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The technique of �open throat� is a pedagogical concept transmitted through the oral tradition of singing. This thesis explored the pedagogical perceptions and practices of �open throat� using empirical methodologies to assess technical skill and associated vocal quality. In the first study (Mitchell, Kenny, Ryan, & Davis, 2003), we assessed the degree of consensus amongst singing pedagogues regarding the definition of, and use in the singing studio of the technique called �open throat.� Results indicated that all fifteen pedagogues described �open throat� technique as fundamental to singing training and were positive about the sound quality it achieved, especially in classical singing. It was described as a way of maximising pharyngeal space or abducting the false vocal folds. Hypotheses generated from pedagogical beliefs expressed in this first study were then tested acoustically (Mitchell & Kenny, 2004a, 2004b). Six advanced singing students sang in two conditions: �optimal� (O), using maximal open throat, �sub-optimal� (SO), using reduced open throat and loud sub-optimal (LSO) to control for the effect of loudness. From these recordings, acoustic characteristics of vibrato (Mitchell & Kenny, 2004b) and energy distribution (Mitchell & Kenny, 2004a) were examined. Subsequent investigations of the vibrato parameters of rate, extent and onset, revealed that extent was significantly reduced and onset increased when singers did not use the technique. As inconsistent vibrato is considered indicative of poor singing, it was hypothesized that testing the energy distribution in these singers� voices in each condition would identify the timbral changes associated with open throat. Visual inspection of long term average spectra (LTAS) confirmed differences between O and SO, but conventional measures applied to long term average spectra (LTAS), comparing energy peak height [singing power ratio (SPR)] and peak area [energy ratio (ER)] were not sensitive to the changes identified through visual inspection of the LTAS. These results were not consistent with the vibrato findings and suggest that conventional measures of SPR and ER are not sufficiently sensitive to evaluate LTAS. In the fourth study, fifteen expert listeners consistently and reliably identified the presence of open throat technique with 87% accuracy (Mitchell & Kenny, in press). In the fifth study, LTAS measurements were examined with respect to the perceptual ratings of singers. There was no relationship between perceptual rankings of vocal beauty and acoustic rankings of vocal quality (Kenny & Mitchell, 2004, in press). There is a vast literature of spectral energy definitions of good voice but the studies in this thesis have indicated that current acoustic methods are limited in defining vocal quality. They also suggest that current work in singing has not sufficiently incorporated perceptual ratings and descriptions of sound quality or the relationship between acoustic and perceptual factors with pedagogical practices.

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The technique of �open throat� is a pedagogical concept transmitted through the oral tradition of singing. This thesis explored the pedagogical perceptions and practices of �open throat� using empirical methodologies to assess technical skill and associated vocal quality. In the first study (Mitchell, Kenny, Ryan, & Davis, 2003), we assessed the degree of consensus amongst singing pedagogues regarding the definition of, and use in the singing studio of the technique called �open throat.� Results indicated that all fifteen pedagogues described �open throat� technique as fundamental to singing training and were positive about the sound quality it achieved, especially in classical singing. It was described as a way of maximising pharyngeal space or abducting the false vocal folds. Hypotheses generated from pedagogical beliefs expressed in this first study were then tested acoustically (Mitchell & Kenny, 2004a, 2004b). Six advanced singing students sang in two conditions: �optimal� (O), using maximal open throat, �sub-optimal� (SO), using reduced open throat and loud sub-optimal (LSO) to control for the effect of loudness. From these recordings, acoustic characteristics of vibrato (Mitchell & Kenny, 2004b) and energy distribution (Mitchell & Kenny, 2004a) were examined. Subsequent investigations of the vibrato parameters of rate, extent and onset, revealed that extent was significantly reduced and onset increased when singers did not use the technique. As inconsistent vibrato is considered indicative of poor singing, it was hypothesized that testing the energy distribution in these singers� voices in each condition would identify the timbral changes associated with open throat. Visual inspection of long term average spectra (LTAS) confirmed differences between O and SO, but conventional measures applied to long term average spectra (LTAS), comparing energy peak height [singing power ratio (SPR)] and peak area [energy ratio (ER)] were not sensitive to the changes identified through visual inspection of the LTAS. These results were not consistent with the vibrato findings and suggest that conventional measures of SPR and ER are not sufficiently sensitive to evaluate LTAS. In the fourth study, fifteen expert listeners consistently and reliably identified the presence of open throat technique with 87% accuracy (Mitchell & Kenny, in press). In the fifth study, LTAS measurements were examined with respect to the perceptual ratings of singers. There was no relationship between perceptual rankings of vocal beauty and acoustic rankings of vocal quality (Kenny & Mitchell, 2004, in press). There is a vast literature of spectral energy definitions of good voice but the studies in this thesis have indicated that current acoustic methods are limited in defining vocal quality. They also suggest that current work in singing has not sufficiently incorporated perceptual ratings and descriptions of sound quality or the relationship between acoustic and perceptual factors with pedagogical practices.

Introdução: O sinal da aspiração faríngea (SAF) e o sinal do pigarrear (SPIG), manifestações clínicas em geral relacionadas, respectivamente, a doenças de vias aéreas superiores e inferiores, são expressões de mecanismos de defesa de natureza mecânica que atuam na limpeza do trato respiratório, e com freqüência encontram-se associados à tosse crônica. Repercutem especialmente em nível faríngeo, com as correspondentes modificações estruturais desse compartimento. Objetivo: Descrever e analisar as modificações anatômicas e características fisiológicas que servem de base para a ocorrência do SAF e do SPIG. Métodos: Estudo clínico observacional onde, foram selecionados 30 indivíduos adultos de ambos os sexos, portadores de rinussinusite crônica, fora de agudização, os quais foram submetidos a exames de imagem, estáticos (radiográficos) e dinâmicos (fluoroscópicos), de modo a ser possível estudar as alterações anatômicas nos momentos mencionados (SAF, SPIG), e durante a situação de repouso (REP). Os pacientes eram colocados em posição ortostática, de perfil, buscando-se, com isto, reduzir os efeitos da sobreposição de tecidos, objetivando tornar as mensurações mais acuradas. Cada um dos 30 indivíduos foi estudado nas três situações: em repouso (REP), em manobra de aspiração faríngea (SAF), e durante o ato do pigarrear SPIG). Usaram-se testes de média para comparações entre as mensurações (teste T e ANOVA), intervalos de confiança de 95,0 %, adotando-se nível de significância de 5,0 %. Resultados: Encontrou-se a área transversa da faringe medindo 4,13±1,339 cm² na posição de repouso, 1,879±0,950 cm² durante a manobra de aspiração, e 5,280±1,421 cm² durante o pigarrear. Esses três valores foram todos significativamente diferentes entre si (p<0,001). A maior variação com relação ao repouso ocorreu no SAF (120,0% menor), enquanto que no SPIG foi em torno de 30,0% maior. Os valores foram menores entre as mulheres, mas a variabilidade foi similar em ambos os sexos. Conclusão: A área da secção transversa da faringe, mensurada no nível da primeira vértebra cervical de indivíduos adultos, mostrou-se significativamente menor durante a manobra inspiratória (SAF), em comparação com a situação de repouso (REP), enquanto que a do pigarrear (SPIG) foi significativamente maior. As modificações do calibre da faringe, em especial o acentuado estreitamento durante o SAF, associadas a movimentos vibratórios das estruturas locais, devem conferir a esse compartimento maior eficiência na remoção das secreções do trato respiratório. / Introduction: The signs of both pharyngeal aspiration (SPA) and phlegm in the throat (SPT), clinical manifestations generally related, respectively, to either upper or lower diseases of the airways, are expressions of mechanic defense mechanisms for respiratory tract cleaning, frequently associated to chronic cough. They have repercussion mainly at pharyngeal level, with the correspondent structural modifications of that compartment. Objective: To describe the anatomic modifications and physiologic characteristics in which are based the grounds for the SPA and SPT occurrence. Methods: Clinical and observational study in which were selected 30 of both sex adult individuals, all with inflammatory upper airways disease, with the purpose to specially study the alterations in morphology of the pharynx, which occurs during the SPA and SPT expression. For that, the individuals in orthostatic position were submitted to static (radiographic) and dynamic (fluoroscopy) image exams, in profile projections, aiming with this to reduce the tissue superposition and to obtain more accurate measurements. Each of the 30 individuals were studied in three situations: at rest (RST), in SPA and SPT. Tests of media (T, ANOVA) were used for comparisons between measurements, adopting a 5.0% significance level. Results: It was found the transverse area of pharynx measuring 4.133±1.339 cm2 in the rest (RST) position, 1.879±0.950 cm2 during pharyngeal aspiration (SPA), and 5.280±1.421 cm2 in SPT – values that were significantly different (P<0.001). In relation to the rest situation, the most accented variation occurred in SPA (120.0% smaller), whereas in SPT it was 30.0% greater. The values were smaller among females, but their variability was similar in both sexes in all the three situations. Conclusions: In comparison to the rest situation (RST), the transverse section of the pharynx, measured at the first cervical vertebra, was significantly smaller during the aspiration (SPA), and greater on the SPT maneuver. The modifications of the pharynx caliber, specially its accented narrowing associated to vibratory movements of the local anatomic structures, should be confer to that compartment a better efficiency for secretion removal from the respiratory tract.

Introdução: O sinal da aspiração faríngea (SAF) e o sinal do pigarrear (SPIG), manifestações clínicas em geral relacionadas, respectivamente, a doenças de vias aéreas superiores e inferiores, são expressões de mecanismos de defesa de natureza mecânica que atuam na limpeza do trato respiratório, e com freqüência encontram-se associados à tosse crônica. Repercutem especialmente em nível faríngeo, com as correspondentes modificações estruturais desse compartimento. Objetivo: Descrever e analisar as modificações anatômicas e características fisiológicas que servem de base para a ocorrência do SAF e do SPIG. Métodos: Estudo clínico observacional onde, foram selecionados 30 indivíduos adultos de ambos os sexos, portadores de rinussinusite crônica, fora de agudização, os quais foram submetidos a exames de imagem, estáticos (radiográficos) e dinâmicos (fluoroscópicos), de modo a ser possível estudar as alterações anatômicas nos momentos mencionados (SAF, SPIG), e durante a situação de repouso (REP). Os pacientes eram colocados em posição ortostática, de perfil, buscando-se, com isto, reduzir os efeitos da sobreposição de tecidos, objetivando tornar as mensurações mais acuradas. Cada um dos 30 indivíduos foi estudado nas três situações: em repouso (REP), em manobra de aspiração faríngea (SAF), e durante o ato do pigarrear SPIG). Usaram-se testes de média para comparações entre as mensurações (teste T e ANOVA), intervalos de confiança de 95,0 %, adotando-se nível de significância de 5,0 %. Resultados: Encontrou-se a área transversa da faringe medindo 4,13±1,339 cm² na posição de repouso, 1,879±0,950 cm² durante a manobra de aspiração, e 5,280±1,421 cm² durante o pigarrear. Esses três valores foram todos significativamente diferentes entre si (p<0,001). A maior variação com relação ao repouso ocorreu no SAF (120,0% menor), enquanto que no SPIG foi em torno de 30,0% maior. Os valores foram menores entre as mulheres, mas a variabilidade foi similar em ambos os sexos. Conclusão: A área da secção transversa da faringe, mensurada no nível da primeira vértebra cervical de indivíduos adultos, mostrou-se significativamente menor durante a manobra inspiratória (SAF), em comparação com a situação de repouso (REP), enquanto que a do pigarrear (SPIG) foi significativamente maior. As modificações do calibre da faringe, em especial o acentuado estreitamento durante o SAF, associadas a movimentos vibratórios das estruturas locais, devem conferir a esse compartimento maior eficiência na remoção das secreções do trato respiratório. / Introduction: The signs of both pharyngeal aspiration (SPA) and phlegm in the throat (SPT), clinical manifestations generally related, respectively, to either upper or lower diseases of the airways, are expressions of mechanic defense mechanisms for respiratory tract cleaning, frequently associated to chronic cough. They have repercussion mainly at pharyngeal level, with the correspondent structural modifications of that compartment. Objective: To describe the anatomic modifications and physiologic characteristics in which are based the grounds for the SPA and SPT occurrence. Methods: Clinical and observational study in which were selected 30 of both sex adult individuals, all with inflammatory upper airways disease, with the purpose to specially study the alterations in morphology of the pharynx, which occurs during the SPA and SPT expression. For that, the individuals in orthostatic position were submitted to static (radiographic) and dynamic (fluoroscopy) image exams, in profile projections, aiming with this to reduce the tissue superposition and to obtain more accurate measurements. Each of the 30 individuals were studied in three situations: at rest (RST), in SPA and SPT. Tests of media (T, ANOVA) were used for comparisons between measurements, adopting a 5.0% significance level. Results: It was found the transverse area of pharynx measuring 4.133±1.339 cm2 in the rest (RST) position, 1.879±0.950 cm2 during pharyngeal aspiration (SPA), and 5.280±1.421 cm2 in SPT – values that were significantly different (P<0.001). In relation to the rest situation, the most accented variation occurred in SPA (120.0% smaller), whereas in SPT it was 30.0% greater. The values were smaller among females, but their variability was similar in both sexes in all the three situations. Conclusions: In comparison to the rest situation (RST), the transverse section of the pharynx, measured at the first cervical vertebra, was significantly smaller during the aspiration (SPA), and greater on the SPT maneuver. The modifications of the pharynx caliber, specially its accented narrowing associated to vibratory movements of the local anatomic structures, should be confer to that compartment a better efficiency for secretion removal from the respiratory tract.

Introdução: O sinal da aspiração faríngea (SAF) e o sinal do pigarrear (SPIG), manifestações clínicas em geral relacionadas, respectivamente, a doenças de vias aéreas superiores e inferiores, são expressões de mecanismos de defesa de natureza mecânica que atuam na limpeza do trato respiratório, e com freqüência encontram-se associados à tosse crônica. Repercutem especialmente em nível faríngeo, com as correspondentes modificações estruturais desse compartimento. Objetivo: Descrever e analisar as modificações anatômicas e características fisiológicas que servem de base para a ocorrência do SAF e do SPIG. Métodos: Estudo clínico observacional onde, foram selecionados 30 indivíduos adultos de ambos os sexos, portadores de rinussinusite crônica, fora de agudização, os quais foram submetidos a exames de imagem, estáticos (radiográficos) e dinâmicos (fluoroscópicos), de modo a ser possível estudar as alterações anatômicas nos momentos mencionados (SAF, SPIG), e durante a situação de repouso (REP). Os pacientes eram colocados em posição ortostática, de perfil, buscando-se, com isto, reduzir os efeitos da sobreposição de tecidos, objetivando tornar as mensurações mais acuradas. Cada um dos 30 indivíduos foi estudado nas três situações: em repouso (REP), em manobra de aspiração faríngea (SAF), e durante o ato do pigarrear SPIG). Usaram-se testes de média para comparações entre as mensurações (teste T e ANOVA), intervalos de confiança de 95,0 %, adotando-se nível de significância de 5,0 %. Resultados: Encontrou-se a área transversa da faringe medindo 4,13±1,339 cm² na posição de repouso, 1,879±0,950 cm² durante a manobra de aspiração, e 5,280±1,421 cm² durante o pigarrear. Esses três valores foram todos significativamente diferentes entre si (p<0,001). A maior variação com relação ao repouso ocorreu no SAF (120,0% menor), enquanto que no SPIG foi em torno de 30,0% maior. Os valores foram menores entre as mulheres, mas a variabilidade foi similar em ambos os sexos. Conclusão: A área da secção transversa da faringe, mensurada no nível da primeira vértebra cervical de indivíduos adultos, mostrou-se significativamente menor durante a manobra inspiratória (SAF), em comparação com a situação de repouso (REP), enquanto que a do pigarrear (SPIG) foi significativamente maior. As modificações do calibre da faringe, em especial o acentuado estreitamento durante o SAF, associadas a movimentos vibratórios das estruturas locais, devem conferir a esse compartimento maior eficiência na remoção das secreções do trato respiratório. / Introduction: The signs of both pharyngeal aspiration (SPA) and phlegm in the throat (SPT), clinical manifestations generally related, respectively, to either upper or lower diseases of the airways, are expressions of mechanic defense mechanisms for respiratory tract cleaning, frequently associated to chronic cough. They have repercussion mainly at pharyngeal level, with the correspondent structural modifications of that compartment. Objective: To describe the anatomic modifications and physiologic characteristics in which are based the grounds for the SPA and SPT occurrence. Methods: Clinical and observational study in which were selected 30 of both sex adult individuals, all with inflammatory upper airways disease, with the purpose to specially study the alterations in morphology of the pharynx, which occurs during the SPA and SPT expression. For that, the individuals in orthostatic position were submitted to static (radiographic) and dynamic (fluoroscopy) image exams, in profile projections, aiming with this to reduce the tissue superposition and to obtain more accurate measurements. Each of the 30 individuals were studied in three situations: at rest (RST), in SPA and SPT. Tests of media (T, ANOVA) were used for comparisons between measurements, adopting a 5.0% significance level. Results: It was found the transverse area of pharynx measuring 4.133±1.339 cm2 in the rest (RST) position, 1.879±0.950 cm2 during pharyngeal aspiration (SPA), and 5.280±1.421 cm2 in SPT – values that were significantly different (P<0.001). In relation to the rest situation, the most accented variation occurred in SPA (120.0% smaller), whereas in SPT it was 30.0% greater. The values were smaller among females, but their variability was similar in both sexes in all the three situations. Conclusions: In comparison to the rest situation (RST), the transverse section of the pharynx, measured at the first cervical vertebra, was significantly smaller during the aspiration (SPA), and greater on the SPT maneuver. The modifications of the pharynx caliber, specially its accented narrowing associated to vibratory movements of the local anatomic structures, should be confer to that compartment a better efficiency for secretion removal from the respiratory tract.

Background: In recent years, the emerging electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) marketplace has developed prosperously all over the world. By analyzing online e-liquid reviews, we seek to identify the features attracting users. Methods: We collected e-liquid reviews from one of the largest online e-liquid review websites and extracted the e-liquid features by keywords. Then we used sentiment analysis to classify the features into two polarities: positive and negative. The positive sentiment ratio of a feature reflects the e-cigarette users' preference on this feature. Results: The popularity and preference of e-liquid features are not correlated. Nuts and cream are the favorite flavor categories, while fruit and cream are the most popular categories. The top mixed flavors are preferable to single flavors. Fruit and cream categories are most frequently mixed with other flavors. E-cigarette users are satisfied with cloud production, but not satisfied with the ingredients and throat hit. Conclusions: We identified the flavors that e-cigarette users were satisfied with, and we found the users liked e-cigarette cloud production. Therefore, flavors and cloud production are potential factors attracting new users.

This master’s thesis deals with kinematics model of blade rotating mechanism of turbocharger, which is called as VNT (“Variable nozzle turbine”). The first section treat of turbochargers generally, why we use them, summary description of construction and parts. In the next section deals with supercharge control, about types of controlling and theirs principles, of their vantages or disadvantages and comparison. Following section is about building kinematics model in software ADAMS. First step is analytics solving of mechanism, because it was necessary for parametric model. After this is described main model building. In the last section is kinematics model used on real turbocharger for checking results.

Deep Throat is one of the most famous anonymous newspaper sources in American journalism. He is known for helping Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncover the Watergate scandal that led to President Richard Nixon's impeachment and resignation in 1974. Deep Throat's identity was a source of curiosity until he was revealed in 2005 as the former number two figure at the FBI, William Mark Felt. This thesis will show that, despite Felt's notoriety, Deep Throat was not an indispensable part of Woodward and Bernstein's Watergate coverage, speaking with Woodward 16 times about Watergate during the reporters' coverage. Deep Throat was important to the Watergate story because he kept it alive. Deep Throat inspired numerous publications, which all served to create his mythic status. Many attempted to guess his true identity, although Woodward and Bernstein refused to confirm most guesses. An enduring Deep Throat legacy is that his nickname has become synonymous with deep background - a source that cannot be quoted or named. There was no clear consensus as to how people felt about Felt's role as Deep Throat. There were many negative and positive reactions when he revealed himself. His family sided with him; Nixon associates were unhappy with him. However, more than 30 years after the Watergate scandal, Deep Throat was still big news. No matter what people thought about him, they paid attention and they knew the story.