The effect of three practice conditions on the consistency of chronic dysarthric speech

This study investigated whether it is possible for people with chronic dysarthria to adjust their articulation in three practice conditions. A speaker dependent, speech recognition system was used to compare participants' practice attempts with a model of a word made from previous recordings to give a recognition score. This score was used to indicate changes in production of practice words with different conditions. The three conditions were reading of written target words, visual feedback, and an auditory model followed by visual feedback. For eight participants with dysarthria, the ability to alter speech production was shown, together with a differential effect of the three conditions. Copying an auditory target gave significantly better recognition scores than just repeating the word. Visual feedback was no more effective than repetition alone. For four control participants, visual feedback did produce significantly better recognition scores than just repetition of written words, and the presence of an auditory model was Significantly more effective than visual feedback. Possible reasons for differences between conditions are discussed

Speech-driven environmental control systems - a qualitative analysis of users' perceptions

Purpose. To explore users' experiences and perceptions of speech-driven environmental control systems (SPECS) as part of a larger project aiming to develop a new SPECS. The motivation for this part of the project was to add to the evidence base for the use of SPECS and to determine the key design specifications for a new speech-driven system from a user's perspective. Method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 users of SPECS from around the United Kingdom. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using a qualitative method based on framework analysis. Results. Reliability is the main influence on the use of SPECS. All the participants gave examples of occasions when their speech-driven system was unreliable; in some instances, this unreliability was reported as not being a problem (e.g., for changing television channels); however, it was perceived as a problem for more safety critical functions (e.g., opening a door). Reliability was cited by participants as the reason for using a switch-operated system as back up. Benefits of speech-driven systems focused on speech operation enabling access when other methods were not possible; quicker operation and better aesthetic considerations. Overall, there was a perception of increased independence from the use of speech-driven environmental control. Conclusions. In general, speech was considered a useful method of operating environmental controls by the participants interviewed; however, their perceptions regarding reliability often influenced their decision to have backup or alternative systems for certain functions

Being in a seclusion room: the forensic inpatients’ perspective.

Objective: The aim of this thesis portfolio is to explore and understand the patient experience of seclusion. Methods: A qualitative systematic review was undertaken of research exploring the experience of seclusion. Thematic synthesis was used to develop analytical themes to explore the inpatient experience of seclusion. Alongside this a qualitative research project was undertaken using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore forensic psychiatric inpatients’ experience of being in a seclusion room. Results: The systematic review found eight studies which met inclusion criteria and all were of high methodological quality. The thematic synthesis identified four analytical themes: feeling vulnerable, feeling neglected and abused, disconnecting and seclusion is dangerous to mental health. The empirical research project identified four superordinate themes: intense fear, not getting the care I needed, I am being abused and power struggle. Conclusion: This thesis portfolio has highlighted the emotional and interpersonal challenges associated with the experience of seclusion. It draws attention to the relevance of the seclusion room in the overall experience and how a forensic population may have a power struggle dynamic within their experience. It provides direction for future research and emphasises the importance of improving seclusion practices by making changes to staff-patient interaction to reflect the emotional needs of the patients

Comparative Analysis of Two Biological Warfare Air Samplers Using Live Surrogate Agents

The United States Air Force has several high-volume biological air samplers, including the XMX/2L-MIL and the Biocapture 650. Limited information is available on either in terms of its collection of viruses and bacteria. However, previous research on the XMX/2L-MIL has determined that modifications to the secondary flow rate and the use of a virus preserving collection media may provide improved virus collection rates. In this thesis, these modifications were investigated to determine their impact on the collection of viral and bacterial aerosols. Additionally, relative collection rates were compared against those for the Biocapture 650. MS2 bacteriophage was the viral surrogate and Bacillus thuringensis kurstaki the bacterial surrogate. Aerosolized particles were released into a wind tunnel where three samplers each were exposed simultaneously. Samples were analyzed using plaque assay, cell culture on growth media, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Viability issues made it difficult to discern the impact of virus preserving media. Results showed that secondary flow rate reduction provided a statistically lower collection of viable bacteria compared to the standard secondary flow rate. The Biocapture 650 generally performed on par or better than the XMX/2L-MIL in collection of both bacterial and viral aerosols. However, longer sampling periods with the Biocapture 650 for viruses resulted in statistically inferior results

Cell-wall components and lignin biosynthesis in forages

Lignin is the major cell-wall (CW) component that lowers forage digestibility. Negative relationships between lignin and forage quality are caused by interactions and variability of lignin with other CW components. This study was conducted to better understand how lignin content, concentration, deposition, and change in concentration vary with other CW components in maturing stems and to provide preliminary information about phenylpropanoid metabolism in relation to lignification;Regrowth from basal stem tissue was sampled weekly or biweekly from greenhouse-grown forage grass and legume species. Samples were collected for a period of about 8 weeks and analyzed for fiber concentration and content, protein concentration, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity;On a per pot basis, the sequence of CW component deposition was hemicellulose and cellulose followed by lignin. Graphical representations demonstrated that there was species- and family-specific timing and extent of CW component deposition. In most instances, CW and CW component concentrations increased with regrowth days. Fast increases were followed by a leveling-off of CW concentrations, reflecting rapid CW concentration changes that decreased as tissues matured. Cell wall, cellulose, and lignin concentration changes decreased faster in legumes compared with grasses. Negative changes in hemicellulose concentration implied a dynamic nature of the CW and provided evidence that hemicellulose is diluted by other CW components as tissues mature;In all species, decreasing lignin concentration changes showed a parallel relationship to decreasing PAL activity. Close relationships between PAL activity and changes in lignin concentration were consistent within grass and legume species. On a per pot basis, lignin deposition resembled cumulative PAL total units. These results imply that both the activity and amount of PAL are closely related to change in lignin concentration and lignin deposition in forage tissues

Design facility utilizing VDTs

None provided

The Collective Coordinates Jacobian

We develop an expansion for the Jacobian of the transformation from particle coordinates to collective coordinates. As a demonstration, we use the lowest order of the expansion in conjunction with a variational principle to obtain the Percus Yevick equation for a monodisperse hard sphere system and the Lebowitz equations for a polydisperse hard sphere system.Comment: 7 page

Where are we now with aphasia after stroke?

Objective: To provide a brief review of research literature relating to the current state of knowledge regarding speech and language therapy for people with aphasia and place these research findings within the context of outcome data of non-selected patients receiving usual therapy in the UK. Methods: Part 1 presents a literature search aimed at exploring up-to-date information related to the nature and evolution of aphasia, the impact of therapy and the changing nature of therapy. This provides the context of what may be achieved in rehabilitation. Part 2 examines of the impact of speech and language therapy on 1664 prospective patients receiving therapy for aphasia after stroke by 3 different types of service provision was collected and statistically analysed. The Therapy Outcome Measure was used to identify change in impairment, activity, participation and well-being at the beginning and end of therapy. Results: The findings from the non-selected group of patients supports the conclusions of the reported randomised control trials in that speech and language therapy for post stroke aphasia is associated with gains in one or more of the domains of the International Classification of Functioning

Attention control comparisons with SLT for people with aphasia following stroke: methodological concerns raised following a systematic review

Objective: Attention control comparisons in trials of stroke rehabilitation require care to minimize the risk of comparison choice bias. We compared the similarities and differences in SLT and social support control interventions for people with aphasia. Data sources: Trial data from the 2016 Cochrane systematic review of SLT for aphasia after stroke. Methods: Direct and indirect comparisons between SLT, social support and no therapy controls. We double-data extracted intervention details using the template for intervention description and replication. Standardized mean differences and risk ratios (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) were calculated. Results: Seven trials compared SLT with social support (n  =  447). Interventions were matched in format, frequency, intensity, duration and dose. Procedures and materials were often shared across interventions. Social support providers received specialist training and support. Targeted language rehabilitation was only described in therapy interventions. Higher drop-out (P  =  0.005, odds ratio (OR) 0.51, 95% CI 0.32–0.81) and non-adherence to social support interventions (P  <  0.00001, OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.09–0.37) indicated an imbalance in completion rates increasing the risk of control comparison bias. Conclusion: Distinctions between social support and therapy interventions were eroded. Theoretically based language rehabilitation was the remaining difference in therapy interventions. Social support is an important adjunct to formal language rehabilitation. Therapists should continue to enable those close to the person with aphasia to provide tailored communication support, functional language stimulation and opportunities to apply rehabilitation gains. Systematic group differences in completion rates is a design-related risk of bias in outcomes observed

The impact of stroke: are people with aphasia different to those without?

Purpose. Stroke rehabilitation programmes aim to improve functional outcomes and quality of life. This study explored long-term outcomes in a cohort of people admitted to two acute stroke units with stroke. Comparisons were drawn between people with aphasia (PWA) and people without aphasia. Methods. People admitted to hospital with a first stroke were assessed at 2-weeks, 3-months and 6-months post-stroke. Measures included: the Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living (ADL), the Frenchay Aphasia Screening Test, the General Health Questionnaire-12 for emotional well-being and the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39g. Extended ADL and social support were also measured at 3 and 6 months, with the Frenchay Activities Index and the Social Support Survey, respectively. Results. Of 126 eligible participants, 96(76%) took part and 87(69%) were able to self-report. Self-report data are reported here. Although outcomes improved significantly across time, at 6 months people continued to experience substantial functional limitations (16% aphasic; 32% dependent on basic ADL); participation limitations (79% ≤30 on the FAI); high psychological distress (45%) and compromised quality of life (54% ≤4 on the SAQOL-39g). Levels of social support remained relatively stable. Though at 3-months post-stroke PWA were significantly more likely to experience high psychological distress (93% versus 50% for those without), across time, there were no significant differences between PWA and those without on psychological distress and also ADL and social support. There were, however, significant differences on extended ADL (F(1,68) = 7.80, p < 0.01) and quality of life (F(1,69) = 6.30, p < 0.05). Conclusion. PWA participated in fewer activities and reported worse quality of life after stroke than people without aphasia, even when their physical abilities, well-being and social support were comparable. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed