scholarly journals Can the Vocal Expression of Intellectually Disabled Individuals Be Used as a Pain Indicator? Initial Findings Supporting a Possible Novice Assessment Method

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Icht ◽  
Hadar Wiznitser Ressis-tal ◽  
Meir Lotan
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Tract ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Acoustic Features ◽  
Cepstral Peak Prominence ◽  
Pain Detection ◽  
Vocal Productions ◽  
Voice Fundamental Frequency ◽  
Pain At Rest ◽  
Vocal Expressions

Pain is difficult to assess in non-verbal populations such as individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). Due to scarce research in this area, pain assessment for individuals with IDD is still lacking, leading to maltreatment. To improve medical care for individuals with IDD, immediate, reliable, easy to use pain detection methods should be developed. The goal of this preliminary study was to examine the sensitivity of acoustic features of vocal expressions in identifying pain for adults with IDD, assessing their feasibility as a pain detection indicator for those individuals. Such unique pain related vocal characteristics may be used to develop objective pain detection means. Adults with severe-profound IDD level (N = 9) were recorded in daily activities associated with pain (during diaper changes), or without pain (at rest). Spontaneous vocal expressions were acoustically analyzed to assess several voice characteristics. Analyzing the data revealed that pain related vocal expressions were characterized by significantly higher number of pulses and higher shimmer values relative to no-pain vocal expressions. Pain related productions were also characterized by longer duration, higher jitter and Cepstral Peak Prominence values, lower Harmonic-Noise Ratio, lower difference between the amplitude of the 1st and 2nd harmonic (corrected for vocal tract influence; H1H2c), and higher mean and standard deviation of voice fundamental frequency relative to no-pain related vocal productions, yet these findings were not statistically significant, possibly due to the small and heterogeneous sample. These initial results may prompt further research to explore the possibility to use pain related vocal output as an objective and easily identifiable indicator of pain in this population.

scholarly journals Good vibrations: A review of vocal expressions of positive emotions

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roza G. Kamiloğlu ◽  
Agneta H. Fischer ◽  
Disa A. Sauter
Keyword(s):  
Positive Emotion ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Speech Rate ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Acoustic Features ◽  
Speech Prosody ◽  
Nonverbal Vocalizations ◽  
The Voice ◽  
Vocal Expressions

AbstractResearchers examining nonverbal communication of emotions are becoming increasingly interested in differentiations between different positive emotional states like interest, relief, and pride. But despite the importance of the voice in communicating emotion in general and positive emotion in particular, there is to date no systematic review of what characterizes vocal expressions of different positive emotions. Furthermore, integration and synthesis of current findings are lacking. In this review, we comprehensively review studies (N = 108) investigating acoustic features relating to specific positive emotions in speech prosody and nonverbal vocalizations. We find that happy voices are generally loud with considerable variability in loudness, have high and variable pitch, and are high in the first two formant frequencies. When specific positive emotions are directly compared with each other, pitch mean, loudness mean, and speech rate differ across positive emotions, with patterns mapping onto clusters of emotions, so-called emotion families. For instance, pitch is higher for epistemological emotions (amusement, interest, relief), moderate for savouring emotions (contentment and pleasure), and lower for a prosocial emotion (admiration). Some, but not all, of the differences in acoustic patterns also map on to differences in arousal levels. We end by pointing to limitations in extant work and making concrete proposals for future research on positive emotions in the voice.

scholarly journals Humans rely on the same rules to assess emotional valence and intensity in conspecific and dog vocalizations

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 20130926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamás Faragó ◽  
Attila Andics ◽  
Viktor Devecseri ◽  
Anna Kis ◽  
Márta Gácsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Valence ◽  
Emotional Content ◽  
Acoustic Cues ◽  
Acoustic Features ◽  
Acoustical Parameters ◽  
Intensity Perception ◽  
First Time ◽  
Vocal Expressions

Humans excel at assessing conspecific emotional valence and intensity, based solely on non-verbal vocal bursts that are also common in other mammals. It is not known, however, whether human listeners rely on similar acoustic cues to assess emotional content in conspecific and heterospecific vocalizations, and which acoustical parameters affect their performance. Here, for the first time, we directly compared the emotional valence and intensity perception of dog and human non-verbal vocalizations. We revealed similar relationships between acoustic features and emotional valence and intensity ratings of human and dog vocalizations: those with shorter call lengths were rated as more positive, whereas those with a higher pitch were rated as more intense. Our findings demonstrate that humans rate conspecific emotional vocalizations along basic acoustic rules, and that they apply similar rules when processing dog vocal expressions. This suggests that humans may utilize similar mental mechanisms for recognizing human and heterospecific vocal emotions.

scholarly journals Embedded structure and the evolution of phonology

2006 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-41
Author(s):  
Jason Brown ◽  
Chris Golston
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Tract ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Cognitive System ◽  
Reactive System ◽  
Prosodic Structure ◽  
Acoustic Features ◽  
Anatomy And Physiology ◽  
Embedded Structures ◽  
Embedded Structure ◽  
System Body

This paper explores a structure ubiquitous in grammar, the embedded tree, and develops a proposal for how such embedded structures played a fundamental role in the evolution of consonants and vowels. Assuming that linguistic capabilities emerged as a cognitive system from a simply reactive system and that such a transition required the construction of an internal mapping of the system body (cf. Cruse 2003), we propose that this mapping was determined through articulation and acoustics. By creating distinctions between articulators in the vocal tract or by acoustic features of sounds, and then embedding these distinctions, the various possible properties of consonants and vowels emerged. These embedded distinctions represent paradigmatic options for the production of sounds, which provide the basic building blocks for prosodic structure. By anchoring these embedded structures in the anatomy and physiology of the vocal tract, the evolution of phonology itself can be explained by extra-linguistic factors.

scholarly journals What delirium detection tools are used in routine clinical practice in the United Kingdom? Survey results from 91% of acute healthcare organisations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë Tieges ◽  
Jacqueline Lowrey ◽  
Alasdair M. J. MacLullich
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Real World ◽  
Confusion Assessment Method ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Clinical Population ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Delirium Assessment ◽  
The United Kingdom

Abstract Purpose Our aim was to collect information on delirium assessment processes and pathways in non-intensive care settings in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods We sent a Freedom of Information request to 169 UK National Health Service (NHS) hospitals, trusts and health boards (units) in July 2020 to obtain data on usage of delirium assessment tools in clinical practice and delirium pathways or guidelines. Results We received responses from 154/169 units (91% response rate). Of these, 146/154 (95%) units reported use of formal delirium assessment processes and 131/154 (85%) units had guidelines or pathways in place. The 4’A’s Test (4AT) was the most widely used tool, with 117/146 (80%) units reporting use. The Confusion Assessment Method was used in 65/146 (45%) units, and the Single Question to identify Delirium (SQiD) in 52/146 (36%) units. Conclusions Our findings show that the 4AT is the most commonly used tool in the UK, with 80% of units reporting use. This study adds to our knowledge of real-world uptake of delirium detection methods at scale. Future studies should evaluate real-world implementation of delirium assessment tools further via (1) tool completion rates and (2) rates of positive scores against the expected of prevalence delirium in the clinical population concerned.

scholarly journals Ontogeny of long-range vocalizations in a Neotropical fossorial rodent: the Anillaco Tuco-Tuco (Ctenomys sp.)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Amaya ◽  
Juan Ignacio Areta
Keyword(s):  
Long Range ◽  
Vocal Tract ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Vocal Learning ◽  
Motor Program ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Subterranean Rodents ◽  
Acoustic Features ◽  
Long Distance

Adult vocalizations can develop following three alternative modes; by retention of juvenile vocalizations, through the modification of juvenile precursors or by a de novo appearance in adults. Vocalizations that develop from juvenile precursors may develop following two pathways; vocal learning (implying the ability of juveniles to modify their vocalizations based on an external auditory input) and/or vocal tract maturation (involving the improvement of the capacity of juveniles to generate progressively more adult-like vocalizations by the tuning of an innate motor program). The emission of adult vocalizations requires the synchronization of neuromuscular and anatomical structures, and the lack of maturation and/or precise coupling between them would lead to the production of abnormal vocalizations. Tuco-tucos (Ctenomys spp.) are subterranean rodents that produce territorial, high intensity long-range vocalizations (LRVs) of, broadband and low frequency that are essential for long-distance communication between individuals in different tunnel systems. Despite their importance, the developmental modes, pathways and developmental sequences of LRVs remain poorly understood. In adult Anillaco Tuco-Tucos (Ctenomys sp.) the LRV is composed by two types of syllables (series and individual notes) that are repeated a variable number of times. We studied the development of the LRV in 8 juveniles of the Anillaco Tuco-Tuco ranging from 14 to 108 days after birth. The LRV exhibited a mixed developmental mode: while series developed from juvenile precursors whose acoustic features gradually approached those of adults, individual notes appeared later in the ontogeny and de novo, with acoustic features undistinguishable from those of adults. Vocalizations became progressively longer, but the series types shown by adults were evident in juveniles at an early age. All three acoustic features of series (triad) notes studied correlated with age in both sexes (duration 90% increased through development, while bandwidth 90% and peak frequency decreased). LRV developed normally in juveniles acoustically isolated from adults, supporting the vocal tract maturation hypothesis and possibly rejecting the vocal learning hypothesis. Juveniles emmitted a higher proportion (7.4%) of abnormal vocalizations than adults (0.3%), as expected in the development of any complex behavior that requires practice to be mastered. The maturation of the LRV occurred well before the sexual maturation, presumably due to the protracted time needed to acquire or build a burrow system long before mating is possible. We propose that protracted vocal development is another component in the slow developmental strategy of Ctenomys and subterranean rodents in general.

scholarly journals Ontogeny of long-range vocalizations in a Neotropical fossorial rodent: the Anillaco Tuco-Tuco (Ctenomys sp.)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Pablo Amaya ◽  
Juan Ignacio Areta
Keyword(s):  
Long Range ◽  
Vocal Tract ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Vocal Learning ◽  
Motor Program ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Subterranean Rodents ◽  
Acoustic Features ◽  
Long Distance

Adult vocalizations can develop following three alternative modes; by retention of juvenile vocalizations, through the modification of juvenile precursors or by a de novo appearance in adults. Vocalizations that develop from juvenile precursors may develop following two pathways; vocal learning (implying the ability of juveniles to modify their vocalizations based on an external auditory input) and/or vocal tract maturation (involving the improvement of the capacity of juveniles to generate progressively more adult-like vocalizations by the tuning of an innate motor program). The emission of adult vocalizations requires the synchronization of neuromuscular and anatomical structures, and the lack of maturation and/or precise coupling between them would lead to the production of abnormal vocalizations. Tuco-tucos (Ctenomys spp.) are subterranean rodents that produce territorial, high intensity long-range vocalizations (LRVs) of, broadband and low frequency that are essential for long-distance communication between individuals in different tunnel systems. Despite their importance, the developmental modes, pathways and developmental sequences of LRVs remain poorly understood. In adult Anillaco Tuco-Tucos (Ctenomys sp.) the LRV is composed by two types of syllables (series and individual notes) that are repeated a variable number of times. We studied the development of the LRV in 8 juveniles of the Anillaco Tuco-Tuco ranging from 14 to 108 days after birth. The LRV exhibited a mixed developmental mode: while series developed from juvenile precursors whose acoustic features gradually approached those of adults, individual notes appeared later in the ontogeny and de novo, with acoustic features undistinguishable from those of adults. Vocalizations became progressively longer, but the series types shown by adults were evident in juveniles at an early age. All three acoustic features of series (triad) notes studied correlated with age in both sexes (duration 90% increased through development, while bandwidth 90% and peak frequency decreased). LRV developed normally in juveniles acoustically isolated from adults, supporting the vocal tract maturation hypothesis and possibly rejecting the vocal learning hypothesis. Juveniles emmitted a higher proportion (7.4%) of abnormal vocalizations than adults (0.3%), as expected in the development of any complex behavior that requires practice to be mastered. The maturation of the LRV occurred well before the sexual maturation, presumably due to the protracted time needed to acquire or build a burrow system long before mating is possible. We propose that protracted vocal development is another component in the slow developmental strategy of Ctenomys and subterranean rodents in general.

scholarly journals What delirium detection tools are used in routine clinical practice in the UK? A Freedom of Information investigation of UK hospitals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë Tieges ◽  
Jacqueline Lowrey ◽  
Alasdair M. J. MacLullich
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Confusion Assessment Method ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Freedom Of Information ◽  
Delirium Assessment ◽  
Information Request ◽  
The Uk

ABSTRACTPurposeOur aim was to collect information on delirium assessment processes and pathways in non-intensive care settings in the UK.MethodsWe sent a Freedom of Information request to 169 UK NHS hospitals, trusts and health boards (units) in July 2020 to obtain data on usage of delirium assessment tools in clinical practice and delirium pathways or guidelines.ResultsWe received responses from 154 units (91% response rate). 146 (95%) units reported use of formal delirium assessment processes and 131 (85%) units had guidelines or pathways in place. The 4AT was the most widely used tool, with 117 (80%) units reporting use. The Confusion Assessment Method was used in 652 (45%) units, and the SQiD in 52 (36%) units.ConclusionsOur findings show that the 4AT is the most commonly-used tool in the UK, with 80% of units reporting implementation. This study adds to our knowledge of real-world implementation of delirium detection methods at scale.

scholarly journals Resonance Effects and the Vocalization of Speech

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 1637-1643
Author(s):  
Brad Rakerd ◽  
Eric J. Hunter ◽  
Peter LaPine
Keyword(s):  
Speech Production ◽  
Vocal Tract ◽  
Voice Disorders ◽  
Resonance Effects ◽  
Hypernasal Speech ◽  
Clinical Considerations ◽  
Vocal Tract Resonance ◽  
Vocal Productions ◽  
Disordered Speech

Purpose Studies of the respiratory and laryngeal actions required for phonation are central to our understanding of both voice and voice disorders. The purpose of this tutorial is to highlight complementary insights about voice that have come from the study of vocal tract resonance effects. Conclusion This tutorial overviews the following areas: (a) special resonance effects that have been found to occur in the vocal productions of professional performers; (b) resonance and antiresonance effects associated with nasalization, together with clinical considerations associated with the diagnosis and/or treatment of hyponasal and hypernasal speech; and (c) studies of resonant voice and what they tell us about both normal and disordered speech production.

scholarly journals Development of vocal tract and acoustic features in children

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 215-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryoko Mugitani ◽  
Sadao Hiroya
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Tract ◽  
Acoustic Features
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