Smartphone App Can Keep You Sober

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. spearhead [SPEER-hed] (v.) – to start and lead something

Example: The scientists spearheaded the new experiment.

2. sobriety [suh-BRAHY-i-tee] (n.) – a condition in which one is clear-headed and not drunk

Example: The police arrested the man for his lack of sobriety. 

3. relapse [REE-laps] (n.) – a point in which one goes back to a former condition after partially recovering from it

Example: We thought she has already recovered, but she still experienced many relapses.

4. quantitative [KWON-ti-tey-tiv] (adj.) – referring to a type of methodological study or research that solely focuses on statistical data

Example: The quantitative research involved a series of surveys.

5. abstinence [AB-stuh-nuh ns] (n.) – the act of not indulging on or doing something

Example: The first step to defeating an addiction is abstinence.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A university research center has currently developed a smartphone application that helps former alcoholic patients to maintain their recovery on their own. Nowadays, there is a growing interest to use electronic devices as supportive tools for drug rehabilitation. One of which is the ongoing app project spearheaded by the Center for Health Enhancement System Studies (C.H.E.S.S.) research center of the University of Wisconsin [wis-KON-suh n].  It is one of the many projects of C.H.E.S.S. that aims to use technology to provide solutions for mental and emotional health problems. Aptly named “A-CHESS” (acronym for Application-C.H.E.S.S.), the app is especially designed to provide both supporting and self-maintaining options to sustain sobriety. One feature of the app that provides supporting aid is a panic button, which alerts peers who are near the user in the event of a relapse. Another is a survey data that regularly monitors the user’s condition through simple questions, which counselors can easily access. Users can also regulate themselves through the app’s automated and easily accessible features. For instance, the application automatically alerts the user when they are close to or approaching restricted areas like bars. The application also provides links to preventive ways such as relaxation methods and breathing exercises. Through a quantitative study, C.H.E.S.S. discovered that the app is more effective compared to the follow-up routine that patients usually receive after monitored treatment. It included 271 patients, half of whom were tested with the smartphone application while the other half with the follow-up routine. Results of the study showed that a higher percentage of the former group reported well-maintained abstinence compared with the latter group.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Would you recommend this app to people who wish to sustain sobriety? Why or why not?

         For what other addictions do you think this kind of application can be useful? Kindly discuss.

Discussion B

         Why do you think it is difficult for some people to recover from an addiction?

         What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of relying on technology to recover from an addiction?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Computer Better than Humans at Recognizing Fake Emotions

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. genuine [JEN-yoo-in] (adj.) – real; not pretending

Example: I felt her genuine pain as she cried for a lost loved one.

2. immerse [ih-MURS] (v.) – to put something into a liquid

Example: I felt better after I immersed myself in the hot spring for half an hour.

3. lukewarm [LOOK-WAWRM] (adj.) – not very warm

Example: The hot coffee had gone lukewarm after being left on the table for 20 minutes.

4. frigid [FRIJ-id] (adj.) – extremely cold

Example: Sometimes, it can be frigid in deep winter.

5. spot [spot] (v.) – to recognize, distinguish, or detect

Example: The child cannot spot the difference between a square and a rectangle.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Scientists have developed a computer system that can recognize genuine expressions of pain better than humans. A study published in Current Biology highlights a computer program that can spot distinctive aspects of facial expressions that people often miss. The scientists asked 25 volunteers to record two videos. In the first video, the volunteers immersed an arm in lukewarm water and pretended to be in pain. In the second, the participants immersed an arm in frigid ice water. This time, they experienced real pain, but they were not instructed on what to do with their facial expressions. The researchers then asked another set of 170 volunteers to identify who among the first set of participants were in real pain and who were not. Based on results, the second set of participants was only 50 percent accurate in their judgment. Because of this result, the researchers trained the 170 volunteers how to tell when someone was faking pain. Even after the training, results showed that they can only manage 55 percent accuracy. On the other hand, the newly-developed computer system registered an 85 percent accuracy rate. This device has been programmed to recognize combinations of facial movements. It can tell if an expression is real or fake. It uses a camera that can take videos and capture photos. The study says that the computer can spot distinctive aspects of facial movements, particularly mouth movements, better than humans do. According to one of the researchers, the computer can assess what 20 facial muscles are doing in every frame of the video. The researchers believe that this system can help recognize the emotional state of patients who cannot communicate very well. It can also be used in law enforcement and in screening job applicants.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Do you agree that computers can be better than humans at identifying real emotions from fake ones? Please explain.

         In what other ways do you think this invention can be beneficial?

Discussion B

         Aside from facial expressions, how else can you tell if someone is showing genuine emotion?

         When do you think it is necessary to fake emotions? Explain.

この記事が気に入りましたか？

“Datastickies”— the USB Flash Drives of the Future

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1.  compact [kuh m-PAKT] (adj.) – referring to something that is put together tightly and neatly

Example: The compact version of a computer is a laptop.

2. conductive [kuh n-DUHK-tiv] (adj.) – having the ability to transfer electricity or heat from one place to another

Example: The metal parts of the machine are conductive.

3. adhesive [ad-HEE-siv, -ziv] (n.) – something that is used to stick things together

Example: They need to use a strong adhesive to keep the uneven parts together.

4. no competition [noh kom-pi-TISH-uh n] (idiom) – to say that one thing has no chance to beat or to be better than another thing

Example: The speed of a bicycle is no competition to that of a race car.

5. complement [KOM-pluh-ment] (v.) – to make something complete

Example: The expensive wine complements the good food.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Scientists have invented paper-thin data storage device to replace the usual USB sticks. Indian innovators recently developed a design for a more compact data storage device. Datastickies, which look like ordinary sticky notes, can transfer data by simply posting it to any device. Datastickies are made of graphene, a light, conductive material that can store a huge amount of data in one thin strip. Another feature of this new device is the special adhesive. This special adhesive can be reused in any devices without leaving any marks. It also has the ability to make data transfer faster. Unlike the usual USB stick, Datastickies are simply attached or stuck onto the front of a computer, smartphone, TV, or tablet. After placing the files in a Datastickies strip, the user only needs to remove it from the device and attach the strip on another device where the user wants to transfer the files. The user can write something on the surface of Datastickies without damaging the graphene. Also, these tiny sticky devices are not easily lost because they can be stuck on any object. With this convenience, the inventors expect that the USB flash drives are no competition to these small, paper-thin strips. According to the inventors, this new device will come in various colors and designs. They are also looking forward to creating new products and applications that will complement Datastickies. This new device is expected to store from up to 32 gigabytes worth of data per strip.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Would you be willing to buy this new product? Why or why not?

         What do you think could be the downside of using this new product?

Discussion B

         What other devices do you think should be improved?

         How do you think the world will be like without data storage devices?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

UK Students Invent a Foldable Toilet

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. the brains behind [thuh breyns bih-HAHYND] (idiom) – the person/s who made or thought of something

Example: The brains behind the telephone must really like to talk.

2. consequently [KON-si-kwent-lee] (adv.) – as a result of something stated before

Example: She worked hard on her project and consequently got a good grade.

3. mechanism [MEK-uh-niz-uh m] (n.) – a particular way a machine or a system operates

Example: She worked hard on the flying mechanism of her toy airplane. 

4. automatically [aw-tuh-MAT-ik-lee] (adv.) – operating on its own

Example: When not being used, the computer automatically turns off.

5. in progress [in PROG-res, -ruhs] (idiom) – refers to something that is still being worked on

Example: He keeps his project a secret because it is still in progress.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A remodeling of the toilet is currently being introduced in the United Kingdom. The design, called ‘Iota’ [ahy-OH-tuh], presents a toilet with a foldable structure and a more effective flushing system. The brains behind the invention are students Gareth Humphreys [GAR-ith HUHM-frees] and Elliott Whiteley [EL-ee-uht, EL-yuht wayt-lee] of the University of Huddersfield [HUHD-erz-feeld]. They recently submitted their Iota toilet to the RSA Student Design Awards’ ‘Re-Invent the Toilet’ competition to promote the eco-friendly quality of their design. The Iota toilet has two remarkable features—it saves water and it saves space. Because of its advanced flushing system, the Iota toilet needs only half of the six liters of water that common toilets usually use up. This will reduce water consumption and consequently, save as much as 10,000 liters of water for every person in a span of a year. This unique toilet also has a smaller structure compared to standard toilets. Built with a folding mechanism, the Iota toilet automatically folds up into an upright position against the wall after use, which gives more free space. Because of this, the Iota toilet is considered a more convenient option for private use, especially nowadays when houses are often made smaller. There is no doubt that the Iota toilet can contribute in sustaining the environment not only within but also outside the bathroom. Though the Iota toilet is still in progress, the inventors have already expressed plans to make their version of the toilet available in the worldwide market.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         What do you think are the good points of this invention? Kindly explain your answer.

         If this was made available in the market, would you consider buying it? Why or why not?

Discussion B

         If you were to choose a household item or furniture to be reinvented, what would that be? Please explain your answer.

         In your country, what inventions/products are available to help protect the environment?

この記事が気に入りましたか？

Smartphone App Lets Users Text While Walking

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. avid [AV-id] (adj.) – having great desire to do something

Example: The avid gamer downloaded many mobile games on his phone.

2. on the go [ON-th uh-go] (idiom) – busy and frequently moves from one place to another

Example: Most reporters are always on the go.

3. peripheral [puh-RIF-er-uh l] (adj.) – refers to the area seen at the side of what one is looking at

Example: He saw his dog run away through his peripheral vision.

4. rear [reer] (n.) – back part of something

Example: My cellphone fell and now its rear is broken.

5. pose [pohz] (v.) – to cause something

Example: Texting while driving poses risk of accidents.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Avid texters can now use their mobile phones while walking using a new app called “Type n Walk”. CGactive LLC designed this new Apple application which allows users to see the street in front of them while typing a text message. This is made especially for phone users who are always on the go and cannot stay put to compose their messages. The program uses the rear camera of the gadget (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch) to give the message a transparent background. The user can then write messages that can be sent as an SMS, email, Facebook or Twitter post, or be copied and pasted elsewhere. Type n Walk costs $0.99 and can be downloaded on the App Store. Based from a previous study by the University of Queensland, texting while walking poses risks to an individual. The Australian researchers monitored 26 young men and women as they walked three times on a 30 feet straight path. The first walk was done without a phone. Participants read the text messages during the second walk. For the third walk, they composed a message. Results showed that the participants’ walking manner and posture greatly changed from the first walk to the third. The researchers also found that focusing too much on the phone leads to a robot-like posture that affects body balance. They also added that texting can make people fail to consciously control their walking direction. With “Text n Walk”, makers claim that this app is beneficial. The transparent phone background and a person’s peripheral vision will give enough support to avoid text-walking accidents.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

         Will you recommend the use of this app? Why or why not?

         In what other ways can this app be useful?

Discussion B

         How has texting affected the way people communicate? Kindly discuss further.

         What do you think will be the future improvements of distant communication?

この記事が気に入りましたか？