scholarly journals Mold exposure levels in northeastern U.S. schools and homes : a quantitative examination of the difference in mold exposure levels between schools and homes & the asthma prevalence for a subset of northeastern U.S. schools among children ages 4 to 15

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Evin Joel Howard
Keyword(s):  
Asthma Prevalence ◽  
Quantitative Examination ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Mold Exposure

Production of Melanin from Aspergillus fumigatus as an Avirulence Factor

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (04) ◽  
pp. 651-654
Author(s):  
Anmar Sael Hussein ◽  
Saja Jamal Noman
Keyword(s):  
Ir Spectra ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Wave Numbers ◽  
Quantitative Examination ◽  
Wave Range ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Chemical Characters ◽  
Chemical Groups ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Degree Of Similarity

In this quantitative examination of melanin was detected in 41 isolates of fumigatus. It was found that the significance of the difference in which the production of melanin (p ˂ 0.001) was the range of melanin extracted from fumigatus between (1.2 - 3.1 mg/mL). The isolates AFU1, AFU14, AFU29, AFU30, and AFU41 indicated that the maximum production ranged between (2.9-3.1 mg/mL). 2 hours at 100°C. It has similarities with standard melanin characters, and the same chemical characters of melanin extracted from the hymen of Bjerkandara adusta have been achieved according to a study (14) meaning there is similarity with standard melanin. The overlay of IR spectra of synthetic melanin extracted from fungal cultures showed a high degree of similarity. Purification of melanin from A. fumigatus. Wave numbers shown in 3381, 2927, 1867, 1531, 1404, 1073 and 651 cm-1 The wave range can be traced to the following chemical groups: 3381 cm-1 attributed to OH bonds, 2927 cm-1 to HC or HC = 0 bonds 1404 (C-CH3), and 651 cm -1 to (acyclic) CH2 bonds.

Detecting protagonists and antagonists in the voice quality of American cartoon characters: a quantitative LTAS-based analysis

Phonetica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-384
Author(s):  
Ke Hui Tong ◽  
Scott Reid Moisik
Keyword(s):  
A Priori ◽  
Voice Quality ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Acoustic Properties ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Cartoon Character ◽  
Quantitative Examination ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Cartoon Characters ◽  
Dominance Pattern

Abstract The voices of heroes and villains in cartoons contribute to their uniqueness and helps shape how we perceive them. However, not much research has looked at the acoustic properties of character voices and the possible contributions these have to cartoon character archetypes. We present a quantitative examination of how voice quality distinguishes between characters based on their alignment as either protagonists or antagonists, performing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on the Long-term Average Spectra (LTAS) of concatenated passages of the speech of various characters obtained from four different animated cartoons. We then assessed if the categories of “protagonists” and “antagonists” (determined via an a priori classification) could be distinguished using a classification algorithm, and if so, what acoustic characteristics could help distinguish the two categories. The overall results support the idea that protagonists and antagonists can be distinguished by their voice qualities. Support Vector Machine (SVM) analysis yielded an average classification accuracy of 96% across the cartoons. Visualisation of the spectral traits constituting the difference did not yield consistent results but reveals a low-versus-high frequency energy dominance pattern segregating antagonists and protagonists. Future studies can look into how other variables might be confounded with voice quality in distinguishing between these categories.

scholarly journals A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH INTO STEREOSCOPIC VISION

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-57
Author(s):  
Lely Retno Wulandari
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Stereoscopic Vision ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Daily Life Activities ◽  
Examination Methods ◽  
Quantitative Examination ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Angle Of View ◽  
The Brain

Stereopsis (or stereoscopic) vision is the ability to see depth of perception, which is created by the difference in angle of view between both eyes. The first process is known as simultaneous perception. Objects will fall on each corresponding retina and there will be a process of fusion of the two images into one. Then, the brain initiates three-dimensional perception in visual cortex, creating stereoscopic vision. Stereoscopic vision will rapidly develop, especially at the age of 6-8 months of life. Stereoscopic is important in daily activities. There are many stereoacuity tests to evaluate stereoscopic vision. Stereoscopic examinations are based on the principle of haploscope, anaglyph, or polaroid vectograph. There are qualitative and quantitative examination methods to assess stereoscopic vision. Qualitative examinations such as Horizontal Lang Two Pencil test and Synoptophore. Quantitative examination including Contour stereopsis test and Clinical random dot stereopsis test. The inability of the eye to see stereoscopic can be called stereoblindness. This can be affected by amblyopia, decreased visual acuity, or the presence of ocular misalignment. Inability to achieve stereoscopic vision will impact an individual to perform some daily life activities, and lead to an increase in difficulty interacting in the world.

scholarly journals PREVALENCE OF ZEEQUN NAFAS SHO'ABI (BRONCHIAL ASTHMA) IN AN URBAN AREA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rehan Khan ◽  
Naeela Ansari ◽  
Ejaz Parvez
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Bronchial Asthma ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Asthma Prevalence ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Difference

Introduction: The WHO estimates that there are 15- 20 million people suffering with asthma in India and the prevalence of asthma has been found to be around 7% in the majority of surveys done. Several studies have been conducted in India on asthma prevalence in children and adolescents, but very few studies have been conducted in adults. Hence the aim of this study is to find the prevalence of Zeequn Nafas Sho'abi (Bronchial Asthma) in an Urban area of Pune city. Materials and Method: Through Simple Random Sampling 700 participants of age between 20-60 years of either sex were included in the study. To diagnose the asthma spirometry was done. Observation and Result: Among 700 study subjects, 30 were diagnosed with asthma through spirometry. Hence the prevalence of asthma was found to be 4.28%. The difference between asthmatics and non asthmatics in relation to age, occupation, education, socio economic status and marital status was found to be significant. Whereas, gender and religion was found to be not significant. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of asthma diagnosed through spirometry was 4.2% in our study which is slightly lower than the nationwide prevalence of 7%. Education regarding the disease may affect and improve the quality of life of patients significantly.

scholarly journals Trend of asthma prevalence among children based on regional urbanization level in Japan; 2006–2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. e2021027
Author(s):  
Tasuku Okui
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollutants ◽  
School Health ◽  
Air Pollutant ◽  
Asthma Prevalence ◽  
Annual Percent Change ◽  
Urbanization Level ◽  
Relative Index ◽  
Photochemical Oxidant ◽  
Index Of Inequality ◽  
The Difference

Although it has been known that the prevalence of asthma tends to be higher among children in the metropolitan areas of Japan, trends of the prevalence with respect to the regional urbanization level has not been investigated in recent years. We investigated trends in the prevalence of asthma among children and air pollutant concentrations by regional urbanization levels using data from the School Health Statistics Survey in Japan from 2006 to 2019. We calculated the age-standardized prevalence of asthma for each year, gender, regional urbanization level, and annual percent change (APC). In addition, the slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) were calculated for evaluating disparity in age-standardized asthma prevalence depending on regional urbanization levels. Moreover, we calculated the mean of the annual average values by regional urbanization levels for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulate matter (SPM), carbon monoxide (CO), and photochemical oxidant (Ox) from 2006 to 2018. We found that the age-standardized prevalence significantly decreased in the periods in the metropolis for males and females, and the degree of the decrease was largest in the metropolis. Conversely, the age-standardized prevalence increased in towns and villages, and the APC was greater than zero. In addition, both the SII and RII showed significant decreasing trends in the study period, and the regional disparity shrank over the years. Moreover, concentrations of the air pollutants were highest in the metropolis throughout the years except for Ox, whereas the difference in the concentrations of NO2, SPM, and CO decreased between the metropolis and the other areas over the years. In conclusion, disparity in asthma prevalence depending on regional urbanization level decreased from 2006 to 2019, and there is a possibility that regional difference in trend of the air pollutants is related to the result.

scholarly journals The Effect of Obesity on Asthma: Lung Function Analysis Using the Impulse Oscillometry in School-age Children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeynep Güleç
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Airway Resistance ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Impulse Oscillometry ◽  
Lung Functions ◽  
Peripheral Airway ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Mold Exposure

INTRODUCTION: Studies investigating the lung function of school-age obese asthmatics are rare. The purpose of this study was to compare lung functions in school-age obese asthmatics with non-obese asthmatics. METHODS: Ninety-two children were assigned to obese asthmatics (OA group, n=43) and non-obese asthmatics (A group, n=49) groups. A baseline impulse oscillometry test was performed to measure lung functions. RESULTS: Baseline percent predicted value of R20 (p=0.025), R5-20 (p=0.040), and Fres (p=0.018) were significantly increased in obese asthmatics than non-obese asthmatics. AX was also higher in obese asthmatics compared to non-obese asthmatics, however, the difference was insignificant (p=0.787). Percent predicted value of R5 (p=0.007) and R10 (p=0.017) were higher in atopic than non-atopic obese asthmatics. Percent predicted value of R5 was higher in exercise-intolerant than exercise-tolerant non-obese asthmatics (p=0.045). Additionally, R10 was higher in non-obese asthmatics with household mold exposure than that without household mold exposure (p=0.045). The z scores of BMI or weight were correlated with none of the IOS parameters (p>0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Main bronchial and peripheral airway resistance were higher in school-age obese asthmatics compared to non-obese asthmatics. Peripheral airway resistance was higher in atopic obese asthmatics as well as in exercise intolerant asthmatic children and those with household mold exposure.

Deoxynivalenol and fumonisin exposure in children and adults in a family study in rural Tanzania

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 553-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y.Y. Gong ◽  
C.P. Shirima ◽  
C. Srey ◽  
M.E. Kimanya ◽  
M.N. Routledge
Keyword(s):  
Family Study ◽  
Urine Volume ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Creatinine Concentration ◽  
Geometric Means ◽  
Rural Tanzania ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between child and parent exposure and excretion of deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1(FB1), were compared in rural Tanzania. Morning urine samples from matched child-mother-father in 50 families of the Iringa district were collected and analysed for urinary DON and FB1using LC-MS methods. Maize intake was obtained using a seven-day food frequency questionnaire and a duplicate diet method. The urinary DON geometric means were 15.4, 45.0 and 42.0 ng/ml in children, mothers and fathers, respectively, and the urinary FB1were 0.62, 1.25 and 1.38 ng/ml, respectively. Children had significantly lower levels of urinary DON and FB1than their parents (P<0.001 and P=0.009, respectively) but the difference became non-significant when corrected for creatinine concentration. Both DON and FB1were detected in urine samples from all adults and >96% of the children, respectively and were positively correlated between the child and the mother (P=0.007 and 0.02, respectively). DON or FB1biomarkers were not correlated with maize intake. Children who were fully weaned had 3-fold higher urinary DON than those on partial breastfeeding (P=0.002). In adults, maize brew (a local produced beer) showed a strong positive correlation with both urinary DON and FB1levels (P<0.001). The ratio of daily urinary excretion of DON between children and adult, based on assumed urine volume, was 1:2.26, but the excretion of FB1was similar between children and adults. The study showed that DON and FB1exposure are prevalent in rural Tanzania. Further study is required to determine the mechanism for the lower excretion of DON in children compared to adults. There is a good correlation between child and mother’s exposure levels to DON and FB1. Increased exposure risk through maize brew in adults is highlighted in this study.

scholarly journals Exposure levels of radiofrequency magnetic fields and static magnetic fields in 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI units

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Rathebe ◽  
C. Weyers ◽  
F. Raphela
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Static Magnetic Fields ◽  
Bonferroni Adjustment ◽  
3.0 T ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
The Difference ◽  
3.0 T Mri

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staff is exposed to a complex mixture of electromagnetic fields from MRI units. Exposure to these fields results in the development of transient exposure-related symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the exposure levels of radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields and static magnetic fields (SMFs) from 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI scanners in two public hospitals in the Mangaung Metropolitan region, South Africa. The exposure levels of SMFs and RF magnetic fields were measured using the THM1176 3-Axis hall magnetometer and TM-196 3 Axis RF field strength meter, respectively. Measurements were collected at a distance of 1 m (m) and 2 m from the gantry for SMFs when the brain, cervical spine and extremities were scanned. Measurements for RF magnetic fields were collected at a distance of 1 m with an average scan duration of six minutes. Friedman’s test was used to compared exposure mean values from two 1.5 T scanners, and Wilcoxon test with Bonferroni adjustment was used to identify where the difference between exist. The Shapiro–Wilk test was also used to test for normality between exposure levels in 1.5 and 3.0 T scanners. The measured peak values for SMFs from the 3.0 T scanner at hospital A were 1300 milliTesla (mT) and 726 mT from 1.5 T scanner in hospital B. The difference in terms of SMFs exposure levels was observed between two 1.5 T scanners at a distance of 2 m. The difference between 1.5 T scanners at 1 m was also observed during repeated measurements when brain, cervical spine and extremities scans were performed. Scanners’ configurations, magnet type, clinical setting and location were identified as factors that could influence different propagation of SMFs between scanners of the same nominal B0. The RF pulse design, sequence setting flip-angle and scans performed influenced the measured RF magnetic fields. Three scanners were complaint with occupational exposure guidelines stipulated by the ICNIRP; however, peak levels that exist at 1 m could be managed through adoption of occupational health and safety programs.

Non-musicians recognize unfamiliar contemporary classical music excerpts with increasing repetition

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-265
Author(s):  
Verena S. Wu ◽  
Jennifer MacRitchie ◽  
Catherine J. Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Response Bias ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Classical Music ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Chance Level ◽  
Musical Excerpts ◽  
Contemporary Classical Music ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
The Difference

This article aims to determine the effects of exposure and title information when applied to music excerpts that are unfamiliar both in terms of the single excerpt, and in the underlying tonal structures used (i.e. contemporary classical music). Twenty-three non-musicians participated in a two-session experiment: 32 musical excerpts were presented on Day 1 immediately followed by presentation of a title varying by type (no title, descriptive, semantic, affective). Music excerpts were varied by number of exposures (1 vs. 3 exposures). Participants were asked whether they remembered the excerpt from earlier in the experiment, and to rate their liking on a 7-point Likert scale. On Day 2, recognition for the 32 “old” (Day 1) excerpts was tested, along with 32 “new” excerpts, which were all presented without titles. Participants were also asked to rate their liking for the excerpts, as per Day 1. Accounting for response bias, recognition was above chance level across all conditions. Results indicated a significant effect of exposure on recognition ([Formula: see text] = .79). No other effects were significant. Examining the liking ratings of accurately recognized excerpts, a significant interaction between exposure and title was found ([Formula: see text] = .20), where the difference in ratings across exposure levels for affective titles was greater than that of the semantic titles ( d = .60). This suggests that the title type, although not influencing memory of the piece, affected enjoyment of music at different exposures.

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