Differences in acoustic and perceptual parameters of the voice between elderly and young women at habitual and high intensity

The present study aimed to compare elderly and young female voices in habitual and high intensity. The effect of increased intensity on the acoustic and perceptual parameters was assessed. Sound pressure level, fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, and harmonic to noise ratio were obtained at habitual and high intensity voice in a group of 30 elderly women and 30 young women. Perceptual assessment was also performed. Both groups demonstrated an increase in sound pressure level and fundamental frequency from habitual voice to high intensity voice. No differences were found between groups in any acoustic variables on samples recorded with habitual intensity level. No significant differences between groups were found in habitual intensity level for pitch, hoarseness, roughness, and breathiness. Asthenia and instability obtained significant higher values in elderly than young participants, whereas, the elderly demonstrated lower values for perceived tension and loudness than young subjects. Acoustic and perceptual measures do not demonstrate evident differences between elderly and young speakers in habitual intensity level. The parameters analyzed may lack the sensitivity necessary to detect differences in subjects with normal voices. Phonation with high intensity highlights differences between groups, especially in perceptual parameters. Therefore, high intensity should be included to compare elderly and young voice.

A música associada às necessidades terapêuticas de pacientes com deficiência

The use of music and/or its elements (instruments, sound, rhythm, melody and harmony) in environments with people attended by public health centers, aims at promoting communication, facilitating the expression and the relationship in the first contact, hence favoring organization of standards and other relevant therapeutic objectives to assist physical, mental, social and cognitive needs of people, thus promoting the process of environmental adaptation, behavioral conditioning and social inclusion. The purpose of this project is to use music and its sound elements, as well as recreational activities, developed in stages called: socialization session, art workshop and complementary activities, with patients assisted at CAOE (Disabled People Dental Care Center) and their relatives. The objective is to provide them psychological wellbeing, inclusion to physical space, relaxation, stimulation of rhythmic and sonorous perceptions, memorization, emotions externalization, help and encouragement for the development of motor coordination during their daily activities of daily. Recreational activities, handling and contacting with musical instruments, broadcasting and producing sounds, stimulate cognitive capacity, interactivity and entertainment activities can greatly contribute to improve the behavioral reaction and adaptation of these patients, during their dental treatment.

Ultrassonografia transtorácica extracardíaca: revisão de Literatura

Radiography is usually the primary method of diagnosis to be used in the initial evaluation of the chest. In view of recent technological advances in ultrasound machines, noncardiac transthoracic ultrasound has become an important method of diagnosis for diseases of the lung, pleura, mediastinum and chest wall. Despite limitations due to the difficulty of efficient sound propagation in air, this exam allows fast decisions and makes sample collection safer and more effective. Knowledge of the sonographic chest anatomy is however restricted because of the artifact caused by the presence of air in lungs. When absent, it facilitates the detection of thoracic alterations. The aim of this review is to present the main abnormalities that are likely to be detected by ultrasonography.

Rap contestação e funk ostentação: consumo e discursos sonoros na periferia

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)