Systems as dialogue partners.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) is a collective name for diagnoses such as ADHD, ASD/Autism, Tourette’s syndrome and language disorders. A child with these diagnoses has different deficits that can be divided into the following problem areas; Social interaction, Learning difficulties, Memory and motor skills, and Concentration difficulties. In order for these children to cope with their everyday lives, they need support in the form of assistive aid products or human care. This investigative work has been done in collaboration with Komikapp AB and focused on developing a product within the assistive technology industry. The goal was to design an assistive aid for children with NDD diagnoses that offers increased school performance. The work was planned through the design processes Double Diamond process and Design Thinking process and is placed within the framework of Eco Design. The project was initiated with literature studies on the different diagnoses together with what products were available on the current market. From the background research, conclusions could be drawn that the products were often considered to be large and bulky, stationary, non-discreet and had a childish appearance. It could also be stated that appreciated products were fidget toys that stimulate the user through tactile senses, such as stress balls. In addition, the product aid market for older children, those in their adolescence, was small. The decision was made to narrow down the target group for children in the higher stages of Swedish comprehensive school and that the problem area for the work should be focused on Concentration difficulties. The investigation was followed by a questionnaire sent to people who work or have worked within the teaching profession. Moreover, in-depth interviews were conducted with a principal at an NDD-adapted higher-stage school, an occupational therapist at Stockholm’s ADHD centre and five teaching assistants. After all the information was gathered, brainstorming methods were used to break down the chosen problem area, Concentration difficulties. A smaller subgroup to the problem area was observed and assumed to benefit the work from a course goal perspective. The new niche problem area was Time perception. Based on this choice, further market research was carried out on aids in the category of time perception. This was followed by ideation, which produced five concepts. Three of these were taken for further development after an evaluation. Common to all concepts was that the product would help the user perceive time by showing time, date and day as well as having features to set alarms and timers with a visual explanation of the remaining time. After workshops with three people in professions that deal with NDD diagnoses on a daily basis, and two design engineering students, the Flexitime concept was chosen. This concept was the watch that offered a discreet design and an option to also include a fidget function. The detailed design of the Flexitime watch began and further market research was done on today’s range of smartwatches. A survey was also sent out to young people between the ages of 12-16 to gain an understanding of what kind of design attracts the target group. The survey received 39 respondents and a 50/50 gender split which laid the foundation for the design methods used to achieve the exterior design. The watch’s inner design and user scenarios were designed for a final design proposal. The fidget feature and the navigation to set timers or to turn on/off the sound of the watch were determined. The final design proposal for the assistive product Flexitime was a discreet, user-friendly, simple watch designed for teenagers to use into adulthood. The watch had not only features to help the user understand and perceive time, but a fidget feature to tame restless fingers. The dial for navigating the watch’s menu also offered the ability to rotate freely and generate tactile stimulation through its structure. This investigative work and the final design proposal for Flexitime form a basis for further work. / Neuropsykiatriska funktionsnedsättningar (NPF) är ett samlingsnamn för diagnoser som ADHD, AST/Autism, Tourettes syndrom och språksvårigheter. Ett barn med dessa diagnoser har olika svårigheter som kan delas in efter följande problemområden; Social interaktion, Inlärningssvårigheter, Minne och motorik samt Koncentrationssvårigheter. För att dessa barn ska klara av sin vardag behöver de stöd i form av hjälpmedelsprodukter eller mänsklig vård. Detta utredningsarbete har gjorts i samarbete med Komikapp AB och fokuserats på framtagning av en produkt inom hjälpmedelsbranschen. Målet var att designa ett hjälpmedel för barn med NPF diagnoser som erbjuder en ökad prestation i skolan. Arbetet projekterades genom designprocesserna Double Diamond processen samt Design Thinking processen och placerar sig inom ramen för Eco Design. Projektet inleddes med litteraturundersökningar för de olika diagnoserna samt vilka produkter som finns för dessa på marknaden idag. Från bakgrundsinsamlingen kunde slutsatser dras om att produkterna ansågs ofta vara stora och klumpiga, stationära, ha ett barnsligt utseende och icke-diskreta. Det kunde också konstateras att produkter som uppskattades var pillerillprodukter som stimulerar användaren genom taktila sinnen som exempelvis stressbollar. Dessutom var utbudet för äldre barn, tonåringar, litet. Beslutet togs att målgruppen skulle avsmalnas till barn i högstadieåldern och att problemområdet för arbetet ska fokuseras på Koncentrationssvårigheter. Utredningen fortsatte genom utskick av frågeformulär till personer som jobbar eller tidigare har jobbat inom läraryrket samt djupa intervjuer med en rektor på en NPF anpassad högstadieskola, en terapeut på Stockholms ADHD-center och 5 lärarassistenter. Efter all informationsinsamling användes brainstorm metoder för att bryta ner det valda problemområdet, Koncentrationssvårigheter. En mindre subgrupp under problemområdet observerades och antogs gynna arbetet utifrån ett kursmål-perspektiv. Det nya nischade problemområdet var Tidsuppfattning. Utifrån detta val gjordes ytterligare marknadsundersökningar på hjälpmedel i kategorin tidsuppfattning. Därefter följde en idegenerering som frambringade fem koncept. Tre av dessa togs till vidareutveckling efter en utvärdering. Gemensamt för alla koncept var att produkten skulle hjälpa användaren uppfatta tiden genom att ange tid, datum och dag samt ha funktionerna att ställa alarm och timers med bildlig förklaring av kvarstående tid. Efter workshops med tre personer inom yrken som dagligen handskas med NPF diagnoser, och två designingenjörs-studenter valdes konceptet Flexitime. Detta koncept var armbandsuret som erbjöd en diskret design och möjlighet till att även inkludera en pillerillfunktion. Den detaljerade designen av klockan Flexitime påbörjades och ytterligare marknadsundersökningar gjordes på dagens utbud av smartwatches. Även en enkät skickades ut ungdommar mellan 12-16 år för att få en förståelse av vad för design som attraherar målgruppen. Enkäten fick 39 respondenter och en 50/50 könsfördelninng vilket la grunden för de designmetoder som användes för att nå den utvändiga designen. Klockans inre funktioner och användarscenarion designades för ett slutgiltigt designförslag. Pillerillfunktionen samt navigeringen, för att stänga av/sätta på klockans ljud och ställa timers, bestämdes. Det slutgiltiga designförslaget på hjälpmedelsprodukten Flexitime var en diskret, användarvänlig, simpel klocka designad för tonåringar att använda upp till vuxenåldern. Klockan hade inte bara funktioner för att hjälpa användaren förstå och uppfatta tiden, utan även en pillerillfunktion för att tämja rastlösa fingrar. Ratten för att navigera i klockans meny erbjöd även möjligheten att rotera fritt och generera taktil stimulering genom dess struktur. Detta utredningsarbete och det slutgiltiga designförslaget på Flexitime utgör en god grund till fortsatt arbete.