Effect of a Dynamic Keyboard and Word Prediction Systems on Text Input Speed in Patients with Functional Tetraplegia

International audienceInformation technology plays a very important role in society. People with disabilities are often limited by slow text input speed despite the use of assistive devices. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a dynamic on-screen keyboard (Custom Virtual Keyboard) and a word-prediction system (Sibylle) on text input speed in participants with functional tetraplegia. Ten participants tested four modes at home (static on-screen keyboard with and without word prediction and dynamic on-screen keyboard with and without word prediction) for 1 mo before choosing one mode and then using it for another month. Initial mean text input speed was around 23 words per minute with the static keyboard and 12 words per minute with the dynamic keyboard. The results showed that the dynamic keyboard reduced text input speed by 37% compared with the standard keyboard and that the addition of word prediction had no effect on text input speed. We suggest that current forms of dynamic keyboards and word prediction may not be suitable for increasing text input speed, particularly for subjects who use pointing devices. Future studies should evaluate the optimal ergonomic design of dynamic keyboards and the number and position of words that should be predicted

Understanding Boreout: A New Measure of Employee Well-Being

Boreout, the opposite of burnout, arises when employees feel disengaged, lack meaning in their work, or face underutilization. This can harm both employee well-being and organizational outcomes, such as performance and retention. To better assess boreout, we developed a new scale based on existing measures, focusing on two factors: Workplace Boredom and Underutilization. Data from 150 participants showed high reliability for both factors, contributing to the understanding of boreout and offering a validated tool for future research

A VISIT TO "JESUS HILFE" OR THE LEPROUS HOSPITAL OF JERUSALEM.

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The effect of air drying, freeze drying, and air drying partially freeze-dried carrots on the quality of compressed carrot bars

Vita.This study was designed to objectively and subjectively investigate the effect of air drying, freeze drying, and air drying of partially freeze-dried carrots on the quality of compressed carrot bars. Quality attributes measured were Gardner Color, Allo-Kramer shear, rehydration, retention of selected nutrients, and sensory acceptance. Carotenoids were separated by column chromatography, alpha tocopherol was determined by GLC, and ascorbic acid was determined by the dichlorophenolindophenol titration method. Freeze drying was found to do the least damage to carotene, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid. Complete air drying had the most harmful effect on these nutrients. The treatments which consisted of air dehydration of partially freeze-dried carrots were intermediate in their effects. In general the longer the air drying operation the more deleterious the treatment. The sensory panel could differentiate the air dried samples but was unable to delineate differences between totally freeze-dried carrots and carrots which were partially freeze-dried prior to air drying. Scanning electron microscopy proved to be a useful tool in explaining differences in texture and rehydration

The effect of air drying, freeze drying, and air drying partially freeze-dried carrots on the quality of compressed carrot bars

Vita.This study was designed to objectively and subjectively investigate the effect of air drying, freeze drying, and air drying of partially freeze-dried carrots on the quality of compressed carrot bars. Quality attributes measured were Gardner Color, Allo-Kramer shear, rehydration, retention of selected nutrients, and sensory acceptance. Carotenoids were separated by column chromatography, alpha tocopherol was determined by GLC, and ascorbic acid was determined by the dichlorophenolindophenol titration method. Freeze drying was found to do the least damage to carotene, alpha-tocopherol, and ascorbic acid. Complete air drying had the most harmful effect on these nutrients. The treatments which consisted of air dehydration of partially freeze-dried carrots were intermediate in their effects. In general the longer the air drying operation the more deleterious the treatment. The sensory panel could differentiate the air dried samples but was unable to delineate differences between totally freeze-dried carrots and carrots which were partially freeze-dried prior to air drying. Scanning electron microscopy proved to be a useful tool in explaining differences in texture and rehydration