A. Gonzalez

Bio: A. Gonzalez is an academic researcher from Federico Santa María Technical University. The author has contributed to research in topics: The Internet & Asynchronous communication. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 14 publications receiving 104 citations. Previous affiliations of A. Gonzalez include Old Dominion University & Valparaiso University.

Real-time estimation of aerodynamic features for ambulatory voice biofeedback

Abstract: The development of ambulatory voice monitoring devices has the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. In this proof-of-concept study, real-time biofeedback is incorporated into a smartphone-based platform that records and processes neck surface acceleration. The focus is on utilizing aerodynamic measures of vocal function as a basis for biofeedback. This is done using regressed Z-scores to compare recorded values to normative estimates based on sound pressure level and fundamental frequency. Initial results from the analysis of different voice qualities suggest that accelerometer-based estimates of aerodynamic parameters can be used for real-time ambulatory biofeedback.

IRI-h, a Java-based distance education system: architecture and performance

Abstract: We used our Original Interactive Remote Instruction (IRI) system to teach scores of university classes over the past years at sites up to 300 km apart. While this system is a prototype, its use in real classes allows us to deal with crucial issues in distributed education instruction systems. We describe our motivation and vision for a reimplementation of IRI that supports synchronous and asynchronous distance education. This new version, called IRI-h (h for hetergeneous), is coded in Java and executes on several different platforms. IRI-h extends IRI both to multiple platforms and heterogeneous network experiences with the developing prototype, including preliminary performance evaluation, and also unresolved issues still to be addressed.

Biomedical signal acquisition, processing and transmission using smartphone

Abstract: This article describes technical aspects involved in the programming of a system of acquisition, processing and transmission of biomedical signals by using mobile devices. This task is aligned with the permanent development of new technologies for the diagnosis and sickness treatment, based on the feasibility of measuring continuously different variables as electrocardiographic signals, blood pressure, oxygen concentration, pulse or simply temperature. The contribution of this technology is settled on its portability and low cost, which allows its massive use. Specifically this work analyzes the feasibility of acquisition and the processing of signals from a standard smartphone. Work results allow to state that nowadays these equipments have enough processing capacity to execute signals acquisition systems. These systems along with external servers make it possible to imagine a near future where the possibility of making continuous measures of biomedical variables will not be restricted only to hospitals but will also begin to be more frequently used in the daily life and at home.

Use of Web Technology for Interactive Remote Instruction

Abstract: Advancements in web technology are changing learning paradigms. In this paper we relate various learning paradigms to existing technology and describe two approaches in IRI to use web technology for synchronous sessions: web steering and control and automatic content synthesis using the web. IRI (for Interactive Remote Instruction) is a computer-based system to support distance education developed at Old Dominion University; it is being used to teach courses between sites up to 200 miles apart.

Developmental research: studies of instructional design and development

Abstract: The field of instructional technology has traditionally involved a unique blend of theory and practice. This blend is most obvious in developmental research, those studies that involve the production of knowledge with the ultimate aim of improving the processes of instructional design, development, and evaluation. Such research is based on either situation-specific problem solving or generalized inquiry procedures. Developmental research, as opposed to simple instructional development, has been defined as “the systematic study of designing, developing and evaluating instructional programs, processes and products that must meet the criteria of internal consistency and effectiveness” (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 127). In its simplest form, developmental research can be either

Simulations of quantum neural networks

Abstract: We explore by simulation ways in which an array of quantum dot molecules could serve as a quantum neural computer. First, we show that a single quantum dot molecule evolving in real time can act as a recurrent temporal quantum neural network. Inputs are prepared by fixing the initial states of a quantum dot molecule, and outputs determined by reading its value at a given time T later. The nodes of the network are the instantaneous states of the molecule at successive time slices. The nodes interact indirectly through their mutual interaction with local and phononic modes of the substrate. These modes can be preferentially excited optically, and, therefore, controlled externally. The number of excitations can thus be used as trainable “weight” parameters for a neural network. This network is shown to perform classical logic gates. By preparing the input state as a superposition state, multiple inputs can be encoded as a single initial state. Second, we simulate the possibility of a spatial, rather than temporal, design, as a Hopfield net. The network consists of a regular array of quantum dot molecules on a suitable substrate. The molecules interact indirectly as before, and, now, with each other directly through Coulombic interactions. Both of the quantum networks have none of the “wiring problems” of traditional neural nets: the necessary connections are supplied by the physical system itself. Computation is performed by the intrinsic physics of the physical system. The long range character of the phononic interactions takes the net beyond traditional local connectionist structures. The hypothesized increase in complexity and power, in going to the quantum regime, is demonstrated. We train the quantum Hopfield net using simultaneous recurrent backpropagation.

Using Ambulatory Voice Monitoring to Investigate Common Voice Disorders: Research Update

Abstract: Many common voice disorders are chronic or recurring conditions that are likely to result from inefficient and/or abusive patterns of vocal behavior, referred to as vocal hyperfunction. The clinical management of hyperfunctional voice disorders would be greatly enhanced by the ability to monitor and quantify detrimental vocal behaviors during an individual’s activities of daily life. This paper provides an update on ongoing work that uses a miniature accelerometer on the neck surface below the larynx to collect a large set of ambulatory data on patients with hyperfunctional voice disorders (before and after treatment) and matched control subjects. Three types of analysis approaches are being employed in an effort to identify the best set of measures for differentiating among hyperfunctional and normal patterns of vocal behavior: 1) ambulatory measures of voice use that include vocal dose and voice quality correlates, 2) aerodynamic measures based on glottal airflow estimates extracted from the accelerometer signal using subject-specific vocal system models, and 3) classification based on machine learning and pattern recognition approaches that have been used successfully in analyzing long-term recordings of other physiological signals. Preliminary results demonstrate the potential for ambulatory voice monitoring to improve the diagnosis and treatment of common hyperfunctional voice disorders.