5 research outputs found
A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Virtual Reality and In Vivo Exposure Therapy as Psychological Interventions for Public Speaking Anxiety
Public speaking anxiety (PSA) is a prevalent condition with disabling occupational, educational, and social consequences. Exposure therapy is a commonly utilized approach for treating PSA. Traditionally, this intervention has been delivered as in vivo exposure therapy (IVET). Limitations inherent to in vivo as a mode of delivery have been identified and studies have increasingly explored the use of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) as an alternative. Understanding the efficacy of both VRET and IVET as psychological interventions for PSA is important. A systematic search identified 11 studies with 508 participants. Meta-analysis yielded a large significant effect wherein VRET resulted in significant reductions in PSA versus control of −1.39 (Z = 3.96, p < .001) and a similar large significant effect wherein IVET resulted in significant reductions in PSA versus control of −1.41 (Z = 7.51, p < .001). Although IVET was marginally superior to VRET, both interventions proved efficacious. Given the advantages of utilizing VRET over IVET future research and clinical practice could explore VRET as a treatment option for PSA
Principles and Applications of Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy (BARDS): A Sound Approach for the Analysis of Compounds
The dissolution of a compound results in the introduction
and generation of gas bubbles in the solvent. This formation is due
to entrained gases adhered to or trapped within the particles. Furthermore,
a reduction in gas solubility due to the solute results in additional
bubble generation. Their presence increases the compressibility of
the solvent with the added effect of reducing the velocity of sound
in the solvent. This effect is monitored via the frequency change
of acoustic resonances that are mechanically provoked in the solvent
and are now used as an insightful analytical technique. An experimental
set up was designed to study a large number of compounds as a function
of time, concentration, and solvent system. This revealed the role
of the various physical and chemical mechanisms in determining the
observed response. It is also shown that this response is strongly
dependent on the physical and chemical characteristics of the solute
compound used, therefore resulting in a method for the characterization
of compounds and mixtures. Additional factors such as morphology (polymorphism),
particle size, and dissolution rate are shown to be key in the variation
of the resulting response. A mathematical model has also been developed
in parallel, which inter-relates the various processes involved in
the observed response. It is anticipated that BARDS will open up a
new window into transient dissolution processes and compound characterization