Perceptual evaluation of tonal and contextual cues to sarcasm in French

International audienceVerbal irony is a mode of expression in which what is stated differs from (or is even opposed to) what is meant. Irony exists in the majority of the languages and cultures of the world (Pexman, 2008). Some researchers have proposed that acoustic irony cues are only employed if the common ground is not sufficient to indicate the intended message (Cutler, 1974). More recent research has shown that ironic content can be identified even in absence of contextual cues thanks to global acoustic/prosodic cues (Bryant & Fox Tree 2002). However, we still do not know what is the actual role of prosody, in particular of intonational phonology features (Ladd, 1996/2008), in irony comprehension. Concerning actual acoustic cues, sarcasm appears to be encoded in speech through various global manipulations in acoustic parameters such as fundamental frequency (f0), amplitude, speech rate, voice quality and vowel hyperarticulation (Attardo et al., 2003; Bryant & Fox Tree, 2005; Cheang & Pell, 2008; Rockwell, 2000; Sharrer & Christman, 2011; inter alia). In this study, we explore the expression of sarcasm in French, for which phonological data are still lacking. Specifically, here we test the acceptability of prototypical sarcastic tonal contours in presence of matching or conflicting contextual cues

Prosodic cues of sarcastic speech in French: slower, higher, wider

International audienceVerbal irony is characterized by the use of specific acoustic modulations, especially global prosodic cues as well as vowel hyperarticulation. Little is known concerning the expression of sarcastic speech in French. Here we report on global prosodic features of sarcastic speech in a corpus of declarative French utterances. Our data show that sarcastic productions are characterized by utterance lengthening, by increased f0 modulations and a global raising of the pitch level and range. The results are discussed in the light of results on the acoustic features of ironic speech in languages other than French

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Early and Evolution of Alzheimer’s Disease Detections and Enhancing Senior Mental Health through Innovative Art-Singing Therapies: A Multidisciplinary Approach

The well-documented therapeutic potential of group singing for patients living with Alzheimer’s disease (PLAD) has been hindered by COVID-19 restrictions, exacerbating loneliness and cognitive decline among seniors in residential and long-term care centers (CHSLDs). Addressing this challenge, the multidisciplinary study aims to develop a patient-oriented virtual reality (XR) interaction system facilitating group singing for mental health support during confinement and enhancing the understanding of the links between Alzheimer’s disease, social interaction, and singing. The researchers also propose to establish an early AD detection system using voice, facial, and non-invasive biometric measurements and validate the efficacy of selected intervention practices. The methodology involves co-designing an intelligent environment with caregivers to support PLAD mental health through online group singing, addressing existing constraints in CHSLDs. The researchers will engage volunteers in remote singing interactions and validate the impact of voice stimulation for PLADs using a control group. The primary expected outcome is the development of an “Intelligent Learning Health Environment,” fostering interactions while adapting to individual PLAD situations and incrementally accumulating knowledge on AD signs. This environment will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies to promote non-verbal interactions via singing, enabling intervention at the first symptoms. Additionally, the research will contribute to transforming CHSLDs’ living environments, informed by neuroscience insights, and potentially extend the “collaborative self-care” approach to support seniors in aging safely and healthily at home

Post-traumatic stress among COVID-19 survivors: A descriptive study of hospitalized first-wave survivors

Introduction: The coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 1 induces a severe respiratory disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 1 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome infection, increased post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rates were described. Methods: This single-centred, prospective study aimed to evaluate the rates of PTSD in patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19. Inclusion criteria were COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) or in a standard unit with at least 2 L/min oxygen. Six months post-hospitalization, subjects were assessed for PTSD using a validated screening tool, the Post-Traumatic Stress Checklist-5 (PCL-5). Results: A total of 40 patients were included. No demographic differences between the ICU and non-ICU groups were found. The mean PCL-5 score for the population was 8.85±10. The mean PCL-5 score was 6.7±8 in the ICU group and 10.5±11 in the non-ICU group (P=0.27). We screened one patient with a positive PCL-5 score and one with a possible PCL-5 cluster score. Nine patients had a PCL-5 score of up to 15. Seven patients reported no symptoms.Seven patients accepted a psychological follow-up: one for PTSD, three for possible PTSD and three for other psychological problems. Discussion: The PCL-5 tool can be used by lung physicians during consultations to identify patients for whom follow-up mental health assessment and treatment for PTSD are warranted. Conclusion: Lung physicians should be aware of the risk of PTSD in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and ensure appropriate screening and follow-up care

Viability of Bifidobacterium longum in cheddar cheese curd during manufacture and storage: effect of microencapsulation and point of inoculation

International audienceThe goal of this study was to assess the effect of methods of inoculation on the viability of probiotic bacteria during cheddar cheese manufacture as well as their stability during storage. Bifidobacterium longum ATCC 15708 was freeze-dried and microencapsulated by spray-coating. The effect of inoculation of free whole cell or microencapsulated cells at three points during manufacture (milk before renneting, at cheddaring or at salting) on the viable counts in cheese and whey was investigated. Microencapsulation had no effect on viable counts, chemical parameters (lactose, lactic acid, total nitrogen, nitrogen soluble in TCA, moisture) or sensory properties during manufacturing or storage of the fresh cheeses for 14 days. Inoculation of the bifidobacteria in milk before renneting resulted in higher viable counts in comparison to other points of inoculation. Bifidobacteria added at the salting step, which survived pressing, were subsequently more stable during storage than those inoculated in milk. The stability of B. longum 15708 during storage was greater in the pressed cheeses that in the free curds. The results of this study provides technological data for cheese makers on the optimum point of inoculation as well as the benefit of pressing the curds in order to ensure high levels of probiotics in fresh cheddar cheese

Recherche de facteurs pronostiques initiaux d'évolution vers une leptospirose sévère (à propos de 50 cas en Rhône-Alpes entre 1998 et 2004)

LYON1-BU Santé (693882101) / SudocPARIS-BIUM (751062103) / SudocSudocFranceF

RESEARCH ARTICLE - Effect of the production or use of mixtures of bakers’ or brewers’ yeast extracts on their ability to promote growth of lactobacilli and pediococci

Three brewers’ and three bakers’ yeast extracts (YE) were obtained from five commercial suppliers. They were added to microbiological media and their growth-promoting properties were examined using four lactic cultures (Lactobacillus casei EQ28 and EQ85, Lactobacillus acidophilus EQ57, Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5-M). Bakers’ YE have a higher total nitrogen content than brewers’ YE, but there was not always a correlation between the nitrogen content and growth. A systematic preference for bakers’ YE over brewers’ YE was only encountered with Lb. casei EQ85, but the other lactic cultures had variable reactions to the source of YE. With Lb. casei EQ85 and Pc. acidilactici 17/5M, mixing of the two sources of YE gave progressively higher growth as a function of the content of the better YE. With Lb. acidophilus EQ57 and Lb. casei EQ28, however, there were instances where a mixture of 75% brewers’ YE with 25% bakers’ YE gave biomass levels higher than those obtained with the pure products. A series of autolyses were conducted with mixtures of brewers’ and bakers’ yeast, to see if the YE obtained differed from those obtained from autolysis of the individual yeast cultures. Brewers’ yeast autolysates had higher turbidity than those of bakers’ yeast. The maximum yield was obtained with the co-autolysis of a combination of 60% bakers’ yeasts and 40% brewers’ yeasts. Growth of Lb. acidophilus EQ57 was best in the autolysate obtained from 100% brewers’ yeast, in spite of the higher nitrogen content of YE produced when bakers’ yeast was used during co-autolysis

Nouvelle gouvernance publique et innovation : le cas du Consortium national de formation en santé

En nous appuyant sur un cadre d’analyse qui se situe au croisement des débats sur la nouvelle gouvernance publique et l’innovation sociale, nous analysons, dans cet article, le modèle de gouvernance du Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS). Le CNFS s’est doté d’un modèle fondé sur des rapports de collaboration, des méthodes d’interventions et des approches de gestion singulières par rapport aux autres organisations engagées dans le développement du milieu minoritaire francophone au Canada. Grâce à des entretiens réalisés en 2011 auprès de dirigeants, actuels et anciens, du CNFS, nous avons tenté d’approfondir leur compréhension de la nature potentiellement innovante de ce modèle de gouvernance. Les données analysées ont porté sur quatre dimensions de la gouvernance de l’organisme : son approche réputée apolitique et neutre, fondée sur l’offre de service au lieu de la revendication; ses techniques de gestion axée sur les résultats; son fonctionnement de nature centrifuge et centripète; et sa préoccupation pour le partage de valeurs communes centrées sur les besoins des communautés minoritaires francophones et la protection de l’intérêt public. Les entretiens ont révélé qu’à travers son évolution, l’organisation a dû s’adapter et faire preuve d’innovation sociale. L’article met l’accent sur l’importance de la dimension des valeurs collectives au sein du CNFS, d’une part parce que cette dernière fait le mieux ressortir l’effort d’innovation de la part de l’organisme et, d’autre part, parce qu’elle permet de nuancer les visions plus instrumentales de la gouvernance publique.This paper uses an analytical framework that lies at the intersection of debates on new public governance and social innovation. In this paper, we analyze the governance model adopted by the Consortium national de formation en santé (CNFS). The CNFS’s governance model is characterized by collaborative relations between its members, along with management approaches that are somewhat unique compared to other organizations involved in the same sector (Francophone minority communities in Canada). Through a series of interviews conducted in 2011 with CNFS’s current and former leaders, we tried to deepen their understanding of this innovative governance model. The data encompassed four characteristics of governance: a focus on an apolitical and neutral service provision approach instead of advocacy work; the extensive use of results-based management approaches; an integrated centrifugal and centripetal modus operandi; and a constant preoccupation for integrating shared values centred on the needs of Francophone minority communities and the protection of the public interest. The interviews revealed that through its evolution, the CNFS had to adapt and innovate continuously. The paper focuses on these features and on the importance of shared values through periods of innovation and change. The concept of shared values provides a less instrumentalist view of public governance

Communities of practice as professional and organizational development strategy in local public health organizations in Québec, Canada : an evaluation model

Communities of practice (CoPs) are among the professional development strategies most widely used in such fields as management and education. Though the approach has elicited keen interest, knowledge pertaining to its conceptual underpinnings is still limited, thus hindering proper assessment of CoPs' effects and the processes generating the latter. To address this shortcoming, this paper presents a conceptual model that was developed to evaluate an initiative based on a CoP strategy: Health Promotion Laboratories are a professional development intervention that was implemented in local public health organizations in Montreal (Quebec, Canada). The model is based on latest theories on work-group effectiveness and organizational learning and can be usefully adopted by evaluators who are increasingly called upon to illuminate decision-making about CoPs. Ultimately, validation of this conceptual model will help advance knowledge and practice pertaining to CoPs as well as professional and organizational development strategies in public health.Les communautés de pratique (CdP) figurent parmi les stratégies de développement professionnel les plus employées dans des domaines tels que la gestion et l'éducation. Bien que cette démarche ait suscité un grand intérêt, les connaissances au sujet de ses bases conceptuelles demeurent fragmentaires, faisant ainsi obstacle à une évaluation adéquate des effets des CdP et des processus qu'elles génèrent. Pour remédier à cette lacune, cet article présente un modèle conceptuel qui a été mis au point afin d'évaluer une initiative fondée sur une stratégie de CdP: les laboratoires de promotion de la santé. Il s'agit d'une intervention visant le développement professionnel, qui a été mise en œuvre dans des centres de santé et de services sociaux à Montréal (Québec, Canada). Le modèle tire profit des dernières théories sur l'efficacité des groupes de travail et sur l'apprentissage organisationnel. Ce modèle peut servir aux évaluateurs qui s'intéressent à la prise de décision éclairée dans le contexte des CdP. En bout de ligne, la validation de ce modèle conceptuel contribuera à l'avancement des connaissances et des pratiques propres aux CdP de même qu'aux stratégies de développement professionnel et organisationnel dans le milieu de la santé publique