Characterizing chaotic melodies in automatic music composition

In this paper, we initially present an algorithm for automatic composition of melodies using chaotic dynamical systems. Afterward, we characterize chaotic music in a comprehensive way as comprising three perspectives: musical discrimination, dynamical influence on musical features, and musical perception. With respect to the first perspective, the coherence between generated chaotic melodies (continuous as well as discrete chaotic melodies) and a set of classical reference melodies is characterized by statistical descriptors and melodic measures. The significant differences among the three types of melodies are determined by discriminant analysis. Regarding the second perspective, the influence of dynamical features of chaotic attractors, e.g., Lyapunov exponent, Hurst coefficient, and correlation dimension, on melodic features is determined by canonical correlation analysis. The last perspective is related to perception of originality, complexity, and degree of melodiousness (Euler's gradus suavitatis) of chaotic and classical melodies by nonparametric statistical tests. (c) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3487516]

Music and faith: The religious scene in the Brazilian phonographic market

This text discusses the phonographic segment of religious music in Brazil in its two main manifestations, linked respectively to the Catholic and Protestant traditions. The text offers a brief history of both traditions, as well as a description of their main recording companies and artists of greatest prominence. In its final part. the text presents the strategies that bring together recording companies and independent artists, as well as ponders over Brazil`s independent musical production as a whole.

Time flies with music whatever its emotional valence

The present study used a temporal bisection task to investigate whether music affects time estimation differently from a matched auditory neutral stimulus, and whether the emotional valence of the musical stimuli (i.e., sad vs. happy music) modulates this effect. The results showed that, compared to sine wave control music, music presented in a major (happy) or a minor (sad) key shifted the bisection function toward the right, thus increasing the bisection point value (point of subjective equality). This indicates that the duration of a melody is judged shorter than that of a non-melodic control stimulus, thus confirming that ""time flies"" when we listen to music. Nevertheless, sensitivity to time was similar for all the auditory stimuli. Furthermore, the temporal bisection functions did not differ as a function of musical mode. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Histologic Study of Perifascial Areolar Tissue Implanted in Rabbit Vocal Folds: An Experimental Study

Objectives: Perifascial areolar tissue (PAT) consists of loose areolar tissue with viscoelastic properties that are similar to those found in tissues in the superficial layer of the vocal fold. The aim of this study was to quantify the inflammatory process and the collagen content of the graft, as well as that of the host tissue, after placement of a strip of PAT into the rabbit vocal fold. Methods: Surgeries were performed on 30 rabbits. The grafts were implanted in pockets that were surgically created in the right vocal fold. The left vocal fold (control group) was subjected only to surgical manipulation. The animals were divided into 3 groups for evaluations at 15 days, 3 months, and 6 months, and their larynx tissues were subsequently reviewed by histology. Results: The grafts were characterized by disorganized and thick collagen bundles and were identified in all study groups. The collagen density stayed constant over time. There was an acute inflammatory response induced by the graft at 15 clays that did not exist in the specimens taken at 3 and 6 months. Deposition of collagen fibers in the lamina propria was observed starting at 15 days after the operation and was more intense in the experimental vocal fold than in the control vocal fold. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that PAT has a low tendency for promoting an inflammatory response. However, there was a loss of the original architecture of the graft tissue and a greater deposition of collagen in the implanted vocal folds than in the control group.

Vocal Symptoms in Telemarketers: A Random and Controlled Field Trial

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific program regarding the occurrence of vocal attrition symptoms in telemarketers. A total of 71 subjects participated in this study: 28 completed the Vocal Symptoms questionnaire to test its reliability, and 43 were randomly assigned to two groups: an 8-week vocal training group (n = 14) and a no-training control group (n = 29), to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program with this tool. The voice training group also filled in the posttraining questionnaire `Benefits Obtained with Voice Training` (BVT). The vocal training program was not considered effective with regard to the occurrence of vocal symptoms. However, due to a probable increase in symptoms in untrained telemarketers, it can work as a protective factor. According to BVT answers, the vocal training contributed to an improvement in vocal use as a communication tool for telemarketers. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

Collagen Type I, Collagen Type III, and Versican in Vocal Fold Lamina Propria

Objective: To analyze the distributions of collagen type I, collagen type III, and versican in the lamina propria of the human vocal fold. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of cadaveric vocal folds of adult human larynges. Setting: Academic tertiary referral center. Subjects: Larynges harvested at autopsy from 10 adult men and 10 adult women. Main Outcome Measures: Immunohistochemical reactions were performed using antihuman monoclonal antibodies to analyze the expression of collagen type I, collagen type III, and versican. Results: Collagen type I density was lower in the intermediate layer compared with the superficial and deep layers of vocal folds. Collagen type III density was lower in the intermediate layer compared with the deep layer. Versican density was lower in the superficial layer compared with the intermediate and deep layers. Versican density was lower in the lamina propria of women compared with men; this difference was noted in the superficial layer only. There was a positive correlation between collagen type III and versican densities within the lamina propria. Conclusion: Collagen type I, collagen type III, and versican are distributed differently within the lamina propria layers of the adult vocal folds.

Collagen Fiber and Versican Distribution Within the Lamina Propria of Fetal Vocal Folds

Objectives: To analyze the presence and distribution of collagen fibers and versican in human vocal fold lamina propria of fetal larynges. Study Design: Cross sectional analysis of cadaveric vocal folds of human fetuses. Methods: Seven fetal larynges obtained from 28- to 36-week-old fetuses were analyzed with the Picrosirius-polarization method, immunohistochemistry, and image analysis. Results: Collagen fibers within the lamina propria exhibited a monolaminar distribution pattern and spatial arrangement in ""wicker basket."" Versican distribution was larger in the superficial and intermediate layers when compared to the deep layer. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that collagen and versican distribution and arrangement within the lamina propria in the developing fetus are important for vocalization at birth.

Histologic Study of Acute Vocal Fold Wound Healing After Corticosteroid Injection in a Rabbit Model

Objectives: Injectable corticosteroids have been used in phonosurgery to prevent scarring of the vocal fold because of their effects of wound healing, and to ensure better voice quality. We histologically evaluated the effects of dexamethasone sodium phosphate infiltration on acute vocal fold wound healing in rabbits 3 and 7 days after surgically induced injury by quantification of the inflammatory reaction and collagen deposition. Methods: A standardized surgical incision was made in the vocal folds of 12 rabbits, and 0.1 mL dexamethasone sodium phosphate (4 mg/mL) was injected into the left vocal fold. The right vocal fold was not injected and served as the control. The larynges were collected 3 and 7 days after surgery. For histologic analysis, the vocal folds were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for quantification of the inflammatory response and with picrosirius red for qunatification of collagen depostion. Results: There was no quantitative difference in the inflammatory response between vocal folds injected with the corticosteroid and control vocal folds. However, the rate of collage deposition was significantly lower in the corticosteroid-treated group at 3 and 7 days after injury (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The present results suggest that dexamethasone reduces collagen depostion during acute vocal fold wound healing.

The presence of a vocal ligament in fetuses: a histochemical and ultrastructural study

Although it is currently believed that the vocal ligament of humans undergoes considerable development postnatally, there is no consensus as to the age at which it first emerges. In the newborn infant, the lamina propria has been described as containing a sparse collection of relatively unorganized fibres. In this study we obtained larynges from autopsy of human fetuses aged 7-9 months and used light and electron microscopy to study the collagenous and elastic system fibres in the lamina propria of the vocal fold. Collagen fibres were viewed using the Picrosirius polarization method and elastic system fibres were stained using Weigert`s resorcin-fuchsin after oxidation with oxone. The histochemical and electron microscopic observations were consistent, showing collagen populations with an asymmetric distribution across different compartments of the lamina propria. In the central region, the collagen appeared as thin, weakly birefringent, greenish fibres when viewed using the Picrosirius polarization method, whereas the superficial and deep regions contained thick collagen fibres that displayed a strong red or yellow birefringence. These findings suggest that the thin fibres in the central region consist mainly of type III collagen, whereas type I collagen predominates in the superficial and deep regions, as has been reported in studies of adult vocal folds. Similarly, elastic system fibres showed a differential distribution throughout the lamina propria. Their distribution pattern was complementary to that of collagen fibres, with a much greater density of elastic fibres apparent in the central region than in the superficial and deep regions. This distribution of collagen and elastic fibres in the fetal vocal fold mirrors that classically described for the adult vocal ligament, suggesting that a vocal ligament has already begun to develop by the time of birth. The apparently high level of organization of connective tissue components in the newborn is in contrast to current hypotheses that argue that the mechanical stimuli of phonation are essential to the determination of the layered structure of the lamina propria and suggests that genetic factors may play a more significant role in the development of the vocal ligament than previously believed.

Blood vessels of vocal folds - A videolaryngoscopic study

Objective: To analyze and compare the incidence and visual characteristics of blood vessels on the superior surface of vocal folds with polyps, nodules, and minimal structural alterations (ie, sulci, cysts, and mucosal bridges). Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Academic research. Patients: A total of 280 videolaryngoscopic images were randomly selected and classified into the following 4 groups of 70 patients each: the vocal nodule (VN) group, the polyp group, the minimal structural alterations (MSA) group, and the control group. Main Outcome Measures: Laryngoscopic images were assessed for visible blood vessels and for the orientation and characteristics of the vessels. Isolated ectasias with clear boundaries were excluded. Results: The highest incidence of visible vessels was observed in the MSA group (91.4%), followed by the polyp (77.1%), VN (44.7%), and control (31.4%) groups. Longitudinal and transverse vessels were found more frequently in the MSA (74.3% and 37.1%) and polyp (65.7% and 22.9%) groups than in the VN (34.3% and 12.9%) and control (25.7% and 5.7%) groups. Tangled vessels were found only in the MSA group (8.6%). Abrupt changes in the caliber of the vessels and sinuous vessels were ob served only in the polyp (21.4% and 5.7%) and MSA (61.4% and 27.1%) groups. Conclusions: The main differences in the incidence and characteristics of visible blood vessels occurred between 2 pairs of groups: MSA-polyp and VN-control. The incidence was significantly higher in the MSA group than in the polyp group, and the incidence in both the MSA group and the polyp group was also significantly higher than that in the VN and control groups. The greatest variations were found in the MSA group, including the presence of tangled blood vessels (which was observed only in this group).

Use of Music and Voice Stimulus on Patients With Disorders of Consciousness

The objectives of this study were to check music and voice message influence on vital signs and facial expressions of patients with disorders of consciousness and to connect the existence of patient`s responses with the Glasgow Coma Scale or with the Ramsay Sedation Scale. The method was a single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial with 30 patients, from two intensive care units, being divided into two groups (control and experimental). Their relatives recorded a voice message and chose a song according to the patient`s preference. The patients were submitted to three sessions for three consecutive days. Significant statistical alterations of the vital signs were noted during the message playback (oxygen saturation-Day 1 and Day 3; respiratory frequency-Day 3) and with facial expression, on Day 1, during both music and message. The conclusion was that the voice message was a stronger stimulus than the music.

Speech intelligibility with and without noise in individuals exposed to electronic music

Audiometry is the main way with which hearing is evaluated, because it is a universal and standardized test. Speech tests are difficult to standardize due to the variables involved, their performance in the presence of competitive noise is of great importance. Aim: To characterize speech intelligibility in silence and in competitive noise from individuals exposed to electronically amplified music. Material and Method: It was performed with 20 university students who presented normal hearing thresholds. The speech recognition rate (SRR) was performed after fourteen hours of sound rest after the exposure to electronically amplified music and once again after sound rest, being studied in three stages: without competitive noise, in the presence of Babble-type competitive noise, in monotic listening, in signal/ noise ratio of + 5 dB and with the signal/ noise ratio of 5 dB. Results: There was greater damage in the SRR after exposure to the music and with competitive noise, and as the signal/ noise ratio decreases, the performance of individuals in the test also decreased. Conclusion: The inclusion of competitive noise in the speech tests in the audiological routine is important, because it represents the real disadvantage experienced by individuals in daily listening.

Influence of Abusive Vocal Habits, Hydration, Mastication, and Sleep in the Occurrence of Vocal Symptoms in Teachers

Some vocal disorders in teachers are associated with occupational factors, but there are few studies that analyze the influence of vocal habits, fluid intake, mastication, and sleep on these disorders. The objective was to analyze the Occurrence of vocal fatigue, hoarseness, and dry throat in elementary and high school teachers and their association with vocal habits, fluid intake, mastication, and sleep. A sample of 422 elementary and secondary school teachers was Studied using a specific questionnaire. The multiple regression analysis showed that hoarseness was associated with absence of water intake (odds ratio (OR) = 1.7; P = 0.047), yelling/speaking loudly (OR = 1.6; P = 0.058), jaw-opening limitations (OR = 3.8; P = 0.003). average of: 6 hours of sleep/light (OR = 1.7; P = 0.039), and waking-up feeling replenished (OR = 2.0; P = 0.020). The presence of vocal fatigue was significantly associated with yelling/speaking loudly (OR = 2.2: P = 0.013), speaking excessively (OR = 2.4; P = 0.023), difficulty to open the mouth to masticate (OR = 6.6; P = 0.003), less than 6 hours of sleep (OR = 4.0; P = 0.008), and waking-up feeling replenished (sometimes OR = 2.8: P = 0.003; or never OR = 3.3 P = 0.002). The presence of dry throat was associated with being a former smoker (OR = 3.3; P = 0.011) and having jaw-opening limitations (OR = 3.9; P = 0.021). In recent years, speech and hearing interventions with teachers have focused on health-care promotion actions and prevention of vocal disorders, prioritizing issues related with hydration and healthy vocal use habits. However, the findings in the present study show the need to further focus on lifestyle habits related to sleep and eating habits.

Energy substrate utilization during nightly vocal activity in three species of Scinax (Anura/Hylidae)

Anuran amphibians exhibit different patterns of energy substrate utilization that correlate with the intensity of vocal and locomotor activities. Given the remarkable differences among species in breeding and feeding strategies, and the different ways energy is used in the whole animal, the suggested correlations between calling and locomotor behavior and the level of energy substrates in the muscles responsible for such activities are more complex than previously reported. We explored the relationships between calling and locomotor behavior and energy supply to trunk and hindlimb muscles, respectively, within the ecologically diverse tree-frog genus Scinax. Specifically, we measured the relative amount of carbohydrates and lipids in these two groups of muscles, and in the liver of three species of Scinax that differ in vocal and locomotor performance, and compared our results with those of two other species for which comparable data are available. We also compared the contents of lipids and carbohydrates of conspecific males collected at the beginning and after 4 h of calling activity. The stomach content to potential feeding opportunities across species was also assessed in both groups of males. Scinax hiemalis and S. rizibilis exhibit comparatively low and episodic calling during long periods of activity whereas S. crospedospilus calls at higher rates over shorter periods. Male S. hiemalis had highest levels of trunk muscle glycogen followed by those of S. rizilbilis and S. crospedospilus, respectively. There was no correlation between total lipid content in trunk muscle and calling rate among different species, suggesting that other metabolic aspects may be responsible for the energetic support for vocal activity. The levels of lipids and carbohydrates in trunk and hindlimb muscles and liver of males collected at the beginning and 4 h into the calling period were similar across species, so the extent of energetic reserves does not appear to constrain vocal or locomotor activity. Finally, we found exceptionally high levels of carbohydrates and lipids in the liver of S. rizibilis, a trait perhaps related to a long and demanding breeding period.

Advertisement call, vocal activity, and geographic distribution of Brachycephalus hermogenesi (Giaretta and Sawaya, 1998) (Anura, Brachycephalidae)

Brachycephalus hermogenesi is an endemic leaf litter inhabitant of the Atlantic forest of southeastern Brazil, whose original distribution included a restricted area near the boundaries of the States of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. We were surprised to find out, while conducting herpetofaunal surveys at Estacao Biologica de Boraceia (EBB), that the background forest insect-like sound we have been searching for corresponded to calling individuals of the species. Males call during the day at high densities, hidden under the leaf litter. Individuals do not answer playback, seem to move very infrequently, and seem to ignore nearby calling activity. We gathered data on annual and daily vocal activity of the species at EBB, observing a total of 1,549 calls given by 31 focal individuals in November 2003 and 2005. The call varies from short single note calls to calls composed of groups of two to seven similar notes emitted at regular intervals. We also extend the known distribution of the species southward to the State of Sao Paulo.