SPATIAL EFFECTS: 3D MOVEMENT OF A VIRTUAL SOUND SOURCE

This document intends to explain the audio development project proposed to emulate the spatial effect of having a sound source moving in a 3D sonic environment. Throughout this document the reader will see a detailed explanation of how the problem was approached, the specific requirements needed to achieve the result, how this requirements were implemented using MatLab coding and how the end product was tested to evaluate the effectiveness of the solution provided. MatLab files will also be provided so that the reader can associate the concepts being described in order to have a better understanding of the process followed to develop this application.Architecture & Allied Art

Effect of device-guided breathing exercises on blood pressure in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus:A randomized controlled trial

Objective In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), it is hard to reach treatment objectives for blood pressure (BP) with classical treatment options. Recently, reducing breathing frequency has been advocated as a method to reduce BP. We examined if an electronic device such as Resperate, by reducing breathing frequency, would lead to BP reduction in a population of patients with DM2 and hypertension. Our secondary objective was to study the effect of this device on quality of life (QOL). Methods A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted over a period of 8 weeks to evaluate the effect of this therapy on BP and QOL. The control group listened to music and used no other therapeutic device. BP and QOL changes were studied in 30 patients with DM2 and hypertension. Results There was no significant difference in change in BP between groups; -7.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) -12.7, -2.3]/-1.0 (95% CI -5.5, 3.6) mmHg in the intervention group and -12.2 (95% CI -17.4, -7.0)/-5.5 (95% CI -9.7, -1.4) mmHg in the control group. Whether or not the target breathing frequency of 10 breaths/min was reached did not affect BP. There were no significant changes in QOL. Conclusions The effects of Resperate on BP and QOL were not significantly different from those found in the control group. Furthermore, 40% of patients did not reach the target breathing frequency, making this device less suitable for clinical practice in patients with DM2

Health-Related Quality of Life, Treatment Satisfaction, and Costs Associated With Intraperitoneal Versus Subcutaneous Insulin Administration in Type 1 Diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE - To investigate the effects of continuous intraperitoneal insulin infusion (CIPII) compared with subcutaneous insulin on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and treatment satisfaction, and to perform a cost analysis in type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - We used an open-label, prospective, crossover, randomized, 16-month study (N = 24). HRQOL and patient satisfaction were assessed with questionnaires (the 36-item short-form health survey [SF-36], the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index [WHO-5], and the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire [DTSQ]). Direct costs of CIPII and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) were compared. RESULTS - Questionnaire scores were higher with CIPII than with subcutaneous therapy. Yearly direct pump- and procedure-associated costs for CIPII were estimated at 10,910 compared with 4,810 for CSII. C CONCLUSIONS - Apart from improving glycemic control, CIPII improved HRQOL and treatment satisfaction compared with subcutaneous insulin. Direct pump- and procedure-associated costs are considerably higher for CIPII, however

Self-monitoring of blood glucose in noninsulin-treated type 2 diabetes: an overview:an overview

INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in noninsulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) remains unclear. We aimed to review the trials investigating the effects of SMBG in this population. METHODS: Medline was searched until June 29, 2009. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of at least 12 weeks' duration were included. Data on the following aspects were gathered: patient and study characteristics, effects on HbA(1c), quality of life and treatment satisfaction, and methodological quality. RESULTS: The search revealed 9 original RCTs. These studies were very heterogeneous, and 5 were classified as of high quality. The studies with the best methodology did not show an effect of SMBG on HbA(1c), the studies with the worst methodological quality did. Two out of the 4 studies that assessed quality of life showed a significant change in favor of the control group, 1 study showed a significant change in favor of SMBG. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We found an inverse relation between study quality and efficacy of SMBG. At this moment, there is no basis for general use of SMBG in noninsulin-treated T2DM patients