Gameplay as a source of intrinsic motivation in a randomized controlled trial of auditory training

Background: Previous studies of frequency discrimination training (FDT) for tinnitus used repetitive task-based training programmes relying on extrinsic factors to motivate participation. Studies reported limited improvement in tinnitus symptoms. Purpose: To evaluate FDT exploiting intrinsic motivations by integrating training with computer-gameplay. Methods: Sixty participants were randomly assigned to train on a conventional taskbased training, or one of two interactive game-based training platforms over six weeks. Outcomes included assessment of motivation, tinnitus handicap, and performance on tests of attention. Results: Participants reported greater intrinsic motivation to train on the interactive game-based platforms, yet compliance of all three groups was similar (~70%) and changes in self-reported tinnitus severity were not significant. There was no difference between groups in terms of change in tinnitus severity or performance on measures of attention. Conclusion: FDT can be integrated within an intrinsically motivating game. Whilst this may improve participant experience, in this instance it did not translate to additional compliance or therapeutic benefit

Supercritical Fluid Processing for the Recovery of Bioactive Compounds from Food Industry By-Products

By-products of food industry, especially wine industry, fruit and vegetable processing industry, oil industry, milling industry, seafood processing industry are rich in bioactive compounds. These compounds are mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, carotenoids and polyphenols. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) extraction of specialty oils rich in bioactive compounds, fractionation of specialty oils or by-products to enrich the bioactive compounds, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of carotenoids and either supercritical (SFE) or subcritical fluid extraction (SCFE), and supercritical antisolvent extraction (SAE) and fractionation (SAF) of polyphenols are discussed