bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine grid model for the dielectric characteristics of ground‐penetrating radar in mixed media
Authors: Ling Tonghua , He Wenchao , Liu Xianjun , Zhang Sheng , Huang Fu , Hua Fei
Published: May 2022

The Fisher–Yates random shuffling algorithm combined with the finite‐difference time‐domain method is proposed to construct a fine grid model for the forward simulation of ground‐penetrating radar in mixed media. First, the finite‐difference time‐domain method was used to divide the coarse grid model into several fine grid models by conforming to the boundary conditions of different media, and the corresponding dielectric parameters were assigned to Yee cells in each fine grid model. Then, the Fisher–Yates random shuffling algorithm was used to randomly scramble all Yee cells with equal probability, and the array of scrambled Yee cells was recombined into a coarse grid model. Finally, the geoelectric model of mixed media was generated with the finite‐difference time‐domain method, and a ground‐penetrating radar image excited by electromagnetic wave pulses was obtained. To explore the characteristic signals and dielectric properties of the ground‐penetrating radar electromagnetic response in mixed media, image entropy theory was used to describe the ground‐penetrating radar image, and waveform analysis and wavelet transform mode maximum methods were used to analyse the single‐channel ground‐penetrating radar signal of the mixed media. The results showed that the Fisher–Yates random shuffling–finite‐difference time‐domain method can be used to construct a valid and stable fine grid model for simulating ground‐penetrating radar in mixed media. The model effectively inhibits electromagnetic attenuation and energy dissipation, and the wavelet transform mode maximum method explains the relative dielectric permittivity distribution of the mixed media. The findings of this study can be used as a theoretical basis for correcting radar parameters and interpreting images when ground‐penetrating radar is applied to mixed media.
RuBPY decreases intracellular calcium by decreasing influx and increasing storage
Authors: Pereira Amanda de Carvalho , Araújo Alice Valença , Paulo Michele , da Silva Roberto Santana , Bendhack Lusiane Maria
Published: May 2022

cis‐[Ru(bpy)2(py)NO2](PF6) (RuBPY) is a ruthenium complex nitric oxide (NO) donor that presents a nitrite in its moiety and has been shown to induce vasodilation in various arteries, as well as arterial pressure reduction with no changes in heart rate. Because vascular tone is highly dependent on the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c), the current study aimed to investigate the effects of RuBPY on the intracellular mobilization of calcium stores of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. Vascular reactivity experiments were performed in isolated aortic rings that were contracted with a high concentration of KCl or phenylephrine (Phe). Moreover, primary cultured vascular smooth muscle cells were used to measure [Ca2+]c by confocal microscopy. The NO donor RuBPY decreased the [Ca2+]c and reduced KCl and Phe‐induced contractile responses. The selective inhibitor of sarco‐endoplasmic Ca‐ATPase (SERCA) with thapsigargin impaired the effect of RuBPY on Phe‐induced contractile response. RuBPY also reduced caffeine‐induced contraction, and the contraction dependent on the capacitive Ca2+ influx. Therefore, our results suggest that NO released from RuBPY decreased [Ca2+]c by calcium influx blockade and activation of guanylyl‐cyclase‐cGMP‐GK pathway. These results indicate that RuBPY increases Ca2+ storage in the sarcoplasmic reticulum by SERCA activation and also by capacitive Ca2+ influx inhibition, which is dependent on the intracellular release of nitric oxide from this compound.
Effects of health expenditures on infant and child mortality rates: A dynamic panel data analysis of 37 African countries
Authors: Houeninvo Hilaire Gbodja
Published: May 2022

This paper examines the effect of public and private health spending on health outcomes measured by infant and child mortality rate using a panel of 37 African countries over the period 1995–2018. Based on both system generalized method of moments and least squared dummy variable corrected bias estimators, we find that the level of public health expenditures has statistically significant positive effects on mortality reduction. However, private health spending has a statistically significant positive effect on infant and child mortality rates when it interacts with public health spending. This means that the health effect of private health expenditure is strengthened by public health spending. Conditioning on the level of private health expenditure, the total effect of public health expenditure on child mortality reduction is slightly higher in absolute value than that of private health expenditure. The main policy implication that emerges from our results is the need to increase public health expenditure and support the effectiveness of private health expenditure. This additional fund should be allocated to some specific expenditure categories which have a very direct link with child and infant mortality rates.
Effect of a simplified billing form and the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on compensable billings in an Australian metropolitan emergency department: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Lim Andy
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a simplified billing form on billings recovery.

Methods

An interrupted time series analysis of weekly presentations and billings between 1 April 2019 and 14 June 2020.

Results

Notably, 3228 patients were included (2030 Overseas Visitor Agreement, 359 Transport Accident Commission and 839 Work Cover). There was a $208.34 (95% CI 155.44–261.23, P < 0.0001) increase in billings per episode, that is, 59% (95% CI 44–74, P < 0.0001), from a baseline of $351.75/episode. There was no significant change in the actual billing rate during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Total billings did not change. Less patients were identified, but each generated 59% more billings.
Corporate Tax Avoidance and Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure Readability: Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Shuolei , Wang Fangjun , Cullinan Charles P. , Dong Nanyan
Published: May 2022

Paying taxes to support the societies in which they operate is both a legal and ethical responsibility of business. Nevertheless, some companies work to avoid taxes, which could cause society to question the legitimacy of the organisation. Many companies provide reports on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities; more transparent CSR reports may help to restore the legitimacy loss associated with tax avoidance. We investigate the relationship between tax avoidance and CSR report readability among Chinese companies. We find a positive relationship between corporate tax avoidance and the readability of CSR reports. This relation is weaker among state‐owned enterprises, which may have stronger pre‐existing legitimacy owing to their relationship with the state. The relationship is also weaker among companies in less developed regions of China, which have less developed institutions to monitor organisational legitimacy. Overall, our results are consistent with the notion that CSR reporting represents an attempt to overcome legitimacy concerns arising from tax avoidance. Our findings indicate that tax avoidance and CSR reporting are alternative means of establishing legitimacy, rather than complementary reflections of an organisational culture that values (or devalues) CSR.
Excessive folic acid intake combined with undernutrition during gestation alters offspring behavior and brain monoamine profiles
Authors: Ono Tetsuo , Hino Kodai , Kimura Tomoko , Uchimura Yasuhiro , Ashihara Takashi , Higa Takako , Kojima Hideto , Murakami Takashi , Udagawa Jun
Published: May 2022

Dietary folic acid augmentation during gestation reduces neurodevelopmental disorder risk in offspring; however, it is still unclear if excessive maternal folic acid intake can impair brain function in offspring. We examined if excessive folic acid intake throughout gestation altered the behavior of male offspring under poor nutrition during early gestation (E5.5–E11.5). Dams were divided into four groups: control (CON, 2 mg folic acid/kg of food), excessive folic acid fortification (FF, 10 mg folic acid/kg of food), undernutrition (UN, 40% food reduction from E5.5–E11.5), and excessive folic acid fortification plus undernutrition (UN‐FF). Excess maternal folic acid fortification induced hyperactivity in the open‐field and lower anxiety‐like behavior in the elevated plus maze at 9 weeks of age. These behavioral changes were accompanied by reduced dopamine in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), norepinephrine in the amygdala, and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) in the dorsal midbrain (DM), PFC, and amygdala where 5‐HT neurons project from the DM. Furthermore, canonical discriminant analysis, including dopamine and DOPAC concentrations in the PFC, norepinephrine concentrations in the PFC, amygdala, and pons, and 5‐HT and 5‐HIAA concentrations in the amygdala and DM, correctly classified 73.5% of the offspring in CON, FF, UN, and UN‐FF groups. The first discriminant function mainly classified groups based on nutritional status, whereas the second function mainly classified groups based on folic acid intake. Our study suggests that combined transformations of brain monoamine profiles by maternal undernutrition and excess folic acid intake is involved in the behavioral alteration of offsprings.
Accuracy of digital implant impressions in clinical studies: A systematic review
Authors: Schmidt Alexander , Wöstmann Bernd , Schlenz Maximiliane Amelie
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The use of intraoral scanners (IOSs) for digital implant impressions in daily clinical practice is increasing. However, no structured literature review on the accuracy of digital implant impressions in clinical studies has been described to date. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to answer the PICO question: Which accuracy is described for digital implant impressions in clinical studies?

Material and Methods

An electronic database search was conducted in December 2021 using MeSH terms and free‐text search. English‐language studies addressing the accuracy of digital implant impressions in clinical studies involving at least 10 patients were included. All clinical indications were considered.

Results

Eight publications between 2014 and 2021 matched the review criteria. However, the study designs showed considerable differences. The number of implants within the studies ranged from 1 to 6, and the number of patients ranged from 10 to 39. The oldest study (2014) revealed the highest deviation for linear distances at 1000 ± 650 µm, whereas the other studies reported data in the range of 360 ± 46 µm to 40 ± 20 µm. In one study, no numerical data were reported and all studies compared digital and conventional implant impressions.

Conclusions

The number of clinical studies on the accuracy of digital implant impressions is low. Thus, the impact of different factors, such as the scanpath or scanbody, could not be identified. However, the accuracy of recent IOSs for digital implant impressions in patients was shown to be clinically acceptable. Nevertheless, the transfer error still needs to be considered when fabricating implant‐supported restorations.
Inclusivity via ontological accountability
Authors: Moon Katie , Pérez‐Hämmerle Katharina‐Victoria
Published: May 2022

Conservation and environmental policies are increasingly criticized for marginalizing peoples, entities and practices. Typically overlooked, yet critical in their potential for marginalization and exclusion, are the assumptions that underlie a policy's classifications, categorizations and descriptions of reality. These ontological assumptions come to define which interventions are appropriate, or even possible, and for whom. We seek to illuminate the importance of ontology to policy‐making and implementation processes. We do so via an ontological analysis of selected elements of an international policy, the Convention on Biological Diversity, to show how language, logic, rights and responsibilities expressed and inferred within the policy could marginalize different entities and practices. The analysis demonstrates how a policy represents reality and thereby intervenes in the world, with consequences for alternative ontologies, peoples, and knowledges. To support ontological accountability, we offer a three‐stage conceptual framework to: deconstruct the language used in describing reality; make sense of how language and logic entangle rights and responsibilities; and enable transformation by becoming accountable to diverse practices of reality. Enabling the coexistence and practice of multiple ontologies is not easy or simple, but it is fundamental for transforming to inclusive policy‐making, implementation, and self‐determination.
Lipofuscin labeling through biorthogonal strain‐promoted azide‐alkyne cycloaddition for the detection of senescent cells
Authors: Lozano‐Torres Beatriz , Blandez Juan F. , García‐Fernández Alba , Sancenón Félix , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón
Published: May 2022

A new method for senescent cell detection is described, which is based on lipofuscin labeling with a fluorescent reporter through a biorthogonal strain‐promoted azide‐alkyne cycloaddition. The sensing protocol involves a first step where the interaction of lipofuscin with a Sudan Black B derivative containing an azide moiety (SBB‐N3) is carried out. In the final step, the azide moiety reacts with a fluorophore containing a cyclooctene ring (BODIPY). The efficacy of this two‐step protocol is assessed in senescent melanoma SK‐MEL‐103 cells, senescent triple‐negative breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells and senescent WI‐38 fibroblasts. In all cases, a clear fluorescence pattern was observed in senescent cells, compared to proliferative cells, only when the SBB‐N3‐BODIPY probe was formed. Our results provide an alternative tool for the detection of senescent cells, based on an in situ bio‐orthogonal reaction for lipofuscin labeling.
Gas‐Phase Ion‐Molecule Interactions in a Collision Reaction Cell with ICP‐MS/MS: Investigations with CO2 as the Reaction Gas
Authors: Harouaka Khadouja , Melby Kali , Bylaska Eric J. , Cox Richard M. , Eiden Gregory C. , French Amanda , Hoppe Eric W. , Arnquist Isaac J.
Published: May 2022

Carbon dioxide (CO2) was used as a reaction gas to investigate the gas‐phase ion‐molecule interactions using the Agilent 8900 ICP‐MS/MS. A solution containing forty‐five elements representative of the periodic table was used to supply the ions to react with CO2 in the collision/reaction cell (CRC). The only significant product ions formed were monoxides. The general reactivity was shown to be consistent with density functional theory (DFT)‐predicted reaction enthalpies, such that all predicted exothermic reactions produced product ions at levels of at least 1% of the unreacted ion. Most endothermic reactions observed had sufficient kinetic energy in excess of the reaction enthalpies. Our results suggest that reaction enthalpy is a reasonable predictor of reactivity with CO2 on the timescales of the interactions in non‐thermal ICP‐MS/MS systems. The ease and rapidity of data collection with the ICP‐MS/MS and DFT calculations using the NWChem suite has value given the scarcity of thermochemical data of CO2 reactions in the literature. These studies are especially useful for the identification of targeted reaction chemistries to be leveraged for analytical method development, such as for the inline separation of isobaric interferences from analytes of interest.
Persistent advanced periductal fibrosis is associated with cagA‐positive Helicobacter pylori infection in post‐praziquantel treatment of opisthorchiasis
Authors: Phung Hang Thi Thu , Deenonpoe Raksawan , Suttiprapa Sutas , Mairiang Eimorn , Edwards Steven W. , Sripa Banchob
Published: May 2022

Background

Liver fluke infection caused by Opisthorchis viverrini is associated with several hepatobiliary diseases including advanced periductal fibrosis (APF) and cholangiocarcinoma. Recently, we demonstrated a persistent APF in over one‐third of opisthorchiasis patients after worm removal by praziquantel (PZQ) treatment. However, the underlying mechanism(s) of this phenomena is unclear. Given a co‐infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) especially cagA‐positive strain enhances APF, we hypothesized that H. pylori with CagA virulent factor contributes to persistent APF.

Materials and methods

Seventy‐five opisthorchiasis patients who underwent ultrasonography and treatment with PZQ were recruited in the 2‐year follow‐up study. Helicobacter and its cagA in the feces were examined by conventional and qPCR. Correlations between prevalence or bacterial loads of Helicobacter spp., H. pylori, and cagA‐positive H. pylori before and after PZQ treatment were analyzed among resolved, slowly resolved, relapsed, and persistent APF groups.

Results

Overall, prevalence of Helicobacter spp., H. pylori, and cagA‐positive H. pylori declined after PZQ treatment. However, only the prevalence and bacterial loads of cagA‐positive H. pylori detected at 2‐year post‐treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (p < .05). In addition, both prevalence and bacterial loads of cagA‐positive H. pylori were significantly lower in the resolved APF group after PZQ treatment, while there were no significant changes in the slowly resolved, relapsed, and persistent APF groups. Among the APF subgroups, cagA‐positive H. pylori prevalence in both relapsed and persistent APF groups were significantly higher than the resolved APF group.

Conclusion

The results support our hypothesis that H. pylori, especially cagA‐positive strain, contributes to the relapsed and persistent APF. A supplementary antibiotic treatment for H. pylori to reduce persistent APF and eventually CCA is warranted.
Probiotics mitigate Helicobacter pylori‐induced gastric inflammation and premalignant lesions in INS‐GAS mice with the modulation of gastrointestinal microbiota
Authors: He Cong , Peng Chao , Xu Xinbo , Li Nianshuang , Ouyang Yaobin , Zhu Yin , Lu Nonghua
Published: May 2022

Background

Dysbiosis of gastric microbiota including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with the development of stomach cancer. Probiotics have been shown to attenuate H. pylori‐induced gastritis, although their role in cancer prevention remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to explore the effects of probiotics on H. pylori‐induced carcinogenesis and the alterations of gastrointestinal microbiota.

Methods

Male INS‐GAS mice were randomly allocated to H. pylori‐infected and non‐infected groups. After 4 weeks, probiotic combination (containing Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) was administered in drinking water for 12 weeks. Stomachs were collected for RNA‐Sequencing and the differentially expressed genes were validated using RT profiler PCR array. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to assess the alterations of gastrointestinal microbiota.

Results

Probiotics significantly alleviate H. pylori‐induced gastric pathology, including reduced infiltration of inflammation and lower incidence of precancerous lesions. RNA‐Sequencing results showed that probiotics treatment decreased expressions of genes involved in pro‐inflammatory pathways, such as NF‐κB, IL‐17, and TNF signaling pathway. Of note, probiotics did not suppress the growth of H. pylori, but dramatically reshaped the structure of both gastric and gut microbiota. The microbial diversity was increased in H. pylori‐infected group after probiotics treatment. While gastric cancer‐associated genera Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus were enriched in the stomach of H. pylori‐infected group, the beneficial short‐chain fatty acids‐producing bacteria, including Bacteroides, Alloprevotella, and Oscellibacter, were more abundant in mice treated with probiotics. Additionally, probiotics restored the H. pylori‐induced reduction of anti‐inflammatory bacterium Faecalibaculum in the gut.

Conclusions

Probiotics therapy can protect against H. pylori‐associated carcinogenesis probably through remodeling gastrointestinal microbiota, which in turn prevent host cells from malignant transformation.
PUTTING CLIO BACK IN CLIOMETRICS
Authors: GAUTHIER LAURENT
Published: May 2022

This article makes the argument for renewed cliometrics that could serve history. Over the past century, history and economics have grown relying on each other, but an imbalance has appeared, as the space between history and economics has been occupied by the latter. Consequently, historians have tended to shun these fields of inquiry. I begin my analysis with a discussion of the complex set of separate domains that lie between history and economics, and I determine certain salient features that define them—in particular, the search for nomothetic explanations. I examine the reception of economic method by historians and point out that it has suffered both from this nomothetic angle and from the implicit presumption that economics is only applicable to the economy. Stressing the distinction between understanding and explaining in the philosophy of history, I show that, for historians, explaining should remain in the realm of history. I then propose that economics be considered a methodological auxiliary for understanding, a form of new cliometrics, which does not attempt to offer explanations. I also discuss some examples of using microeconomics as a critical methodology in the study of ancient Greece.
Pretreatment processes assisted subcritical water hydrolysis for valorisation of spent coffee grounds
Authors: Park Jin‐Seok , Nkurunziza David , Roy Vikash Chandra , Ho Truc Cong , Kim Sung‐Yeoul , Lee Seung‐Chan , Chun Byung‐Soo
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the effect of sequential extraction techniques and pretreatment methods in enhancing the recovery of high‐value products from spent coffee ground. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) deoiling was performed to recover non‐polar lipids, and subcritical water (SCW) hydrolysis of deoiled spent coffee ground (SCG) was conducted involving pretreatment with ultrasound (US‐SCG), and sample particle size reduction (PS‐SCG). SCW temperature, solid/liquid mixing ratio, constant pressure and residence time were studied for their effect on extracting reducing sugars (RS), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 5‐HMF, and furfural. Temperature increase enhanced hydrolysis efficiency and promoted RS dehydration into 5‐HMF and furfural. At 180 °C and 40 mg/600 mL, TPC, TFC and RS values increased significantly with ultrasound pretreatment correlating with improved antioxidant activities by DPPH and ABTS assays. Highest amount of 5‐HMF and furfural was obtained at 210°C (highest temperature studied) with 44.71 and 2.36 mg/100 g. Chlorogenic acid recovery was the highest in the non‐deoiled SCG (15.07 mg/100 g), with no significant difference observed in PS‐SCG, suggesting an increase due to its reduced particle size. The results of this study provide comprehensive knowledge on the combined effects of integrated engineering systems to boost the valorisation of SCGs into high‐value products.
Thermal inactivation kinetics parameters of browning enzymes in starfruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) juice
Authors: Tan Hui‐Ling , Koh Pei‐Nee , Mat Easa Azhar , Tan Thuan‐Chew
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the thermal inactivation kinetics of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) in starfruit juice. It followed the Malaysia Food Regulations 1985 and CODEX STAN 247‐2005. Glucose, fructose and sucrose were the main sugars in starfruit juice. The total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, and total phenolics content of the starfruit juice produced were 8.13 ± 0.25 °Brix, 3.80 ± 0.05, 0.43% ± 0.02% malic acid, and 93.67 ± 4.96 mg GAEL−1, respectively. Thermal inactivation kinetics of PPO and POD followed the first‐order kinetic model. The decimal reduction time at 83.6 °C (D83.6) of PPO and POD was 198.48 and 98.4 s, respectively, while the thermal resistance constant (z value) of PPO and POD was 12.8 and 5.4 °C, respectively. In conclusion, PPO might be a suitable signal for thermal processing on starfruit juice since it has higher heat resistance than POD.
Why we need bricoleurs to foster robust governance solutions in turbulent times
Authors: Carstensen Martin B. , Sørensen Eva , Torfing Jacob
Published: May 2022

The public sector frequently confronts a heightened societal turbulence triggered by an increasing number of unpredictable and disruptive economic, political, and environmental crises. How can the public sector respond to this challenge? This article argues, first, that to continue to provide relevant solutions, public governance must be robust in the sense of adapting and innovating policies, programs, and services in ways that facilitate the achievement of basic public ambitions, functions, and values in the face of challenges, stressors, and threats. Second, to build robust governance, public managers must engage in bricolage and become bricoleurs in order to flexibly combine elements from competing and co‐existent public governance paradigms. Doing so necessitates the construction of institutions conducive to bricolage, that is, institutions that are characterized by a high degree of flexibility that allows for experimentation; institutions that foster inclusive deliberation, knowledge sharing and joint learning; and institutions that balance centralization with distributed agency.
How the Wake Up Safe pediatric anesthesia collaborative increased quality improvement capability and collaboration
Authors: Buck David W. , Claure Rebecca , Tjia Imelda M. , Varughese Anna M. , Brustowicz Robert , Subramanyam Rajeev
Published: May 2022

Wake Up Safe is a patient safety organization consisting of 40 institutions with a mission to improve the processes of care and outcomes for newborns, infants, and children having anesthesia for surgery and medical procedures. It was recognized that the level of quality improvement (QI), knowledge, and experience varied greatly between member institutions. In Fiscal Year 2015, the group's leadership created a subcommittee on QI and education in efforts to provide member institutions with the skills and resources to use QI methodology to improve care at their own institution. This subcommittee developed a program to improve members' knowledge in safety analytics and QI science and to help members implement change in their own institutions. This review describes the development and implementation of this initiative. As a result of this initiative, significant progress was made improving the QI capability of the collaborative over a two‐year period. This educational and support program included workshops, an online discussion forum, site visits, and project presentations.
Does a combination of self‐reported signs related to central sensitization and pressure pain threshold allow for a more detailed classification of pain‐related characteristics in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain?: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mibu Akira , Nishigami Tomohiko , Tanaka Katsuyoshi , Yono Satoko , Manfuku Masahiro , Imai Ryota
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The clinical utility of combining the central sensitization (CS) inventory (CSI) with the pressure pain threshold (PPT) in assessing the effect of central sensitization on pain is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CSI, PPT, and their interaction on pain and the characteristics of clinical symptoms in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain grouped according to the CSI score and PPT value.

Method

A total of 187 participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain were recruited. PPT, brief pain inventory, widespread pain index, pain catastrophizing scale, EuroQol‐5 dimension, and CSI were assessed. Multiple regression analyses were performed using pain intensity and interference scores as dependent variables and the CSI score and PPT value as independent variables. Hierarchical cluster analysis was also performed to classify the participants into subgroups according to the CSI score and PPT value. Following the classification, pain‐related characteristics and health‐related QOL were compared among the subgroups.

Results

Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that only the CSI score significantly affected pain intensity and interference. As a result of the cluster analysis, three groups were identified: cluster 1 (n = 61, CSI low/PPT low group), cluster 2 (n = 78, CSI low/PPT high group), and cluster 3 (n = 48, CSI high/PPT low group). The CSI high/PPT low group had a higher incidence of pain‐related symptoms than the CSI low group regardless of the PPT value.

Conclusions

Combined CSI and PPT may not fully allow a detailed classification of pain‐related characteristics. The CSI may be clinically more useful for assessing the effect of CS on pain‐related symptoms.
Potentiation of soybean resistance against Phakopsora pachyrhizi infection using phosphite combined with free amino acids
Authors: Picanço Bárbara B. M. , Silva Bruno N. , Rodrigues Fabrício A.
Published: May 2022

Considering the importance of Asian soybean rust (ASR), caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, in the decrease in soybean yield, this study investigated the potential of using phosphite combined with l‐α‐free amino acids (referred to as induced resistance [IR] stimulus hereafter) to boost defence responses of soybean plants against P. pachyrhizi infection. Plants were sprayed with water (control), acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM) or IR stimulus and noninoculated or inoculated with P. pachyrhizi. Urediniospore germination was not affected by the IR stimulus in vitro. Reduced ASR severity, lower malondialdehyde concentration and less colonization of leaf tissues by P. pachyrhizi (lower TEF‐1α expression from 1 to 15 days after inoculation [dai]) occurred for IR stimulus‐sprayed plants. The pattern of gene expression for IR stimulus‐sprayed and infected plants was strikingly similar but sometimes more remarkable than that in ASM‐sprayed and infected plants. Higher production of phenolics and lignin along with stronger up‐regulation of PAL1.3 (5 and 10 dai), PAL2.2 (3 dai), PAL3.1 (1, 3 and 5 dai), ICS1 (5 dai), CHIA1 (1, 5 and 10 dai), CHI1B1 (5 dai), PR‐1A (5 and 10 dai), NR1‐2 (5 and 10 dai) and INR‐2 (5 and 10 dai) for IR stimulus‐sprayed plants increased their resistance against ASR. In addition, IR stimulus‐sprayed and infected plants showed less impairment of the photosynthetic apparatus and maintained high concentrations of chlorophyll a + b and carotenoids. These findings highlight the potential of using this IR stimulus for developing a well‐tuned and effective defensive strategy in soybean plants against P. pachyrhizi infection.
Actions and mathematical modeling that will bring noise levels from a racetrack or raceway to a level the community will accept
Authors: Schnitta Bonnie , Criscitiello Margot , Harkin Sean , Murray Patrick , Champagne Collin G.
Published: May 2022

Historically, new and existing racetracks and raceways encounter conflict between owners, racecar drivers, and the surrounding community. Racecar drivers enjoy the thrill of a raceway, but neighboring residents often complain about the noise negatively impacting the quiet enjoyment of their homes. This is true even when the homes are near a major highway or road. Raceways and neighboring communities are attempting to find workable solutions without compromise to the safety and enjoyment of the raceway. The presentation discusses objective information used to assist communities or town boards, nearby neighbors, and track owners to engage in productive dialogue of the outcome of the possible solution sets. Multiple solution sets are discussed which are typically acceptable to all parties, including various barriers and other innovative noise mitigation plans. The mathematical modeling and analysis of the topography around the track is presented to show how the local terrain can be used to help to achieve the required level of track noise reduction. The information will be presented through the lenses of three case studies. Two studies demonstrate solutions for specific raceways. The other case study is used to further emphasize the importance of incorporating the local terrain into the solution set.
Sound pressure-based ratings are preferred for evaluation of insitu sound isolation
Authors: Dong Wayland , Lo Verde John , Rawlings Samantha
Published: May 2022

The International Building Code has recently been revised to explicitly specify the ratings to use for field (in situ) measurements of airborne and impact sound isolation in residential properties. We review the differences between the various ratings, which (on the surface) are defined by their normalization procedure. Two normalization options are defined in current ASTM and ISO standards: a standard reverberation time of 0.5 s, and a standard amount of absorption of 10m2. It is not always appreciated that the choice of normalization is a choice of the type of measurement being performed. Normalization to a standard reverberation time is based on sound pressure and hence is a measurement of the acoustic isolation between spaces, while normalization to a standard amount of absorption is based on apparent sound power and hence is a measurement of the performance of the separating assembly. It is sometimes assumed the sound power-based ratings are representative of the sound isolation experienced by occupants, but they often provide an inaccurate assessment of the resultant isolation. Analysis and examples are presented, and it is demonstrated that the sound pressure-based ratings are preferred.
Combining remote sensing and artificial intelligence to locate sounds
Authors: Varela Macarena , Nalla Ravali , Wirth Wulf-Dieter
Published: May 2022

Smart cities use sensors to collect and analyze data to manage their resources more efficiently and thereby enhance the quality of life for residents, especially in densely populated cities. They monitor a wide range of information, including pollution, traffic, and parking. Urban environments feature large numbers of sounds, such as noise pollution and other specific sounds, which can be harmful to citizens. Therefore, this unrestrained growing issue of urban sounds should be addressed by smart cities to improve noise mitigation. To sidestep that problem, the “Listening system Using a Crow’s nest arraY” (LUCY) is currently in development at Fraunhofer FKIE. The acoustic system aims are to automatically detect meaningful audio events contained in noisy data, such as impulsive sounds, and to accurately estimate their geographic locations. To accomplish these tasks in near real-time, LUCY has to combine advanced array processing techniques, including beamforming, with artificial intelligence methods, such as deep learning using spectro-temporal features. The proposed acoustic system is a low-cost, small and lightweight system. It consists of a peculiar volumetric array of tiny MEMS microphones, called the “Crow’s Nest Array” (CNA), which has a crucial influence on the accuracy of the sound localization estimation, and a miniature computer to process methods including sound localization calculation. Due to its small size, LUCY can easily be deployed on numerous types of platforms, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Importance of sonoluminescence and sonochemistry for understanding and optimizing ultrasound applications
Authors: Lee Judy
Published: May 2022

Ultrasound has shown to improve a spectrum of applications such as crystallization, degradation, synthesis, extraction, and cell disruption. These improvements largely stem from the cavitation induced extreme physical and/or chemical effects. Cavitation activities are often quantified using sonoluminescence intensity or sonochemical yield and are dependent on sonication conditions. For example, frequencies less than 100 kHz produces stronger physical effects and higher sonoluminescence per bubble, whereas frequencies between 200 and 800 kHz give rise to higher sonochemical yields. Similarly, solution conditions are equally important as 50% air saturation or addition of 1 mM anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) have shown to enhance sonoluminescence intensity. Often frequency and power are varied to assess its impact on a given application. However, this often do not reveal the underlying mechanisms to clearly assess whether the system could be further optimized or better designed to tailor for a particular application. This presentation aims to show the importance of complimentary evaluation of the sonoluminescence and sonochemical yield and also provide case studies on sonocrystallization, degradation of pollutants, and sono-grafting on membranes.
Experimental study of nonlinear waves in phononic materials with rough contacts
Authors: Patil Ganesh U. , Matlack Kathryn
Published: May 2022

Incorporating contacting interfaces in periodic media enables enriched wave dynamics from the combined effects of periodicity and nonlinearity. While Hertzian contacts have been extensively studied in the framework of engineered media, rough contacts have received relatively less attention. Recently, our numerical work showed that continuum phononic material with periodic rough contacts supports strongly nonlinear waves belonging to the family of solitary waves. In this talk, we experimentally study nonlinear waves in phononic material based on rough contacts, realized through an array of aluminum disks. The disks act as elastic layers and have roughness on either side, which is generated through surface treatment. First, we characterize a rough contact through optical imaging and ultrasonic measurements. We obtain the nonlinear contact stiffness–precompression relationship that informs the power exponent of the contact law. Then, we study nonlinear wave propagation through periodic rough contacts of the same roughness topography. We measure propagating waves through a laser vibrometer and investigate their frequency content, speed, and amplitude. This study develops a fundamental understanding of the role of rough contacts in the form of local nonlinearity on wave responses. Such understanding is useful in designing these phononic materials for wave propagation control.
Wave propagation in a continuum phononic material with geomaterial-inspired nonlinearity
Authors: Smith Elizabeth , Matlack Kathryn
Published: May 2022

This presentation discusses the nonlinear wave propagation in a continuum phononic material with nonlinear mechanisms inspired by geomaterials. Geomaterials can exhibit nonlinear wave responses due to mechanisms such as material nonlinearity or lack of bonding between phases of material. We study the interaction of nonlinear and phononic behavior by introducing two geomaterial-inspired nonlinear mechanisms into a phononic material. The influence of material nonlinearity and nonlinearity due to delaminations between material phases are studied in a bilayer finite element model composed of alternating layers of stiff linear elastic material and soft hyperelastic material. To model delaminations, a binary contact condition is applied at the interface between layers. Measurements of the quasi-static nonlinear mechanical response of delaminations of different lengths are used as inputs into the finite element method simulations. The influence of the delamination nonlinearity plus material nonlinearity on the phononic material is studied in a full-scale time-domainfinite element model. This model is used to further probe the interaction between phononic band gaps and nonlinear wave response, as well as the dependence of delamination size and location on the nonlinear wave response.
Acoustic exponents of emphasis in Jordanian Arabic
Authors: Jaber Aziz
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the domain of emphasis spreading in Urban Jordanian Arabic. Emphasis spreading is examined in two types of words: polysyllabic monomorphemic and polymorphemic. F1 raising, F2 lowering, and F3 raising in the vowels preceding and following the emphatic sound are used as the acoustic correlates of emphasis spreading in the participants’ speech who are 10 native speakers of Jordanian Arabic. The findings show that emphasis is a morphophonemic process in that the domain of emphasis spread in Urban Jordanian Arabic is the morpheme rather than the syllable or the word. Second, the study shows that emphasis spreading applies leftward and rightward in all environments but with some significant differences. Morpheme boundaries are found opaque to emphasis spreading.
The four-way voicing distinction in Bengali infant directed speech
Authors: Narkar Jahnavi , Sundara Megha
Published: May 2022

Although vowels in infant-directed Speech (IDS) are thought to be hyper-articulated, findings from consonants are more mixed. Stops in languages with three- and four-way voicing distinctions, in particular, havebeen found to be hypo-articulated in IDS (Narayan and Yoon, 2011—Korean; Benders et al., 2019—Nepali) compared to adult-directed speech (ADS). We investigated the production of stops and affricates in Bengali which has a four-way voicing and aspiration distinction. IDS and ADS samples of connected speech produced by 10 native speakers (5 male and 5 female) of Bangladeshi Bengali (Yu et al., 2014) were compared. Stops and affricates were analyzed for voice onset time, onset f0 and lenition of the closure. Analyses controlled for prosodic position, lexical stress, and speaker sex—variables that are known to influence hypo-articulation. To compare the overlap between categories, acoustic measures were combined to obtain Pillai scores (Hay et al., 2006). Categories with low Pillai scores have more overlap and are thus, less distinct. The implications of the results for acquisition of phonetic categories will be discussed.
Viability of the mixed layer duct with observed dynamics
Authors: Richards Edward , Colosi John A.
Published: May 2022

While the upper ocean of the north Pacific is largely mixed due to air-sea interaction, a 1000 km sea-soar transect shows the existence of stratification in the mixed layer that persists over many tens of kilometers. The effects of this stratification on mixed layer acoustic propagation depends on the sound speed differences across the different density layers, and observations show the sound speed varies rapidly both between and along the isopycnals. Acoustic models are used to separately quantify the importance of the mixed layer stratification and the density compensated sound speed variability on propagation in the mixed layer duct. The observed sound speed field is modeled as the superposition of three fields: a smooth background, the stratification field with slow isopycnal sound speed variability, and the remnant unstratified sound speed variation. The sound speed variation in the stratified mixed layer is attributed to internal waves and eddy filaments and in the unstratified field to ocean spice. Both types of observed sound speed variation significantly change, or completely block, mixed layer propagation. Examples are presented of blocking features in the tilt or spice fields separately, and where they exist only in the superposition of the two fields.
Transmission loss and end-correction modeling of extended inlet-outlet expansion chamber muffler and the concentric tube resonator
Authors: Kale Archana S. , Surve Farhat
Published: May 2022

Measuring transmission loss of a muffler in a lab-setting may not always be feasible, as it ideally requires an anechoic termination at one end. Instead, a simulation algorithm employed as an effective tool that can handle large data and produce results in a short time is offered. Lab-grade expansion chamber mufflers with cross–sectional ratios 4.78, 7.27, and 12.14 are converted to extended inlet–outlet expansion chamber mufflers and then to concentric tube resonators employing simulation that concurrently optimizes their geometry. An algorithm to obtain the exact geometry using end-correction and extending the same to concentric tube resonators by varying the porosity handle is discussed.
Design optimization of metamaterials to control waves in cylindrical rods
Authors: Ghodake Pravinkumar R.
Published: May 2022

Metamaterials can control different modes of waves by tuning their bandgap structures. Various design strategies are implemented to obtain desired responses of metamaterials by solving multiple forward problems using parametric sweeps, topology, and shape optimization problems. This study focuses on the design of cylindrical metamaterials to control wave propagation in a cylindrical rod using a shape optimization approach. Topology optimization requires relatively more computational resources and time as well as it also gives relatively complex structures in comparison with shape optimization. Optimal widths of layered elastic materials arranged periodically along an axis, on subsurface, and an outer surface of cylindrical surface are obtained by solving multiple time-dependent shape optimization problems. Optimization problems are solved using the finite element method and non-gradient optimization algorithm. Single and multi-objective functions are defined to reduce only axial and both axial as well as radial displacements integrated over the end surface, and monochromatic Gaussian input pulse is considered in this study. Every design solution obtained during each design iteration can be easily manufactured as a weak constraint is applied to the total length of the metamaterial. Prior knowledge of possible bandgaps helps to set an effective optimization problem, but it is not a necessary condition.
Development of an in-ear microphone for individualized measurement of hearing protection device output
Authors: Anderson David A. , Brown Andrew D. , Greene Nathaniel , Argo Theodore F. , Mary Bruno
Published: May 2022

Hearing protection devices (HPDs) are designed to reduce the amplitude of sound reaching the ear, but can also distort the acoustical cues necessary for sound localization. In order to quantify the acoustic impact of an HPD on the signal reaching the tympanic membrane, the signals deep in the ear canal with and without the HPD must be compared. While some commercial microphone solutions for measuring in-ear pressures with HPDs exist, they are device-specific and/or may not provide reliable isolation of the microphone transducer from the (potentially high-intensity) ambient sound field. Here, we describe a new assembly using a small MEMS microphone attached to the end of a thin flexible circuit, which can be inserted either alongside or through virtually any HPD. Following a description of the electromechanical design of the assembly, we present measurements of insertion loss for HPDs with and without the microphone using an acoustic test fixture. These measurements demonstrate that the presence of the microphone does not significantly disrupt the sound attenuation characteristics of a range of HPDs. Preliminary measurements of insertion loss and head-related transfer functions in human subjects are also presented.
Realizations of Malagasy vowel devoicing
Authors: Aziz Jake
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the acoustic realizations of so-called “devoiced” vowels in Merina Malagasy. Malagasy has five monophthongs (/aeiou/; Howe, 2019) of which /a/, /i/, and /u/ have been said to be devoiced. This paper represents the first thorough description of the acoustics of these vowels. In a production experiment, speakers pronounced 115 tokens involving /a/, /i/, and /u/ in prosodic environments described as causing devoicing. Preliminary results indicate that so-called devoiced vowels may be realized as one of at least three variants: devoiced, co-articulated, or deleted. When devoiced, which typically occurs following a voiceless obstruent, the vowel is realized as a lengthening of the aperiodic noise associated with the preceding obstruent. When co-articulated, which is common following some sonorants, the vowel is realized as a gesture on the preceding sonorant without taking up its own time slot; for example, /u/ is realized as a lowered F2 on the preceding sonorant, indicating rounding. Finally, a vowel may be fully deleted, in which case the vowel has no acoustic representation, neither as a gestural overlap with, nor lengthening of the preceding consonant.