Mapping Experiences of Inner Sounds

This practice based research expands the sound art discourse by analysing what I have termed ‘inner sounds’ — identifying, defining , and sounds we hear in both our conscious and in unconscious minds, similar to but different from an inner voice. Rarely, if ever, is the way we experience sounds our minds discussed in con defines ‘inner sounds’ temporary sound art discourse. This thesis and contributes to the field of sound art discourse by arguing that a deeper understanding of our relationship to inner sounds informs our wider understanding of sound, specifically our understanding of sound as a cultural phenomenon. Identifying the lack of an adequate vocabulary in the English language with which to discuss sound and inner sound experiences, the thesis develops a taxonomy of inner sounds, which allows for a more nuanced and detailed analysis of inner sound experiences. In addition to outlining a taxonomy for inner sound, the thesis analyses several art and performance works, including my own, further developing several theoretical considerations for inner sound and listening experiences. Chapter 4, ‘The danger of inner sound’, examines our relationship to auditory hallucinations, discussing why inner sounds are often perceived as dangerous. Chapter 5, ‘Collective inner listening’, asks whether collective inner listening s possible, and how that develops our understanding of inner sound experiences and sound art theory. Chapter 6, ‘Threshold listening’, draws on affect theory to argue that the properties of inner sound discussed in previous chapters situates inner listening and inner sound at the threshold, and evaluates how this changes our understanding and discourse of sound art

A Diagnostic Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the Nacadia® Therapy Garden

The design of the Nacadia® therapy garden is based on a model for evidence-based health design in landscape architecture (EBHDL). One element of the model is a diagnostic post-occupancy evaluation (DPOE), which has not previously been fully developed. The present study develops a generic DPOE for therapy gardens, with a focus on studying the effects of the design on patients’ health outcomes. This is done in order to identify successes and failures in the design. By means of a triangulation approach, the DPOE employs a mixture of methods, and data is interpreted corroborating. The aim of the present study is to apply the DPOE to the Nacadia® therapy garden. The results of the DPOE suggest that the design of the Nacadia® therapy garden fulfills its stated aims and objectives. The overall environment of the Nacadia ® therapy garden was experienced as protective and safe, and successfully incorporated the various elements of the nature-based therapy programme. The participants encountered meaningful spaces and activities which suited their current physical and mental capabilities, and the health outcome measured by EQ-VAS (self-estimated general health) indicated a significant increase. Some design failures were identified, of which visual exposure was the most noteworthy. The DPOE model presented appears to be efficient but would nonetheless profit from being validated by other cases

Reell brukermedvirkning eller bare ord? – En forskningsbasert evaluering av bruk av tjenestedesign i brukermedvirkning ved Klinikk psykisk helse og avhengighet ved Oslo universitetssykehus

Bakgrunn: Denne rapporten er en forskningsbasert evaluering av om metoden «tjenestedesign» gir reell brukermedvirkning i utviklingen av psykiske helsetjenester. Målgruppen for evalueringen er brukere og representanter for de lokale brukerrådene som har vært involvert i prosjektet «Endret skjerming. Økt verdighet og åpenhet» og «Hjelp meg, det haster» ved Klinikk psykisk helse og avhengighet ved Oslo universitetssykehus (OUS). Extrastiftelsen har gitt midler for å kunne evaluere hvordan brukerne vurderer sin deltagelse i tjenestedesignprosessen, og spesielt om metoden tjenestedesign oppleves å gi reell brukermedvirkning. I tillegg er det evaluert om deres erfaringer er sentrale i de foreslåtte endringene. Metode: Denne forskningsbaserte evalueringen ble gjennomført med bruk av fokusgruppeintervjuer, individuelle dybdeintervjuer og telefonintervjuer. I tillegg fylte alle deltakerne ut et skjema for å hente inn bakgrunnsinformasjon, demografiske data og en kvantitativ vurdering av noen utvalgte påstander om hva deltakerne mener om brukermedvirkning. Funn: Studiens funn er følgende tre hovedtemaer: (1) Tjenestedesign oppleves som inspirerende og skaper samarbeid, (2) Tjenestedesignerne bidro til å skape reell brukermedvirkning, og (3) Barrierer for reell brukermedvirkning i tjenestedesign som metode slik det er gjennomført i dette prosjektet. Funnene viser at deltakerne opplever at de blir tatt på alvor i tjenestedesignprosessen. Deltakerne beskrev at tjenestedesign er en prosess som legger til rette for aktiv deltakelse fra både brukere og tjenesteytere, der informasjonsdeling og reelle valg av løsninger er sentrale elementer. Funnene viser også at det er viktig at de er flere med bruker- og pårørendeerfaring med i prosjektene, slik at de ikke blir i mindretall. Dette er viktig for å skape reell brukermedvirkning. Konklusjon: Studien viser at deltakerne var svært fornøyde med å delta i to prosjekter som har benyttet tjenestedesign som tilnærming. Funnene fremhever at tjenestedesign bidrar til aktiv deltakelse, motivasjon, inspirasjon og kreativitet i prosjektene og bidrar til reell brukermedvirkning. Brukerne har opplevd seg lyttet til og respektert, og deres innspill har hatt betydning for prosjektenes utvikling og sluttresultat. Funnene viser også at det er viktig at de er flere med bruker- og pårørendeerfaring med i prosjektene, slik at de ikke blir i mindretall. Dette er viktig for å skape reell brukermedvirkning

Interplay of NH4+ and BH4- reorientational dynamics in NH4BH4

The reorientational dynamics of ammonium borohydride (NH4BH4) was studied using quasielastic neutron scattering in the temperature interval from 10 to 240 K, which covers both the dynamically ordered and disordered polymorphs of NH4BH4. In the low-temperature (50 K) ordered polymorph of NH4BH4, analysis of the quasielastic neutron scattering data reveals that no reorientational dynamics is present within the probed timescale region of 0.1 to 100 ps. In the high-temperature (50 K) disordered polymorph, the analysis establishes the onset of NH4+ and BH4- dynamics at around 50 and 125 K, respectively. The relaxation time at 150 K for NH4+ is approximately 1 ps, while around 100 ps for BH4- . The NH4+ dynamics at temperatures below 125 K is associated with preferential tetrahedral tumbling motions, where each of the hydrogen atoms in the NH4+ tetrahedron can visit any of the four hydrogen sites, however, reorientations around a specific axis are more frequently occurring (C-2 or C3). At higher temperatures, the analysis does not exclude a possible evolution of the NH4+ dynamics from tetrahedral tumbling to either cubic tumbling, where the hydrogen atoms can visit any of the eight positions corresponding to the corners of a cube, or isotropic rotational diffusion, where the hydrogen atoms can visit any location on the surface of a sphere. The BH4- dynamics can be described as cubic tumbling. The difference in reorientational dynamics between the two ions is related to the difference of the local environment where the dynamically much slower BH4- anion imposes a noncubic environment on the NH4+ cation

On the usefulness and ease of use of a model-driven Method Engineering approach

[EN] The Method Engineering (ME) discipline emerged as a response to the need for methods that are better adapted to context. Despite the potential benefits of ME and the emergence of Computer-Aided Method Engineering technology, there are hardly any reports on the practical application of ME available in the literature. Some authors argue that this is because practitioners often fail to see the usefulness of ME due to its high complexity. With the aim of facilitating the application of ME, we developed MOSKitt4ME, a lightweight approach that makes intensive use of reusable assets and Model-Driven Engineering. In previous work, we illustrated how MOSKitt4ME supports three phases of the ME lifecycle: design, implementation, and execution. In this paper, we evaluate the complexity of MOSKitt4ME. Specifically, we present a study that is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Think Aloud method. The TAM allowed us to measure usefulness and ease of use in a subjective manner; the Think Aloud method allowed us to analyze these measures objectively. Overall, the results were favorable. MOSKitt4ME was highly rated in perceived usefulness and ease of use; we also obtained positive results with respect to the users׳ actual performance and the difficulty experienced.Cervera Ubeda, M.; Albert Albiol, M.; Torres Bosch, MV.; Pelechano Ferragud, V. (2015). On the usefulness and ease of use of a model-driven Method Engineering approach. Information Systems. 50:36-50. doi:10.1016/j.is.2015.01.006S36505

I Would Really like to Visit the Forest, but it is Just Too Difficult: A Qualitative Study on Mobility Disability and Green Spaces

There is growing evidence of the health benefits of visiting green spaces. However, research indicates that individuals with mobility disabilities visit green spaces less frequently than the able-bodied population. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences and related constraints of individuals with mobility disabilities visiting green spaces. The study’s qualitative research design employed group and individual interviews, which were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis and social geographical theory. The results indicate that, generally speaking, the interviewees valued green spaces highly. The serenity of and possibility for close physical contact with a green space were preferred and promoted experiences of insideness and identification with the space. Conversely, lack of accessibility led to feelings of exclusion and outsideness. To increase both the accessibility and positive experience of any green space, it is advisable to include the user group in the study design process

Novel prokaryotic expression of thioredoxin-fused insulinoma associated protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (IA-2), its characterization and immunodiagnostic application

Background The insulinoma associated protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (IA-2) is one of the immunodominant autoantigens involved in the autoimmune attack to the beta-cell in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. In this work we have developed a complete and original process for the production and recovery of the properly folded intracellular domain of IA-2 fused to thioredoxin (TrxIA-2ic) in Escherichia coli GI698 and GI724 strains. We have also carried out the biochemical and immunochemical characterization of TrxIA-2icand design variants of non-radiometric immunoassays for the efficient detection of IA-2 autoantibodies (IA-2A). Results The main findings can be summarized in the following statements: i) TrxIA-2ic expression after 3 h of induction on GI724 strain yielded ≈ 10 mg of highly pure TrxIA-2ic/L of culture medium by a single step purification by affinity chromatography, ii) the molecular weight of TrxIA-2ic (55,358 Da) could be estimated by SDS-PAGE, size exclusion chromatography and mass spectrometry, iii) TrxIA-2ic was properly identified by western blot and mass spectrometric analysis of proteolytic digestions (63.25 % total coverage), iv) excellent immunochemical behavior of properly folded full TrxIA-2ic was legitimized by inhibition or displacement of [35S]IA-2 binding from IA-2A present in Argentinian Type 1 Diabetic patients, v) great stability over time was found under proper storage conditions and vi) low cost and environmentally harmless ELISA methods for IA-2A assessment were developed, with colorimetric or chemiluminescent detection. Conclusions E. coli GI724 strain emerged as a handy source of recombinant IA-2ic, achieving high levels of expression as a thioredoxin fusion protein, adequately validated and applicable to the development of innovative and cost-effective immunoassays for IA-2A detection in most laboratories.Fil: Guerra, Luciano Lucas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Faccinetti, Natalia Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Trabucchi, Aldana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Rovitto, Bruno David. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Sabljic, Adriana Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Poskus, Edgardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Iacono, Ruben Francisco. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; ArgentinaFil: Valdez, Silvina Noemi. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral Prof. Ricardo A. Margni; Argentin

A comparative analysis of colour–emotion associations in 16–88‐year‐old adults from 31 countries

As people age, they tend to spend more time indoors, and the colours in their surroundings may significantly impact their mood and overall well-being. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence to provide informed guidance on colour choices, irrespective of age group. To work towards informed choices, we investigated whether the associations between colours and emotions observed in younger individuals also apply to older adults. We recruited 7,393 participants, aged between 16 and 88 years and coming from 31 countries. Each participant associated 12 colour terms with 20 emotion concepts and rated the intensity of each associated emotion. Different age groups exhibited highly similar patterns of colour-emotion associations (average similarity coefficient of 0.97), with subtle yet meaningful age-related differences. Adolescents associated the greatest number but the least positively biased emotions with colours. Older participants associated a smaller number but more intense and more positive emotions with all colour terms, displaying a positivity effect. Age also predicted arousal and power biases, varying by colour. Findings suggest parallels in colour-emotion associations between younger and older adults, with subtle but significant age-related variations. Future studies should next assess whether colour-emotion associations reflect what people actually feel when exposed to colour

Universal Patterns in Color-Emotion Associations Are Further Shaped by Linguistic and Geographic Proximity

Many of us "see red," "feel blue," or "turn green with envy." Are such color-emotion associations fundamental to our shared cognitive architecture, or are they cultural creations learned through our languages and traditions? To answer these questions, we tested emotional associations of colors in 4,598 participants from 30 nations speaking 22 native languages. Participants associated 20 emotion concepts with 12 color terms. Pattern-similarity analyses revealed universal color-emotion associations (average similarity coefficientr= .88). However, local differences were also apparent. A machine-learning algorithm revealed that nation predicted color-emotion associations above and beyond those observed universally. Similarity was greater when nations were linguistically or geographically close. This study highlights robust universal color-emotion associations, further modulated by linguistic and geographic factors. These results pose further theoretical and empirical questions about the affective properties of color and may inform practice in applied domains, such as well-being and design.Peer reviewe