No description available.

No description available.

Background: Audio-analgesia, the ability of music to reduce the perception of pain, has been a significant field of research in the past decade. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the musical constructs of harmonicity and rhythmicity on acute, post-operative pain. Method: 98 patients scheduled for primary total knee arthroplasty were randomly allocated at their pre-admissions clinic to one of four music listening groups, receiving commercially-available music. The participants in the experimental groupings were randomised according to the musical constructs of high/low harmonicity and rhythmicity (four possible groups; + +, + –, – +, – –). Music groups were compared against a silent control group, receiving quiet relaxation (with headphones). After surgery using a standardised anaesthetic regiment, all participants undertook a 15-minute listening/ silent intervention on the ward for each day of their in-patient stay (max. 5 days). The primary endpoint was pain intensity. Salivary cortisol concentrations and mood stability were also monitored. Qualitative data was collected via daily feedback and assessed through thematic category analysis. Results: A significant reduction in pain intensity from pre- to post-test was shown for all participants (p < 0:0005), but with no difference between groups (F(4;68) = 1:331, NS). Quiet relaxation (mean change: 22.27%) was as effective as music listening (mean change: 37.47%). Salivary cortisol concentrations showed an interaction between music with high harmonicity and high rhythmicity (+ +) and music of low harmonicity and rhythmicity (– –). + + music reduced cortisol concentration to a greater extent on Day 1 (p < :05) than – – music. There was no significant difference between groups in mood disturbance. Qualitative data revealed four thematic categories of response: psychological, physiological, musicological and methodological, overall indicating that patients utilised their intervention as a distracting and relaxing cognitivecoping strategy. Conclusion: Music is a viable therapeutic medium which reduced pain, as effectively as quiet relaxation. Compositional constructs were minimally active in the degree of analgesia and physiological changes experienced by patients, but where this did occur, it could be related to Berlyne’s inverted-U model of musical preference (Berlyne, 1971). The positive reception of the interventions and the associated benefits, supports the inclusion of cognitive-coping strategies in multi-modal care pathways.

The work examines options for a modern daemon centered audio stack for HelenOS. It studies four different audio architectures; ALSA, OSS, JACK, and PulseAUdio. Each of them implements different approaches to providing general purpose audio support. Champion of every approach is analyzed, its strengths and weaknesses assessed. Based on the results of the analysis, different approaches for HelenOS audio stack are examined and the most promising one implemented. Complete audio stack is implemented, including an audio device driver, and a demonstrator audio application. Direction of future work and improvements is discussed at the end.

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston University

Thesis (M.M.)--Boston University

The primary purpose of this project was the design, installation and refinement of a fully-automated, six-slide projector, multi-image, multi-media presentation system for the electronic response (ER) instructional component of the general studies biology course (Biology 100) at Ball State University. Secondary emphasis was on the development, production and evaluation of three software programs that would utilize and test the capabilities of the hardware system.Modular design was used in the fabrication of the multi-image system. Major electronic components used were: one custom-modified Sony Quadradial Stereo Tapecorder Model 854-4, one Dynaco Stereo Preamplifier PAT-4A, one Dynaco Stereo Amplifier Model 120A, two Acoustic Research Speakers Mcdel AR-3a, one Tandburg Tape-Slide Synchronizer Model 3, one custom-modified Motiva Twelve-Channel Programmer, three custom-modified Kodak Carousel Dissolve Controls Model 2, and six Kodak Ektagraphic Slide Projectors Model E-2.The system was installed in a custom-designed multi-media cabinet which was located for forward projection onto a custom-built twelvefoot wide screen.Special features of the system included: (1) remote start, (2) control of room lights, (3) independent control of projector lamps within piggyback groups, (4) control of projectors via dissolve controls, (5) integration of half-screen with full-screen visuals, (6) fast recycle of slide projectors at program end, and (7) automatic tape recorder stop and rewind at program end.The software developed for use with the multi-image system consisted of three, group-paced, linear, student response programs titled: Aggression, Territoriality and Survival; Time, Adaptation and Change; and Man, Communication and Behavior. Major steps in the software development process were: (1) program narrative writing and editing; (2) program question writing and editing; (3) identification of visuals, music, and special effects; (4) chartographic and photographic production of visuals; (5) synchronization flowsheet preparation; (6) preparation of paper synchronization tape; (7) preparation of narrative tape with musical background; and (8) synchronizatior of narrative tape with visuals for automated presentation and recycle.Evaluation of the multi-image system involved five, regularlyscheduled sections of Biology 100 classes (approximately 120 students) during Autumn Quarter 1975. A fifteen question, multiple-choice pretest was administered prior to interaction with each student response program; and an identical post-test was administered immediately following each program. Hence, student immediate short-term learning vas measured. Results were computer tabulated and t ratios for non independent means of the pre- and post-tests were determined. The frequency and percentage of students selecting the preferred responses on the preand post-tests, and the percentage increase or decrease were also determined.Analysis of data indicated that there were significant gains in short-term cognitive learning as demonstrated by the results of the t values for the non independent means of the pre- and post-tests which were: 23.949 for Aggression, Territoriality and Survival; 23.064 for Time, Adaptation and Change; and 22.194 for Man, Communication and Behavior. These t values were significant at beyond the .001 level. Gains in percentage increase resulted on forty-four of the forty-five post-test questions.These results indicate that a well-designed and properly functioning multi-image projection system in conjunction with well-designed software and an independent student response system can be used as an effective instructional tool.Rapid advances in the electronics equipment field preclude the exact duplication of this multi-image system. However, the solid-state equipment currently available will probably circumvent certain equipment shortcomings identified during the course of this project.More in-depth research studies are recommended to identify those factors within multi-image presentations which cause or reinforce student learning.

The audio power amplifier is used to amplify low-power audio signals to a level that can be suitable for driving the loudspeakers. Thus the audio power amplifier becomes a kind of essential part in the electronics that could make sounds. In this thesis, a good performance audio power amplifier with tonality control is designed. It consists of three parts: pre-amplifier unit, the tonality control unit and the power amplifier unit. In the pre-amplifier unit, a TL071CP operational amplifier is applied, to amplify the low signal to be suitable for the tonality control unit. For the tonality control unit, a filter is used to achieve bass and treble control, resulting in different frequency response. In the last part, the low voltage power amplifier LM386N-1 is used. The results of simulation in Multisim show a good output waveform and different frequency response with the tonality control. Also the pure sound can be heard by ear clearly. The good simulation result offers the encouragement to build the circuit on the board and do the measurement. The measured results show a good output waveform, the output power 256mW, THD 4.7%, the maximum voltage gain 40 etc. Meanwhile, sound can be heard by ear clearly with the tonality control. Judging from the results, the audio power amplifier is designed successfully.

The main task of this project were to develop, hardware and software that could stream audio data via USB 2.0. This project were based on XMOS, USB 2.0 design. In this project we have brought an idea to reality in the form of a finished product. This with verification help from engineers on Syncore technologies. Under the development process the functionality surrounding component databases, provided by Altium designer, were to be evaluated. To be mentioned is that Altium designer was the software used to develop the PCB in this project. After many hours spent developing, we finally got the hardware and software to behave in the way it was suppose to do. That is, to be able to stream audio data from a high-resolution source(PC/MAC/unit with S/PDIF out, maximum resolution 24-bit 192 kHz). This to both S/PDIF and analog stereo out via RCA-connectors. The sound quality from a possible subjective point of view is very good and we are happy with the result. We think that the functionality surrounding component databases are convenient in many applications. Not just the fact that you easily can generate an up to date pricing of all components used in a project, you can also shorten the development process. This because the developer don't have to recreate schematic symbols and footprints that has already been created. Which of course was the fundamental idea behind the database functionality. These are just a few examples of its advantages. To be considered is the fact that the administration surrounding the component databases can be very time consuming. To take full advantage of Altium designers functionalities we think that it needs a dedicated administrator that maintains the database repository.

Thesis PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.