scholarly journals The Impact of Biographical Information About a Composer on Emotional Responses to Their Music

2021 ◽  
pp. 102986492098888
Author(s):  
Frederic Kiernan ◽  
Amanda E. Krause ◽  
Jane W. Davidson
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Emotional Responses ◽  
Predictor Variable ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Biographical Information ◽  
Generalised Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
The Impact

This study investigated whether reading biographical information about the composer Jan Dismas Zelenka (1679–1745) before listening to his music would influence listeners’ self-reported emotional responses. The study involved 179 participants who completed an online listening exercise in which they read either a negative or a neutral biography of Zelenka, or no biography, before listening to two short excerpts of his music. After listening to each excerpt, participants completed a 27-item questionnaire concerning their emotional responses and were then asked to describe in their own words how the music made them feel. Two-factor analyses identified five factors underlying the emotional responses of participants for each musical excerpt. Generalised Linear Mixed Model analyses indicate that the biography condition affected participants’ emotional responses with regard to memories, associations, and mental images. Positive emotional contagion was also a significant predictor variable for several of the emotional factors that were identified. A thematic analysis of participants’ free-text responses supported both the BRECVEMAC model and persona theory as interpretative frameworks, albeit with caveats. Additionally, a chi-square test of contingencies revealed that participants who read the negative biography of Zelenka were more likely to make use of negative language to describe their emotional responses to the music, and that participants who read no biography were more likely to use neutral language. The findings suggest that contextual biographical information about composers (e.g., in programme notes) can have an impact on the emotional experiences of listeners.

scholarly journals The SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant is associated with increased clinical severity of disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J Pascall ◽  
Guy Mollett ◽  
Rachel Blacow ◽  
Naomi Bulteel ◽  
Robyn Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Generalised Linear Mixed Model ◽  
The Impact

Background The Alpha (B.1.1.7) SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern has been associated with increased transmission and increased 28-day mortality. We aimed to investigate the impact of infection on clinical severity of illness, including the need for oxygen or ventilation in a national cohort study. Methods In this prospective clinical cohort study, 1475 SARS-CoV-2 sequences were obtained from patients infected in Scotland, UK between the 1st November 2020 and 30th January 2021 and matched to clinical outcomes as the lineage became dominant in Scotland. We modelled the association between B.1.1.7 infection and severe disease using a cumulative generalised linear mixed model employing a 4-point scale of maximum severity based on requirement of respiratory support at 28 days. We also estimated the growth rate of B.1.1.7-associated infections as it emerged in Scotland using a phylogenetic exponential growth rate population model. Results The B.1.1.7 lineage was responsible for a third wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Scotland in association with a transmission rate 5-fold higher than the preceding second wave B.1.177 lineage. Of 1475 patients, 364 were infected with B.1.1.7, 1030 with B.1.177 and 81 with other lineages. Our analysis found a positive association between increased clinical severity and lineage (B.1.1.7 versus non-B.1.1.7; cumulative odds ratio: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.93). Viral load was higher in B.1.1.7 samples than in non-B.1.1.7 samples, as measured by cycle threshold (Ct) value (mean Ct change: -2.46, 95% CI: -4.22, -0.70). Conclusions The B.1.1.7 lineage was associated with more severe clinical disease in Scottish patients than co-circulating lineages.

scholarly journals Physiological stress response of African elephants to wildlife tourism in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle D. Szott ◽  
Yolanda Pretorius ◽  
Andre Ganswindt ◽  
Nicola F. Koyama
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
African Elephants ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Generalised Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Game Reserve ◽  
The Impact

Abstract ContextWildlife tourism has been shown to increase stress in a variety of species and can negatively affect survival, reproduction, welfare, and behaviour of individuals. In African elephants, Loxodonta africana, increased physiological stress has been linked to use of refugia, rapid movement through corridors, and heightened aggression towards humans. However, we are unaware of any studies assessing the impact of tourism pressure (tourist numbers) on physiological stress in elephants. AimsWe used faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations to investigate whether tourist numbers in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, were related to changes in physiological stress in elephants. MethodsWe repeatedly collected dung samples (n=43) from 13 individually identified elephants over 15 months. Using a generalised linear mixed model and a Kenward–Roger approximation, we assessed the impact of monthly tourist numbers, season, age, and sex on elephant fGCM concentrations. Key resultsHigh tourist numbers were significantly related to elevated fGCM concentrations. Overall, fGCM concentrations increased by 112% (from 0.26 to 0.55µgg−1 dry weight) in the months with the highest tourist pressure, compared to months with the lowest tourist pressure. ConclusionsManagers of fenced reserves should consider providing potential alleviation measures for elephants during high tourist pressure, for example, by ensuring that refuge areas are available. This may be of even higher importance if elephant populations have had traumatic experiences with humans in the past, such as poaching or translocation. Such management action will improve elephant welfare and increase tourist safety. ImplicationsAlthough tourism can generate substantial revenue to support conservation action, careful monitoring of its impact on wildlife is required to manage potential negative effects.

scholarly journals Correction of Myopic Astigmatism with Topography-Guided Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (TOPOLINK)

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 477
Author(s):  
Pei-Lun Wu ◽  
Chia-Yi Lee ◽  
Han-Chih Cheng ◽  
Hung-Yu Lin ◽  
Li-Ju Lai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Laser In Situ Keratomileusis ◽  
Primary Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
One Year ◽  
Myopic Astigmatism

We aim to assess the feasibility of topography-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (TOPOLINK) for correcting pre-existing and surgical-induced astigmatism. A retrospective, single center cohort study was conducted. Patients with pre-existing irregular myopic astigmatism were recruited into the primary group and those with irregular myopic astigmatism following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) were recruited into the enhancement group. The changes in uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), maximum astigmatism, spherical equivalent (SE) and patient satisfaction were recorded. The Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U test and Generalized Linear Mixed Model were utilized for the analysis in the current study. A total of 18 eyes were studied in the primary group and 14 eyes were examined in the enhancement group. One year postoperatively, the UCVA, BCVA, maximum astigmatism and SE improved significantly in both the primary and the enhancement groups (all p < 0.05). The UCVA (p = 0.046) and SE (p = 0.003) were worse in the primary group preoperatively but became similar in both groups postoperatively, while the BCVA and maximum astigmatism remained identical between groups throughout the study period (all p < 0.05). In addition, the rate of high and moderate satisfaction reached 90.0% in the primary and the enhancement groups, without significant differences (p = 0.871). In conclusion, the TOPOLINK showed high predictability and will contribute to similar outcomes between primary and postoperative irregular myopic astigmatism concerning visual acuity, refractive status and subject satisfaction.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 related national lockdown on ophthalmic emergency in Italy: A multicenter study

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110280
Author(s):  
Maria L Salvetat ◽  
Carlo Salati ◽  
Patrizia Busatto ◽  
Marco Zeppieri
Keyword(s):  
Gender Bias ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Lower Number ◽  
Electronic Records ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Efficient Access ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Unpaired Student ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Wet Amd

Purpose: To assess ocular pathologies admitted to Italian Emergency Eye Departments (EEDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic national lockdown in 2020 in comparison with the same period in 2019. Methods: Electronic records of all patients presenting at EEDs of two tertiary-care Eye Centers during the COVID-19 national lockdown in Italy (March 10–May 3, 2020) were compared with the equivalent period in 2019. Main outcomes were patient age, gender, and diagnoses. Statistical analysis included unpaired Student t-tests, Poisson regression, and chi-square test. Results: Overall EED visits significantly decreased by 54.1% during the 2020 lockdown compared to 2019 (851 vs 1854, p < 0.001). During lockdown, patients showed comparable mean age (52.8 years in 2020 vs 53.3 years in 2019, p = 0.52) and significant male gender bias (61.1% in 2020 vs 55.8% in 2019, p < 0.0001). The most frequent pathologies were eye inflammations, trauma-related incidents, and spontaneous acute vitreous detachment. Patients with inflammation, headache/hemicrania, and spontaneous subconjunctival hemorrhages were significantly less, whereas those with trauma-related diagnoses were significantly higher during the lockdown as compared with 2019 ( p < 0.05). The proportion of non-urgent visits decreased from 17% in 2019 to 8% in 2020 ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: During the 2020 lockdown, there was a significant reduction of accesses to EED, especially for non-urgent pathologies. Potentially visual function threatening conditions, such as trauma-related pathologies, retinal detachment or ruptures, and wet AMD, showed lower number of cases but higher or stable proportion relative to the total caseload, suggesting a correct and efficient access to ophthalmic health care during the pandemic period.

scholarly journals 103 Periodontal Health and Sarcopenia: Cross-Sectional Evidence From A Cohort of 2040 Twin Volunteers

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i12-i42
Author(s):  
M B Zazzara ◽  
P M Wells ◽  
R C E Bowyer ◽  
M N Lochlainn ◽  
E J Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Frailty Index ◽  
Muscle Quality ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Periodontal Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Related ◽  
European Working ◽  
Generalised Linear Mixed Model

Abstract Introduction Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the periodontium, ultimately leading to looseness and/or loss of teeth. Sarcopenia refers to age-related reduction in muscle mass and strength. Similar to periodontitis, chronic low-grade inflammation is thought to play a key role in its development. In addition, both increase in prevalence with advancing age. Despite known associations with other diseases involving a dysregulated inflammatory response, for example rheumatoid arthritis,, the relationship between periodontitis and sarcopenia, and whether they could be driven by similar processes, remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to explore the association between periodontitis and sarcopenia. Methods Observational study of 2040 adult volunteers [age 67.18 (12.17)] enrolled in the TwinsUK cohort study. Presence of tooth mobility and number of teeth lost were used to assess periodontal health. A binary variable was created to define periodontitis. Measurements of muscle strength, muscle quality/quantity and physical performance were used to assess sarcopenia. A categorical variable was created according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) consensus, to define sarcopenia (1: probable; 2: positive; 3: severe). Generalised linear mixed model analysis used on complete cases and age-matched (n = 1,288) samples to ascertain associations between periodontitis and sarcopenia. Results No significant association was found between periodontitis and sarcopenia in both the complete cases analysis and age-matched analysis. Results were consistent when analysis was adjusted for potential confounders including body mass index, frailty index, Mini Mental State Examination smoking, nutritional status and educational level. Conclusions This study found no significant association between periodontitis and sarcopenia in a cohort of 2040 adults. Although both periodontitis and sarcopenia have been linked to a dysregulated immune response and demonstrate an increase in prevalence with increasing age, our work is inconclusive due to the plethora of possible aetiopathogenetic pathways.

scholarly journals Clinical implementation of a 3D4K-exoscope (Orbeye) in microneurosurgery

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Rösler ◽  
Stefan Georgiev ◽  
Anna L. Roethe ◽  
Denny Chakkalakal ◽  
Güliz Acker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Intraoperative Complications ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
User Group ◽  
Clinical Implementation ◽  
Physical Strain ◽  
Conventional Microscope ◽  
The Impact

AbstractExoscopic surgery promises alleviation of physical strain, improved intraoperative visualization and facilitation of the clinical workflow. In this prospective observational study, we investigate the clinical usability of a novel 3D4K-exoscope in routine neurosurgical interventions. Questionnaires on the use of the exoscope were carried out. Exemplary cases were additionally video-documented. All participating neurosurgeons (n = 10) received initial device training. Changing to a conventional microscope was possible at all times. A linear mixed model was used to analyse the impact of time on the switchover rate. For further analysis, we dichotomized the surgeons in a frequent (n = 1) and an infrequent (n = 9) user group. A one-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to evaluate, if the number of surgeries differed between the two groups. Thirty-nine operations were included. No intraoperative complications occurred. In 69.2% of the procedures, the surgeon switched to the conventional microscope. While during the first half of the study the conversion rate was 90%, it decreased to 52.6% in the second half (p = 0.003). The number of interventions between the frequent and the infrequent user group differed significantly (p = 0.007). Main reasons for switching to ocular-based surgery were impaired hand–eye coordination and poor depth perception. The exoscope investigated in this study can be easily integrated in established neurosurgical workflows. Surgical ergonomics improved compared to standard microsurgical setups. Excellent image quality and precise control of the camera added to overall user satisfaction. For experienced surgeons, the incentive to switch from ocular-based to exoscopic surgery greatly varies.

scholarly journals The influence of xylanase on the fermentability, digestibility, and physiochemical properties of insoluble corn-based fiber along the gastrointestinal tract of growing pigs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L Petry ◽  
Nichole F Huntley ◽  
Michael R Bedford ◽  
John F Patience
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
High Fiber ◽  
Gross Energy ◽  
Digesta Viscosity ◽  
The Impact

Abstract In theory, supplementing xylanase in corn-based swine diets should improve nutrient and energy digestibility and fiber fermentability, but its efficacy is inconsistent. The experimental objective was to investigate the impact of xylanase on energy and nutrient digestibility, digesta viscosity, and fermentation when pigs are fed a diet high in insoluble fiber (&gt;20% neutral detergent fiber; NDF) and given a 46-d dietary adaptation period. Three replicates of 20 growing gilts were blocked by initial body weight, individually housed, and assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: a low-fiber control (LF) with 7.5% NDF, a 30% corn bran high-fiber control (HF; 21.9% NDF), HF+100 mg xylanase/kg [HF+XY, (Econase XT 25P; AB Vista, Marlborough, UK)] providing 16,000 birch xylan units/kg; and HF+50 mg arabinoxylan-oligosaccharide (AXOS) product/kg [HF+AX, (XOS 35A; Shandong Longlive Biotechnology, Shandong, China)] providing AXOS with 3-7 degrees of polymerization. Gilts were allowed ad libitum access to fed for 36-d. On d 36, pigs were housed in metabolism crates for a 10-d period, limit fed, and feces were collected. On d 46, pigs were euthanized and ileal, cecal, and colonic digesta were collected. Data were analyzed as a linear mixed model with block and replication as random effects, and treatment as a fixed effect. Compared with LF, HF reduced the apparent ileal digestibility (AID), apparent cecal digestibility (ACED), apparent colonic digestibility (ACOD), and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), NDF, and hemicellulose (P&lt;0.01). Relative to HF, HF+XY improved the AID of GE, CP, and NDF (P&lt;0.05), and improved the ACED, ACOD, and ATTD of DM, GE, CP, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose (P&lt;0.05). Among treatments, pigs fed HF had increased hindgut DM disappearance (P=0.031). Relative to HF, HF+XY improved cecal disappearance of DM (162 vs. 98g; P=0.008) and NDF (44 vs. 13g; P&lt;0.01). Pigs fed xylanase had a greater proportion of acetate in cecal digesta and butyrate in colonic digesta among treatments (P&lt;0.05). Compared with LF, HF increased ileal, cecal, and colonic viscosity, but HF+XY decreased ileal viscosity compared with HF (P&lt;0.001). In conclusion, increased insoluble corn-based fiber decreases digestibility, reduces cecal fermentation, and increases digesta viscosity, but supplementing xylanase partially mitigated that effect.

Factors influencing the occurrence of high ultimate pH in three muscles of lamb carcasses in Australia

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (10) ◽  
pp. 1853 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. G. McPhail ◽  
J. L. Stark ◽  
A. J. Ball ◽  
R. D. Warner
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Generalised Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Processing Plants ◽  
Few Data

Chilled lamb meat exported from Australia has, on occasions, been rejected by importing countries due to greening, after only 6 weeks of storage time. Greening is known to be more prevalent in high ultimate pH (pHu) beef meat (>5.9). There are few data available for lamb carcasses in Australia on the occurrence of high pHu meat, which may have an impact on the understanding and control of quality and greening during storage. The aim of this project was to determine the prevalence of, and influencing factors for, high pHu meat in a range of muscle types in lamb carcasses in Australia. Muscle pHu data were collected from a total of 1614 carcasses from 78 lots at four lamb processing plants in Victoria and New South Wales in autumn and spring of 2013. The pHu of the knuckle (rectus femoris), rack (longissimus) and blade (infraspinatus) was measured and data on carcass and lot characteristics were recorded. Data were subjected to restricted maximum likelihood and generalised linear mixed model analysis. The mean pHu of the knuckle, rack and shoulder were 6.06, 5.79 and 6.12 respectively, and the main factors influencing muscle pHu and occurrence of dark-cutting were breed, season, electrical stimulation and carcass weight. Merino lambs had a higher pHu in the blade and knuckle than did other breeds (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 respectively). Lambs processed in autumn had a higher predicted pHu in the blade and knuckle and a higher percentage dark-cutting (DC; pHu >6.0) for those muscles, than did those processed in spring (P < 0.05). Carcasses that had been electrically stimulated had a higher %DC and a higher pHu in all three muscles (P < 0.05). Carcass weight had a significant effect on the pHu of all three muscles (P < 0.001), with heavier carcasses having a lower pHu and lower %DC. The pHu of the rack was not a reliable predictor for the pHu in other muscles of the lamb carcass. In conclusion, the high occurrence of DC in the muscles, particularly the blade and knuckle, suggests that these muscles may be at risk for producing greening in the vacuum bag during storage.

Relationship between new farming practices and chemical use and the consumption of giant cricket (Brachytrupes membranaceus Drury, 1770)

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 295-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.O. Miantsia ◽  
F. Meutchieye ◽  
S. Niassy
Keyword(s):  
Food Source ◽  
Farming Practices ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Pesticides Residues ◽  
Intensive Use ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Dependence Relationship ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Persistent Pesticides

The current work is aimed at generating information on giant crickets and the impact of commonly used pesticides on the natural population of these crickets. Data was collected based on interviews and complemented with field observations. Out of 319 respondents surveyed, 290 were aware of the use of the giant cricket as a food source, and 161 were active consumers. Regarding the availability of the giant cricket, respondents reported that the crickets’ populations were diminishing because of farming practices. About 219 persons reported that commonly used herbicides harm giant crickets at different stages. This could be attributed to the scarcity of this species, as mentioned by 233 respondents. The results showed that 130 respondents were engaged in gathering giant crickets for consumption. This insect gathering is related to soil tilling. Chi-square test showed a significant dependence relationship between herbicides use and cricket scarcity. Although less than a majority (129) of respondents are making regular use of persistent pesticides (herbicides), it has been observed that intensive use of pesticides could become a popular practice in smallholder farming categories. This paper thus suggests the need for training and surveillance concerning the trade of pesticides in the region and proposes further investigations into pesticides residues or traces in collected giant crickets consumed in the study site and in all areas with similar conditions.

scholarly journals Bayesian spatial and spatio-temporal approaches to modelling dengue fever: a systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Aswi ◽  
S. M. Cramb ◽  
P. Moraga ◽  
K. Mengersen
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Random Effects ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Generalised Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Spatio Temporal

AbstractDengue fever (DF) is one of the world's most disabling mosquito-borne diseases, with a variety of approaches available to model its spatial and temporal dynamics. This paper aims to identify and compare the different spatial and spatio-temporal Bayesian modelling methods that have been applied to DF and examine influential covariates that have been reportedly associated with the risk of DF. A systematic search was performed in December 2017, using Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, ProQuest and Medline (via Ebscohost) electronic databases. The search was restricted to refereed journal articles published in English from January 2000 to November 2017. Thirty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. Using a modified quality assessment tool, the median quality score across studies was 14/16. The most popular Bayesian statistical approach to dengue modelling was a generalised linear mixed model with spatial random effects described by a conditional autoregressive prior. A limited number of studies included spatio-temporal random effects. Temperature and precipitation were shown to often influence the risk of dengue. Developing spatio-temporal random-effect models, considering other priors, using a dataset that covers an extended time period, and investigating other covariates would help to better understand and control DF transmission.

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