Search

Childhood and adolescence are essential stages in the development of voice and speech quality; therefore, it is essential to understand the vocal changes that occur during this period. Frequency-based measurement methods like cepstral measurements stand out among the methods described, which are able to identify f o and estimate the periodicity and noise in the acoustic wave without establishing individual cycles of the sound wave. Two hundred seventy-one recordings (128 female and 131 male) from children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years with no vocal complaints were analyzed. Three speech-language pathologists assessed the vocal quality and determined as appropriate for the age. The recordings were divided into six age groups (G1:5-7; G2:8-9; G3:10-11; G4:12; G5:13-15 and G6:16-18 years old). Sustained production of the vowel /a/ were inspected and edited using the PRAAT software. Then, it was extract de Cepstrum Peak Prominence Smoothed (CPPS) using a script in the same software. A Two-way ANOVA was applied to investigate the effect of sex, age and sex*age interaction, followed by Bonferroni's correction for each gender separately. Finally, the Student's t test for independent samples was performed to compare genders within each age group. Male children and adolescents from G5 and G6 had higher CPPS measures than G1, G2 and G3 (P ≤ 0.001). In addition, G6 also had higher values than G4 (P ≤ 0.001). There was no difference between age groups in the female group. In turn, sex differences were reported from 12 years of age onwards, with higher CPPS values found for male participants compared to female participants (P ≤ 0.01). Vocal changes that usually occur from childhood to adolescence are reflected in the acoustic CPPS measure in males, resulting in higher values in the 13 to 18 years old. On the other hand, no changes in CPPS values were observed in the age groups of female participants. Males have higher CPPS values than females and that sex differences are reported after 12 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking into account the growing increase in the political and social interest in childbirth, it is critical to identify and explore the instruments that allow and enhance its humanization today. The use of vocalization seems to be a powerful and empowering tool for a positive birthing experience when used by women in labour. A scoping review will be developed to map the evidence and knowledge about women's vocalization in the first and second stages of labour using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search will be carried out on the Web of Science, EBSCOhost Research Platform (selecting Academic Search Complete, MedicLatina, Cinahl plus with full text, Medline with full text), Willey Online Library, PubMed and Scopus. The National Register of Theses and Dissertations and the Open Scientific Repository of Portugal will also be taken into account. Three reviewers will conduct data analysis, extraction and synthesis independently. The outcomes pretend to be a source for identifying the use of vocalization by women in labour, in order to guide further research on the subject. This study was prospectively registered with the Open Science Framework on the 21 May 2024, with registration number DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/Z58F4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysing the centres of orientation in a literary text, narratologists since Genette have always worked with the distinction between voice (who speaks?) and viewpoint (who sees?). In contrast, nearly all lyricologists have remained entirely focussed on the category of voice, trying to identify, apart from the speaking voice, at best further speech instances in the poems under discussion. The present article challenges this voice-restricted tradition. It criticizes the deficiencies of various traditional one-voice-models (such as the identification of the speaking voice with the poet, a persona or the ›lyric I‹) as well as those of more recent voice-oriented approaches (by Hempfer and by Culler). It also discusses the blind spots of the multi-voice models developed in the course of lyricology's ›narrative turn‹ (by Hühn and by Burdorf) and rejects Zymner's recent suggestion to replace the notion of ›voice‹ by the purely textual concept of an ›addresser‹ as a ›structure of signs‹. Subsequently, the framework of an alternative, viewpoint-oriented lyricology is sketched by adopting from Cognitive Linguistics such key-concepts as viewpoint-multiplicity, mental spaces and deictic markers as well as from Cognitive Grammar the notions of ›viewing arrangement‹ and ›split conceptualiser‹. Further instruments that can help to account for those poems in which the centre of perception seems to unite in itself the viewpoints of different ›voices‹ are such concepts as ›viewpoint-blends‹ and ›viewpoint-zooms‹. More akin to cognition, in which there are no strict boundaries, but only transitions, they can help to overcome long-lasting, hardly successful attempts to establish rigid divisions in the lyric (e. g. between personal and impersonal, monologic and dialogic, biographical and non-biographical or lyric and narrative poems). Instead, the viewpoint-framework does justice to the fact that such binaries constitute no polar oppositions but mere scales of difference. Moreover, a viewpoint-approach makes possible a much more fine-grained analysis of poetry – in a way better even than an earlier attempt by Petzold (2012) to extend lyricology's voice-centred methodology by integrating into it a Genette-inspired distinction of three types of focalization. The last section of this article is devoted to the complex problem of viewpoint-taking by the readers, which is aggravated by the underdetermined deixis and situational generality of many poems. As is finally illustrated by drawing on a poem with a particularly complicated deictic set-up (Eichendorff's »Lockung« [»Lure«]), readers will admittedly not always be able to process all viewpoints contained in a text. Nevertheless, it can be shown with the help of this example that viewpoint-perception is often an indispensable prerequisite for a full understanding of a poem's meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While nonspeech communication and "metaphorical" silence (in opposition to voice) have benefited from a considerable academic attention, less is known about quiet environments and the intentional practice of silence. We theorize these silences as potential catalysts of internal and collective reflection. Such silences can strongly impact individual and organizational processes and outcomes, notably in the workplace. The meaning, valence, and effects of these silences are highly context- and perspective-dependent. By characterizing and studying these silences and their effects, we show how they are functional or dysfunctional to individuals or organizations. These silences can notably serve as emotion regulators and generate an environment favorable to individual and collective decision making. Examining what is lost by individuals and organizations due to a lack of these silence and what can be gained with a better harnessing of their power is promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autistic children's voices are frequently overlooked, underestimated, and undermined in research and practice such that children are denied agency and their rights as capable knowers. Our digital storytelling work aims to challenge this status quo by co-creating 'I am' Digital Stories with and for autistic children and their families. 'I am' Digital Stories are short videos (c.3–5 minutes) that provide a strengths-based representation of a child or young person, incorporating their strengths, capabilities, likes, communication and interaction preferences, and how support can be provided. 'I am' Digital Stories enable children and young people to present their 'best selves' to people who may not know them, especially in transitions between education and other settings. This is Lil's 'I am' Digital Story. Lil was making the move from special school to her adult life which included the possibility of volunteering at a community-based organisation. We worked with Lil to create an 'I am' Digital Story that she could share with the organisation. Lil worked closely with her father and the research team to plan, film, and create her Digital Story, which she described as a 'cool project'. We think that anyone watching the video will get a strong sense of who Lil is, what she likes to do, her skills and interests, and happy personality. Lil is very proud of her Story and we are proud to be able to share her Story here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essay aims to inquire various radiophonic frequentations and experimentations by Edoardo Sanguineti. In order to do so conspicuous and heterogeneous archivistic material will be inquired, both letters and typescripts, as well as radiophonic interviews to the poet, whose recordings are stored at Teche Rai (Rai’s archive). First of all, the analysis aims to prove Sanguineti’s profound knowledge and consciousness of radiophonic features, mechanisms and potential. Then, the research broadens towards an overview of the fertile interferences between radiophonic production, theatre, music as well as literature.

Taking into account the growing increase in the political and social interest in childbirth, it is critical to identify and explore the instruments that allow and enhance its humanization today. The use of vocalization seems to be a powerful and empowering tool for a positive birthing experience when used by women in labour. A scoping review will be developed to map the evidence and knowledge about women’s vocalization in the first and second stages of labour using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The search will be carried out on the Web of Science, EBSCOhost Research Platform (selecting Academic Search Complete, MedicLatina, Cinahl plus with full text, Medline with full text), Willey Online Library, PubMed and Scopus. The National Register of Theses and Dissertations and the Open Scientific Repository of Portugal will also be taken into account. Three reviewers will conduct data analysis, extraction and synthesis independently. The outcomes pretend to be a source for identifying the use of vocalization by women in labour, in order to guide further research on the subject. This study was prospectively registered with the Open Science Framework on the 21 May 2024, with registration number DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/Z58F4.

Purpose – This study summarizes widely dispersed literature on proactivity at work in its many different forms and highlights contrasts between the various themes in detail. Design/methodology/approach – This study is based on systematic literature review of proactivity at work using 1708 peer reviewed articles published between 1969 and 2021 using R and Vos viewer software; a content analysis of the 100 most cited articles in proactivity research; and synthesis and integrative literature review to develop future research directions. Findings – This study uncovers many interesting facets of knowledge, including proactivity-related themes that have emerged over 50 years of research, time-related publication trends, top journals, top authors, and the most commonly used keywords. The content analysis of the 100 most-cited articles revealed findings such as the role of each proactivity theme impacting academic discussions to date. For example, quantitative research appears to be more prevalent among the most cited articles compared to different types of qualitative research. Finally, future research directions building on our findings are provided. Originality/value – To our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to contrast different types of proactivity at work as opposed to extant literature, which is either driven by the proactivity phenomenon or focuses on similarities rather than on contrasting aspects of the various forms of proactivity at work. Hence, the significance of this research extends beyond theoretical considerations and incorporates valuable practical elements.

Abstract Background Health system responsiveness to public priorities and needs is a broad, multi-faceted and complex health system goal thought to be important in promoting inclusivity and reducing system inequity in participation. Power dynamics underlie the complexity of responsiveness but are rarely considered. This paper presents an analysis of various manifestations of power within the responsiveness practices of Health Facility Committees (HFCs) and Sub-county Health Management Teams (SCHMTs) operating at the subnational level in Kenya. Kenyan policy documents identify responsiveness as an important policy goal. Methods Our analysis draws on qualitative data (35 interviews with health managers and local politicians, four focus group discussions with HFC members, observations of SCHMT meetings, and document review) from a study conducted at the Kenyan Coast. We applied a combination of two power frameworks to interpret our findings: Gaventa’s power cube and Long’s actor interface analysis. Results We observed a weakly responsive health system in which system-wide and equity in responsiveness were frequently undermined by varied forms and practices of power. The public were commonly dominated in their interactions with other health system actors: invisible and hidden power interacted to limit their sharing of feedback; while the visible power of organisational hierarchy constrained HFCs’ and SCHMTs’ capacity both to support public feedback mechanisms and to respond to concerns raised. These power practices were underpinned by positional power relationships, personal characteristics, and world views. Nonetheless, HFCs, SCHMTs and the public creatively exercised some power to influence responsiveness, for example through collaborations with political actors. However, most resulting responses were unsustainable, and sometimes undermined equity as politicians sought unfair advantage for their constituents. Conclusion Our findings illuminate the structures and mechanisms that contribute to weak health system responsiveness even in contexts where it is prioritised in policy documents. Supporting inclusion and participation of the public in feedback mechanisms can strengthen receipt of public feedback; however, measures to enhance public agency to participate are also needed. In addition, an organisational environment and culture that empowers health managers to respond to public inputs is required.

The authors posit that in an initial exposure to a broadcast video, hearing different voices narrate (in succession) a persuasive message encourages consumers' attention and processing of the message, thereby facilitating persuasion; this is referred to as the voice numerosity effect. Across four studies (plus validation and replication studies)—including two large-scale, real-world data sets (with more than 11,000 crowdfunding videos and over 3.6 million customer transactions, and more than 1,600 video ads) and two controlled experiments (with over 1,800 participants)—the results provide support for the hypothesized effect. The effect (1) has consequential, economic implications in a real-world marketplace, (2) is more pronounced when the message is easier to comprehend, (3) is more pronounced when consumers have the capacity to process the ad message, and (4) is mediated by the favorability of consumers' cognitive responses. The authors demonstrate the use of machine learning, text mining, and natural language processing to process and analyze unstructured (multimedia) data. Theoretical and marketing implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses non-native perception data to examine the relationship between perceived phonetic similarity of segments and their phonological patterning. Segments that are phonetically similar to one another are anticipated to pattern together phonologically, and segments that share articulatory or acoustic properties are also expected to be perceived as similar. What is not yet clear is whether segments that pattern together phonologically are perceived as similar. This study addresses this question by examining how L1 English listeners and L1 Guébie listeners perceive non-native implosive consonants compared with plosives and sonorants. English does not have contrastive implosives, whereas Guébie has a bilabial implosive. The bilabial implosive phonologically patterns with sonorants in Guébie, to the exclusion of obstruents. Two perception experiments show English listeners make more perceptual categorization errors between implosives and voiced plosives than Guébie listeners do, but both listener groups are more likely to classify implosives as similar to voiced plosives than sonorants. The results also show that Guébie listeners are better at categorizing non-native implosive consonants (i.e., alveolar implosives) than English listeners, showing that listeners are able to extend features or gestures from their L1 to non-native implosive consonants. The results of these experiments suggest a cross-linguistic perceptual similarity hierarchy of implosives compared with other segments that are not affected by L1 phonological patterning.

Background: Transitions into adult services for young people with complex communication needs are often experienced as challenging and rarely include the voices of young people. Methods: We piloted a person‐centred method to enable one young person's (Dominic) voice to be included in his transition to adult services. An 'I am' Digital Story is a short video (c.6 min) that provides a strengths‐based representation of a young person that is designed to be shared with and between settings. The process and outcomes of story cocreation were evaluated through semi‐structured interviews with key stakeholders. Findings: The process of story creation was evaluated very positively by key stakeholders. The information about Dominic's strengths and preferences helped the new setting to prepare for Dominic's arrival. Conclusions: The 'I am' Digital Story method provides a powerful and accessible method for including the voices of young people with complex communication needs in their transitions. Accessible summary: Young people and their families say it can be hard moving from school to adult services. We think young people with complex communication needs should be part of planning for this move.Often, young people with complex communication needs are not part of planning for this move. We have tried a new way for them to be part of the planning. It is called an 'I am' Digital Story.We created an 'I am' Digital Story with Dominic, his mother, his teacher and his speech and language therapist. They told the story of who Dominic is. The story tells people what Dominic likes doing and what Dominic is good at. The story helps people get to know Dominic, even if they cannot meet Dominic.We asked questions after to see if the Digital Story was a good idea. The people who made the Digital Story said it was easy to make the video. The people in adult services said it was a big help to watch the video. We are happy because the Digital Story made Dominic part of planning his move from school to adult services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unstructured multimedia data (text and audio) provides unprecedented opportunities to derive actionable decision-making in the financial industry, in areas such as portfolio and risk management. However, due to formidable methodological challenges, the promise of business value from unstructured multimedia data has not materialized. In this study, we use a design science approach to develop DeepVoice, a novel nonverbal predictive analysis system for financial risk prediction, in the setting of quarterly earnings conference calls. DeepVoice forecasts financial risk by leveraging not only what managers say (verbal linguistic cues) but also how managers say it (vocal cues) during the earnings conference calls. The design of DeepVoice addresses several challenges associated with the analysis of nonverbal communication. We also propose a two-stage deep learning model to effectively integrate managers’ sequential vocal and verbal cues. Using a unique dataset of 6,047 earnings call samples (audio recordings and textual transcripts) of S&P 500 firms across four years, we show that DeepVoice yields remarkably lower risk forecast errors than that achieved by previous efforts. The improvement can also translate into nontrivial economic gains in options trading. The theoretical and practical implications of analyzing vocal cues are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laura Betti’s career as a recording artist covers the years from 1957 to 1965, and represents a unicum in the history of Italian popular music: for the participation of several famous writers in the composition of the lyrics; for the use of a ‘low’ medium such as the song in an ‘intellectual’ project; for the transgressive and provocative content of many songs; and for the distinctive features of Betti as a singer, in relation to her contemporary performers. The objective of the essay is to reconstruct Betti’s career as a recording artist, and situating it in relation to the cultural history of Italian canzone and the new aesthetics of song and voice that emerged in the years of the economic boom.

Morphosyntactic marking connected with the Middle contexts, broadly speaking expressing the involvement and affectedness of the subject (Cotticelli Kurras and Rizza 2013, Inglese 2020), tends to give rise to characteristic Voice syncretism, i.e., the appearance of different readings, e.g., inherently reflexive, anticausatives, antipassive, etc., which are argued to occur via allosemy at LF (Arad 2003, 2005; Marantz 2013a, 2013b; Wood 2015, 2016; Wood and Marantz 2017; Oikonomou and Alexiadou 2022).1 Looking at reflexiva tantum (RT), i.e., predicates with reflexive clitic się (SE) without any non-się marked counterparts, this paper claims that in a language like Polish, where the Middle readings are not expressed by non-active/mediopassive synthetic morphology, this class of contexts does not have to be related to one specification of the Voice, but since it depends on the reflexive SE-clitic, the syntax of the Middle encompasses all the contexts that license the insertion of this element. Only a subset of the syncretic readings in Polish arises as post-syntactic allosemy, and unergative and unaccusative SE-reflexives differ with regards to the base-generation of the nominative-marked subject. Importantly, agentive readings involve the agentive Voice with the NP argument merged in its specifier. Polish reflexiva tantum are discussed in cross-linguistic contexts of other non-alternating predicates, i.e., media tantum and deponents, and it is shown that they cover the same semantic spectrum, but differ in the syntax, especially in their active and agentive readings. It is shown that the idiosyncratic and omplex nature of reflexive tantum is reflected in its potential to create idiomatic extensions, which arise due to both overt syntax and post-spellout allosemy.

This article presents a theory of communication for media and a related model that aim at explaining how communication is a process comprising various areas of human existence, while its manifestation in the voice is a concrete performance with a pertaining power. In Aristotle we find a scholar who described with the logos a faculty present in the human mind and speech, but his writings allow to reconstruct a more comprehensive perspective on the voice with the distinction between the modes of speaking and saying. In order to show this communication process we employ the concepts of mediation, enmediation, and remediation and the modes of speaking and saying in the Aristotelian tradition, we develop our model of a voice-centered theory of communication for media that comprises the for the voice permeable intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal areas of communication.

ABSTRACT Mate choice, and sex differences in romantic behaviours, represented one of the first major applications of evolutionary biology to human behaviour. This paper reviews Darwinian approaches to heterosexual mate assessment based on physical characteristics, placing the literature in its historical context (1871–1979), before turning (predominantly) to psychological research on attractiveness judgements based on physical characteristics. Attractiveness is consistently inferred across multiple modalities, with biological theories explaining why we differentiate certain individuals, on average, from others. Simultaneously, it is a judgement that varies systematically in light of our own traits, environment, and experiences. Over 30 years of research has generated robust effects alongside reasons to be humble in our lack of understanding of the precise physiological mechanisms involved in mate assessment. This review concludes with three questions to focus attention in further research, and proposes that our romantic preferences still provide a critical window into the evolution of human sexuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many people dislike the sound of their voices, especially when listening back to audio recordings (voice confrontation). Previous research reports that disliking the sound of one's voice is associated with elevated levels of social anxiety. The present study investigated the relationship between social anxiety and voice dislike and voice misrecognition among a bilingual population: Arabic (L1) and English (L2). Participants (N = 176) completed self‐report measures of social anxiety and own voice liking. Additionally, they performed a novel own voice recognition task, assessing their ability to recognise a recording of their voice, differentiating it from digitally altered versions of the same recording. Social anxiety symptomatology was associated with disliking the sound of one's voice, with a larger effect for L1 than L2. Social anxiety was also associated with own voice misrecognition, but only for L1. Highly negative evaluations about the sound of one's voice may represent a vulnerability for social anxiety disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous research has investigated sexual orientation differences in the acoustic properties of individuals' voices, often theorizing that homosexuals of both sexes would have voice properties mirroring those of heterosexuals of the opposite sex. Findings were mixed, but many of these studies have methodological limitations including small sample sizes, use of recited passages instead of natural speech, or grouping bisexual and homosexual participants together for analyses. Methods: To address these shortcomings, the present study examined a wide range of acoustic properties in the natural voices of 142 men and 175 women of varying sexual orientations, with sexual orientation treated as a continuous variable throughout. Results: Homosexual men had less breathy voices (as indicated by a lower harmonics-to-noise ratio) and, contrary to our prediction, a lower voice pitch and narrower pitch range than heterosexual men. Homosexual women had lower F4 formant frequency (vocal tract resonance or so-called overtone) in overall vowel production, and rougher voices (measured via jitter and spectral tilt) than heterosexual women. For those sexual orientation differences that were statistically significant, bisexuals were in-between heterosexuals and homosexuals. No sexual orientation differences were found in formants F1-F3, cepstral peak prominence, shimmer, or speech rate in either sex. Discussion: Recommendations for future "natural voice" investigations are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Method Results Conclusion WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on this subject What this paper adds to existing knowledge What are the clinical implications of this work? This study was designed based on the need to verify the effectiveness of education in the vocology area concerning refining perceptual auditory skills. The purpose of the project described in this paper was to examine the effect of knowledge and skills training during a 2‐week voice disorders graduate course on auditory‐perceptual skills of pre‐professional speech‐language pathologists. The training effect was evaluated by comparing pre‐ and post‐course results of ratings of voice quality using auditory‐perceptual measures.A cohort of 24 graduate students in speech‐language pathology participated in this study. Each student rated a total of 24 voice samples of typical and disordered voice quality from a database using Consensus Auditory‐Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE‐V). The same voice samples were rated before and after the training, in randomised order. The speakers ranged in age from 35 to 80 years; 16 identified as females and 8 as males. A total of 16 samples were associated with various degrees of dysphonia of organic and functional aetiologies; the remaining 8 voice samples included in the study were classified as normal. The training involved different components including knowledge and auditory‐perceptual skills as part of a voice class offered as an intensive 2‐week course with daily blocks of 4 h sessions. Exploratory comparisons of results to objective outcomes were conducted through comparisons with computer‐generated indicators of the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia (CSID), a component of the Analysis of Dysphonia in Speech and Voice (ADSV) software from Pentax for capturing the CSID.There was a significant increase in ratings of roughness, breathiness, loudness, pitch and overall severity after the course. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the intra‐ and interrater reliability post training. Statistically significant positive indications were found in correlations between mean perceptual ratings and the acoustic measure of CSID. Reliability of data was measured by using Pearson's correlations. Intrarater reliability resulted in values of ≥0.90 in all parameters. Similar findings were demonstrated by intraclass coefficients used to estimate interrater consistency: all values were >0.90 but in the Loudness parameter [r (22) = 0.60].Effectiveness of the training in improving the auditory perceptual skills of students was based on the increased reliability of ratings. Indications of successful implementation and outcomes on auditory‐perpetual training procedures in classroom environments will support the development of effective educational methods, which will in turn lead to increased efficacy of service delivery in voice disorders. The effects of training on perceptual assessment performance have been indicated in the literature. Past evidence has demonstrated that various types of training produce a significant impact on auditory perceptual skills. Although dedicated research has been advancing over the past decade, further aspects of auditory‐perceptual reliable assessment include queries about specific training approaches, optimal duration, and interval time for recalibration. While past research suggests that increased exposure in identifying voice characteristics impacts assessment skills, there are limited published data on the relationship of knowledge and skill in association with teaching and learning environments, particularly at the pre‐professional stage. Practical data from actual classroom application constitute an ideal scenario for inspecting effectiveness of graduate training in voice disorders involving acquiring knowledge and applied skills, including auditory‐perceptual voice evaluation. This study is an attempt to expand on previous literature, particularly by examining effects of auditory‐perceptual skills training in graduate students following teaching and learning in a systematic 2‐week voice disorders course. Outcomes indicative of successful training procedures in a classroom environment will support the development of effective educational methods to increase efficacy of service delivery in voice disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wake of rising energy prices and the cost of living crisis, some have claimed that climate policies are at odds with citizens' more pressing everyday living concerns. Critics challenge these simplifying narratives that shorter term economic and social wellbeing priorities and ‘longer term’ decarbonization policies are in tension with one another and argue that effective policies must treat them as interconnected. Evidence regarding how citizens think about climate policy mostly focus on policy acceptability, highlighting the role of perceptions of effectiveness and fairness, but there is a quite limited conceptualization of contexts of social inequality, and even more limited engagement with the views of marginalized groups whose buy‐in is seen as crucial for effective net zero transitions. This paper reviews the evidence and analyses new data from a small exploratory study with citizens from low income and marginalized backgrounds. In group discussions several participants emphasized the importance of tackling both social hardships and climate priorities, seen by some as interlinked. Further, many described wider societal unfairness relating to experiences of poverty, exploitation, a lack of voice or even recognition and a keen sense of disconnect between politics and their own everyday concerns and lived experiences. I argue that climate policy making should engage more fully with contexts of social inequality and that social wellbeing and systematic action on climate change need to be treated by policy makers and politicians as profoundly interlinked challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers the formal and critical consequences of organizing an aesthetic corpus around the philosophical concept of the fragment via a reading of Aryan Kaganof's "Ten Monologues from the Lives of the Serial Killers" (1994). This experimental video sets spoken accounts from the perspective of the likes of Ted Bundy and Charles Manson alongside grainy, ambiguous imagery. Instead of thematic meditations on violence, the monologues circle around quasi-nostalgic reflections on the past and the nature of identity. The film frustrates any language of formal analysis that would rely on accounting for what is present in the film, instead proposing a sympathy with poststructuralism's efforts at displacing the metaphysics of appearance. Violence is not what resides ready-made within the work, nor is it reducible to the realm of the visible or the audible, but is an unstable process bound up with the act of reading itself. The fragment as a formal problem holds out the abstract, general notion of a break in ways that compel a rethinking of violence as something impersonal, rhythmic, and grammatical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voice assistants (VAs), such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Now, are becoming increasingly ubiquitous. Consequently, the potential societal impacts of such systems are gaining relevance in public and academic discourses. Investigating the effects of VA voice features on user perception of VAs is one central aspect of research. Here, the potential effects of VAs on the perception of gender roles and the attribution of gender stereotypes stand out. Following the Computers as Social Actors paradigm, it is assumed that gendered voices have the potential to reproduce existing gender stereotypes. Yet, recently, the implementation of gender-ambiguous voices has been suggested to mitigate such effects and promote more diverse technology design. In this study, we set out to inquire about the relationship between gendered VA voice (male, female, gender-ambiguous) and gender stereotype activation. In two online surveys with an experimental manipulation (Study 1: N = 140, Study 2: N = 397), we test stereotype activation as a function of VA voice, user gender, and conversation topic. Empirical findings are mixed, with no effects for conversation topic but indications of small effects of VA voice. Implications for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Laryngeal dystonia (LD) is a focal dystonia affecting laryngeal musculature with no known etiology or cure. The present study evaluated the sociodemographic and clinical features of patients diagnosed with LD. Materials and Methods: All patients diagnosed with LD at our University Hospital's Ear, Nose, and Throat Department between January 2017 and July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The study included 43 patients. Results: Out of the 43 patients, 19 (44%) were male. At the time of diagnosis, the mean age of the patients was 35.1 years (ranging from 17 to 65 years). The mean elapsed time between the first symptom onset and the first diagnosis was 49.2 months (min. 4 months, max. 240 months). Of the participants, 94% had adductor-type LD. None of the patients had a family history of LD. Of the patients, 9 (20%) experienced a life-altering event or trauma just before the onset of symptoms. All patients who consumed alcohol reported symptom relief with alcohol intake. A total of 67.6% of patients stated that their symptoms were triggered by stress. All of our patients received at least one Botulinum toxin injection, with an average of 2.75 dosages per patient. Conclusion: The gender distribution was approximately equitable between males and females. There was a tendency for men to receive a diagnosis earlier than women following the manifestation of symptoms. A significant number of patients associate the emergence of their symptoms with a stressful event or traumatic experience. This study represents the initial investigation into the sociodemographic characteristics of patients within the Turkish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This methodological paper connects posthuman conceptualizations of voice with artistic research and examines whether it opens toward different registers and levels of embodied and aesthetic forms of knowing that cut across normative accounts of what it means to know. We start from what Patti Lather calls 'a praxis of stuck places' and ask how to give voice to experiences such as chronic illness and pain, while at the same time disrupting representational forms of illness and pain. To investigate this, we first critically engage with the popular genre of the health diary and its representational form. Secondly, we explore how Lisa A. Mazzei concept of 'voice without subject' can support us in disrupting the normative and representational production of voice, while working with a failing voice. Finally, we analyze the sound installation, A Borrowed Diary —made by M. Broeckmeyer, and explore how it opens up alternative approaches to voice and chronic pain. We will argue that making 'voice without subject' work, touch, and resonate can impact the lives of people who often remain unheard, in that it acknowledges experiences and expressions that are mostly not validated. Creating with 'voice without subject' makes tangible how personal experiences, however, temporarily, contribute to the bigger picture of how we look at and listen to people with illnesses and/or disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiomatic expressions are not just neutral equivalents of their literal counterparts, but exert some sort of evaluative force. This study employed the appraisal system (AS) to explore the functions of idiomatic expressions and their variations in English as a lingua franca context, and to compare different academic domains in terms of use of evaluative language in the form of idiomatic expressions. To this end, the corpus of English as a lingua franca in academic settings and the Vienna–Oxford International Corpus of English were searched for idiom tokens through whole‐phrase and keyword search. The idioms and their variations were classified based on the AS. The findings indicated that social and behavioral scientific texts included higher proportions of evaluative idiomatic expressions whereas medical and natural scientific texts generated lower percentages of appraisal idioms. There was a stronger tendency in both corpora toward using idioms as appreciation as compared to judgment and affect. Given the employed methodology, the AS could not be applied to some idioms for their compositionality nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: It was reported that voice can carry information about personality and psychological distress. In the current study, the relationship between five‐factor personality traits and psychological distress with voice was enlightened from diverse aspects. Methods: A total of 119 participants (55 with and 64 without dysphonia) sustained vowels /a/ and /i/, read six standard sentences, and answered a question. Three raters auditory–perceptually evaluated the vocal samples using the Persian version of CAPE‐V. The participants were distributed into four groups (vocally healthy, mild, moderate, and severe dysphonia). They completed two questionnaires: NEO Five‐Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale‐21. Results: Results showed that the conscientiousness (U = 1146.500, z = −3.27, p =.001) in the dysphonia group was significantly less than the vocally healthy group. Depression (U = 1381.000, z = −2.03, p =.042) and anxiety (U = 1181.000, z = −3.10, p =.002) in the dysphonia group were significantly higher than in the vocally healthy group. In comparing different abnormal overall voice qualities, the mild dysphonia group revealed significantly lower conscientiousness (p =.001) and significantly higher anxiety (p =.002) relative to the vocally healthy group. Conclusions: Findings indicated that the conscientiousness trait could play an influential role in persons with dysphonia and its psychological status. The voice care team should consider conscientiousness and psychological distress during the assessment and treatment of dysphonic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four hundred years ago, boy actors played the female characters on the British stage, but when UK radio was established a century ago, it was often the other way around: women played the boys. This continued almost until the turn of the millennium but has been a largely hidden history, with many of the actresses billed in such a way as to not reveal their gender. This article argues that these vocal performances are a specific adaptation technique and particularly focuses on its use in BBC Radio adaptations of Shakespeare plays. By examining contemporary accounts and existing audio recordings, it establishes what these women sounded like and the reaction of critics to their portrayals. It also compares these female performances in boys' roles with productions where genuine children were used, exploring why producers frequently chose adult women over young boys to play these parts and why the public appears to have accepted their voices in these roles. This unacknowledged tradition of acting has taken place for generations in an organization where cross-gender casting in adult Shakespearean roles is very rare. This article reclaims these roles for the women who played them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explored how respiration, voice, and speech were affected following expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) and maintenance training in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) or multiple sclerosis (MS). Method: Nine participants with PD and six with MS participated in a randomised study, where the effects of EMST, sham, and maintenance treatment were investigated. Outcome measures included maximum expiratory pressure (MEP); maximum phonation time (MPT); intelligibility; verbal diadochokinesis (DDK); speech rate; a self-report form on voice, speech, and communication; and open questions about how the participants experienced the intervention. Group comparisons were performed within and between groups. Result: The PD and the MS groups both improved significantly in MEP, and this improvement remained after 3 months of maintenance EMST. An improvement was also seen in DDK. Post-EMST, 33% of the PD group and 80% of the MS group reported a positive effect on communication. Conclusion: The results of this study support previous evidence that EMST has positive effects on expiratory pressure in persons with PD or MS, but its effect on voice and speech remains unclear. Since subjective reports of the intervention and effects on communication were predominantly positive, further research is needed on larger groups to explore appropriate outcome measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To establish normative values for the OMNI‐Vocal Effort Scale (VES) in healthy adults without voice complaints. Secondary objective is to determine if there are differences in perceived vocal effort across age groups and between sexes. Study Design: Prospective data collection across groups. Method: A nine‐item survey was administered by speech‐language pathologists with specialization in voice to consenting adults 18 years or older. Participants underwent an auditory perceptual evaluation of voice and answered questions regarding age, history of voice problems, history of voice surgery, smoking history and hearing loss. Participants were instructed to rate their perceived vocal effort in conversational speech using the OMNI‐VES. Multivariant analysis was conducted. Results: Two hundred and fifty‐one participants were recruited. The majority of adults without voice complaints reported that producing conversational voice was within the "extremely easy" to "easy" range, 0–3 (92.4%). Conclusions: This study provides preliminary data for perceived vocal effort. The OMNI‐VES may be a useful tool in understanding changes in perceived vocal effort as a result of treatment for voice disorders. Further normative data are needed between sexes, across the gender spectrum, and older adult populations. Future directions include examining the magnitude of difference between numeric values on the scale and use of the scale with other dysphonic populations. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3726–3731, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the current prevalence of voice disorders among adults in the United States; to determine the association of individual factors with voice disorders. Methods: The 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was analyzed to identify adults reporting voice problems in the past 12 months. Demographics were assessed, as well as the duration, severity, and resolution of the voice problem. The relationship between voice problems, gender, lost workdays, and long COVID was investigated. A comparison to the 2012 NHIS was made to determine changes in voice disorder prevalence. Results: 29.9 million Americans (95%CI[28.3–31.5]) annually report a voice problem, representing 12.2% of the population (95%CI[11.7–12.8%]). Overall, 26.8% and 13.2% reported the severity of their voice problem as moderate or severe, respectively. Only 5.1% (95%CI[4.3–6.0%]) of respondents sought treatment. Most voice problems were resolved within 1 week (53.0%,95%CI[50.9–55.1%]). Females were more likely than males to report a voice problem (14.4% vs. 10.0%,95%CI[13.7–15.1] and [9.3–10.7], respectively). The 17.6 million Americans with long COVID symptoms were more likely to have voice complaints than those without (21.1% vs. 11.6%,95%CI[18.9–23.5%] and [11.1–12.1%], respectively). Lost workdays were not significantly higher for those with voice disorders compared to those without (17.1 vs. 12.9 days,95%CI[12.0–22.1] and [11.0–14.8], respectively). Conclusions: Voice problems affect approximately 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. annually, demonstrating an alarming increased prevalence since 2012 using the same survey methodology. Relatively few individuals seek care for their voice problem, despite significant self‐reported impact. Further study is required regarding the impact of COVID and changes in voice use patterns on voice disorders. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3713–3718, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the speech and hearing abilities of Erastus "Deaf" Smith, the first Texas Ranger, and speculate on the etiology of his hearing loss. Methods: Review of credible historical data of what Erastus could and could not hear, descriptions of his voice, and loudness tolerance. Modern analysis of acoustical physics data generated by 0.69‐inch diameter non‐spinning musket balls. Results: The onset of Erastus' bilateral hearing loss was early childhood. He could hear some. He was intolerant of very loud sounds. His speech was "weak", "squeaky" and high‐pitched. He did not use manual communication. He could not hear musket balls passing near his head. The frequency of sound generated by flying 0.69‐inch diameter musket balls has been determined as predominantly in the range of 2000–2500 Hz. In contrast to most bilateral childhood sensorineural hearing losses that are worse in high and mid frequencies, Erastus' hearing loss was worse in the low and mid frequencies – preserving at least some high‐frequency hearing. Conclusion: Erastus' reverse‐slope hearing problem may well have been attributable to incomplete partition type III. If you can't hear it, you can't speak it. Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 134:3532–3536, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper adds a novel perspective to employee voice literature by thematically analysing 36 in-depth interviews of surgeons and anaesthesiologists, who work together but in the context of a blurred hierarchy. We found that these two professions effectively leveraged expertise in speaking up on safety concerns relating to their own speciality, when speaking to each other, irrespective of hierarchy. Further, as interdependent roles make cross speciality voice vital for patient safety, they also spoke up on occasions to negotiate risk and safety concerns across speciality. However, power struggles and protection of speciality authority predisposed each professional group to undervaluing the contribution of the other and often attributing self-interest and opportunistic motives to those speaking up. This led to each group resisting influence making silence a commonplace on cross speciality safety concerns. These contexts present an intriguing environment for voice behaviour which requires research and management attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The musical orality of the lyric voice constitutes one of the most formidable and persistent facets of the ideology of German Romanticism, one that is further bequeathed to the arts of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Taking the musicality of the voice and the ineffability of "absolute" music as its point of departure, this essay investigates a series of primarily German-Jewish figures—Kafka, Schoenberg, Straub-Huillet, and Celan—who stage a radical confrontation with the political aestheticization of the voice. Premonitions and reverberations of these figures' vocal "destruction" are further traced in Adorno, Kraus, and Maimonides. At stake is not only a comparative study of the voice at the intersection of various media (music, literature, opera, film, and public performance) but also the kind of majoritarian–minoritarian dynamics (between Yiddish and German, German and Hebrew) that arise internal to a single language and its linguistic politics. German-Jewish cultural poetics ultimately develops as a response to the tensions between nation and empire emergent in the dappled political landscape of Central and Eastern Europe—and amends the dominant Romantic paradigm accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article I explore the construct of the 'natural' voice within the context of the natural voice movement, before invoking perspectives on voice from the posthumanities and D/deaf studies in discussion of The Walk, a performance between a puppet, a natural voice choir, a refugee choir and a large audience that occurred in London in October 2021. Methodologically, this paper is an attempt at 'thinking with theory' (Jackson, Alecia Youngblood, and Lisa A. Mazzei. 2017. "Thinking with Theory: A New Analytic for Qualitative Inquiry." In The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research, edited by N. K. Denzin, and Y. Lincoln, 717–737. Sage) – specifically thinking voice alongside theoretical stimuli from the posthumanities through the doing of ethnography – in the hope of provoking useful flights of thought in relation to the practice and study of music education and community music. I conclude by considering my personal rationale for engaging with the posthumanities as a means of researching community singing within the natural voice movement. A protean version of this article was presented as a paper-presentation at the Grieg Research School in Bergen, Norway in 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bringing together literature from music education, posthumanism, sound studies and ethnomusicology, this article considers what sound 'does' in music education spaces. Within posthumanism, the role of sound, as a manifestation of material-human entanglements, is under-theorised. This article, diffractively plays with the literature and evidence from a PhD project and a listening walk with pre-service music teachers, allowing the reverberations (as the continued effects and affects of bringing these materials into contact with each other), to spark generative thinking about how sound in music education is conceived. In doing so, the article presents three reverberations that challenge humanist conceptions of sound/music in education. The first considers all sound (human and non-human) as voice, which is transindividual (Chadwick in Flint [2022]. "More-than-Human Methodologies in Qualitative Research: Listening to the Leafblower." Qualitative Research 22 (4): 521–541. ) , the second considers the role of sound as an invitation to 'world-with' (Barad [2007]. Meeting the Universe Halfway: Quantum Physics and the Entanglement of Matter and Meaning. Durham, NC: Duke University Press) and the third reverberation explores sound as affect (Gallagher [2016]. "Sound as Affect: Difference, Power and Spatiality." Emotion, Space and Society 20:42–48. ). In thinking with these generative reverberations, this article is a provocation to explore how a posthuman reconceptualisation of sound in music education can help us re-state the importance of music as a curriculum subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores soft sell and hard sell vocal appeals across two different countries, France and New Zealand. We use quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze consumers' familiarity with, and attitudes towards, hard sell (fast, loud, high to mid pitch, upbeat voice conveying energy and enthusiasm) and soft sell (slow, soft, low to mid pitch voice conveying warmth and allure) vocal advertising messages. Our results indicate that consumers' vocal preference depend on their previous experiences and culture, thus global marketers should take into consideration cultural idiosyncrasies when designing advertising vocal strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Smart devices are widely available and capable of quickly recording and uploading speech segments for health-related analysis. The switch from laboratory recordings with professional-grade microphone setups to remote, smart device-based recordings offers immense potential for the scalability of voice assessment. Yet, a growing body of literature points to a wide heterogeneity among acoustic metrics for their robustness to variation in recording devices. The addition of consumer-grade plug-and-play microphones has been proposed as a possible solution. The aim of our study was to assess if the addition of consumer-grade plug-and-play microphones increases the acoustic measurement agreement between ultra-portable devices and a reference microphone. Methods: Speech was simultaneously recorded by a reference high-quality microphone commonly used in research and by two configurations with plug-and-play microphones. Twelve speech-acoustic features were calculated using recordings from each microphone to determine the agreement intervals in measurements between microphones. Agreement intervals were then compared to expected deviations in speech in various neurological conditions. Each microphone's response to speech and to silence was characterized through acoustic analysis to explore possible reasons for differences in acoustic measurements between microphones. The statistical differentiation of two groups, neurotypical and people with multiple sclerosis, using metrics from each tested microphone was compared to that of the reference microphone. Results: The two consumer-grade plug-and-play microphones favored high frequencies (mean center of gravity difference ≥ +175.3 Hz) and recorded more noise (mean difference in signal to noise ≤ −4.2 dB) when compared to the reference microphone. Between consumer-grade microphones, differences in relative noise were closely related to distance between the microphone and the speaker's mouth. Agreement intervals between the reference and consumer-grade microphones remained under disease-expected deviations only for fundamental frequency (f0, agreement interval ≤0.06 Hz), f0 instability (f0 CoV, agreement interval ≤0.05%), and tracking of second formant movement (agreement interval ≤1.4 Hz/ms). Agreement between microphones was poor for other metrics, particularly for fine timing metrics (mean pause length and pause length variability for various tasks). The statistical difference between the two groups of speakers was smaller with the plug-and-play than with the reference microphone. Conclusion: Measurement of f0 and F2 slope was robust to variation in recording equipment, while other acoustic metrics were not. Thus, the tested plug-and-play microphones should not be used interchangeably with professional-grade microphones for speech analysis. Plug-and-play microphones may assist in equipment standardization within speech studies, including remote or self-recording, possibly with small loss in accuracy and statistical power as observed in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vocal performers often seek natural treatments to improve their vocal capability. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation may reduce inflammation and cause changes in body composition, such as loss of fat mass. The purpose of this study was to determine if omega-3 PUFA supplementation in combination with a singer's training regimen enhances singing training and body composition. Methods: This was a non-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty-three college-level students were recruited and volunteered to serve as study participants. 3.0 g of omega-3 PUFA per day or 3.0 g of placebo per day were provided over a 10-week intervention. Participants completed Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI), Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Evaluation of Ability to Sing Easily (EASE), Voice Range Profile (VRP), food records, and body composition measures at baseline and study end. Results: Thirty-five participants completed the study. SVHI was significantly different between groups (p = 0.0152; ƞ2 = 0.153). A minor third was added to the bottom of the range in 50% of males in the supplement group (placebo = 0%). Body composition measures were not statistically significant, although those in the supplement group lost more fat mass than placebo, p = 0.101. Discussion/Conclusion: Omega-3 PUFA supplementation may be beneficial to improve how active singers feel about their voice and could potentially improve voice range in conjunction with voice lessons; however, more research is necessary to confirm the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gay men who believe to sound 'gay' expect to be discriminated against because of their voices and gay‐sounding men are discriminated against in the hiring process. We examined whether uttering an agency‐based message decreased discrimination expectancy and enactment. In Study 1a (N = 256; gay and bisexual men) and Study 1b (N = 216; gay men), speakers uttered agentic (vs. neutral) messages. We assessed their self‐perception as gay sounding, agency self‐attribution and discrimination expectancy. Uttering agentic (vs. neutral) messages made the speakers self‐perceive as more agentic and this decreased discrimination expectancy. Additionally, self‐perception as gay sounding predicted discrimination expectancy. In Study 2 (N = 466), heterosexual participants listened to gay‐ and straight‐sounding speakers uttering either neutral or agentic messages and rated them in terms of agency and employability. Gay‐sounding speakers uttering agentic messages were less likely to be discriminated against than when uttering neutral messages. Results show the positive impact of linguistic strategies involving agentic messages to reduce discrimination expectancy and hiring biases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While Grammarly is acknowledged for its role in error correction, writers stress the irreplaceable value of human editors in grasping narrative intricacies, contextual nuances, and stylistic preferences. Writers are also concerned about Grammarly potentially overshadowing personal style and voice. Writers' cautionary notes on occasional inaccuracies underscore the importance of critical human judgment in accepting Grammarly's recommendations. Emphasis is placed on prioritizing quality content delivery over perfection, with writers urged to maintain authenticity amidst technological assistance. The column advocates for using Grammarly and similar AI editing tools as aids to enhance the writing process rather than as substitutes for human discernment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue Francaise d'Etudes Americaines is the property of Editions Belin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revue Francaise d'Etudes Americaines is the property of Editions Belin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article deals with voice, one of the most pressing issues in status singing, and its correct implementation in practice. Information about types of sound, resonator, articulating apparatus, and pronunciation of letters is given. Issues related to the period of mutation are considered. Vocal exercises are provided in sheet music as a recommendation. Valuable advice on singing practice and voice education is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential vocal tremor (EVT) is an uncommon but challenging condition to manage. Several medical and interventional treatment options have been reported but efficacy remains unclear. We performed a scoping review of high-quality clinical trials to identify effective evidence-based treatments for EVT. Scoping review. Relevant studies were identified using the databases MedLine, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase. Subjective and objective outcomes for each modality were analyzed and the effect sizes were quantified using Hedges' g measure to allow comparison between studies. We identified 421 studies eligible for screening with 11 included in the final analysis. Evidence supporting effective EVT treatments was found for bilateral versus unilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) (Hedges' g 0.65, 95% CI = 0.10-1.20) and octanoic acid (Hedges' g 1.15, 95% CI = 0.40-1.90). Evidence to support the use of methazolamide was not sufficient (Hedges' g 0.51, 95% CI = -0.64 to 1.66). Botulinum toxin (BT) injections were equivalent when comparing unilateral versus bilateral (Hedges' g -0.18, 95% CI = -1.06 to 0.70); BT did not display any advantage over propranolol (Hedges' g -0.47, 95% CI = -1.73 to 0.78) or injection augmentation (Hedges' g 0.068, 95% CI = -0.98 to 1.12). Our review finds very little high-quality evidence supporting any treatment for EVT. Octanoic acid reduced fluctuations in EVT but did not affect the perception of the tremor. In refractory cases, bilateral DBS was superior to unilateral DBS in improving subjective voice outcomes. Unilateral and bilateral BT injections were equivalent, and BT injection was not more effective than injection augmentation. Further direct comparison in well-designed prospective studies may help clarify optimal treatment for EVT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the philosophical and anthropological basis of non-verbal communication and its role in human communication. Non-verbal communication is considered as an integral part of human existence, in the context of which gestures, facial expressions, posture and body movements reflect the existential aspects of the individual, his inner state and worldview. The purpose of this study is to conceptualize the philosophical and anthropological basis of nonverbal communication and its role in human communication. Research methodology. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the article examines cross-cultural differences, individual characteristics, and social contexts that are important for effective communication. The methods of phenomenological, axiological, hermeneutic, post-structuralist analysis are used, which contribute to deepening the issue of non-verbal communication as a social phenomenon and its role in human communication. According to phenomenological approaches, the perception of nonverbal signals is a subjective experience that is based on individual experiences and contextual conditions. Non-verbal communication can be considered as a text that needs to be interpreted. Understanding non-verbal signs requires knowledge of the context, cultural norms and individual characteristics of the philosophical and anthropological basis of non-verbal communication. Nonverbal communication is analyzed as human body language, which is a complex and multifaceted means of information transmission. This is a favorable asset for understanding a person's personality, which would contribute to a better understanding of others by adopting appropriate gestures, postures or physical expressions. The components of non-verbal communication and its role in human communication are disclosed. The results of the study can be useful for scientists, practitioners and politicians interested in understanding and improving the philosophical and anthropological basis of non-verbal communication and its role in human communication. The study of nonverbal cues helps to understand how different cultures use gestures, facial expressions, space, and body language to communicate. This provides an opportunity to study and compare cultural differences in communicative practices. Nonverbal communication is key to studying psychological aspects of human behavior, such as emotional intelligence, perception, and interaction between individuals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates attempts at, and the implications of, speaking publicly for Islam in Denmark, with special attention to the notion of "voice." First, I present a theoretical framework for an analytical focus on voice, and develop a distinction between "being" and "having" a voice. In the analysis that follows, I focus on three recent Danish podcast series produced by and featuring Muslims that to various extents all address issues related to Islam. Thereafter I discuss the effectiveness of the studied podcasts' efforts to be and have a Muslim voice in light of the analytical concepts "recognition" and "resonance." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]