Weighing factors responsible for the production of the Catalan vowel /ɛ/ versus /e/ contrast in three districts of Barcelona

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1264-1277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susana Cortés ◽  
Conxita Lleó ◽  
Ariadna Benet
Keyword(s):  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Naming Task ◽  
Phonological Variation ◽  
Front Vowel ◽  
Vowel Contrast ◽  
Close Relatives ◽  
Auditory Analysis ◽  
High Degree

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: This study investigates the sociolinguistic factors associated with the maintenance or loss of the mid-front vowel contrast in the Catalan spoken by Spanish-Catalan bilinguals in three districts of Barcelona. It addresses the following questions. (1) Is the mid-front vowel contrast kept in all the districts under study? Do we find differences across districts and/or age groups? (2) Is an auditory analysis of our data further supported by an acoustic analysis? (3) Which sociolinguistic factors help us predict whether the contrast is kept or lost? Design/methodology/approach: Participants in this study were 36 bilingual children and 36 bilingual adults who completed a picture-naming task. Participants lived in Gràcia/Eixample (two districts with a low degree of Spanish presence) or in Nou Barris (a district with a high degree of Spanish presence). Data and analysis: The production of words with target /ɛ/ and with target /e/ by each participant was recorded along with the answers to a sociolinguistic questionnaire. The spoken data were auditorily and acoustically analysed, and then statistically analysed in relation to different sociolinguistic factors that could account for the maintenance or loss of this vowel contrast. Findings/conclusions: Significant differences were found in the production of children across districts but not in that of adults. The children in Nou Barris show an advanced merger between /ɛ/ and /e/. The language in the environment seems to be the main factor, as the merger or maintenance of the contrast correlates with the language spoken by our participants’ peer group and close relatives. Originality: This research combines both an auditory and acoustic analysis of phonological data with sociolinguistic information about speakers from different districts in Barcelona. Significance/implications: This paper contributes to a better understanding of phonological variation within Barcelona and the sociolinguistic factors that are responsible for variation among its population.

Coarticulation and Formant Transition Rate in Young Children Who Stutter

2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 676-688 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soo-Eun Chang ◽  
Ralph N. Ohde ◽  
Edward G. Conture
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Transition Rate ◽  
Language Production ◽  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Naming Task ◽  
Movement Velocity ◽  
Locus Equation ◽  
Place Of Articulation ◽  
And Gender

The purpose of this study was to assess anticipatory coarticulation and second formant (F2) transition rate (FTR) of speech production in young children who stutter (CWS) and who do not stutter (CWNS). Fourteen CWS and 14 age- and gender-matched CWNS in three age groups (3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds) participated in a picture-naming task that elicited single-word utterances. The initial consonant-vowel (CV) syllables of these utterances, comprising either bilabial [b m] or alveolar [d n s z] consonants and a number of vowels [i I e ε æ u o @αI α@], were used for acoustic analysis. To assess coarticulation and speech movement velocity, the F2 onset frequency and F2 vowel target frequency (for coarticulation) and FTR (for speech movement velocity) were computed for each CV syllable and for each participant. Based on these measures, locus equation statistics of slope, y-intercept, and standard error of estimate as well as the FTR were analyzed. Findings revealed a significant main effect for place of articulation and a significantly larger difference in FTR between the two places of articulation for CWNS than for CWS. Findings suggest that the organization of the FTR production for place of articulation may not be as contrastive or refined in CWS as in CWNS, a subtle difficulty in the speed of speech-language production, which may contribute to the disruption of their speech fluency.

The Physician’s Task and the Problem of Documentation

1964 ◽  
Vol 03 (01) ◽  
pp. 11-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Proppe
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Evaluation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Early Age ◽  
Case Histories ◽  
Lupus Vulgaris ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Clinical Methods ◽  
Corpus Hippocraticum ◽  
High Degree

SummaryCase histories suitable for statistical evaluation can be found even as far back as in the Corpus Hippocraticum. Such simple data as the patient’s age, body weight, size, the date of menarche, etc. are practically always included in the case records, and it is demonstrated that, when such data are recorded in a system of documentation suitable for mechanical sorting, it may enable us to draw conclusions of very great importance. Mechanical registration methods have revealed that, in the determination and recording of data as hitherto carried out. there has been a surprisingly large number of errors and a high degree of unreliability. This view has a considerable influence on modern clinical methods; it renders a more democratic relation between physician and patient necessary and makes clear the need for measures to enhance the reliability of diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions. The author illustrates this view with reference to the mechanical falsification of the thesis of the proneness of early age groups to lupus vulgaris, furthermore with reference to the mechanical rationalization of modern routine diagnostic methods, to the constant surveillance of adverse effects on public health and to the protection against allergic reactions with the aid of recording systems of personal allergy and intolerance data with mechanical sorting and computer techniques.

TO STUDY THE DYNAMICS OF IMMUNITY IN BLACK-AND-WHITE COWS DEPENDING ON AGE

2020 ◽  
pp. 49-52
Author(s):  
М.В. ДОВЫДЕНКОВА
Keyword(s):  
Bactericidal Activity ◽  
Phagocytic Activity ◽  
Physiological State ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Statistical Processing ◽  
Natural Resistance ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Feeding Methods ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Relationship

Проведена статистическая обработка сформированной базы данных показателей неспецифической резистентности MS «Excel» с целью изучения динамики иммунитета по параметрам бактерицидной, лизоцимной и фагоцитарной активности у крупного рогатого скота черно-пестрой породы разных возрастов. Было установлено, что средние значения показателей лизоцимной и бактерицидной активности у телят в 6 мес были ниже (47,89% и 49,09%, соответственно), чем у животных в 3—4 года (53,75% и 52,81%). Выведено уравнение регрессии, описывающее взаимосвязь между средними показателями фагоцитарной активности и возрастом при высокой степени достоверности (R2=0,90). Изменения лизоцимной и бактерицидной активности в зависимости от возраста были недостоверными (R2=0,58 и R2=0,49, соответственно). Установлена высокая корреляция между бактерицидной и лизоцимной активностью. Отмечена динамика изменения неспецифического иммунитета у коров различных возрастных групп. Создание баз данных и постоянный мониторинг основных показателей естественной резистентности в зависимости от различных факторов (породы, возраста, стадий лактации, кормления, способов содержания), которые влияют на данные показатели, необходимо для оценки физиологического состояния организма животных и их устойчивости к болезням. Statistical processing of the generated MS "Excel" on indicators of non-specific resistance database was carried out with the aim of studying the dynamics of the development of immunity in terms of bactericidal, lysozyme and phagocytic activity in black-and-white cattle of different ages. It was found that the average values of indicators of lysozyme and bactericidal activity in calves at 6 months were lower (47.89% and 49.09%, respectively) than in animals at the age of 3—4 years (53.75% and 52.81%). The equation of regression was derived, it describes the relationship between the average indicators of phagocytic activity and the age with a high degree of reliability (R2=0.90). The changes in lysozyme and bactericidal activity depending on age were dubious (R2=0.58 and R2=0.49, respectively). The high correlation between bactericidal and lysozyme activity was established. It was noticed that the cows of different age groups experienced the dynamics of changes in nonspecific immunity. The creation of databases and constant monitoring of the main indicators of natural resistance, depending on various factors (breed, age, stages of lactation, feeding, methods of keeping) that affect these indicators, is necessary for assessing the physiological state of the animals’ body of and their resistance to diseases.

The Development of Fundamental Frequency in 6- to 10-Year Old Children: A Brief Study

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 55-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. P. Whiteside ◽  
C. Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Fundamental Frequency ◽  
Picture Naming ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Naming Task ◽  
Final Position ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Age And Sex

This brief study investigates the development of fundamental frequency (FO) in pre-adolescent children as a function of age and sex. The children who took part in the study were divided into three age groups: 6, 8 and 10 years. Each group consisted of three males and three females. Each subject produced nine target phrases with [] in phrase-final position, which were elicited via a picture-naming task. FO was estimated for the nine target utterances and the following FO parameters were derived: mean FO for the whole phrase; FO range for the whole phrase; standard deviation values of FO for the whole phrase and mean FO for the phrase-final vowel [α:]. Results indicated that FO parameters generally decreased with age, and by age 10 years the males had lower values than the females for all four parameters. Results also indicated that the mean standard deviation of FO across the phrase was significantly higher for the females compared to that for the males.

scholarly journals How to transfer a coupon-based event into a hedonic shopping experience? Retail branding implications based on the glamour shopping days

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zita Kelemen ◽  
Péter Nagy ◽  
Ildikó Kemény
Keyword(s):  
Peer Group ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Consumer Society ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Female Consumers ◽  
Shopping Experience ◽  
Hedonic Utilitarian ◽  
Retail Branding

The paper examines the motivational drivers behind the participation of Hungarian consumers on a special shopping event, also known as Glamour Days. The study encompasses a variety of related conceptualizations such as hedonic/utilitarian shopping values, self-gifting as well as impulsive buying practices. After the introduction of relevant consumer behaviour concepts and theoretical frameworks, the paper presents a qualitative research on adult and adolescent female consumers’ shopping experiences during Glamour Days. By building on phenomenological methodology, this study also portrays the ways this shopping event has changed consumer society within an originally strongly utilitarian attitude driven Hungarian culture. The phenomenological interview results highlight differences within the motivational drivers of pleasure-oriented shopping for the two age groups. For teenagers, the main motivation was related to the utilitarian aspect due to their financial dependence and the special opportunity to stand out of their peer group by joining an event that is exclusively held for adult women. On the other hand, adult women are motivated by combined hedonic and utilitarian values manifested in self-gifting and impulse buying within an effectively planned and managed shopping trip. Based on the results, retail specific strategies are provided along with future research directions.

What factors influence phonological production in French-speaking bilingual children, aged three to six years?

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 945-981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret KEHOE ◽  
Chloé GIRARDIER
Keyword(s):  
Picture Naming ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Naming Task ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
Vocabulary Test ◽  
Phonological Features ◽  
First Languages ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
L2 Vocabulary ◽  
Vocabulary Score

AbstractThis study examines the influence of bilingual status, language-internal (complexity of L1 phonology), language-external (dominance), and lexical (L2 vocabulary score) factors on phonological production in French-speaking monolingual (n = 37) and bilingual children (n = 64) aged three to six years. Children participated in an object and picture naming task which tested different phonological features. The bilinguals’ first languages were coded in terms of the complexity of these phonological features. In addition, the parents completed a questionnaire on their child's language dominance and the children were administered a vocabulary test in their L2. Results indicated that vocabulary was the principal predictor of phonological accuracy across both age groups. Apparent monolingual–bilingual differences and dominance effects could largely be explained by vocabulary scores: children who scored better on a vocabulary test obtained superior phonological accuracy. Language-internal effects were minimal and marginally influenced vowel accuracy only.

scholarly journals Ecological Status and Peoples’ Perception of Mistletoes in Panchase Protected Forest, Central Nepal Himalayas

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-14
Author(s):  
Dipak Bohora ◽  
Mohan P. Devkota
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Stakeholder Involvement ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Central Nepal ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge System ◽  
The Family ◽  
Mountainous Communities ◽  
The Rich ◽  
High Degree

 Realizing the importance of Panchase Protected Forest, an important corridor of the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape (CHAL) area, the ecological status and peoples’ perception of mistletoe was studied to supplement the information on mistletoes of Nepal Himalayas. Mistletoes were studied along the forest trails and data were collected within 10 m radius plots 20 m inside the trails to record the incidence of mistletoe occurrence and severity of infection during three field visits in 1917 and 1918. Fifty people were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire and Biodiversity Conservation Confidence Index was calculated to understand peoples' perceptions about mistletoes. A total of seven mistletoe species, six belonging to four genera in the family Loranthaceae, and a single genus in the family Viscaceae were documented from 27 host species belonging to 24 genera in 18 unrelated angiosperm host families. Loranthaceae mistletoes were more generalists having a wide host range while Viscaceae mistletoe showed a high degree of host specificity. The irregular and patchy distribution of mistletoe is governed by host availability, forest structure, and site mesoclimate. Knowledge regarding the importance and uses of mistletoes and its values in natural plant communities is limited to older generation people. Age groups, profession, and the mechanism of indigenous knowledge inheritance in the rural mountainous communities of the Panchase area are very poor and are eroding rapidly which is against promoting the indigenous knowledge system especially in the younger generation. More conservation initiatives are needed through the stakeholder involvement to protect the rich biodiversity of the area.

scholarly journals Acoustic Analysis of Front Vowels /Ɛ/ and /æ/ in Pakistani Punjabi English

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 219
Author(s):  
Mahwish Farooq ◽  
Asim Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
English Speakers ◽  
Auditory Analysis ◽  
Selection Of

The current research is done for the verification of two different claims. According to Kachru, (2005) that Punjabi English speakers are unable to create distinction between /Ɛ/ and /æ/ front vowels but Bilal et al. (2011) has refused this claim after verifying it in the speech of Punjabi speakers of Sargodha, Pakistan. If Bilal is right than there is a big need to study this claim in broader perspective. Therefore, in the current research, 9720 utterances (of 72 native Punjabi speakers from 12 districts of Punjab, Pakistan) are recorded and analyzed in PRAAT software. Data analysis is done in two steps i.e., (i) auditory analysis is done by listening wave files and (ii) acoustic analysis is based on the measurement of first three formant values (F1, F2, F3) and vowels’ duration. The results clarify that Pakistani Punjabi English speakers have maintained difference in short and long, stressed and unstressed articulation at word initial and medial positions. But the limited number of Lahori Punjabians could not maintain this difference at word medial position only. Consequently, this research highly supports Bilal’s claim in broader perspective but we cannot totally deny Kachru’s claim. Because we have also find traces of /Ɛ/ and /æ/ merger in our data as well and the reason might be the selection of research sample. 

Use of and satisfaction with support received among survivors from three Scandinavian countries after the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 436-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.O. Michel ◽  
S. Rosendal ◽  
L. Weisaeth ◽  
T. Heir
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Informal Support ◽  
Stress Reactions ◽  
Home Support ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Disaster Survivors ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction ◽  
Close Relatives ◽  
High Degree

AbstractIntroductionThere is limited guidance regarding effective preventions for post-disaster mental health problems and what kind of support is preferred by disaster survivors.AimTo describe the use of and satisfaction with support in three Scandinavian countries after the tsunami and analyzing the association between support and posttraumatic stress reactions.MethodThe sample comprises 6772 responders who returned to Scandinavia from the tsunami-struck countries of Southeast Asia in 2004.ResultsMost were satisfied with informal support on site. Support from embassies/consulates was not received well, leaving about 64% of the Danes/Norwegians and 73% of the Swedes dissatisfied. After returning home, support from close relatives rendered highest degree of satisfaction. Consultation with general practitioner (GP) was reported by 63% of Norwegians, 40% of Danes, and 16% of Swedes. Most responders (60–77%) were satisfied with their GP, although Norwegians were least satisfied. Using support was associated with higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms.ConclusionsInformal support was used to a high degree and rendered considerable satisfaction in all three countries, while the use of and satisfaction with formal support varied more. Lack of satisfaction with embassies and consulates may indicate deficiencies in the authorities’ preparedness in assisting disaster stricken citizens abroad.

Identification and Toxigenic Potential of the Industrially Important Fungi, Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus sojae

2007 ◽  
Vol 70 (12) ◽  
pp. 2916-2934 ◽  
Author(s):  
THOMAS R. JØRGENSEN
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Oryzae ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Fermented Foods ◽  
Culture Collections ◽  
Aspergillus Sojae ◽  
Societal Issues ◽  
Traditional Preparation ◽  
Close Relatives ◽  
High Degree

Mold strains belonging to the species Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus sojae are highly valued as koji molds in the traditional preparation of fermented foods, such as miso, sake, and shoyu, and as protein production hosts in modern industrial processes. A. oryzae and A. sojae are relatives of the wild molds Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. All four species are classified to the A. flavus group. Strains of the A. flavus group are characterized by a high degree of morphological similarity. Koji mold species are generally perceived of as being nontoxigenic, whereas wild molds are associated with the carcinogenic aflatoxins. Thus, reliable identification of individual strains is very important for application purposes. This review considers the pheno- and genotypic markers used in the classification of A. flavus group strains and specifically in the identification of A. oryzae and A. sojae strains. Separation of A. oryzae and A. sojae from A. flavus and A. parasiticus, respectively, is inconsistent, and both morphologic and molecular evidence support conspecificity. The high degree of identity is reflected by the divergent identification of reference cultures maintained in culture collections. As close relatives of aflatoxin-producing wild molds, koji molds possess an aflatoxin gene homolog cluster. Some strains identified as A. oryzae and A. sojae have been implicated in aflatoxin production. Identification of a strain as A. oryzae or A. sojae is no guarantee of its inability to produce aflatoxins or other toxic metabolites. Toxigenic potential must be determined specifically for individual strains. The species taxa, A. oryzae and A. sojae, are currently conserved by societal issues.

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