Electroacoustic Analysis Research Articles

The dividing question as a hedging tool in the dialogues of the British working class

The subject of the study is the dividing issues-hedges in the speech of the British working class. The purpose of the work is to determine the features of their functioning as a means of speech fencing (hedging). The main communicative tasks for which representatives of the British working class resort to using the structure of the dividing question in order to hedge their statements are identified: expression of opinion, criticism, statement of fact, assumption, proposal, demand, request for information and intention. A number of patterns have also been identified when using ascending or descending nuclear tones in the second half of the dividing questions used as hedges. The material of the study is the dialogues of the characters, representatives of the modern London working class, of the movie "Sorry We Missed You" (2019, directed by K. Loach) in the original language. The work uses linguistic and contextual analysis in order to classify the research material. Audit and electroacoustic analysis of statements were also carried out using the Praat program. The novelty of the study lies in the choice of material and subject of the study: the film "Sorry We Missed You" has not been considered by linguists as a material for analyzing the rhythmic dynamics of English speech, and the features of hedging in communication of the British working class remain extremely poorly studied. The study showed that hedging, allowing communicants to maintain each other's personal boundaries, is not always a means of making a statement polite, as it is often used even in conflict situations. The emotional state of the addressee does not reduce the need to apply a speech separation strategy (including using the structure of the dividing question), but it affects its rhythmic and melodic design. Other important factors in choosing the intonation of hedges are the desire to continue or end the conversation, as well as the gender of the speaker.

Prosodic Features (Electroacoustic Analysis) of the French Language in South India

The subject of the study are the results obtained in the course of electroacoustic analysis of a single text. This fragment is part of an interview recorded by an Indian student studying French in the Republic of India. The auditor participating in the recording of the phonogram of the fragment is a resident of South India, living in the state of Tamil Nadu. The task of the experiment carried out by the authors is to study the methods of intonation selection using the main prosodic characteristics of the semantics of texts of various subjects. The object of this study is the analysis of indicators of the frequency of the main tone, intensity, duration, and pause. The article contains a table consisting of the results of processing acoustic data obtained using the PRAAT software, which provides the ability to process and analyze sounding speech. The authors consider in detail the procedure of the experiment, which consists in transcribing the text, highlighting lexico-semantic lines opposed to each other, the process of rationing according to the formulas given in the article, as well as analyzing the results. The main conclusion of the study is the calculation of deviations from the average values of the main acoustic parameters that characterize words that express the semantic lines of the text and are combined into two opposed lexico-semantic complexes.

Validation of a tablet-based assessment of auditory sensitivity for researchers.

Quantifying hearing acuity is increasingly important across a wide range of research areas in the behavioral and neurosciences. Scientists have relied on either self-reported hearing status or the availability of diagnostic hearing assessment in past studies. There remains a need for a valid and reliable assessment of auditory sensitivity that can provide estimates of the magnitude of hearing loss, if present, without requirements for professional audiologists, facilities, and equipment that are needed to conduct a diagnostic hearing assessment. The goal of this experiment was to validate the NIH Toolbox® Hearing Threshold Test (HTT), a tablet-based hearing assessment available via iPad application that uses consumer-grade headphones, on a clinical sample of children and adults with varying degrees of hearing acuity. Electroacoustic analysis of the hearing assessment application and headphones demonstrated acoustic outputs within established conformity standards for hearing assessment. Twenty-seven children and 63 adults participated in a standard diagnostic hearing assessment and the experimental tablet-based assessment. The results showed that thresholds from the tablet-based assessment were highly correlated with thresholds from the clinical hearing assessment (r = .83-.93) for children and adults for all frequencies and across a range of levels of hearing acuity. The HTT also met clinical test-retest reliability standards (Cronbach's α > .86). The tablet-based hearing assessment provides acceptable estimates of hearing levels for children and adults when diagnostic audiometric assessment capabilities are not available.

MELODIC ORGANIZATION OF THE PREACHER'S SPEECH IN FILM DISCOURSE

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of the melodic organization of monological expressions of preachers of different ranks - the characters of English-language feature films. Based on the fact that the preacher's speech functions are not limited to preaching from the pulpit, but include speeches outside the temple and private conversations with parishioners on spiritual topics, these three types of speech activities were studied. The research material, which consisted of oral English sermons, speeches and conversations taken from five modern films, was subjected to auditive, auditory and electroacoustic analysis. Auditive analysis involved the selection from the general text of those phrasal units that most clearly demonstrate the prosodic characteristics in all parts of the studied sermons, speeches and conversations. Auditory analysis was aimed at determining the type of spiritual speech and identifying the degree of participation of certain prosodic parameters (melodic contour, phrasal stress, volume, tempo, rhythm, pause) in the realization of the intention of speech and expression of emotions in different parts of the text. Based on the auditive analysis, firstly, the prosodic differences between the three speech realizations at the level of perception were confirmed, and secondly, it was found that the melodic component of intonation is the second most informative component involved in speech differentiation and enhancing its influential effect.The complex auditory and instrumental analysis of the melodic characteristics of the preachers’ speech allows to conclude that there are integral and distinctive melodic parameters inherent in the three types of speech behaviour of the speakers during the sermon, speeches outside the church and conversations with parishioners in private. The private priests’ conversation with parishioners is characterized by the lowest melodic indicators, where facial expressions and kinetic means of expressiveness and emotionality come to the fore.

Hearing and Speech Perception for People With Hearing Loss Using Personal Sound Amplification Products.

BackgroundHearing loss (HL) is the most common chronic disease and has been linked to negative health outcomes. Hearing aids (HAs) are regarded as the gold standard for HL management, however, the adoption rate of HAs is relatively low for various reasons. With this background, hearing devices, such as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) received significant attention as an alternative to conventional HAs. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of PSAPs in patients with mild to moderately severe HL.MethodsNineteen patients with mild hearing loss (MHL), 23 with moderate hearing loss (MDHL), and 15 with moderately severe hearing loss (MSHL) participated in the study. Electroacoustic analysis, simulated real-ear measurements (REMs), and three clinical evaluations were implemented.ResultsAll devices satisfied the electroacoustic tolerances. All devices provided sufficient gain for MHL and MDHL audiograms. However, in MSHL audiogram, the gains of PSAPs were insufficient, especially for high frequencies. In terms of clinical evaluations, sound-field audiometry showed significant improvements between aided and unaided thresholds in all groups for all devices (P < 0.001). Significant improvements of word recognition scores were only shown for HAs between aided and unaided conditions. The Korean version of the Hearing In Noise Test did not show any consistent findings for all devices and groups.ConclusionCertain PSAPs are beneficial for improving hearing and speech perception in patients with HL. Well-chosen PSAPs could be an alternative hearing rehabilitation option for these patients.

The pragmalinguistic character of intonation units in discourse

Speech discourse is the communication between people, that is, the speaker seeks to influence the recipient in a conversation, using deep thoughts and meaningful words, expecting to receive a response from the addressee. In modern Kazakh linguistics, speech discourse is being explored in various ways as a reflection of people's relationships and actions. This research aims to study intonation of the text in the form of official radio interview and to reveal pragmalinguistic peculiarities of it. We used methods of audit, experimental and electro-acoustic analysis for this research. In the article, speech discourse is analyzed pragmalinguistically and its intonation features are investigated by experimental research. Consequently, we took unprepared speech for experimental research, where the participant of interview was informed about the topic of the conversation. However, despite the fact that the theme of the issue was given, the discourse in the form of a previously unprepared radio interview is provided as the subject of research. Among other findings, the results of the study showed that it is advisable to use appropriate pauses, especially the pauses of hesitation, while speaking.

Electroacoustic analysis of a directional moving-coil microphone using combined lumped-parameter models and BEM

This article presents a lumped-parameter model combined with external sound pressure field simulation, based on the boundary element method (BEM) for utilization in a directional microphone. A study about microphone capsule of a typical handheld moving-coil microphone with hyper-cardioid pattern has been conducted. In the BEM simulation, a simplified 3D model of the capsule that met sound waves which radiated from a point sound source has been taken into account. The blocked average pressure at the openings of the capsule is used to drive the lumped element equivalent circuit model. Through the model, the sensitivity, directivity, and impedance of the microphone were analyzed. Hence, the proximity effect is observed and discussed. To verify our simulation, the microphone characteristics were experimentally measured by B&K devices with SoundCheck software in an anechoic chamber. The simulation data are in good agreement with the measurement data at low and medium frequencies below 13 kHz, and there were larger errors at higher frequencies, which may indicate that the lumped parameters is less applicable at higher frequencies. The proposed method gains more precise and comprehensive prediction for the microphone characteristics, which therefore could be utilized in optimizing the choice of materials and size of the microphone capsule design.

I due gemelli veneziani del Teatro Stabile di Genova

The article, which aims to place itself in the space of encounter between theatre studies and Sound Studies, develops the analysis of the sound recordings, found in the archives of the Teatro Nazionale in Genoa, of four takes of I due gemelli veneziani (directed by Luigi Squarzina, starring Alberto Lionello) that cover the entire life of the production (1963-1978). By enhancing the documentary specificity of the sound materials and introducing elements of electroacoustic analysis, the study aims to discuss the performance as an object of dynamics of continuity and alteration – with particular attention to the progressive transformations in relation to the response of the different types of audience – with particular interest in Lionello’s voice, the acoustically most emblematic element. A technical analysis allows us to appreciate the rhythmic, timbre and prosodic diversification with which the actor characterises the two characters he plays and to verify his metamorphosis over the years. The case study of I due gemelli turns out to be particularly suitable to demonstrate the potentiality of materials usually neglected, especially with regard to “traditional” performances and to highlight the consequences of the text’s embodiment in the actor’s body over a long period of time: these objectives allow to open a new front concerning the use of sound sources within the strand, long pursued by ORMETE Research Group, concerning the creation and enhancement of oral sources for Performance Studies.

Spontaneous Vocal Fold Polyps Remission after Lockdown for Covid-19 Pandemic: Does Vocal Load Matter?

ObjectiveDuring the Italian lockdown for Covid-19 emergency, due to stay-at-home orders, many people experienced an unusual period of voice rest. The present case series aims at reporting the spontaneous regression of some vocal fold polyps during the Italian lockdown for SARS-CoV2 pandemic.MethodsFive patients with voice complaints presenting to a tertiary referral center and diagnosed with vocal fold polyps before the lockdown were included. Because of the lockdown restrictive measures, planned elective surgical procedures were suspended. The patients were re-assessed immediately after lockdown. Multidimensional voice assessments were conducted before and after the lockdown period through laryngostroboscopies, perceptual voice evaluations, electroacoustic analysis and self assessments.ResultsThe patients included in the present case series experienced a complete or nearly complete remission of symptoms. Videolaryngostroboscopies documented a complete or nearly complete regression of the polyps. Voices considerably improved both perceptually and electroacoustically. Self assessments showed a reduction of voice-related complaints.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that daily vocal load reduction may play a critical role in the conservative management of vocal fold polyps.

Feasibility of Personal Sound Amplification Products in Patients With Moderate Hearing Loss: A Pilot Study.

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to investigate the electroacoustic characteristics of personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), to identify whether PSAPs provide adequate gain and output for three common hearing loss (HL) configurations, and to compare the benefits of a representative PSAP (RPSAP) and a conventional hearing aid (HA) for clinical hearing outcomes as a pilot study.MethodsThe study comprised three phases: electroacoustic analysis, simulated real-ear measurements (REMs), and clinical hearing experiments. Electroacoustic analysis and simulated REMs were performed for three basic PSAPs (BeethoSOL, EarJJang, and Geniesori2) and three high-end PSAPs (Hearing Able, Olive Smart Ear, and SoriIn) using the Aurical Hearing Instrument Test box with a 2-mL coupler. Four electroacoustic characteristics (maximum output sound pressure level at 90 dB SPL, frequency range, equivalent input noise, and total harmonic distortion) were investigated. By simulated REMs, appropriate levels of the six PSAPs for three common HL configurations (mild-to-moderate high-frequency HL, moderate to moderately severe sloping HL, and moderate flat HL) were determined. Clinical experiments compared the performance of RPSAP to HA, both of which were fitted by audiologists using REMs. Clinical experiments were administered using functional gain, a word recognition test, and the Korean version of the Hearing in Noise Test in six participants with bilateral moderate sensorineural HL.ResultsThe two high-end devices met all tolerances. One basic and two high-end PSAPs showed appropriate levels for three common HL configurations. In the clinical experiments, the RPSAP showed better performance than unaided, but slightly worse than HA under all test conditions.ConclusionCertain PSAPs met all specified tolerances for electroacoustic analysis and approximated prescriptive targets in well-controlled laboratory conditions. The pilot clinical experiments explored the possibility that the RPSAP could serve as a hearing assistive device for patients with moderate HL.

Linguistic Means in Image of COVID-19 (German Political Discourse in Media)

The article is focused on the role of lexical and prosodic means of expression in the coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic in German political media discourse. As a research task, the authors identified an attempt to assess the dynamics of the image of the coronavirus phenomenon in the media and to identify the conditionality of the use of linguistic units at certain stages of the pandemic. The material for the study was transcripts and audio recordings of plots from leading German news channels in the first half of 2020. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the frequency of the use of lexical units and the correlation of lexical and prosodic means of expression. In the course of linguo-stylistic analysis, the main stylistic means are established, depicting the course of the pandemic and the fight against the virus. The prosodic features of the informants' speech, which are determined in the course of the electroacoustic analysis of statements, are brought into consideration. The impact of COVID-19 on all spheres of public life in Germany and its maximum representation in the media determine the relevance of this study. The novelty of the study is seen in the application of a comprehensive methodology for analyzing expressive means in the speech of informants in the period from January to May 2020.

Analysis of space charge and charge trap characteristics of gamma irradiated silicone rubber nanocomposites

Silicone rubber is widely used for electrical insulation and may be exposed to a harsh environment. The present study envisaged to improve insulation properties of silicone rubber by adding an optimised quantity of nanofillers. The fundamental space charge and charge trap characteristics were studied by adopting the pulsed electroacoustic analysis technique and through surface potential measurement. The dielectric properties of the materials were analysed through measurement of permittivity and loss factor of the material at different frequencies and temperatures. The influence of gamma irradiation on variations in fundamental properties of the material was characterised. The results of the study indicate that 5 wt.% alumina added nanocomposites had better space charge performance under gamma irradiation compared with virgin silicone rubber.

Фонетические и просодические особенности немецких диалектов в сравнении с литературным немецким языком (на материале кулинарных рецептов)

This article is devoted to the study of the linguo-culture of Russian Germans. The urgency and relevance of the topic motivated by modern realia and language problems at the present stage are shown. The linguistic significance of the study is due to the issue of preserving the linguo-culture, traditions and national identity by Russian Germans. Assimilation processes take on an irreversible character, and continuity in generations is lost. This is reflected in the loss of traditional culture elements and the language of the Germans as well as the perception of the culture- and languagerelated character / specificity of a foreign language environment. Despite the fact that the dialect has been lost by the younger generation, culinary traditions have proven to be one of the most stable elements of the culture of Russian Germans. Cooking recipes are a unique source for studying the phonetic and prosodic features of German dialects. The paper concentrates on the phonetic and prosodic characteristics of the German dialects in comparison to the standard German language (based on the cooking recipes of Russian Germans). For this reason, special attention is paid to the results of the electro-acoustic analysis. The authors calculated and analyzed average values for the basic prosodic characteristics. The material of the study was audio recording of the cooking recipes read by dialect and native speakers. The study of the dialects made it possible to detect deviations from the norm of the standard German language at the phonetic and prosodic levels: shift of vowel and consonant sounds, verb reduction, increased duration of the utterance, comparatively high intensity, relatively smooth movement of the pitch frequency with a decrease toward the end of the phrase. The analysis allowed us to determine key prosodic features of the German dialects (based on the cooking recipes) and map out aspects of their future studying.

Electroacoustic evaluation of pediatric-focused hearing assistive devices/systems in different digital signal transmission arrangements

Pediatric-focused hearing assistive devices/systems (HADS) are intended to facilitate hearing by providing amplification of an acoustic signal and/or improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for children with hearing loss. Digital modulated (DM) signal transmission systems operate on a 2.4 GHz bandwidth and transmit signals directly from the speaker to the listener. Little is known about changes in electroacoustic performance of the hearing aid when receiving digital transmitted signals. The purpose of this study was to examine the electroacoustic characteristics of pediatric-focused HADS in three digital transmission arrangements with two transmitters and two behind-the-ear hearing aids. The three arrangements included (1) direct audio input (2) proprietary digital streaming, and (3) induction loop. Comparisons were made per ANSI/ASA S3.47 standard for measurement of HADS as well as the electroacoustic transparency based on 2011 American Academy of Audiology Clinical Practice Guidelines. Electroacoustic analysis across HADS in different digital transmission arrangements revealed variable results. Adjustments were necessary for some arrangements for optimal signal transmission. This supports the critical need of electroacoustic evaluation for HADS.Pediatric-focused hearing assistive devices/systems (HADS) are intended to facilitate hearing by providing amplification of an acoustic signal and/or improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for children with hearing loss. Digital modulated (DM) signal transmission systems operate on a 2.4 GHz bandwidth and transmit signals directly from the speaker to the listener. Little is known about changes in electroacoustic performance of the hearing aid when receiving digital transmitted signals. The purpose of this study was to examine the electroacoustic characteristics of pediatric-focused HADS in three digital transmission arrangements with two transmitters and two behind-the-ear hearing aids. The three arrangements included (1) direct audio input (2) proprietary digital streaming, and (3) induction loop. Comparisons were made per ANSI/ASA S3.47 standard for measurement of HADS as well as the electroacoustic transparency based on 2011 American Academy of Audiology Clinical Practice Guidelines. Electroacoustic...

Benefits and Shortcomings of Direct-to-Consumer Hearing Devices: Analysis of Large Secondary Data Generated From Amazon Customer Reviews.

Purpose The current study was aimed at understanding the benefits and shortcomings of direct-to-consumer hearing devices (DCHDs) by analyzing the large text corpus of secondary data generated from Amazon customer reviews. Method Secondary data were generated manually by gathering user feedback for 62 different DCHDs (cost range: $9.95-$635) on the Amazon.com website, which included 11,258 unique Amazon-verified customer reviews. The data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative analyses methods. Results The cluster analysis of large data corpus resulted in 7 unique clusters, which were labeled as (a) Issues related to fit and comfort (15%), (b) Friends and family recommendations (11.8%), (c) Issues related to sound quality (11.9%), (d) Listening and conversation (16.1%), (e) Positive customer service (12.1%), (f) General usage and customer service (14.7%), and (g) Cost and affordability (17.3%). Exploratory analysis also revealed an association between customer ratings and cost in relation to these clusters (i.e., customer reviews). For example, customer reviews about cheaper DCHDs are related to issues about sound quality, whereas reviews about expensive DCHDs are related to cost and affordability of the device. The qualitative content analysis resulted in 8 main themes, which include (a) intrinsic factors, (b) extrinsic factors, (c) supplemental items, (d) ease of use, (e) interaction with support services, (f) reasons for purchase, (g) experiences, and (h) general information. Conclusions The study using the text mining techniques highlights the benefits and shortcomings of DCHDs that are currently available in the U.S. market. Our findings relate well to the published study results of electroacoustic analysis on similar products, which provide clinicians with knowledge related to DCHDs that they can convey to consumers during clinical consultations. The findings may also be of interest to the hearing instrument industry from the perspective of developing products based on user feedback.

A Study of the Effect of Terahertz Electromagnetic Radiation on Microbial Cell Viability

Abstract—The effect of pulsed terahertz radiation at a wavelength of 66 μm, a pulse duration of 100 ns, and a pulse energy of 200 mJ on a suspension of microbial cells was studied. The effect of terahertz radiation was shown to cause cell death at a value of total energy of ~6 J. Since the temperature of the cell suspension after radiation remained almost unchanged, it implies that pulsed terahertz radiation exhibited a non-thermal effect. Methods of standard microbial plating, electron microscopy, electroacoustic analysis, and spectral analysis were used in order to verify the results. These experiments make it possible to control the viability of bacterial cells using terahertz radiation with certain parameters.

DYNAMIC COMPONENT OF INTONATION PARTICIPATION IN THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ORAL PRAYER TEXT IN ENGLISH FILM DISCOURSE

The article deals with the investigation of dynamic peculiarities of oral prayer texts used in modern English film discourse. Prayer personages’ appeal to God manifests intertextuality of the film discourse, that is the use of the elements of the existing text in the process of the creation of a new one. Two ways of personages’ appeal to God – with a canonical prayer registered in the Book of Common Prayers and with a “spontaneous” prayer address – have been investigated in the present paper. Four compositional parts having different pragmatic aims typical of the prayer texts of both types have been singled out. To determine the degree of the dynamic component participation in the organization of the prayer oral text, a complex phonetic analysis was conducted, the purpose of which was to identify the general trend of the dynamic organization of the prayer texts within a film discourse under study. As a result of perceptive and electroacoustic analysis, the main dynamic characteristics of the investigated texts were revealed. Distinctive intonation characteristics of the canonical prayer and the “spontaneous” prayer within a film component of intonation as a leading parameter. Instrumentally, it is found out that the differences in maximum intensity of the investigated prayer texts are essential. The “spontaneous” prayer demonstrates much higher maximum intensity than the canonical prayer. Howeverthe canonical prayer texts as well are characterized by the increased maximum intensity in introductory and concluding parts. The average syllabic intensity of the phrases constituting supraphrasal unities shows both the differences in their rate and the mutual tendency in their variability in different parts of the prayer. Thus the experimental research proved the hypothesis about the leading role of the dynamic component of intonation in prayer texts within a film discourse differentiation.

THE PECULIARITIES OF THE IMPERATIVE STRUCTURES TEMPORAL ORGANISATION IN LECTURE AND SERMON DISCOURSES

The article is devoted to the study of the imperative constructions temporal organization in the sermon and lecture discourses. Based on the presence of common intentional criteria for lecture and sermon discourses (transfer of knowledge and the point of view / belief formation), these discourses are considered in the article as a special kind of institutional instructive discourse with a common compositional structure. In the implementation of the lecturer and the preacher’s operational strategies, an important role is played by the ways of encouraging the audience to communicate, carried out, in particular, by the imperative constructions. Among the prosodic means involved in the imperatives implementation, a huge role belongs to the tempo changes nature and the pause features. To determine the degree of the intonation temporal component participation in the design of the sermon and lecture oral text, a complex phonetic analysis was conducted, the purpose of which was to identify the general trend of the discourses under study temporal organization. As a result of perceptual and electroacoustic analysis, the main temporal characteristics of the investigated imperative structures were revealed. Instrumentally, it is found out that imperative constructions tempo in the introduction of all the investigated types of text varies from slow to normal. An analysis of the textual pauses showed differences (minor ones) between the lecture and the sermon, which consist not so much in the use of pauses in various texts, but in the percentage distribution of the different duration pauses in the text. The frequency of various duration pauses occurrences when pronouncing imperative constructions is directly related to the structure of the text. The instrumental analysis of the oral English-speaking imperative constructions temporal characteristics in the lecture and sermon discourses allows us to conclude that there are integral and distinctive temporal parameters of the constructions under study. The presence of the integral characteristics proves the validity of attributing the investigated types of discourses to institutional oral discourse of an instructive type.

PROSODIC PECULIARITIES OF ENGLISH STANDARD COMMANDS IN SHIPPING DISCOURSE AND IN THE FILM DISCOURSE

The article deals with the investigation of prosodic organization of English standard commands used in two types of discourses – in the shipping discourse in the process of professional maritime communication and in the film discourse where these commands serve as elements of personages’ speech. The complex phonetic research including auditory and electroacoustic analysis based on the author’s classification of words of command has been held. Comparative analysis of prosodic peculiarities of authentic commands with the commands taken from British and American films on a maritime theme made it possible to state more vivid and diverse prosodic organization of English commands in film discourse. Maritime commands in film discourse are characterized by a larger number of Ascending, Scandent and Broken Scales, as well as a larger number of High Falling, Rising and complex terminal tones, namely the Fall-Rise and the Rise-Fall. Maritime commands in film discourse are also characterized by quickened or slow tempo unlike authentic commands which are marked by normal or slow tempo. Authentic commands unlike commands in film discourse are characterized by normal loudness compared with increased loudness in imitation. Maritime commands in film discourse are characterized by wider frequency range, higher average frequency as well as wider frequency range in terminal tones. Temporal peculiarities of maritime commands in film discourse are manifested in quicker tempo of articulation and shorter average length of pauses compared with those of authentic commands. Thus the instrumental analysis of the oral English maritime commands has proved the preliminary hypothesis that there exists a certain set of melodic, temporal and dynamic parameters capable of differentiating between authentic commands and maritime commands in film discourse.

An Electroacoustic Analysis for Determining the Effect of Amoxicillin on Microbial Cells

The probability of determining the effects of amoxicillin, which is one of β-lactam antibiotics, on microbial cells of Escherichia coli by the electroacoustic analysis method was shown for the first time. A piezoelectric resonator with a lateral electric field with a 1-mL liquid container was used as a biological sensor. It has been established that in the presence of amoxicillin the frequency dependence of the real and imaginary parts of the electrical impedance of a resonator loaded with a suspension of sensitive cells differs significantly from those of the resonator with a control of a microbial cell suspension without an antibiotic. When the resonator is loaded with the amoxicillin-resistant cell suspension, these dependencies are virtually the same. These results open prospects for the use of electroacoustic analysis methods to register the effect of β-lactam antibiotics on microbial cells and evaluate their antibacterial activity.