Asymmetric discrimination of non-speech tonal analogues of vowels

Published in final edited form as: J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform. 2019 February ; 45(2): 285–300. doi:10.1037/xhp0000603.Directional asymmetries reveal a universal bias in vowel perception favoring extreme vocalic articulations, which lead to acoustic vowel signals with dynamic formant trajectories and well-defined spectral prominences due to the convergence of adjacent formants. The present experiments investigated whether this bias reflects speech-specific processes or general properties of spectral processing in the auditory system. Toward this end, we examined whether analogous asymmetries in perception arise with non-speech tonal analogues that approximate some of the dynamic and static spectral characteristics of naturally-produced /u/ vowels executed with more versus less extreme lip gestures. We found a qualitatively similar but weaker directional effect with two-component tones varying in both the dynamic changes and proximity of their spectral energies. In subsequent experiments, we pinned down the phenomenon using tones that varied in one or both of these two acoustic characteristics. We found comparable asymmetries with tones that differed exclusively in their spectral dynamics, and no asymmetries with tones that differed exclusively in their spectral proximity or both spectral features. We interpret these findings as evidence that dynamic spectral changes are a critical cue for eliciting asymmetries in non-speech tone perception, but that the potential contribution of general auditory processes to asymmetries in vowel perception is limited.Accepted manuscrip

Scanning Probe Investigations of Magnetic Nanoparticles, Protein Binding and the Synthesis of Rare Earth Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nanoscale Lithography

Approaches to prepare spatially selective surfaces were developed in this dissertation for constructing assemblies of biomolecules and inorganic materials. Nanoscale surface patterns of organic thin films were prepared using particle lithography combined with organosilane chemistry. Biological and inorganic nanomaterials can be patterned with tailorable periodicities, which can be controlled by selecting the diameter of mesospheres used as surface masks. The surface platforms of well-defined nanopatterns are ideal for high resolution investigations using scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Local measurements of surface properties combined with visualization of the steps of chemical reactions at the molecular level were accomplished. Fundamental studies of the chemical steps for patterning proteins are critical for the integration of biomolecules into miniature biological-electronic devices for protein sensing. Rare earth oxide (REO) nanomaterials have useful properties such as upconversion, catalysis, and magnetism. For commercial applications REO nanomaterials should have well defined sizes and be arranged as surface arrays. Sample characterizations were accomplished with selected modes of SPM. Scanning probe studies can be used to probe the morphological and physical properties of samples, when discrete arrangements of nanomaterials are prepared. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be used to analyze many types of samples in ambient and liquid environments. Arrays of protein nanopatterns were fabricated using the spatial selectivity of chemical patterns prepared with particle lithography. The steps for patterning protein and protein binding were visualized with AFM. The protein arrays were tested for the selectivity of binding IgG to evaluate if protein function was retained

Traversing community attitudes and interaction experiences with large agricultural vehicles on rural roads

Agriculture is one of Australia's largest rural industries. Oversized and slow moving industry equipment and vehicles, hereafter referred to as large agricultural vehicles (LAVs), use public roads. Restrictions exist regarding their on-road operation, but whether this is a function of the risk that their on-road use represents is unknown. A convenience sample of community members was used to explore perspectives about LAVs' presence on roads. An online survey was used to explore LAV interaction experiences, risk perceptions, and how best to promote safe interactions. Ethics approval was obtained. The participants' (N = 239) exposure to LAVs on roads in the last 12 months was variable, but there were clear seasonal points when encounters could be expected. The participants indicated that LAVs have a right to drive on the road (94.8%), and most interactions were neutral, with four LAV crashes reported. Other vehicle types were perceived as representing a higher risk to rural road safety than LAVs. The use of the driver's license test to increase knowledge about LAVs' presence, how to respond, and the use of signs were suggested in order to improve safety. The participants commonly interacted with LAVs, and rarely experienced negative events such as crashes. Continued communication about LAV presence on rural roads is an important consideration in order to help ensure safe interactions

Implementing a 4 Week Balance Protocol to Impact Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(2): 145-153, 2015. As a result of various cancer treatments, balance, fall risk, and quality of life (QOL) of cancer survivors are often negatively compromised. There has been no prior research conducted examining balance ability and its association with QOL in cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether improved balance will positively influence QOL. Eight female cancer patients (age 55.8 ± 11.8 yrs.) volunteered for an experimental group, and five sex-matched cancer patients (age 64.5 ± 4.6 yrs.) volunteered for a control group. A 4-week balance program, employed twice per week and consisting of 5 different exercises, was utilized with the experimental group participants. Measures of balance and fall risk were obtained using a balance system (Biodex SD 950-440). QOL was assessed by employing the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) survey. Alpha level of .05 was used for all statistical analyses. There was no significant relationship between QOL and fall risk (r=.08, p=.790). A two-way ANOVA demonstrated significant group difference in QOL, but not time. More specifically, control group had higher QOL score than did experimental group. A second two-way ANOVA shows no significant difference in fall risk between groups nor time. Due to a lack of improvement in balance from pre- to post-tests, we did not examine an improvement in QOL scores among cancer patients. Further research needs to be completed to more appropriately measure improvements in balance and a longer-term intervention

Travel-weary to travel-worry: the epidemiology of injury-related traveller deaths in Australia, 2006-2017

Objective: To explore injury deaths in international and domestic interstate travellers, together with those newly arrived to Australia. Methods: A population-based cohort study of all injury-related deaths between 1January 2006 and 31 December 2017 registered with Births Death and Marriages in Australia was conducted using Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) Cause of Death information. Population data on travellers were obtained from Tourism Research Australia. Results: There were 4,503 injury-related traveller deaths (domestic interstate:3,055; international:934; new arrivals:514). The average annual age-standardised mortality rates in domestic interstate travellers was 0.75 per 100,000, compared with 2.22 per 100,000 in international travellers. Leading causes of injury-related death were land transport incidents (n=1495, 33.2%), self-harm (n=786, 17.5%) and falls (n=513, 11.4%), with differences in mechanism by state/territory, traveller type and age group. Intentional self-harm was common amongst all visitor types, however, it was the primary cause of death in new arrivals Conclusion: Age-standardised mortality rates were almost three-fold higher in international than domestic travellers. New arrivals, international and domestic travellers have different injury profiles, and each require specific prevention strategies. Implications for public health: While COVID has restricted travel to and within Australia, this has provided an opportunity for exploration, reflection, and consideration of risk factors for travellers, and to develop targeted injury prevention strategies for visitor types, so travel experience can be optimised and the magnitude of harm can be reduced

Greener Asthma Prescribing: A qualitative study exploring primary healthcare professional perspectives on reducing prescribing of metered dose inhalers for asthma

Background: In 2020, the NHS developed its carbon net zero goals and highlighted metered dose inhalers (MDIs) as a focal point for change. MDIs are commonly prescribed for asthma in primary care and contain potent greenhouse gases, accounting for 3% of the NHS’ carbon footprint. Despite targets to reduce MDI prescribing and increase use of dry powdered inhalers (DPIs), there is little evidence to support active implementation of this guidance and realisation of these targets. This study aims to explore healthcare professionals’ perspectives on reducing the prescribing of MDIs for people with asthma. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with general practitioners, practice nurses and clinical pharmacists were performed, using topic guides that were iteratively developed using a constantcomparison approach. Participants were recruited through supervisor networks alongside snowball and purposeful sampling. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. A patient and public involvement and engagement group (PPIE) were involved in this study at the research design phase. Results: 18 healthcare professionals were interviewed: 8 general practitioners, 6 practice nurses and 4 clinical pharmacists. The findings are divided into two sections. The first section focuses on factors that influence decision-making when choosing which inhaler to prescribe for asthma and includes the themes: Patient-centred care; Making assumptions; Status quo; and Clinician confidence and knowledge. The second section discusses barriers and facilitators to reducing the proportion of MDIs prescribed and includes the themes: Awareness; Attitudes towards change; Engagement with sustainable prescribing; the role of incentives; and Guidelines and systems. Conclusions: Prescriber, consultation and external factors influence inhaler device decision-making in primary care. Clinicians lack knowledge of key elements of asthma management, importantly inhaler technique. Organisational culture impacts decision-making and must be adapted to accommodate low-carbon asthma care. Education will play a vital role in improving the quality of asthma management in primary care and reducing carbon emissions associated with inhaler prescribing

Epidemiology, risk factors and measures for preventing drowning in Africa: a systematic review

Background: Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury related mortality worldwide, and accounts for roughly 320,000 deaths yearly. Over 90% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries with inadequate prevention measures. The highest rates of drowning are observed in Africa. The aim of this review is to describe the epidemiology of drowning and identify the risk factors and strategies for prevention of drowning in Africa. Methods: A review of multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and Emcare) was conducted from inception of the databases to the 1st of April 2019 to identify studies investigating drowning in Africa. The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) was utilised. Results: Forty-two articles from 15 countries were included. Twelve articles explored drowning, while in 30 articles, drowning was reported as part of a wider study. The data sources were coronial, central registry, hospital record, sea rescue and self-generated data. Measures used to describe drowning were proportions and rates. There was a huge variation in the proportion and incidence rate of drowning reported by the studies included in the review. The potential risk factors for drowning included young age, male gender, ethnicity, alcohol, access to bodies of water, age and carrying capacity of the boat, weather and summer season. No study evaluated prevention strategies, however, strategies proposed were education, increased supervision and community awareness. Conclusions: There is a need to address the high rate of drowning in Africa. Good epidemiological studies across all African countries are needed to describe the patterns of drowning and understand risk factors. Further research is needed to investigate the risk factors and to evaluate prevention strategies

Mosaico de docências-repouso: docência inclusiva em matemática

O texto discute quais das diferentes docências sugeridas nos discursos contemporâneos da Educação Matemática (docência construtivista, lúdica, analítica, mecânica, reflexiva, colaborativa, conformada) são encontradas nas análises das enunciações que circulam no meio institucional do GerAção/POA. Nesse espaço, estudou-se o tipo de docência esperada para ensinar a(s) matemática(s) necessária(s) para os usuários serem “protagonistas da própria vida”, podendo apontar para uma docência ainda não catalogada. O material empírico foi composto por quatro entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com profissionais da saúde que atuam no GerAção/POA e observações das oficinas que os usuários participavam. As lentes teóricas utilizadas para a realização do estudo tiveram inspiração na perspectiva pós-estruturalista, em especial nas teorizações de Michel Foucault. A partir das análises do material empírico, infere-se que a inclusão e as necessidades educativas em matemática que estes usuários podem vir a apresentar fazem emergir a Matemática Escolar como uma tática de governamento. Portanto, emerge das análises uma docência que nominamos de docência inclusiva. Esta, dirige as condutas de sujeitos/usuários que estão à margem da normalidade, os estranhos de nossa sociedade, mas que necessitam ser conduzidos nessa sociedade neoliberal. A docência inclusiva, neste contexto, é mais uma docência-repouso

The Effects of Time Pressure on Social Cognitive Problem-Solving by Aggressive and Nonaggressive Boys

This study evaluated the effects of one potential source of arousal, namely time pressure, on the attributions made and the solutions generated in hypothetical social problem situations by aggressive and nonaggressive boys. It was predicted that time pressure would be more disruptive to the social information-processing of aggressive boys as compared to their nonaggressive peers. Thirty aggressive and 32 nonaggressive third- and fourth-grade boys were administered attribution and solution generation tasks under both untimed and time pressured conditions. Level of arousal in both conditions was assessed by experimenter observation and subject self-report. The time pressure condition re-suited in greater arousal than the untimed condition across all subjects. The predicted interaction between group and condition did not reach statistical significance; however, there was a trend suggesting that the aggressive group made more hostile attributions in the time pressured as compared to the untimed condition, whereas the nonaggressive group did not differ between the two conditions. On the solution generation measure, the time pressure condition resulted in all subjects producing a greater number of solutions overall, more types of solutions, and proportionally more aggressive solutions. Results are discussed in terms of the influence of arousal on social information-processing