Objective(s): The cutting-edge assessment of voice disorders includes objective and subjective methods in the daily clinical practice. The latter assessment is usually performed through the administration of self-repo...Objective(s): The cutting-edge assessment of voice disorders includes objective and subjective methods in the daily clinical practice. The latter assessment is usually performed through the administration of self-reported questionnaires. Voice Handicap Index (VHI) is one of the most widely used tools both in clinical practice and in research level. This tool-questionnaire was employed in this research along with the Voice Evaluation Template (VEF). In turn, the aim of this study was to analyse and produce the cut-off points of VHI for voice-disordered patients in Greece by using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (ROC Curves). Methods: Sixty-three participants (40 non-dysphonic and 23 with different types of dysphonia) were classified by ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctors and SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists). The Hellenic VHI along with the translated Greek version of the VEF was administered to the subjects of this research. Results: The voice-disordered subjects exhibited higher overall VHI scores (in total and in its 3 subdomains) compared to the control group. Statistical significant differences were found between dysphonic and non-dysphonic participants for all VHI’s construct domains. The cut-off point of VHI total score was estimated at the value of 14.50 (sensitivity: 0.870, 1-specificity: 0.000). Moreover, the cut-off points of the three subdomains were computed as 7.50 for functional (sensitivity: 0.783, 1-specificity: 0.000), 8.50 for physical (sensitivity: 0.739, 1-specificity: 0.000) and 8.50 for emotional domain (sensitivity: 0.783, 1-specificity: 0.050). Conclusion: The preliminary statistical and ROC data analysis of VHI concluded that by using this type of assessment method, populations with or without voice disorders (in Greece) can be distinguished. Albeit this tool is a non-interventional method it could consequently offer an adequate screening and monitoring capability.展开更多
The necessity of lowering the mean power consumption of various facilities, due to the lack of their enormous future energy needs, led to an ongoing advance of various technologies. These technologies have been orient...The necessity of lowering the mean power consumption of various facilities, due to the lack of their enormous future energy needs, led to an ongoing advance of various technologies. These technologies have been oriented towards the concept of a Reduced Ecological Footprint. Massive structures (such as building complexes and hospitals) have been redesigned and upgraded;many interior designs have been dramatically altered while new electronic devices are constantly being produced in order to revolutionize a long term perspective towards a “Green Planet” while they exhibit astonishing signal processing. Consequently, an enormous technology already exists which needs to be properly combined to a proposed methodology and to new ideas relevant to systems’ administration through automatic wireless control. This paper intends to reduce the gap between design and realization of the aforementioned research. Consequently, the primary contribution of this research is the proposal of a complete design protocol with minimized defects relevant to Reduced Ecological Footprints of Facilities (REFF) along with its beneficial advantages relevant to providing a healthy and productive work environment. This protocol consists of four main parts which are 1) the main key points-guidelines, 2) its objectives, 3) the know-how methodology for implementation in existing installations and 4) the description of the imminent benefits in workforce/human resources.展开更多
Objective(s): Laryngeal inflammations lead to voice disorders. Medical conditions such as chronic laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux, laryngopharyngeal reflux, Reinke edema and/or vocal folds hemorrhage, result in di...Objective(s): Laryngeal inflammations lead to voice disorders. Medical conditions such as chronic laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux, laryngopharyngeal reflux, Reinke edema and/or vocal folds hemorrhage, result in diverse symptoms including chronic cough, throat cleaning and dysphonia (e.g. hoarseness). In turn, the dysphonic symptoms can be evaluated via subjective and objective procedures. The objective procedures usually include self-perceived questionnaires like the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Studies reported that VHI can distinguish objectively dysphonic and non-dysphonic populations using the cut-off points of Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves. The purpose of this study was to calculate the cut-off points for individuals exhibiting voice symptoms which had been developed from laryngeal inflammatory diseases in Greece. Methods: One hundred and twelve participants (90 non-dysphonic and 22 dysphonic) filled in the Hellenic Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Greek translated version of Voice Evaluation Template (VEF) were administrated. All subjects were evaluated by an Otolaryngologist and a Speech-Language Pathologist. Results: The group with voice disorders exhibited higher VHI scores (in total and in its 3 subdomains) compared to non-dysphonic subgroup. Statistical significant differences were found for all VHI’s total cut-off point of 19.50 (sensitivity: 0.882, 1-specificity: 0.011) and for its three subdomains [functional 6.50 (sensitivity = 0.636, and 1-specificity = 0.022);physical 9.50 (sensitivity = 0.636, and 1-specificity = 0.000);emotional 6.50 (sensitivity = 0.455, and 1-specificity = 0.133)]. Conclusion: The preliminary results showed that VHI could discriminate individuals having voice disorders from laryngeal inflammations. The Voice Handicap Index can be used as a primary health care tool and a self-monitoring procedure in acute and sub-acute phases of the laryngeal inflammation.展开更多
<strong>Objective(s):</strong> The aim of this study is to explore if there is a correlation between the typical voice classification and the morphometric characteristics of the vocal folds, using video la...<strong>Objective(s):</strong> The aim of this study is to explore if there is a correlation between the typical voice classification and the morphometric characteristics of the vocal folds, using video laryngeal stroboscopy, on professional singers in Greece. <strong>Methods:</strong> 70 professional singers, 50% men (35 men) and 50% women (35 women), were recruited for this study. A stroboscopic evaluation was prepared for every participant. Additionally, the voice classification and features of individuals were correlated statistically. <strong>Results:</strong> Statistically significant difference were observed between the voice categories and the size of stomatopharynx, the shape of the hard palate, the length of the vocal folds, the width and thickness of the vocal folds, as well as the tone of speech, in male singers. Statistically significant differences were also observed between the voice categories and all the variables except the shape of epiglottis, the color of speech and the shape of the vocal folds, in female singers. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> There is correlation between the morphometric characteristics of the vocal folds and the voice categories.展开更多
<strong></strong><strong>Objective(s):</strong> The aim of this study is to explore if there is a correlation between the typical voice classification and the oropharyngeal and laryngeal morpho...<strong></strong><strong>Objective(s):</strong> The aim of this study is to explore if there is a correlation between the typical voice classification and the oropharyngeal and laryngeal morphology, using video laryngeal stroboscopy and cervical posterior-anterior radiography on professional singers in Greece. <strong>Methods:</strong> 55 professional singers (28 females: 7 sopranos, 12 mezzo-sopranos, and 9 contraltos;27 males: 8 tenors, 12 baritones and 7 basses) were recruited for this study. All participants underwent stroboscopic and cervical posterior-anterior radiographic imaging of their oral pharyngeal and laryngeal area. Additionally, the voice classification and features (e.g., height, weight) of individuals were correlated statistically. <strong>Results:</strong> Statistically significant correlations were observed between the VC of the participants with the Phonetic Area (PA) (r = −0.451, p = 0.001) and the VC with the Oral-pharyngeal Cavity (OPC) area (r = −0.402, p = 0.001) in the total sample. Specifically, in male singers, the PA and VC correlation was r = −0.319, p = 0.047, and the VC and OPC area was r = −0.328, p = 0.044. Likewise, in female singers, the PA area and VC and PA were r = −0.336, p = 0.041 and the OPC area and VC were r = −0.344, p = 0.039. The analysis confirmed no correlations between VC and height and body weight. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The cervical posteroanterior radiography in conjunction with laryngeal stroboscopy provided new morphometric correlations of the VC of professional singers with their Oropharyngeal and Laryngeal Anatomy.展开更多
文摘Objective(s): The cutting-edge assessment of voice disorders includes objective and subjective methods in the daily clinical practice. The latter assessment is usually performed through the administration of self-reported questionnaires. Voice Handicap Index (VHI) is one of the most widely used tools both in clinical practice and in research level. This tool-questionnaire was employed in this research along with the Voice Evaluation Template (VEF). In turn, the aim of this study was to analyse and produce the cut-off points of VHI for voice-disordered patients in Greece by using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (ROC Curves). Methods: Sixty-three participants (40 non-dysphonic and 23 with different types of dysphonia) were classified by ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctors and SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists). The Hellenic VHI along with the translated Greek version of the VEF was administered to the subjects of this research. Results: The voice-disordered subjects exhibited higher overall VHI scores (in total and in its 3 subdomains) compared to the control group. Statistical significant differences were found between dysphonic and non-dysphonic participants for all VHI’s construct domains. The cut-off point of VHI total score was estimated at the value of 14.50 (sensitivity: 0.870, 1-specificity: 0.000). Moreover, the cut-off points of the three subdomains were computed as 7.50 for functional (sensitivity: 0.783, 1-specificity: 0.000), 8.50 for physical (sensitivity: 0.739, 1-specificity: 0.000) and 8.50 for emotional domain (sensitivity: 0.783, 1-specificity: 0.050). Conclusion: The preliminary statistical and ROC data analysis of VHI concluded that by using this type of assessment method, populations with or without voice disorders (in Greece) can be distinguished. Albeit this tool is a non-interventional method it could consequently offer an adequate screening and monitoring capability.
文摘The necessity of lowering the mean power consumption of various facilities, due to the lack of their enormous future energy needs, led to an ongoing advance of various technologies. These technologies have been oriented towards the concept of a Reduced Ecological Footprint. Massive structures (such as building complexes and hospitals) have been redesigned and upgraded;many interior designs have been dramatically altered while new electronic devices are constantly being produced in order to revolutionize a long term perspective towards a “Green Planet” while they exhibit astonishing signal processing. Consequently, an enormous technology already exists which needs to be properly combined to a proposed methodology and to new ideas relevant to systems’ administration through automatic wireless control. This paper intends to reduce the gap between design and realization of the aforementioned research. Consequently, the primary contribution of this research is the proposal of a complete design protocol with minimized defects relevant to Reduced Ecological Footprints of Facilities (REFF) along with its beneficial advantages relevant to providing a healthy and productive work environment. This protocol consists of four main parts which are 1) the main key points-guidelines, 2) its objectives, 3) the know-how methodology for implementation in existing installations and 4) the description of the imminent benefits in workforce/human resources.
文摘Objective(s): Laryngeal inflammations lead to voice disorders. Medical conditions such as chronic laryngitis, gastroesophageal reflux, laryngopharyngeal reflux, Reinke edema and/or vocal folds hemorrhage, result in diverse symptoms including chronic cough, throat cleaning and dysphonia (e.g. hoarseness). In turn, the dysphonic symptoms can be evaluated via subjective and objective procedures. The objective procedures usually include self-perceived questionnaires like the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Studies reported that VHI can distinguish objectively dysphonic and non-dysphonic populations using the cut-off points of Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves. The purpose of this study was to calculate the cut-off points for individuals exhibiting voice symptoms which had been developed from laryngeal inflammatory diseases in Greece. Methods: One hundred and twelve participants (90 non-dysphonic and 22 dysphonic) filled in the Hellenic Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Greek translated version of Voice Evaluation Template (VEF) were administrated. All subjects were evaluated by an Otolaryngologist and a Speech-Language Pathologist. Results: The group with voice disorders exhibited higher VHI scores (in total and in its 3 subdomains) compared to non-dysphonic subgroup. Statistical significant differences were found for all VHI’s total cut-off point of 19.50 (sensitivity: 0.882, 1-specificity: 0.011) and for its three subdomains [functional 6.50 (sensitivity = 0.636, and 1-specificity = 0.022);physical 9.50 (sensitivity = 0.636, and 1-specificity = 0.000);emotional 6.50 (sensitivity = 0.455, and 1-specificity = 0.133)]. Conclusion: The preliminary results showed that VHI could discriminate individuals having voice disorders from laryngeal inflammations. The Voice Handicap Index can be used as a primary health care tool and a self-monitoring procedure in acute and sub-acute phases of the laryngeal inflammation.
文摘<strong>Objective(s):</strong> The aim of this study is to explore if there is a correlation between the typical voice classification and the morphometric characteristics of the vocal folds, using video laryngeal stroboscopy, on professional singers in Greece. <strong>Methods:</strong> 70 professional singers, 50% men (35 men) and 50% women (35 women), were recruited for this study. A stroboscopic evaluation was prepared for every participant. Additionally, the voice classification and features of individuals were correlated statistically. <strong>Results:</strong> Statistically significant difference were observed between the voice categories and the size of stomatopharynx, the shape of the hard palate, the length of the vocal folds, the width and thickness of the vocal folds, as well as the tone of speech, in male singers. Statistically significant differences were also observed between the voice categories and all the variables except the shape of epiglottis, the color of speech and the shape of the vocal folds, in female singers. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> There is correlation between the morphometric characteristics of the vocal folds and the voice categories.
文摘<strong></strong><strong>Objective(s):</strong> The aim of this study is to explore if there is a correlation between the typical voice classification and the oropharyngeal and laryngeal morphology, using video laryngeal stroboscopy and cervical posterior-anterior radiography on professional singers in Greece. <strong>Methods:</strong> 55 professional singers (28 females: 7 sopranos, 12 mezzo-sopranos, and 9 contraltos;27 males: 8 tenors, 12 baritones and 7 basses) were recruited for this study. All participants underwent stroboscopic and cervical posterior-anterior radiographic imaging of their oral pharyngeal and laryngeal area. Additionally, the voice classification and features (e.g., height, weight) of individuals were correlated statistically. <strong>Results:</strong> Statistically significant correlations were observed between the VC of the participants with the Phonetic Area (PA) (r = −0.451, p = 0.001) and the VC with the Oral-pharyngeal Cavity (OPC) area (r = −0.402, p = 0.001) in the total sample. Specifically, in male singers, the PA and VC correlation was r = −0.319, p = 0.047, and the VC and OPC area was r = −0.328, p = 0.044. Likewise, in female singers, the PA area and VC and PA were r = −0.336, p = 0.041 and the OPC area and VC were r = −0.344, p = 0.039. The analysis confirmed no correlations between VC and height and body weight. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The cervical posteroanterior radiography in conjunction with laryngeal stroboscopy provided new morphometric correlations of the VC of professional singers with their Oropharyngeal and Laryngeal Anatomy.
