Intensity Ratings Research Articles

Prosodic changes with age: a longitudinal study with three public figures in European Portuguese

Purpose The analysis of acoustic parameters contributes to the characterisation of human communication development throughout the lifetime. The present paper intends to analyse suprasegmental features of European Portuguese in longitudinal conversational speech samples of three male public figures in uncontrolled environments across different ages, approximately 30 years apart. Participants and methods Twenty prosodic features concerning intonation, intensity, rhythm, and pause measures were extracted semi-automatically from 360 speech intervals (3-4 interviews from each speaker x 30 speech intervals x 3 speakers) lasting between 3 to 6 s. Results Twelve prosodic parameters presented significant age effects at least in one speaker. Group mean comparisons revealed significant differences between the youngest (i.e. 50 years) and the oldest age groups (i.e. 80 years) in seven parameters. The results from the analysis point to a lower and less variable fo, higher fo minimum, wider fo peaks, more vocal effort and more variable global intensity, slower speech and articulation rate, and also more frequent and longer pauses in older ages. Conclusion This longitudinal study has the potential to contribute to the characterization of the normal aging process, proving to be significant in the domains of human-machine communication, speech recognition systems, applied linguistics, or the implementation of strategies in communicative contexts with older adults

Sanction intensity and labor force participation

PurposeThis study examines the impact of sanction intensity on labor force participation rate in 30 sanctioned countries from 1990 to 2019.Design/methodology/approachWe apply different dynamic threshold panel models using the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation.FindingsOur findings reveal a non-linear relationship between sanction intensity and labor force participation rate. Milder sanctions are associated with higher labor force participation rate, while intense sanctions lead to reduced participation, largely due to the damaging effects of sanctions on domestic economies.Originality/valueWhile several studies have examined the impact of sanctions on various economic, social and political factors, only a few have specifically investigated the role of sanctions on labor force participation across countries and over time.

Sensitivity of Arctic marine heatwaves to half-a-degree increase in global warming: 10-fold frequency increase and 15-fold extreme intensity likelihood

Abstract We utilize the 50-member MPI-ESM-LR Earth System model to investigate the projected changes in Arctic marine heatwaves' (MHWs) characteristics caused by an additional 0.5°C increase in global warming, from 1.5°C to 2°C, with respect to pre-industrial levels. Our results indicate that this 0.5°C increase in global warming triggers an intensified response in both the Arctic's mean sea surface temperature (SST) and its variability. In a 2°C warmer world, one out of every four summer months would be warmer than the current climate. We detect a nonlinear increase in MHW intensity in a 2°C world, which is characterized by a break in slope occurring around the year 2042 ± 2 (across 50 ensemble members of the SSP5-8.5 scenario). At the estimated post-break dates, the intensity rate roughly doubles, leading to MHWs in a 2°C world with average cumulative heat intensity 100°C*days higher than in a 1.5°C world. Further results reveal that an extremely rare MHW with an intensity of 3.19°C, classified as a 1-in-100-year event in a 1.5°C world, is expected to transform into a 1-in-7-year event in a 2°C world. This transition signifies an approximately 15-fold increase in the likelihood of such events occurring due to a 0.5°C increase in global warming. Likewise, an uncommon event of years with 125 MHW days in a 1.5°C world is projected to become a 1-in-10-year event in a 2°C world, resulting in a 10-fold increase in occurrence probability. The main contributor to these changes is predominantly the rise in mean SST, with enhanced SST variability playing a minor role. These findings highlight that a 2°C world could lead to a substantial escalation of the frequency and intensity of MHWs in the Arctic compared to a 1.5°C world, transforming what are currently rare extreme events into more common events, with significant implications for global climate dynamics and the well-being of Arctic ecosystems and communities.

Radiation of pain: psychophysical evidence for a population coding mechanism in humans.

The spread of pain across body locations remains poorly understood but may provide important insights into the encoding of sensory features of noxious stimuli by populations of neurons. In this psychophysical experiment, we hypothesized that more intense noxious stimuli would lead to spread of pain, but more intense light stimuli would not produce perceptual radiation. Fifty healthy volunteers (27 females, 23 males, ages 14-44 years) participated in this study wherein noxious stimuli (43, 45, 47, and 49°C) were applied to glabrous (hand) and hairy skin (forearm) skin with 5-second and 10-second durations. Also, visual stimuli displayed on the target bodily area were used as a control. Participants provided pain (and light) spatial extent ratings as well as pain (and light) intensity ratings. In the extent rating procedure, participants adjusted the extent of the square displayed on the screen with the extent of pain (or light) that they experienced. Pain extent ratings showed statistically significant radiation of pain indicated by 12.42× greater spatial spread of pain (pain extent) than the area of the stimulation with 49°C (P < 0.001), in contrast to visual ratings, which closely approximated the size of the stimulus (1.22×). Pain radiation was more pronounced in hairy than glabrous skin (P < 0.05) and was more pronounced with longer stimulus duration (P < 0.001). Pain intensity explained only 14% of the pain radiation variability. The relative independence of the pain radiation from pain intensity indicates that distinct components of population coding mechanisms may be involved in the spatial representation of pain vs intensity coding.

Establishment of Nile Tilapia Primary Cell Culture Methods and In Vitro Cell Knockdown Techniques.

As an important aquaculture species and research model, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has not yet been systematically studied for the isolation, culture, and in vitro gene manipulation techniques of primary cells from various tissues. This study aimed to explore methods for isolating primary cells from various tissues, as well as developing in vitro gene manipulation techniques in Nile tilapia. Four different Nile tilapia tissues were enzymatically digested and separated using trypsin or collagenase. Collagenase (0.1%) was used for the digestion of the gonads, liver, and heart, while trypsin (0.25%) showed better adhesion efficiency for spleen tissue. Moreover, we assessed EGFP fluorescence intensity and cell survival rates following transfection with empty siRNA (siRNA-NC), lentivirus (LV-NC), and six adeno-associated virus (AAV-NC) serotypes (AAV2-NC, AAV5-NC, AAV6-NC, AAV8-NC, AAV9-NC, AAV-DJ-NC) in gonadal cells. The results demonstrated that cells transfected with siRNA-NC and LV-NC showed the highest levels of green fluorescent protein expression and survival rates in primary gonadal cells, compared to AAC-NC. Subsequently, we knocked down the Kdm6bb gene in Nile tilapia primary gonadal cells by transfecting them with LV-Kdm6bb and siRNA-Kdm6bb. qPCR and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated a significant reduction in Kdm6bb mRNA levels following transfection with siRNA-Kdm6bb compared to siRNA-NC, and with LV-Kdm6bb compared to LV-NC. This study offers valuable tools for the validation of primary cell isolation and in vitro molecular regulatory mechanisms and functions in Nile tilapia.

Development of nerves and vessels in the penis during the human fetal period.

Although nerves and vessels of the penis play important role in erection, there are few studies on their development in human fetus. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to analyze, quantitatively, in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum, the development of the nerves and vessels in the fetal penis at different gestational ages. Fifty-six fresh, macroscopically normal human fetuses aged from 13 to 36 weeks post-conception (WPC) were used. Gestational age was determined by the foot length criterion. Penises were immediately fixed in 10% formalin, and routinely processed for paraffin embedding, after which tissue sections from the mid-shaft were obtained. We used immunohistochemical staining to analyze the nerves and vessels in the corpus cavernous and in the corpus spongiosum. These elements were identified and quantified as percentage by using the Image-J software. The quantitative analysis showed that the percentage of nerves varied from 3.03% to 20.35% in the corpora cavernosa and from 1.89% to 23.88% in the corpus spongiosum. The linear regression analysis indicated that nerves growth (incidence) in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum correlated significantly and positively with fetal age (r2=0.9421, p<0.0001) and (r2=0.9312, p<0.0001), respectively, during the whole fetal period studied. Also, the quantitative analysis showed that the percentage of vessels varies from 2.96% to 12.86% in the corpora cavernosa and from 3.62% to 14.85% in the corpus spongiosum. The linear regression analysis indicated that vessels growth (appearance) in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum correlated significantly and positively with fetal age (r2=0.8722, p<0.0001) and (r2=0.8218, p<0.0001), respectively, during the whole fetal period studied. In addition, the linear regression analysis demonstrated a more intense growth rate of nerves in the corpus spongiosum during the 2nd trimester of gestation, when compared with nerves in the corpora cavernosa. In addition, the linear regression analysis demonstrated a more intense growth rate of vessels in the corpus spongiosum when compared with the corpora cavernosa, during the whole fetal period studied. In the fetal period, the human penis undergoes major developmental changes, notably in the content and distribution of nerves and vessels. We found strong correlation between nerves and vessels growth (amount) with fetal age, both in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. There is significant greater proportional number of nerves than vessels during the whole fetal period studied. Also, nerves and vessels grow in a more intense rate than that of the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum areas.

Conservative numerical algorithm for simulating thermoelectrical semiconductor device with unconditional optimal convergence analysis

We propose conservative type numerical method to simulate thermoelectrical semiconductor device problem, in which mixed finite element method used for electric potential equation, conservative characteristic finite element method for electron and hole concentration equations, and standard finite element method for heat conduction equation. By temporal-spatial error splitting argument, the optimal error estimates without certain time step restriction are derived, and low order convergence rate of electrostatic potential and electric field intensity will not affect the accuracy of the electron, hole density and temperature. Numerical tests are performed to validate the theoretical results and application performance of the given method.

Responses to the activation of different intranasal trigeminal receptors: Evidence from behavioral, peripheral and central levels

AimThere are various receptors that mediate intranasal trigeminal sensations. However, few studies compare the response patterns across different receptor activations. MethodsWe recorded negative mucosal potentials (NMPs) in 24 healthy participants and event-related potentials (ERPs) in 17 participants during exposure to five odors that trigger trigeminal sensations and one olfactory stimulus. Additionally, 10 participants completed a continuous odor intensity rating task. ResultsWe observed a significant effect of odor type on NMP amplitudes (F=13.51 to 21.88, p’s<0.01), with cyclohexanone (TRPV1) and CO2 (TRPV1+A1) inducing greater N1 and/or P1N1 amplitudes than other stimuli (t=3.28 to 7.54, p’s<0.05). Similar differences were seen in ERP amplitudes (F=3.69 to 12.25, p’s<0.05), with cyclohexanone showing greater P2 and/or N1P2 amplitudes than PEA (odorant), carvacrol (TRPV3+A1), and perillaldehyde (TRPA1) (t=3.13 to 4.10, p’s<0.05). CO2 also produced greater amplitudes than carvacrol (t=3.53 to 4.42, p’s<0.05). In the odor intensity rating task, cyclohexanone, CO2, and isopulegol (TRPM8+TRPA1) had higher peak ratings, steeper slopes, and/or shorter latencies (F=6.15 to 13.86, p’s<0.01; t=3.14 to 7.76, p’s<0.05). ConclusionsActivation of different intranasal trigeminal receptors yields varied responses. Notably, stimuli involving TRPV1 activation, linked to irritation or pain, elicited stronger behavioral and neural activity compared to stimuli involving other receptors, even when controlling for rated stimulus intensity. This emphasizes TRPV1’s significance in survival adaptation. Future studies should test different sets of stimulants to verify the robustness of these findings.

Physiological parameters dictate bearing pattern in different mango cultivars: Study from Sub-tropical India

The bearing habit of mango has long been a subject of interest for pomologists. The difference in bearing pattern among various mango cultivars is attributed to complex physiological interaction. Despite multiple studies on mango bearing, detailed investigations in this area remain limited. This study aims to explore the interrelationship between the bearing patterns and the associated physiological changes in different mango cultivars. The physiological parameters were examined at various growth stages in Baramasi (a perennial bearer), Amrapali (a regular bearer) and Langra and Alphonso (irregular bearer) of mango (Mangifera indica L.). Significant variations were observed in chlorophyll content, internal carbon dioxide concentration, photosynthetic rate and flowering intensity. An increase in internal carbon dioxide concentration led to reduced carbon dioxide uptake, which impacted net photosynthesis production. A direct correlation between flowering intensity and photosynthetic rate was identified, while a nonlinear relationship between photosynthetic rate and total carbohydrate content was also noted. The study suggests that variations in the photosynthetic rate and the subsequent source-sink relationship may contribute to the differences in bearing patterns across mango cultivars. While further studies are needed for more conclusive results, this research can be valuable for pomologists, physiologists and breeders working with mango.

A Mixed-Methods Examination of Perceived Burdensomeness in Emerging Adults

ABSTRACT This mixed methods study aims to identify contexts within which young adults report perceptions of being a burden. Participants (N = 243) completed self-report measures of study variables and provided examples of times they felt like a burden. Seven major categories were developed from the qualitative analysis. Quantitative analyses indicated no significant differences across coding themes with respect to perceived burdensomeness. A significant association regarding intensity ratings of perceived burdensomeness was found when comparing categories of perception of failure and drain on resources. These results provide unique insight regarding the nature of how individuals describe the contexts within which they perceive themselves to be a burden. Since maladaptive cognitions of perceived burdensomeness may be related to suicide risk, identifying these contexts could inform avenues for adapting clinical interventions designed to target perceived burdensomeness.

Habitat Type-Based Assemblage and Distribution Prediction of Small Mammals and Chigger Mites (Acari: Trombiculidae) in Chuncheon City, Republic of Korea.

While urbanization leads to habitat loss for medium and large mammals, small mammals can survive in fragmented habitats. As they are known to be the primary hosts of chigger mites (Acari: Trombiculidae) that transmit scrub typhus, their habitat can be considered the primary distribution area for chigger mites. This study aims to examine the distribution of small mammals and chigger mites in four habitat types and analyzed species richness, mean intensity (MI), dominance, and infestation rate (IR). A total of six small mammal species were captured, 76.8% of which were identified as Apodemus agrarius. Species richness of small mammals was highest in forests, followed by ecotones, grasslands, and agricultural lands. Apodemus agrarius accounted for 61% of the captures in forests, 80% in ecotones, 84% in grasslands, and 50% in agricultural lands, highlighting its varying dominance across habitat types. The MI of chigger mites was higher in grasslands (215.41 ± 20.70) and ecotones (171.67 ± 30.33) and lower in forests (76.67 ± 32.11). The MI of chigger mites was higher in the fall than that in the spring, and according to the MaxEnt model, they had a narrow, dense distribution in the fall and a wide distribution in the spring. These results suggest that inducing increased species richness of small mammalian hosts by habitat management and vegetation diversification may contribute to a reduction in the MI of chigger mites.

Development of Korean CARcinogen EXposure: occupation-based exposure matrix.

Information systems focusing on occupational carcinogen exposure, whether categorized by industry or occupation, play a pivotal role in the prevention of occupational cancers. Recently, the Korean CARcinogen EXposure (K-CAREX) system was developed to assess carcinogen exposure by industry. However, corresponding information categorized by occupation has yet to be developed. This study aimed to develop an occupation-based exposure matrix for occupational carcinogens as an extension of the K-CAREX framework. The Work Environment Measurement Database (WEMD) and the Special Health Examination Database (SHED) were combined to estimate exposure intensity by occupation. The WEMD supplied exposure levels, whereas the SHED provided occupation information. Additionally, the SHED served as the primary data source for constructing an indicator of exposure prevalence by occupation, utilizing standard occupational classification. A total of 22 carcinogens were selected for evaluating exposure intensity, and 20 carcinogens were selected for assessing exposure prevalence. Exposure intensity and prevalence were assigned to 156 occupational groups based on these carcinogens. For instance, in terms of welding fume exposure, welders were assigned an exposure intensity rating of 3 and exhibited exposure prevalence of 26%. Our findings complement the previously developed K-CAREX, which offered an industry-based exposure matrix. The resultant comprehensive K-CAREX, incorporating both industry- and occupation-based matrices, can be utilized for occupational cancer prevention and epidemiological studies.

Projections and Physical Drivers of Extreme Precipitation in Greenland &amp; Baffin Bay

AbstractExtreme precipitation events can have substantial impacts on communities and the climate system in the warming Arctic, but their changes are not well understood. In this study, the characteristics of extreme precipitation days in the eastern Canadian Arctic and Greenland are examined in historical (1980–1999) and future (2080–2099, SSP5‐8.5) variable‐resolution Community Earth System Model simulations. Comparisons between the simulations illustrate potential changes in the frequency and intensity of these events in the region. Extreme precipitation is expected to increase broadly across the region. The frequency of the most intense daily precipitation rates is projected to rise, particularly in the northernmost areas. The seasonality of extremes does not shift substantially in the future simulation with most areas receiving the highest accumulations and increases during the summer. However, southeastern Greenland is projected to see decreases in extreme precipitation. Algorithms detecting atmospheric rivers and cyclones are employed to assess how their changes may factor into changes in extreme precipitation. Cyclone frequency remains largely consistent with slight decreases near southeastern Greenland, which may explain decreased extreme precipitation seen in the region. Atmospheric rivers are projected to become more frequent across the domain, largely during the summer. Although the majority of the region's extreme precipitation is associated with cyclones, this suggests that atmospheric rivers become more important in a warming climate. These results provide insight into potential changes in impactful precipitation events in the region and how the processes driving them may change.

Improving Brain Metabolite Detection with a Combined Low-Rank Approximation and Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Model Approach.

In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a noninvasive technique for monitoring brain metabolites. However, it is challenged by a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), often necessitating extended scan times to compensate. One of the conventional techniques for noise reduction is signal averaging, which is inherently time-consuming and can lead to participant discomfort, thus posing limitations in clinical settings. This study aimed to develop a hybrid denoising strategy that integrates low-rank approximation and denoising diffusion probabilistic model (DDPM) to enhance MRS data quality and shorten scan times. Using publicly available 1H MRS datasets from 15 subjects, we applied the Casorati SVD and DDPM to obtain baseline and functional data during a pain stimulation task. This method significantly improved SNR, resulting in outcomes comparable to or better than averaging over 32 signals. It also provided the most consistent metabolite measurements and adequately tracked temporal changes in glutamate levels, correlating with pain intensity ratings after heating. These findings demonstrate that our approach enhances MRS data quality, offering a more efficient alternative to conventional methods and expanding the potential for the real-time monitoring of neurochemical changes. This contribution has the potential to advance MRS techniques by integrating advanced denoising methods to increase the acquisition speed and enhance the precision of brain metabolite analyses.

Feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of modified laparoscopic cervicoisthmic cerclage for refractory cervical insufficiency: A single-arm clinical trial-Part 1.

To assess the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of modified laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage in patients with refractory cervical insufficiency. This single-arm clinical trial examined women with refractory cervical insufficiency who underwent modified laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage at a specialized center in Japan between December 2017 and May 2022. Various parameters related to patient demographics, surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications were evaluated. The study enrolled 30 women with a median age of 36 years. The modified laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage was technically successful in all cases. The delivery rate and fetal survival rate at 28 days in the third trimester were both 93%. Surgical complication involving small bowel injury occurred in one case and was promptly repaired. No fetal complications or pregnancy losses occurred within 28 days of the procedure. Perinatal outcomes included a cesarean section rate of 93%, a neonatal intensive care unit admission rate of 30%, and an overall fetal survival rate of 93%. Additionally, no absence or reversal of end-diastolic flow in the uterine artery was identified at the time of cerclage in any of the cases. This study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of modified laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage for refractory cervical insufficiency. The procedure achieved a high delivery rate in the third trimester and a good overall fetal survival rate. The study findings highlight the importance of anatomical precision during thread placement in modified laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage. This technique is promising for treating refractory cervical insufficiency and potentially preventing second-trimester losses and extreme preterm births.

Performance Evaluation of Satellite Precipitation Products During Extreme Events—The Case of the Medicane Daniel in Thessaly, Greece

Mediterranean tropical-like cyclones, or Medicanes, present unique challenges for precipitation estimations due to their rapid development and localized impacts. This study evaluates the performance of satellite precipitation products in capturing the precipitation associated with Medicane Daniel that struck Greece in early September 2023. Utilizing a combination of ground-based observations, reanalysis, and satellite-derived precipitation data, we assess the accuracy and spatial distribution of the satellite precipitation products GPM IMERG, GSMaP, and CMOPRH during the cyclone event, which formed in the Eastern Mediterranean from 4 to 7 September 2023, hitting with unprecedented, enormous amounts of rainfall, especially in the region of Thessaly in central Greece. The results indicate that, while satellite precipitation products demonstrate overall skill in capturing the broad-scale precipitation patterns associated with Medicane Daniel, discrepancies exist in estimating localized intense rainfall rates, particularly in convective cells within the cyclone’s core. Indeed, most of the satellite precipitation products studied in this work showed a misplacement of the highest amounts of associated rainfall, a significant underestimation of the event, and large unbiased root mean square error in the areas of heavy precipitation. The total precipitation field from IMERG Late Run and CMORPH showed the smallest bias (but significant) and good temporal correlation against rain gauges and ERA5-Land reanalysis data as a reference, while IMERG Final Run and GSMaP showed the largest underestimation and overestimation, respectively. Further investigation is needed to improve the representation of extreme precipitation events associated with tropical-like cyclones in satellite precipitation products.

Mindfulness buffers the association of pain with depression and anxiety among people with spinal cord injury: A cross-sectional study.

Chronic pain is common among people with spinal cord injury (PwSCI) and impacts mental health (MH). Mindfulness may buffer the association of pain with MH, but few studies have examined this among PwSCI. This study examines the extent to which mindfulness moderates the association of pain intensity with MH among PwSCI. PwSCI (N = 64) and chronic pain provided demographic and disability information, ratings of pain intensity (0-10 Numeric Rating Scale), pain interference, depression (eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-8]), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]), positive affect/wellbeing (SCI-QOL Positive Affect and Well-Being Short Form [PAWB-SF]), stress (Perceived Stress Scale-4 [PSS-4]), and mindfulness (15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire [FFMQ-15]) at the time of their enrollment in a randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness intervention. The present, cross-sectional study used baseline data. Pain intensity, pain interference, mindfulness (FFMQ-15), the Pain Intensity × FFMQ-15 interaction, and relevant covariates were regressed on the four outcome measures (PHQ-8, GAD-7, PAWB-SF, and PSS-4). There was a significant Pain Intensity × FFMQ-15 interaction effect on PHQ-8 (p = .008) and GAD-7 (p = .021), such that mindfulness buffered the positive relation of pain intensity with depression and anxiety. Additionally, there was a significant Pain Intensity × FFMQ-15 interaction effect on PAWB-SF (p = .032), but contrary to the hypothesis, mindfulness intensified a positive relation between pain intensity and positive affect/well-being. Dispositional mindfulness may buffer the association of pain intensity with depression and anxiety. Examining interventions to enhance mindfulness among PwSCI is warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Frequency of language brokering experience as a source of difference in bilinguals’ emotion judgments across languages

Aims and Objectives: Bilinguals often perceive one language as more emotionally resonant than the other. Our study examined whether the emotional resonance of their heritage language is enhanced in bilingual immigrants who engage in a high degree of language brokering (early informal translation on behalf of family members) as compared to those who do not engage in frequent brokering. Method: One hundred ten US-based Latine Spanish-English proficient bilingual adults rated brief vignettes depicting neutral, positive or negative emotion-laden situations in each language on valence and intensity. Participants were categorized into high ( n = 46) or low brokering groups ( n = 64) based on differences in their self-reported frequency of brokering on a modified Language Brokering Scale (LBS). Analysis: For each of the three vignette types—positive, negative, and neutral, a 2 (Group) × 2 (Presentation Language) mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the valence and intensity of emotion ratings. Findings: For vignettes depicting positive emotion, individuals with high brokering experience gave higher pleasantness ratings when the vignettes were presented in Spanish than in English, and gave lower pleasantness ratings in English as compared to low-frequency brokers. Experience: No group or language differences were found for valence judgments for negative or neutral vignettes. There were no group or language differences in intensity ratings. Originality: Language brokering experience as a source of variability in emotional experience among bilinguals is not well documented; specifically, how these bilinguals experience emotional vignettes has not been previously studied. Significance: The findings contribute to the literature on the experience of emotions across languages among bilinguals who engaged in more frequent informal translation. This supports a first-language emotional resonance effect associated with early translation (or brokering) experience.

Validation of the European French Version of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-Vf)

ObjectiveThis study aimed to validate the French adaptation of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-Vf) for assessing voice disorders in France. The CAPE-Vf addresses limitations of the GRBAS by providing a more sensitive, standardized approach to evaluating six vocal parameters (overall severity, roughness, breathiness, strain, pitch, and loudness) on three tasks (sustained vowels, sentence reading, and spontaneous speech). The study focused on investigating the intra- and inter-rater reliability, as well as the convergent and discriminant validity of the CAPE-Vf. MethodsThirty-four dysphonic and seven euphonic native French speakers participated in the study. Thirteen speech-language pathologists from France evaluated the voice samples using both the CAPE-Vf and GRBAS tools at a one-week interval. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), while convergent and discriminant validity were measured by correlating CAPE-Vf with GRBAS and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) scores, respectively. ResultsThe CAPE-Vf showed good intra-rater reliability for overall severity (mean ICC: 0.89), strain (ICC: 0.83), and pitch (ICC: 0.88), while roughness, breathiness, and loudness exhibited moderate reliability. Inter-rater reliability was low for most parameters, except overall severity, which demonstrated good reliability (mean ICC: 0.77). Strong correlations were observed between CAPE-Vf and GRBAS Grade (mean r: 0.84), supporting its convergent validity. Moderate correlations were found for roughness, breathiness, and strain. The CAPE-Vf’s correlation with the VHI was moderate (mean r: 0.53), reflecting its discriminant validity. ConclusionThe CAPE-Vf is a valid and reliable tool for perceptual assessment of voice disorders in French-speaking populations, with stronger psychometric properties than the GRBAS, particularly for intra-rater reliability and overall severity. While inter-rater reliability was lower, qualitative feedback suggested that improvements to the protocol, particularly for pitch and loudness ratings, could enhance its clinical applicability. The findings support the CAPE-Vf as a comprehensive tool for standardized clinical voice assessment.

Human motion and musical expression: Exploring the link between physical movement and emotional resonance in performance

Musical performance has traditionally been understood as an auditory experience, with emotions conveyed primarily through sound. However, emerging research highlights the role of physical movement—gestures, posture, and body language—in enhancing emotional expression and creating a deeper connection between performers and their audiences. While existing studies have explored some aspects of this relationship, there is limited understanding of how specific movements modulate emotional responses across different musical genres. This study addresses these gaps by investigating the interaction between human motion and musical expression, focusing on the emotional resonance experienced by performers and audience members. The need for this study arises from the lack of comprehensive data on the correlation between movement and emotional engagement during musical performances, particularly concerning different genres. Using motion capture, biometric sensors, and facial recognition technology, the research analyzed the performances of professional and amateur musicians across classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Audience members’ emotional responses were captured through physiological data and post-performance surveys. One limitation of this study is that it focused solely on live performance environments, leaving digital or virtual performances unexplored. Key findings reveal that expressive movements increased emotional intensity ratings by 1.6 points (p &lt; 0.001), with heart rate rising by 6.9 BPM (p &lt; 0.0012) and electrodermal activity increasing by 1.6 µS (p &lt; 0.0008). Movement synchronization with musical elements, especially during climaxes, strongly correlated with heightened emotional responses (r = 0.85, p &lt; 0.01). Classical performances exhibited the highest synchronization between movement and emotion, with audience emotional intensity peaking at 8.3 on a Likert scale.