Iwao Kobayashi

GAIT DISTURBANCE OF PATIENTS WITH VASCULAR AND ALZHEIMER-TYPE DEMENTIAS

The gaits of 15 patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type and 15 with vascular dementia were compared with those of 15 healthy control subjects. Patients with senile dementia showed significantly slower velocity and shorter step length than the healthy controls, and those with vascular dementia exhibited a reduction on these two variables relative to patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type.

Mobile videophone and e-learning for students with physical impairment

In this paper, the authors reported the use of an e-learning system based on a mobile videophone in an education program at home for a student with severe physical impairments. System use for two months showed that the subject was able to attend school curricula and engage in discussion with teachers and classmates through the system.

Characteristics of Postural Control and Locomotion of Patients with Vascular and Alzheimer-Type Dementias

The postural control and locomotion of patients with Alzheimer-type senile dementia (n = 20) or vascular dementia (n = 20) were investigated. Patients with both types of senile dementia, especially patients with vascular dementia, generally showed lower scores than healthy old people (n = 53). Moreover, deterioration of locomotion was more remarkable.

Data transmission code towards international EDI for seafood supply chain

Abstract In recent years, business transactions through electronic data interchange (EDI) have spread globally; usefulness of EDI has been anticipated in the market. Although EDI transactions require a standard code format, various problems have occurred through use of such code in actual markets. This paper presents a new data transmission code for seafood EDI, expanding conventional standard formats of the product code. Subsequently, we present a new EDI system model using the new code which includes two main functions: product definitions and learning of code transmission. The system test in a market showed efficiency and effectiveness of the model.

An inclusive design of remittance services for the blind user's operation of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)

In this paper we reported the inclusive design of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) for blind users, especially their use of remittance services. We examined our design guideline of the remittance operation for the users, based on the operations by voice instruction and/or the feedback using a handset. Then we implemented the prototype system under the guideline and evaluated it by an experiment. Subjects were four blind men. The results showed that the system worked out effectively. However, the reduction in time for all operation required was indicated as a main problem.

AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN NATURAL AND FAST WALKING

Age-related changes in the relation between natural and fast walking were investigated for 69 healthy women aged 21 to 88 years. The ratio (fast/natural) of both walking velocity and cadence declined significantly across age groups.

Japanese Sentence Handwriting Learning System for Special Needs Education

We examined a learning system to study handwriting of Japanese sentences in special needs education. A prototype was constructed with a tablet PC. Evaluation of the system was conducted by expert reviewers and by a student who has handwriting difficulties.

A Multimedia Based Software for Non-Japanese to Learn Japanese Sign Language

We have designed a multimedia based system to teach basic Japanese Sign Language (JSL) to non-Japanese people under the concept of self-learning, through the functions of two modules (a Lesson and a Search module) and extensive use of multimedia. We report the prototype of our system, with which the user can workthrough a progressive series of lessons, or lookup JSL equivalents of English words, and refer to sentence examples and grammar explanations.

Advancing Writing Work with Handwriting-Learning System for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

For this research, the authors identified writing-learning system requirements for words and sentences written by learners with intellectual disabilities. The requirements can be involved in their daily work composing letters and papers, and can be used to develop a system prototype. The implemented prototype was evaluated by expert-review examinations in this study, in which four expert teachers at a school for students with intellectual disabilities participated. Furthermore, the prototype was used at the school for system evaluation. This paper presents results and describes the system’s educational effects and expected difficulties related to future use.

Development of a Communication System Using Monitoring of Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (Rsa) for Persons with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities

Development of a Communication System Using Monitoring of Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (Rsa) for Persons with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities Iwao Kobayashi a, Hirokata Ooe b, Hiroshi Nunokawa c a Center for the Research and Support of Educational Practice, Tokyo Gakugei University, Tokyo, Japan b National Center Hospital for Mental, Nervous, and Muscular Disorders, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan c Faculty of Software and Information Science, Iwate Prefectural University, Iwate, Japan