Perceptual Assessment Research Articles

Method for Vocal Fold Paralysis Detection Based on Perceptual and Acoustic Assessment

Method for Vocal Fold Paralysis Detection Based on Perceptual and Acoustic Assessment

Diadochokinetic rate in Thai adults using between auditory-perceptual and instrumental methods

Background: Diadochokinetic (DDK) rate refers to the time taken to execute rapid repetitive movements of articulators during speech. DDK rate assessment has been used to screen or as part of an assessment to diagnose and plan treatment for motor speech disorders. It contained alternating motion rate (AMR) and sequential motion rate (SMR) assessments. There were two main methods for DDK assessment: perceptual speech assessment and instrumental speech assessment. Objective: This study aimed to compare the DDK rate measured by auditoryperceptual and instrumental methods and investigate the effects of age and gender on the DDK rate in normal Thai adults. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were Thai adults aged 21-78. Sixty participants were divided equally into three age groups: young adult, middle-aged adult, and older adult group. All participants were asked to repeat four speech tasks as rapidly as possible, namely, AMR as [ph a:], [th a:], [kh a:], and SMR as [ph a:-th a:-kh a:]. DDK rates were measured using two methods, namely, the auditory-perceptual method and the instrumental method, which used the Praat program. The paired sample t-test examined the difference in average DDK rates between the two methods. The one-way ANOVA was utilized to analyze the average rate differences among three age groups, while gender differences were analyzed through an independent sample t-test. Results: The averages of SMR between the auditory-perceptual method and thePraat program were significantly different (p<0.05), whereas the averages of AMRwere not significantly different. The findings also found that averages of SMR hadsignificant differences (p<0.05) between three age groups and two genders. The young adult group had a higher average of SMR than middle-aged adult and olderadult groups. Males had a higher average of SMR than females. Conclusion: This result indicates that different assessment methods result in different DDK rates, especially SMR. Therefore, choosing the DDK rate assessment method should be careful and consider its accuracy. Moreover, the SMR task may be more sensitive than the AMR task to age-related change and gender factors.

Improved Consistency of Lung Nodule Categorization in CT Scans with Heterogeneous Slice Thickness by Deep Learning-Based 3D Super-Resolution

Background/Objectives: Accurate volumetric assessment of lung nodules is an essential element of low-dose lung cancer screening programs. Current guidance recommends applying specific thresholds to measured nodule volume to make the following clinical decisions. In reality, however, CT scans often have heterogeneous slice thickness which is known to adversely impact the accuracy of nodule volume assessment. Methods: In this study, a deep learning (DL)-based 3D super-resolution method is proposed for generating thin-slice CT images from heterogeneous thick-slice CT images in lung cancer screening. We evaluated the performance in a qualitative way by radiologist’s perceptual assessment as well as in a quantitative way by accuracy of nodule volume measurements and agreement of volume-based Lung-RADS nodule category. Results: A 5-point Likert scale tabulated by two radiologists showed that the quality of DL-generated thin-slice images from thick-slice CT images were on a par with the image quality of ground truth thin-slice CT images. Furthermore, thick- and thin-slice CT images had a nodule volume difference of 52.2 percent on average which was reduced to a 15.7 percent difference with DL-generated thin-slice CT. In addition, the proposed method increased the agreement of lung nodule categorization using Lung-RADS by 74 percent. Conclusions: The proposed DL approach for slice thickness normalization has a potential for improving the accuracy of lung nodule volumetry and facilitating more reliable early lung nodule detection.

Évaluation des dysarthries et des apraxies de la parole : quelles approches ?

Context. In clinical practice, acquired motor speech disorders (MSDs), dysarthria and/or apraxia of speech (AoS) are mainly assessed using a perceptual approach. This approach remains dominant despite the biases associated with phonemic restoration and the subjectivity of the listener's internal representations. Furthermore, there is a lack of international consensus on the main diagnostic criteria for AoS. Several of these features are shared with dysarthria, which also often coexists with AoS (Duffy, 2019). In this context, the assessment of MSDs for differential diagnosis is a major challenge. Aims. This article provides an overview of the studies resulting from our PhD thesis. The aim of the thesis was to examine the contribution of the perceptual, acoustic and cognitive approaches to the assessment of dysarthria and AoS for the diagnosis and characterisation of these MSDs. Methods. Three studies were conducted on 4 groups of speakers: neurotypical, pathological speakers with AoS, hypokinetic dysarthria in Parkinson's disease, and mixed flaccid-spastic dysarthria in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. These studies, partly based on the MonPaGe-2.0.s corpus (Fougeron et al., 2018 ; Laganaro et al., 2021 ; Pernon et al., 2020), focused on each of the following assessment approaches: (i) a multi-judge auditory-perceptual classification task of MSDs, (ii) a discrete phonetic-acoustic analysis by speech dimension of the speakers with the lowest and highest accuracy rates in (i), (iii) a dual-task paradigm evaluating the effects of attentional and executive demands on speech and non-verbal tasks in neurotypical speakers. Results. There was little difference between the perceptual and acoustic assessment approaches in diagnosing MSDs. The perceptual approach failed to diagnose very mild MSDs. The acoustic approach provided a quantified characterisation of MSDs profiles on average across three speech dimensions assessed by the MonPaGe-2.0.s tool, as in the study of perceptual classification of MSDs. The bidirectional dual-task effects showed that the mode of presentation of the stimuli and their modality, the type of speech task and the attentional demand of the non-verbal tasks had to be taken into account when developing and interpreting dual-task performance. These three studies found differences depending on the speech task. Conclusion. In addition to considering the speech dimensions involved in speech tasks, a more precise examination of their cognitive-motor demands on speech (type of speech task, phonetic and linguistic complexity of the corpus, speech production condition) refines the differential diagnosis of MSDs and improves their characterisation during assessment.

Time-related voice and swallowing symptoms in patients with uncomplicated thyroidectomy versus those with other laryngeal disorders

This study conducted a subjective 6-month follow-up to evaluate voice and swallowing changes after thyroid surgery in patients without clinical evidence of recurrent nerve injury. In this prospective cohort study, voice and swallowing alterations were assessed in 56 adult patients who underwent thyroidectomy, compared to 59 patients with laryngeal conditions and 60 controls. Voice and swallowing changes were measured using auditory perceptual assessment, laryngoscopy, the Arabic Thyroidectomy‑related voice and symptom questionnaire (A-TVSQ), the Arabic VHI (A-VHI), and Swallowing Impairment Scores (SIS-6). For the thyroidectomy group, the A-TVSQ, A-VHI, and SIS-6 were recorded preoperatively, as well as at 2 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Significant differences were found in the preoperative median A-TVSQ (voice, neck, and total score), A-VHI, and SIS-6 across the three groups (P<0.001). In the thyroidectomy group, A-TVSQ (voice, neck, and total score), A-VHI, and SIS-6 increased 2 weeks after surgery but showed significant improvement by 6 months (P<0.001, 0.009, and <0.001, respectively). The total A-TVSQ remained significantly different across the three times. Although A-VHI scores slightly increased 2 weeks postoperatively (P=0.741), they showed significant improvement by 6 months (P <0.001). Risk factors for worse A-TVSQ scores at 6 months postoperative included professional status, type of surgery, and baseline questionnaire scores. Following thyroidectomy, voice and swallowing changes are common within the first 2 weeks but improve by the 6-month period. Nearly 48% of patients experience voice and neck discomfort despite no signs of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. The findings highlight the importance of further research into the factors contributing to these symptoms. Patients should be counseled that even in the absence vocal cord injury, voice and swallowing problems may occur post-surgery and may take time to resolve.

Organic farming: mapping the perceptual landscape of business competence

PurposeWith organic farming (OF) emerging as a pivotal and sustainable farm enterprise globally, its adoption – particularly through sustainable organic farming practices (SOFP) – underscores the crucial role played by the competencies of organic farmers. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive perceptual assessment of the competencies essential for SOFP in the unique agricultural landscape. The focus is on exploring the entrepreneurial, managerial, personal and technical competencies of farmers engaged in OF.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a sequential mixed-methods approach, this study began with a quantitative phase (structured questionnaire) and seamlessly transitioned into a qualitative phase (focus group interviews). A total of 513 usable responses were received in the quantitative phase, and data from seven focus group interviews (FGIs) were recorded in the qualitative phase. The respondents were registered organic farmers affiliated with various farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in the Kashmir Valley, India. Methodological triangulation was used to interpret the results.FindingsThrough perceptual analysis, the study systematically identified and assessed the competencies held by the organic farmers. The study uncovered that farmers in the Kashmir Valley demonstrate competencies across personal, entrepreneurial, managerial and technical domains. Despite an overall moderate competence level, technical and managerial competencies were perceived as low and are focal points for improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe study sheds light on OF competencies in the Kashmir Valley, caution is warranted due to its regional focus. The reliance on self-reported data introduces potential bias in competency assessments. The sample, drawn from FPOs, can be a lacuna. The study’s static snapshot captures competencies at a specific time, limiting insights into potential temporal changes.Practical implicationsThe findings advocate for targeted competency development programs tailored to elevate varied competencies among farmers. Collaborative initiatives, market-oriented training and locally customized extension services are proposed to effectively address and bridge competence gaps. Policymakers are urged to consider incentivizing competency development and crafting integrated agricultural policies that comprehensively support competency enhancement.Originality/valueThis research contributes significantly to the existing theory and literature by advancing the understanding of competencies of organic farmers. It unveils perceptual assessment on four key competence dimensions that are very vital for SOFP and also explores the extent to which these competencies are evident. Furthermore, this study provides interventions for competence development for successful sustainable organic agri-ventures and entrepreneurial avenues.

Objective Voice Analysis in Partial Deafness: Comparison of Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP) and VOXplot Results.

Acoustic analysis of voice enables objective assessment of voice to diagnose changes in voice characteristics, and track the progress of therapy. In contrast to subjective assessment, objective measurements provide mathematical results referring to specific parameters and can be analyzed statistically. Changes in the voice of patients with partial deafness (PD) were not widely described in the literature, and recent studies referred to the voice parameters measured in this group of patients only using the multi-dimensional voice program (MDVP) by Kay Pentax. This paper describes the results of acoustic analysis of voice in patients with PD using VOXplot, and compares the results with those achieved with MDVP. Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was a VOXplot objective analysis of voice in individuals with PD and to assess consistency with results obtained using MDVP and with perceptual assessment. Methods: Voice samples from 22 post-lingual PD individuals were recorded. They included continuous speech (cs) and sustained vowels (sv). The control group consisted of 22 healthy individuals with no history of voice or hearing dysfunction. The samples were analyzed with MDVP followed by VOXplot version 2.0.0 Beta. Statistical analysis was performed using a t-test paired with two samples for means. All individuals were also subjected to a perceptual voice assessment using the GRBAS by Hirano. Results: Differences were observed in 13 VOXplot parameters measured in voice samples of adults with PD compared with those in the control group. Both multiparametric indices, AVQI and ABI, showed a statistical increase. When it comes to MDVP parameters correlating with breathiness, all of them (shim dB, APQ, NHR, SPI, and NSH) increased in patients with partial deafness, reflecting a breathy voice. Only one increase in the SPI was not statistically significant. Seven MDVP parameters correlating with hoarseness were elevated, and five (Jitt%, vF0, Shim dB, APQ, and NHR) showed a statistically significant increase. Correlations were found of VOXplot and MDVP parameters with perceptual voice assessment. Conclusions: Both programs for objective assessment showed voice abnormalities in patients with PD compared with the control groups. There was a poor to moderate level of consistency in the results achieved using both systems. Correlations were also found with GRBAS assessment results.

Perceptual Quality Assessment for Pansharpened Images Based on Deep Feature Similarity Measure

Pan-sharpening aims to generate high-resolution (HR) multispectral (MS) images by fusing HR panchromatic (PAN) and low-resolution (LR) MS images covering the same area. However, due to the lack of real HR MS reference images, how to accurately evaluate the quality of a fused image without reference is challenging. On the one hand, most methods evaluate the quality of the fused image using the full-reference indices based on the simulated experimental data on the popular Wald’s protocol; however, this remains controversial to the full-resolution data fusion. On the other hand, existing limited no reference methods, most of which depend on manually crafted features, cannot fully capture the sensitive spatial/spectral distortions of the fused image. Therefore, this paper proposes a perceptual quality assessment method based on deep feature similarity measure. The proposed network includes spatial/spectral feature extraction and similarity measure (FESM) branch and overall evaluation network. The Siamese FESM branch extracts the spatial and spectral deep features and calculates the similarity of the corresponding pair of deep features to obtain the spatial and spectral feature parameters, and then, the overall evaluation network realizes the overall quality assessment. Moreover, we propose to quantify both the overall precision of all the training samples and the variations among different fusion methods in a batch, thereby enhancing the network’s accuracy and robustness. The proposed method was trained and tested on a large subjective evaluation dataset comprising 13,620 fused images. The experimental results suggested the effectiveness and the competitive performance.

From faith to action: a perceptual assessment of social commitments of Islamic finance

From faith to action: a perceptual assessment of social commitments of Islamic finance

Brain-Inspired Image Perceptual Quality Assessment Based on EEG: A QoE Perspective.

Human-oriented image communication should take the quality of experience (QoE) as an optimization goal, which requires effective image perceptual quality metrics. However, traditional user-based assessment metrics are limited by the deviation caused by human high-level cognitive activities. To tackle this issue, in this paper, we construct a brain response-based image perceptual quality metric and develop a brain-inspired network to assess the image perceptual quality based on it. Our method aims to establish the relationship between image quality changes and underlying brain responses in image compression scenarios using the electroencephalography (EEG) approach. We first establish EEG datasets by collecting the corresponding EEG signals when subjects watch distorted images. Then, we design a measurement model to extract EEG features that reflect human perception to establish a new image perceptual quality metric: EEG perceptual score (EPS). To use this metric in practical scenarios, we embed the brain perception process into a prediction model to generate the EPS directly from the input images. Experimental results show that our proposed measurement model and prediction model can achieve better performance. The proposed brain response-based image perceptual quality metric can measure the human brain's perceptual state more accurately, thus performing a better assessment of image perceptual quality.

Guidance to investigate university students’ bodily responses and perceptual assessments in sound exposure experiments

Previous studies have shown that sound influences students both physiologically and perceptually. However, most of these studies focussed on the effects of sounds at group-level, ignoring individual differences. Therefore, we investigated which indicators can be used to identify differences in bodily responses and perceptual assessments of each individual when exposed to four different sounds. First, based on an audiometric test, the hearing acuity of 15 students (from five different profiles based on their acoustical preferences and needs) was measured. Then, two sound exposure experiments were conducted in the SenseLab: direct sound exposure using earbuds in a laboratory setting, and indirect sound exposure with speakers in a real room setting. During each experiment, the attention level (AL), mental relaxation level (MRL), heart rate (HR), and respiration rate (RR) were measured with wearable devices, and students made perceptual assessments of each condition. The percentage of change normalised the four bodily response measurements among students. Based on correlation analysis and t-tests, bodily responses, and perceptual assessments across experiments were compared, at group-level and individual-level. Six students, who suffered from mild hearing loss in low-frequency sounds, showed bodily responses such as increased HR during exposure to low-frequency sound conditions. Perceptual assessments of different sound types during both lab experiments substantiated the acoustical preferences of the students from the five profiles. Bodily responses showed no strong nor significant correlations with perceptual assessments during the direct sound exposure experiments. Differences in bodily responses and perceptual assessments between the two experiments and between group-level and individual-level were observed in AL. It is concluded that hearing acuity and type of sound (sound frequencies) are key indicators for identifying differences in bodily responses (such as HR and RR) and perceptual assessment. For future research, it is crucial to consider incorporating audiometric tests, bodily responses such as HR and RR, and perceptual assessments in this type of investigations.

Comprehensive Approach to Speech and Language Assessment in Recurrent Meningioma: A Case Study

Meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges - the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It compresses the adjacent brain tissues, nerves and vessels, leading to changes in vision, loss of smell, headaches, hearing loss or ringing in the ears, memory loss, seizure and most importantly communication difficulty. It affects mainly the elderly above the age of 60, at a female: male ratio of 3:2. Recurrence and progression are well known and are frequent characteristics of meningiomas. The present study aimed to perform a comprehensive approach to speech and language assessment in a case with recurrent meningioma. A case reported following postsurgical recurrent meningioma in the left parietal temporal area, exhibiting symptoms of language, speech and swallowing difficulty associated with a weakness in the left upper and lower limb. The evaluation process from a speech and language perspective involved perceptual and instrumental assessment of cognition, communication and swallowing using tests and tools. The case was found to have comorbid disorders of nonfluent aphasia associated with neuro cognitive deficit, mild dysphagia, mild dementia and dysarthria of speech. Though the presence of language and speech disorders in case of recurrent meningioma is not common, the severity of the disorder may lead to severe communication deficit. Assessing and interpreting an individual's communication ability involves the integration of a variety of information collected in the evaluation process. Keywords: Recurrent meningioma, dysphagia, aphasia, dysarthria

The Rapidly Evolving Scenario of Acoustic Voice Analysis in Otolaryngology.

The field of voice analysis has experienced significant transformations, evolving from basic perceptual assessments to the incorporation of advanced digital signal processing and computational tools. This progression has facilitated a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of vocal function, particularly through the use of acoustic voice analysis within a multidimensional evaluation framework. Traditionally, voice analysis relied on parameters such as fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and noise-to-harmonic ratio, which, despite their utility, have faced criticism for variability and lack of robustness. Recent developments have led to a shift toward more reliable metrics such as cepstral measures, which offer improved accuracy in voice quality assessments. Furthermore, the integration of multiparametric constructs underscores a comprehensive approach to evaluating vocal quality, blending sustained vowels, and continuous speech analyses. Current trends in clinical practice increasingly favor these advanced measures over traditional parameters due to their greater reliability and clinical utility. Additionally, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, holds promise for revolutionizing voice analysis by enhancing diagnostic precision and enabling efficient, non-invasive screening methods. This shift toward AI-driven approaches signifies a potential paradigm change in voice health, suggesting a future where AI not only aids in diagnosis but also the early detection and treatment of voice-related pathologies.

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.

Office soundscape assessment: A model of acoustic environment perception in open-plan officesa).

The soundscape approach has been utilised in recent research for residential environments, but applications to indoor working environments remain limited. This study investigated the suitability of affective quality evaluations of open-plan office acoustics. Perceptual assessments were completed by occupants of eight open-plan office floorplates, using affective dimensions outlined in PD ISO/TS 12913-3:2019 and indoor soundscape studies. Participant demographic, contextual, work-related quality, and psychological well-being data were collected. Workstation noise levels were measured following BS ISO 22955:2021. Principal component analysis identified Pleasantness, Eventfulness, and Emptiness as the main perceptual dimensions, cumulatively explaining 56% of the total variance. Results indicate the suitability of the PD ISO/TS 12913-3:2019 two-dimensional model for open-plan offices. The perceived presence of human sounds negatively correlated with ISO Pleasantness yet positively correlated with ISO Eventfulness. Participant gender and aural diversity mediated ISO Pleasantness. Psychological well-being and work-related quality correlated positively with soundscape pleasantness. No correlations were found between level-based acoustical indicators-equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq), level exceeded 10% (LA10) and 90% (LA90) of the time, level variability (LA10-LA90) and Liveliness-and perceptual scores. A conceptual representation of open-plan office soundscape perception is presented, offering a framework for evaluating and designing workspaces to enhance well-being.

Real and Virtual Lecture Rooms: Validation of a Virtual Reality System for the Perceptual Assessment of Room Acoustical Quality

Enhancing the acoustical quality in learning environments is necessary, especially for hearing aid (HA) users. When in-field evaluations cannot be performed, virtual reality (VR) can be adopted for acoustical quality assessments of existing and new buildings, contributing to the acquisition of subjective impressions in lab settings. To ensure an accurate spatial reproduction of the sound field in VR for HA users, multi-speaker-based systems can be employed to auralize a given environment. However, most systems require a lot of effort due to cost, size, and construction. This work deals with the validation of a VR-system based on a 16-speaker-array synced with a VR headset, arranged to be easily replicated in small non-anechoic spaces and suitable for HA users. Both objective and subjective validations are performed against a real university lecture room of 800 m3 and with 2.3 s of reverberation time at mid-frequencies. Comparisons of binaural and monoaural room acoustic parameters are performed between measurements in the real lecture room and its lab reproduction. To validate the audiovisual experience, 32 normal-hearing subjects were administered the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) on the overall sense of perceived presence. The outcomes confirm that the system is a promising and feasible tool to predict the perceived acoustical quality of a room.

QualityNet: A multi-stream fusion framework with spatial and channel attention for blind image quality assessment

This study introduces a novel Blind Image Quality Assessment (BIQA) approach leveraging a multi-stream spatial and channel attention model. Our method addresses challenges posed by diverse image content and distortions by integrating feature maps from two distinct backbones. Through spatial and channel attention mechanisms, our algorithm prioritizes regions of interest, enhancing its ability to capture crucial image details. Extensive evaluations on four benchmark datasets demonstrate superior performance compared to existing methods, closely aligning with human perceptual assessment. Our approach exhibits exceptional generalization capabilities on both authentic and synthetic distortion databases. Moreover, it demonstrates a distinctive focus on perceptual foreground information, enhancing its practical applicability. Thorough quantitative analyses underscore the algorithm’s superior performance, establishing its dominance over existing methods.

Research of perceptual descriptors discriminating clarinet reeds of identical stiffness

From the musician's point of view, reeds considered as identical by the manufacturer (same cut, same strength and same brand) may exhibit large perceptual difference in terms of musical qualities. Past studies, carried out with clarinetists or saxophonists, have revealed that the reeds were mainly differentiated on the basis of their ``ease of playing'' which appears as the main perceptual descriptor of reed quality. This descriptor proved to be correlated with the reed stiffness measured at its tip in either static or dynamic conditions. The current study aims at discovering if other perceptual descriptors can be used to differentiate between reeds that would obtain similar ``ease of playing'' assessments (i.e. that exhibit the same stiffness). Firstly, the reeds are sorted on the basis of stiffness measurements carried out at the reed tip by using an artificial musician. Secondly, reeds of equivalent stiffness will be selected for perceptual assessment by professional clarinet players. As this selection process might result in subtle differences between reeds, the musicians will be asked to differentiate between them by using a three-interval three-alternative forced-choice (3I3AFC) response paradigm. In addition to this perceptual assessment, the subjects will be asked to verbally describe their criteria for reed differentiation.

Repeatability of perceptual assessments on single cane reeds

Instruments such as clarinet and saxophone require a single reed to produce sound. Despite numerous perceptual and physical studies about cane reeds, it is still difficult to relate perceptual qualities to physical parameters. However, the perceptual experiments are often carried out with few subjects that do not repeat the task over time, which calls the reliability of the assessments into question. Some recent results, obtained with 10 experienced musicians that assessed 4 times a panel of 20 reeds, showed that consistent assessments were obtained only at the fourth repetition and for half of the subjects. An explanation may rely in the experimental conditions as all musicians had to carry out a standard procedure: same reeds, same mouthpiece, same global quality assessment task. The current study aims at evaluating the repeatability of perceptual assessments by placing the subjects in natural conditions. As he would normally do when opening a box of new reeds, the musician has to evaluate the quality by using his own material and by defining his own assessment task. The robustness of the perceptual judgements is assessed by repeating the operation 10 times.

Perceptual assessment of urban park audio-visual stimuli a comparison between Italian and Chinese groups

Previous research demonstrated a preference for natural auditory stimuli over human-made sounds in urban park environments. However, little attention has been given to the perceived dimensions of these sounds and their consistency across diverse cultural groups. The present study aimed at revealing possible culture differences among visual (Green, Square, Color) and auditory (Nature, Music, Anthropic) elements in urban parks. Eighty participants from both Chinese and Italian groups were administered a questionnaire to emotionally assess the stimuli. The differences in emotional salience were found across both sensory inputs. For the visual inputs, Green parks were perceived as more pleasant than Colorful parks, and the latter were more pleasant than Square parks, indicating the more natural the setting, the more restorative the effects. An important finding refers to the cross-culture consistency of the preferences. For the auditory inputs in urban parks, although both components of emotional salience were cross-culture consistent, some specific differences emerged.