This paper presents a review of a series of experiments which have contributed towards the understanding of the mapping layer in electronic instruments. It challenges the assumption that an electronic instrument consists solely of an interface and a sound generator. It emphasises the importance of the mapping between input parameters and sound parameters, and suggests that this can define the very essence of an instrument. The terms involved with mapping are defined, and existing literature reviewed and summarised. A model for understanding the design of such mapping strategies for electronic instruments is put forward, along with a roadmap of ongoing research focussing on the testing and evaluation of such mapping strategies.

In this paper we challenge the assumption that an electronic instrument consists solely of an interface and a sound generator. We emphasise the importance of the mapping between input parameters and system parameters, and claim that this can define the very essence of an instrument.

Background Behavioral mitigation strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19 have resulted in sweeping lifestyle changes, with short- and long-term psychological, well-being, and quality of life implications. The Attitudes About COVID-19 and Health (ATTACH) study focuses on understanding attitudes and beliefs while considering the impact on mental and physical health and the influence of broader demographic and geographic factors on attitudes, beliefs, and mental health burden. Objective In this assessment of our first wave of data collection, we provide baseline cohort description of the ATTACH study participants in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Mexico. Additionally, we assess responses to daily poll questions related to COVID-19 and conduct a cross-sectional analysis of baseline assessments collected in the UK between June 26 and October 31, 2020. Methods The ATTACH study uses smartphone app technology and online survey data collection. Participants completed poll questions related to COVID-19 2 times daily and a monthly survey assessing mental health, social isolation, physical health, and quality of life. Poll question responses were graphed using 95% Clopper–Pearson (exact) tests with 95% CIs. Pearson correlations, hierarchical linear regression analyses, and generalized linear models assessed relationships, predictors of self-reported outcomes, and group differences, respectively. Results By October 31, 2020, 1405, 80, and 90 participants had consented to participate in the UK, United States, and Mexico, respectively. Descriptive data for the UK daily poll questions indicated that participants generally followed social distancing measures, but worry and negative impacts on families increased as the pandemic progressed. Although participants generally reported feeling that the reasons for current measures had been made clear, there was low trust that the government was doing everything in its power to meet public needs. In the UK, 1282 participants also completed a monthly survey (94.99% [1326/1396] White, 72.22% [1014/1404] female, and 20.12% [277/1377] key or essential workers); 18.88% (242/1282) of UK participants reported a preexisting mental health disorder, 31.36% (402/1282) reported a preexisting chronic medical illness, and 35.11% (493/1404) were aged over 65; 57.72% (740/1282) of participants reported being more sedentary since the pandemic began, and 41.89% (537/1282) reported reduced access to medical care. Those with poorer mental health outcomes lived in more deprived neighborhoods, in larger households (Ps<.05), had more preexisting mental health disorders and medical conditions, and were younger than 65 years (all Ps<.001). Conclusions Communities who have been exposed to additional harm during the COVID-19 pandemic were experiencing worse mental outcomes. Factors including having a medical condition, or living in a deprived neighborhood or larger household were associated with heightened risk. Future longitudinal studies should investigate the link between COVID-19 exposure, mental health, and sociodemographic and residential characteristics.

Speech in noise tests are an important clinical and research tool for understanding speech perception in realistic, adverse listening conditions. Though relatively simple to implement, their development is time and resource intensive. As a result, many tests still in use (and their corresponding recordings) are outdated and no longer fit for purpose. This work takes the popular Revised Speech Perception In Noise (RSPIN) Test and updates it with improved recordings and the addition of a female speaker. It outlines and evaluates a methodology which others can apply to legacy recordings of speech in noise tests to update them and ensure their ongoing usability. This paper describes the original test along with its use over the last four decades and the rationale for re-recording. The new speakers, new accent (Received Pronunciation) and recording methodology are then outlined. Subjective and objective analysis of the new recordings for normal hearing listeners are then given. The paper concludes with recommendations for using the R 2 SPIN.

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