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This paper presents fruit battery evaluation as a method to distinguish between oil palm fruit ripeness stages. The fruit battery method consists of two electrodes that have different ionization tendencies. The fruit battery can detect oil palm fruit electrolyte changes from decreasing moisture content as the oil palm ripens. This paper proposes a condition to distinguish oil palm ripeness by varying the depth and interval between electrodes. Subsequently, the probability of estimating oil palm fruit moisture content using this method is evaluated using a regression analysis.

Oil palm ripeness’ main evaluation procedure is traditionally accomplished by human vision. However, the dependency on human evaluators to grade the ripeness of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) by traditional means could lead to inaccuracy that can cause a reduction in oil palm fruit oil extraction rate (OER). This paper emphasizes the fruit battery method to distinguish oil palm fruit FFB ripeness stages by determining the value of load resistance voltage and its moisture content resolution. In addition, computer vision using a color feature is tested on the same samples to compare the accuracy score using support vector machine (SVM). The accuracy score results of the fruit battery, computer vision, and a combination of both methods’ accuracy scores are evaluated and compared. When the ripe and unripe samples were tested for load resistance voltage ranging from 10 Ω to 10 kΩ, three resistance values were shortlisted and tested for moisture content resolution evaluation. A 1 kΩ load resistance showed the best moisture content resolution, and the results were used for accuracy score evaluation comparison with computer vision. From the results obtained, the accuracy scores for the combination method are the highest, followed by the fruit battery and computer vision methods.

Aim Public speaking seems to be one of the most anxiety‐provoking situations for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, there are few evidence‐based interventions. We developed Autism‐Focused Public Speech Training using Simple Virtual Audiences (APSV), which differs from a general virtual audience in terms of its simple facial expressions and emphasis on the importance of the eyes. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of APSV as an educational method for individuals with ASD. Methods Fifteen male individuals with ASD were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received APSV (n = 8), and the other group (n = 7) received independent study (IS). From Days 2 to 6, participants in the APSV and IS groups were encouraged to read and answer questions often asked in actual public speaking events. Participants in the APSV study group performed this activity in front of the APSV system, while those in the IS group performed in an empty room. Before and after the intervention (Days 1 and 7), the participants in the two groups had a mock public speaking experience in front of 10 people for approximately 10 min. Results After the training sessions, the participants’ self‐confidence had improved and salivary cortisol levels were significantly decreased in the APSV group as compared to those in the IS group. APSV improved self‐confidence and decreased public speaking stress in individuals with ASD. Conclusion APSV appears to be useful in improving self‐confidence and decreasing public speaking stress in individuals with ASD.