The impact of a theater performance on the vocal quality of actors

Background: Theater actors are a special group of elite vocal performers where the slightest vocal difficulty can have serious professional consequences. Little is known about the presence of vocal complaints and dysphonia in this group. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate vocal quality, vocal complaints and risk factors for developing voice disorders in theater actors. Secondly, the impact of one vocal performance on the voice was investigated by comparing objective and subjective voice quality immediately before and after a theater performance of one and a half hour. Methods and procedures: Speech samples of 26 theater actors (15 men, 11 women) with a mean age of 41.9 years were recorded before and after a theater performance of one and a half hour and analyzed using the software program PRAAT. Speech samples consisted of the combination of sustained phonation and continuous speech. For each speech sample the multiparameter index Acoustic Voice Quality Index was calculated. Auditory perceptual evaluations were performed using the GRBASI scale. Questionnaires were used to inventory vocal symptoms and influencing factors. Outcome and results: Acoustic analysis showed a mean AVQI of 3.48 corresponding with a mild dysphonia. Fifty percent of the theater actors reported having (sometimes or regularly) vocal complaints after a performance. The questionnaire revealed a high presence of vocally violent behavior and poor vocal hygiene habits. Objective vocal quality, measured by the AVQI did not change after a theater performance. The auditory perceptual evaluation of the overall grade of dysphonia showed a subtle amelioration of the vocal quality. Conclusion and implications: The results of this study showed the presence of mild dysphonia, regular vocal complaints and poor vocal hygiene habits in theater actors. A theater performance did not have an impact on the objective vocal quality. Further research is necessary to confirm these preliminary results and to investigate the long-term impact of performing on the objective vocal quality

PENDEKATAN SIX SIGMA-TAGUCHI DALAM MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS PRODUK (Studi Kasus PT. Asaputex Jaya Spinning Mill Tegal)

The main factors to achieve business success in the era of globalization is the quality. In the business world, quality control is the key to maintaining customer loyalty. For a company doing quality control is expected to achieve the company's goals, related to the company's revenue. This is the purpose of PT. Asaputex Jaya Spinning Mill Tegal to make efforts to improve the production activities, especially in improving quality by reducing defects. Six Sigma-Taguchi method can be used to improve quality yarns product. From the analysis we found that the control diagram p, data of defects is uncontrolled, so the capability process is still low with capability value is 0.502. So, it need to be improved to enhance product quality yarns. By using the Taguchi method we can know factors and optimal level to improve the quality of the yarn. That Factor and level is TPI with the optimum level that can be used are Level 2 (13,5 rpm), level 1 (383 tpm) for Delivery Speed factor, for the weight of cotton the optimum level is level 1 (2,0 Kw) and factor Grain the optimal level is level 2 (400 Ne). Keywords: Six Sigma Method, Design Experiment of Taguchi, Capability Proces

Brain activity during phonation in women with muscle tension dysphonia : an fMRI study

Objectives. The main objectives of this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study are (1) to investigate brain activity during phonation in women with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) in comparison with healthy controls; and (2) to explain the neurophysiological mechanism of laryngeal hyperfunction/tension during phonation in patients with MTD. Methods. Ten women with MTD and fifteen healthy women participated in this study. The fMRI experiment was carried out using a block design paradigm. Brain activation during phonation and exhalation was analyzed using BrainVoyager software. Results. The statistical analysis of fMRI data has demonstrated that MTD patients control phonation by use of the auditory, motor, frontal, parietal, and subcortical areas similar to phonation control by healthy people. Comparison of phonation tasks in the two groups revealed higher brain activities in the precentral gyrus, inferior, middle and superior frontal gyrus, lingual gyrus, insula, cerebellum, midbrain, and brainstem as well as lower brain activities in the cingulate gyrus, superior and middle temporal gyrus, and inferior parietal lobe in the MTD group. No differences were found between the two groups regarding exhalation control. Conclusions. The findings in this study provide insight into phonation and exhalation control in patients with MTD. The imaging results demonstrated that in patients with MTD, altered (higher/lower) brain activities may result in laryngeal tension and vocal hyperfunction

The 3-D reconstruction of medieval wetland reclamation through electromagnetic induction survey

Studies of past human-landscape interactions rely upon the integration of archaeological, biological and geological information within their geographical context. However, detecting the often ephemeral traces of human activities at a landscape scale remains difficult with conventional archaeological field survey. Geophysical methods offer a solution by bridging the gap between point finds and the surrounding landscape, but these surveys often solely target archaeological features. Here we show how simultaneous mapping of multiple physical soil properties with a high resolution multi-receiver electromagnetic induction (EMI) survey permits a reconstruction of the three-dimensional layout and pedological setting of a medieval reclaimed landscape in Flanders (Belgium). Combined with limited and directed excavations, the results offer a unique insight into the way such marginal landscapes were reclaimed and occupied during the Middle Ages. This approach provides a robust foundation for unravelling complex historical landscapes and will enhance our understanding of past human-landscape interactions

Voice symptoms and risk factors for developing voice disorders in future musical actors

Musical theater students follow an intensive program of singing, acting and physical excercises (dancing) and are expected to participate in long rehearsals and full performances. As they are absolutely depending on their vocal quality and vocal capacities for their studies and their future profession, an optimal voice coaching is very important. The purpose of this study was to determine the voice quality, voice symptoms and the risk factors for developing voice problems in future elite vocal performers (musical theater performers). Thirty-one Musical students (7 men and 24 women) with a mean age of 20 years participated to the study. To determine the objective voice quality aerodynamic measurements, voice range profile, acoustic analysis and Dysphonia Severity Index were used. To inventory the voice symptoms and the risk factors for developing voice disorders the Dutch version of the checklists (De Bodt et al. 2008) of Russel et al. (2000) were used. The questionnaires investigate the presence and the frequency (never, daily, weekly, monthly) of voice symptoms and risk factors (vocal abuse, vocal misuse) as reported by the subjects. Psychosocial impact of a voice disorder was investigated using the the Voice Handicap Index and Singing Voice Handicap Index. The mean DSI in male and female Musical theater students was respectively 3.9 and 5.6, both corresponding with an overall good vocal quality. The results of the VHI showed no important psychosocial impact on the speaking voice. Despite the overall good vocal quality, more than 40% experienced voice symptoms on a regular basis. Vocal misuse and abuse was also frequently reported. Videolaryngostroboscopy revealed a high presence of organic and functional voice disorders. Note: The objective vocal quality in this group was presented in a poster at the voice conference in Philadelphia in 2015. This presentation focuses on new data regarding the symptoms and risk factors reported by the subjects