bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the accuracy of acoustic arrival-time predictions using high-resolution ocean circulation models
Authors: Touret Richard X. , McKinley Matthew , Bracco Annalisa , Sabra Karim G.
Published: January 2025

Accurately modeling acoustic propagation in dynamic ocean environments exhibiting sub-mesoscale variability is challenging. Such environments require high-resolution ocean circulation model to accurately predict local sound speed variability at sub-mesoscales. This study focuses on high-resolution rendition of the De Soto canyon area, located in the Gulf of Mexico. Predicted sound speed profiles were found at times to exhibit very strong vertical gradients (e.g. with sharp “elbows”) reflecting the small-scale vertical variations of ocean layer properties. If used as raw inputs for ray-tracingsimulations, such sound speed profiles were found to generate inconsistent estimation of eigenray paths and spurious paths appearing intermittently caused by the inherent limitations of the ray-tracing methods. Nevertheless, we show that such artefacts can be mitigated by appropriately smoothing the input sound speed profile spatial variability especially if only low to mid-frequency (<1 kHz) propagation is predicted. To do so, the accuracy of arrival-times predictions using ray-tracing predictions with spatially smoothed sound speed profiles as a function of center frequency (<1 kHz) will be quantified against parabolic equations simulations used here as reference solution. We hypothesize that this smoothing approach for the input sound speed variations will enable to retain the numerical advantage of ray-tracing predictions while maintaining sufficient accuracy.
Passive acoustic monitoring of a major seismic event at the Main Endeavour Hydrothermal Vent Field
Authors: Smith Brendan , Barclay David R.
Published: January 2025

A major seismic event occurred in the region of the Main Endeavour Hydrothermal Vent Field (MEF) on March 5–6, 2024. During this 48-h period, a 4.1 magnitude event and up to 200 earthquakes per hour were recorded by Ocean Networks Canada’s (ONC) cabled North-East Pacific Time-series Undersea Networked Experiments (NEPTUNE) observatory. Low frequency waterborne acoustic signals associated with the earthquakes were detected by a four-element “box-type” hydrophone array located near multiple black smoker hydrothermal vents, with two of these elements being active during the event. Broadband signals up to 10 kHz were also measured by the hydrophones. Power spectral densities before, during, and after the seismic event show increases up to 50 dB relative to ambient levels below 100 Hz and increases up to 20 dB between 100 Hz and 10 kHz during the event. Power spectral densities between 100 Hz and 10 kHz remain elevated by approximately 5 dB more than one week following the seismic event. Power spectral density and complex coherence measurements, as well as cross-correlation with other sensors at MEF, suggest that these broadband signals may be associated with changes to the hydrothermal vent field resulting from the increased seismicity in this region.
Quantifying three-dimensional effects on sound propagation near the New England Sea Mount Chain using ray-tracing
Authors: McKinley Matthew , Rider Davis , Sun Daoxun , Bracco Annalisa , Grare Laurent , Harris Evan , Lenain Luc , Sabra Karim G.
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of three-dimensional (3-D) bathymetry and sound speed variability on sound propagation, utilizing 3-D ray tracing compared to simple two-dimensional ray tracing (Nx2-D) within the New England seamount chain, focusing on the Atlantis II seamount area. The research has three main objectives. First, it examines the differences between 3-D and 2-D acoustic propagation modeling of bathymetric reflections. Second, it evaluates the impact of physical oceanographic effects on 3-D versus 2-D acoustic modeling, employing a high-resolution regional ocean circulation model with a horizontal resolution of 1 km and 100 terrain-following vertical layers. Third, it compares the modeled acoustic propagation to experimental data collected by a surface autonomous vehicle (wave glider) fully instruments for measuring local physical ocean variables (e.g., CTD data) and equipped with a compact tetrahedron hydrophone array (capable of profiling the water column from ∼10 to ∼150m) which recorded low and mid-frequency transmissions from moored acoustic sources deployed near Atlantis II seamount. The need for full 3-D ray-tracing modeling (instead of using simpler Nx2-D simulations) for accurately predicting shadow zones and understanding regional acoustic propagation paths in areas with rapid and diverse bathymetric changes, such as isolated seamounts, will be quantified.
Concurrent physical and acoustical observations of the upper-ocean near Atlantis II seamount using Wave Gliders
Authors: Rider Davis , Colosi Luke , Grare Laurent , Harris Evan , Sabra Karim G. , Lenain Luc
Published: January 2025

The rapid evolution of the physical properties of the upper ocean expected in regions with strong submesoscale features can lead to complex acoustic propagation effects. In spring 2023, an autonomous surface vehicle (LRI Wave Glider) was outfitted with a suite of oceanography and acoustic equipment and deployed in the Gulf Stream in a region located over the New England Seamounts, allowing an opportunity to study how the physical variability can affect the speed of sound and ambient soundscape. In August 2024, three more Wave Gliders were deployed in the same area. The vehicles, using GPS and time-synchronized equipment, were able to collect ambient acoustic data on a four-element hydrophone array, as well as local physical properties (e.g. CTD data, wind speed, and ADCP current data) that could affect the acoustic recordings during long term missions above and around the Atlantis II seamount. Two low frequency sources of opportunity were also able to be recorded over long distances, with noise level varying with vehicle position, allowing an understanding of acoustic propagation paths in this area. These long-term measurements demonstrate the unique capability of an autonomous surface vehicle for making wide-range acoustic surveys.
Histotripsy dose selection influences immune response and tumor-free survival in an orthotopic liver tumor model
Authors: Worlikar Tejaswi , Kim Hanna , Hall Timothy L. , Cho Clifford S. , Mendiratta-Lala Mishal , Xu Zhen , Zhang Man
Published: January 2025

Histotripsy has recently gained FDA approval for the treatment of liver cancer. However, there is limited clinical understanding of how different histotripsy doses can generate varying levels of anti-tumor response, thereby impacting patient survival. This work evaluates the impact of histotripsy dosing on immune response and tumor-free survival outcomes in an orthotopic rodent liver model. Orthotopic McA-RH7777 liver tumors generated in immunocompetent Sprague Dawley rats were ablated using different histotripsy doses: dose 1 (50Hz PRF, 50 pulses per location[pp]), dose 2 (100Hz PRF, 100 ppl), and dose 3 (200Hz PRF, 200 ppl). Control animals received no treatment. In the survival cohort, animals were survived until 12 weeks or when tumors reached 2.5 cm. In the immune cohort, immunohistochemistry staining was performed on day 7 post-histotripsy. Complete homogenization of the targeted region was observed on acute histology. Doses 1 and 2 had more favorable survival outcomes and immune response compared to dose 3. There was significant difference in survival outcomes of histotripsy-treated animals at different doses vs. untreated controls (log-rank test, p<0.001). These trends suggest that higher doses may not translate to improved therapeutic outcomes after complete homogenization of the target region is achieved. These results demonstrate the importance of selecting optimal histotripsy doses for improving treatment outcomes and will have an immediate clinical impact.
Demonstrating wave and vibrational behavior in spatiotemporally modulated systems
Authors: Cecil Kayla , Goldsberry Benjamin M. , Haberman Michael R.
Published: January 2025

Elastic materials with time and space varying properties are interesting candidates to control bulk and guided waves in unprecedented ways which include nonreciprocal transmission, unidirectional mode conversion, mode coupling, and frequency conversion. Previous work on elastic waves in spatiotemporally modulated (STM) media have focused on nonreciprocal vibrations of finite domains with modulated stiffness. Less attention has been given to the modulation of impedance boundary conditions of finite structures or at interfaces between domains. This work investigates elastic wave behavior at boundaries with modulated impedances. The boundary impedance is represented using a lumped parameter mass spring damper system with a spring having a temporally modulated stiffness. The effective input impedance is modeled using direct numerical simulation and a semi-analytical Fourier series expansion model. The models are compared to experiments on a base-excited cantilevered Euler-Bernoulli beam with modulated effective stiffness via piezoelectric patches with temporally varying electric shunting circuits. [Work supported by the ARL:UT Chester M. McKinney Graduate Fellowship in Acoustics and by the Office of Naval Research under Award N00014-23-1-2660.]
Sound art, no input mixing, and the spencer-brown modulator
Authors: Sahoo Divyamaan
Published: January 2025

This presentation pays homage to sound artists in their quest to make the inaudible audible using piezoceramic discs, inductive coil pickups, microphones, speakers, and wires, to name a few. The burgeoning practice of contemporary sound art identifies itself in feedback – the sound that creates itself. Such an approach is exemplified through practices like no input mixing, where signals from a mixer are fed back into the mixer itself, generating complex musical textures. This presentation contextualizes such sound art practices by introducing the theory of “modulators” or “reductors,” re-enteringNOR circuits, which manipulate oscillating inputs to create distinctive and predictable rhythmic patterns and frequencies. By tracing the origins of the square wave to the humble inverter and referencing a variety of handmade electronic music practices, this presentation challenges traditional definitions of musical acoustics and sound art, reevaluating what constitutes musical expression.
From playing in a high school band room to designing them
Authors: Clements Jessica S.
Published: January 2025

Jessica Clements discovered the field of acoustics as a high school senior when a square concrete box was constructed for their new band room. Watching the acousticians moving panels around the room to get the sound the band director wanted illustrated what she’d been looking for in a career – one that captured both music and math. She started her consulting career at Merck & Hill Consultants, with the very acousticians who fixed that HS band room. Over 10 years at Merck & Hill, she performed numerous field measurements and noise control investigations as well as architectural acoustics designs. In 2013, she moved to Newcomb & Boyd, LLP where she spent most of her initial time on mechanical system noise and vibration control design, eventually moving into larger noise control projects related to transportation noise, vibration control, and building acoustic occupant comfort in addition to architectural acoustic design, project management, and business development. She is currently a Principal and the Acoustics Discipline Lead for The Smith Group. This presentation will briefly discuss the trajectory of her career and a few of the key lessons she’s learned.
Experiences and mindsets along the pathway of a early-career faculty in United States
Authors: Liu Yangfan
Published: January 2025

Yangfan Liu received his Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree in China in 2009 and joined Purdue University in United States for Master and PhD degrees in Acoustics and Noise Control right after that. His PhD degree was earned in 2016, he continued to work as a post-doc researcher for two years at the same lab, Ray W. Herrick Lab, at Purdue. Dr. Liu was hired as an Assistant Professor by Purdue School of Mechanical Engineering in 2018 after his Post-doc. His research was focused on sound field reconstruction and room acoustics simulation during his graduate school study, he then established many other research areas later on, such as active noise control, multi-physics simulation, sound perception, vibroacoustic signal based fault diagnosis, etc. Dr. Liu is also very active in academic organizations, such as the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) and the Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE) USA, with multiple serving and leading roles. In this presentation, Dr. Liu will share his experiences in his career pathway, lessons he learned as well as opinions on the key skills and mindsets for an academic career preparation and development based on his personal experiences.
Making rocks sing: A career path
Authors: Way Evelyn
Published: January 2025

From voice student to acoustics consultant to running an acoustics lab, it's been an eventful career. The internal and external forces that drive a career will be discussed, as well as the joys and challenges of different paths.
Planes, rockets, trains, and buildings—A career that included them all, and more
Authors: Phillips James E.
Published: January 2025

James Phillips started his career conducting aircraft cabin acoustics measurements in the laboratory and in-flight at McDonnell Douglas while completing his Master of Science in Acoustics degree from the Pennsylvania State University in 1989. From there, he worked briefly at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory before moving on to the Aerospace Corporation where he analyzed launch vehicle and payload acoustic, vibration, and shock environments for the then United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. After that, he changed his career path to work for an acoustical consulting firm where he spent much of his time analyzing sound and ground-borne vibration from rail transit vehicles, as well as many other noise and vibration related issues in other fields. He currently works in the Intertek Building Science Solutions - Noise, Acoustics, and Vibration group measuring and analyzing noise and vibration within buildings and propagated to communities. This presentation will briefly discuss how Mr. Phillips used the knowledge gained from each step in his career to move on to the next.
Pressure wave propagation in high viscous magma containing crystals and bubbles
Authors: Kurata Daichi , Ayukai Takahiro , Kanagawa Tetsuya
Published: January 2025

The presence of bubbles and crystals in highly viscous liquid (e.g., glass, magma) has been important for the purpose of both basic and practical viewpoints. In this presentation, especially, we focus on a magma, and investigate theoretically P-wave (i.e., pressure wave) propagation in the magma containing many bubbles. Based on an averaged theory of dispersed multiphase flow, we can regard the mixture of crystals (i.e., solid phase) and melt (i.e., liquid phase) as a single liquid phase, i.e., single non-Newtonian liquid, which is approximated to a Newtonian liquid by using the concept of an effective viscosity composed of various parameters (especially crystals). The system of basic equations for multiphase flow containing the effective viscosity, can be reduced to the KdV-Burgers equation as a nonlinear evolution equation via theoretical approximation based on singular perturbation method. As a result, the effect of fraction of crystals and bubbles on the acoustic characteristics (e.g., waveform evolution, nonlinearity, attenuation) is discussed.
Fluid flow measurements in nanoslits using holographic microscopy
Authors: Yu Siyang , Friend James
Published: January 2025

To understand the mechanisms driving fluid flow behavior in nanofluidics so that they may be used for on-chip biomedical and chemical applications, the fluid's motion itself needs to be observable and measurable, a difficult challenge at these small scales. We present a new method for measuring both slow and fast flows in nanofluidics using high-speed digital holographic microscopy. We measure the evaporation-driven flow in 25- and 7-nm tall nanoslit channels, showing that the consequent flow speed is about 15 times slower than open atmospheric evaporation due to the confinement of the nanoslit channel. We also measured the surface acoustic wave-driven flow in the 25-nm channel, showing flow at a speed of 0.12∼m/s from acoustic wave propagation at 39.7 MHz interacting with the fluid in the channel. A process to eliminate the many sources of noise to produce these results are provided, showing that—in particular—spatial averaging is useful to determine the fluid flow and the dewetting of the fluid in the nanoslit channel over time.
Realising acoustic projectors using systems of metamaterial lenses
Authors: Rajguru Chinmay , Memoli Gianluca
Published: January 2025

In this work, we demonstrate how the use of acoustic metamaterials allows using concepts from optics even when ray optics is not applicable. In particular, we use two compact metasurfaces, designed to be acoustic lenses, to realise a Keplerian acoustic telescope. We use the telescope in front of a loudspeaker to realise a sound projector, capable of delivering sound in specific positions within a diameter of 4m from the source. We first evaluate the accuracy and the limitations of our device by running classical microphone measurements, highlighting the shape of the delivered field and the contrast of the “image” with the surroundings. We then run two indoor localization experiments involving human participants, using either tonal signals or classical music. In the first experiment, we set the device to deliver sound in a room and asked participants to find it, while they were conducting a soundwalk across the space. In the second experiment, the participants were sitting in a fixed position and we moved the sound around them, once again asking them to locate where they thought it was coming from. Our results show the similarities of concepts like “aberrations” and “focusing” with optics, when metamaterials are used even when a single loudspeaker, opening possibilities for localised acoustics special effects.
Influence of recording technique and ensemble size on apparent source width
Authors: Guo Renzhi , Braasch Jonas
Published: January 2025

The impression of listeners to aurally “see” the size of a performing entity is crucial to the success of both a concert hall and a reproduced sound field. Previous studies have looked at how different concert halls with different lateral reflections affect apparent source width. Yet, the perceptual effects of different source distributions with different capturing techniques on apparent source width are not well understood. This study explores how listeners perceive the width of a symphony orchestra by using four stereo and one binaural recording techniques and three wave field synthesis ensemble settings. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, performed by wave field synthesis in three ensemble settings, was recorded using these five recording techniques and at two distances in EMPAC concert hall. Subjective experiments were conducted using stereo loudspeakers and headphone to play back the recording clips asking the listeners to rate the perceived wideness of the sound source. Results show that recording techniques greatly influence how wide an orchestra is perceived. The primary mechanism used in judging auditory spatial impression differs between stereo loudspeaker and headphone listening. When well-written symphonic music is recorded and reproduced by two-channel stereophony, the changes in instrument positions in terms of increasing or reducing the physical source width do not lead to an obvious increase or reduction on the spatial impression of the performing entity.
Cross-linguistic voice variations in Korean-English bilinguals
Authors: Lee Haneul , Kwon Harim
Published: January 2025

Languages often exhibit distinct pitch ranges and voice qualities. To investigate how bilingual speakers modulate their voice quality and pitch in their two languages, this study examines voice variation in Korean-English bilingual speakers. We recorded 30 Korean-English bilinguals (F = 15, all more dominant in Korean) reading “The North Wind and the Sun” in their two languages, and measured F0, SHR, and two spectral tilt measures (H1*-H2*, H1*-A1*) at 5 ms intervals in all sonorant sounds. The results showed that the bilingual speakers’ two languages were indeed different as reflected in the four measures, with the differences mediated by their English proficiency and gender. Overall, mean F0 and F0 variation were greater in Korean than in English. Interestingly, higher English proficiency correlated with greater F0 variation in English, making it more similar to Korean. Bilingual speakers produced English with stronger subharmonics, suggesting a creakier phonation, than Korean, indicated by higher SHR values. Finally, spectral slope measures showed gender-specific patterns: males exhibited greater values (suggesting breathiness) in Korean while females showed the opposite. These findings suggest that bilingual speakers have distinct voice in their two languages, but their vocal adjustments are influenced by language proficiency and gender of the speakers.
Location and size of constriction in labiovelar and velar sounds in English
Authors: Wong Victor , Choi Dayeon , Loganathan Ragul , Islam Jahurul , Gick Bryan
Published: January 2025

Not all velar sounds are produced using a velar constriction. Previous research [Islam et al., 2024, JASA 155] reveals both velar and palato-velar constriction locations in Parisian French velars. The current study investigates whether this variation is language-specific by comparing the size and location of constriction of velar sounds in English using an rtMRI speech corpus [Lim et al., 2021, Scientific Data 8]. Using Whispgrid [Martin, 2024, Github] and Montreal Forced Aligner [McAuliffe et al., 2017, Interspeech], Praat [Boersma & Weenink, 2024] textgrids were auto-generated and manually corrected in sentence and phone tiers to extract MRi freeze-frames from 10 participants split evenly between (5) L1 and (5) L2 English speakers. A Python script measuring Euclidean Distance located the size and constriction of English velar and labiovelar sounds between the palate and tongue. Results from MRI freeze-frames suggest that in English L1 and L2 speech, velar stops maintain a velar constriction and are not fronted across vocalic contexts found in French velar stops. Variation for velars indicates language-specific trends in constriction location.
Towards large-scale cross-speaker articulatory modeling of vowels
Authors: Foley Sean , Narayanan Shrikanth
Published: January 2025

While previous studies have attempted to decompose vowel articulatory data into a set of basis factors, these studies have often been limited in both scale and the data being sparsely sampled, limiting interpretability and generalizability of the results (Nix et al. 1996 and Serrurier et al. 2019). In this study, the data were analyzed from 36 (23F, 13M) American English speakers producing 13 vowels in bVt sequences obtained using real-time MRI. Midsagittal tongue contours were obtained during vowel productions for all speakers using a semi-automated segmentation algorithm (Jain et al. 2024). Frames corresponding to the vowel articulation were segmented using MFA and simultaneously recorded audio. A combination of Procrustes analysis for cross-speaker normalization and guided PCA were employed to decompose the pooled articulatory space into a set of vowel “primitives.” 71% of the variation within the articulatory space is captured in the first three principle components, with the first component representing variation in tongue body advancement/retraction, the second component fronting/backing, and the third lesser degrees of fronting/backing. This pattern is consistent when the data is split into male/female groups. Vowel-wise PCA loadings for the first two components mostly show expected degrees of separation between the dimensions of advancement/retraction and backness, though some distinctions appear to be diluted, likely attributable to the normalization procedure. [Work supported by the NIH.]
Effects of visual perception of gravity on tongue posture
Authors: Chernets Masha , Hong Amy , Wong Victor , Ferguson Anna S. , Islam Jahurul , Liu Yadong , Gick Bryan
Published: January 2025

Visual perception of gravity change may impact tongue posture during speech production. Previous studies [Chander et al., 2019, Behav. Sci., 9(11)] report anticipatory visual disturbances induce compensatory postural behavior in the human body and [Philips et al., 2022, Theor. Iss. Ergon. Sci., 23(1)] showed the magnitude of postural response is dependent on velocity and direction of movement. Prior research [Assländer et al., 2023, Sci. Rep., 13(1), 2594] investigated the visual component impact on body posture balance in virtual-reality. Building on [Shamei et al., 2023, Sci. Rep. 13(1), 8231] investigation of postural adaptation in microgravity, the current study investigates postural behavior during spoken production of elongated vowels through a gravitational virtual-reality environment. Ultrasound imaging measured the impact of tongue posture for vowel production in an immersive virtual-reality rollercoaster through gravitationally stable, rising, and falling conditions. Acoustic analyses compared the production of elongated vowels [i, e, o, u, ɑ] across conditions. The falling condition is predicted to have the highest F1 followed by the leveled, and raising conditions. F1 will be reported by comparing the tongue height across conditions. Implications for postural adaptation in virtual-reality conditions will be discussed.
How well do acoustic parameters correlate our perception of voice quality?
Authors: Au Yat Chun , Ng Manwa L.
Published: January 2025

Auditory perceptual judgments are essential for assessing voice disorders and monitoring treatment progress. This study aimed to examine the acoustic foundations of perceived abnormalities in individuals with and without voice disorders, focusing on the correlation between the Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain (GRBAS) scale and various acoustic parameters. A total of 1217 voice recordings were obtained from the Perceptual Voice Qualities Database (PVQD) and the Saarbruecken Voice Database (SVD). Each recording was perceptually evaluated by five experienced speech therapists based on the GRBAS scale. Only ratings of more than 80% inter-rater agreement was used for further analysis. Acoustic analyses were obtained using Parselmouth, a Python library for the Praat software. Statistical analysis using Spearman’s rank correlation revealed strong correlations between spectral and cepstral results and GRBAS scale. Specifically, the Grade and Breathiness components showed significant negative correlations with the CPPS parameters, with and without voice detection. There was a strong inverse relationship between Harmonics-to-Noise Ratio (HNR) and the Grade and Roughness. Jitter and shimmer demonstrated robust positive correlations with Grade, Breathiness, and Roughness. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationships between acoustic parameters and perceptual GRBAS scale, informing future research and clinical practice in voice and speech pathology.
Acoustic variation in Buenos Aires /sC/ production: linguistic and social factors
Authors: Galvano Amber
Published: January 2025

/s/ debuccalization, or “pre-aspiration,” is well-known in Buenos Aires (Porteño) Spanish. Recent research on Porteño /st/ suggests its most common variant for some young speakers contains both pre- and post-aspiration. Using sociolinguistic interview data from 20 speakers, I explore (i) the prevalence of lengthy VOT in /sC/; (ii) whether variants differ in HNR, intensity, or spectral moments; (iii) whether, accounting for coarticulation, frication in /st/ is different from /sp sk/; and (iv) the role of social factors. A clearer picture of Porteño /sC/ will inform our understanding of why developments in one variety (i.e., Andalusian) may or may not follow suit in another (i.e., Porteño). Intervocalic /sC/, either word-medial or cross-word, were analyzed (n = 4084). With 29ms as lengthy VOT, tokens were codedas: /s/-retention (n = 355); retention with lengthy VOT (n = 59); pre-aspiration (n = 2941); pre-aspiration with lengthy VOT (n = 672); or post-aspiration (n = 33). Note that pre-aspiration is dominant. Preliminary LMER modeling suggests fricative duration plus the interaction of fricative location (pre- versus post-closure) and place of articulation, as linguistic factors, and age, gender, sexuality, race/ethnicity, place of origin, and socioeconomic background, as social factors, are significant predictors of the acoustic variation.
Distinctions in negative voice onset time: Evidence from the labial velar stops of Gã (Niger Congo)
Authors: Quaye Danielle A.
Published: January 2025

This study examines Voice Onset Time (VOT) in Gã, a Niger-Congo language, focusing on labial-velar stops (/kp/ and /gb/). Traditional approaches to VOT categorize stops into negative (voiced), short positive (voiceless unaspirated), and long positive (voiceless aspirated) areas. While the majority of literature states there are no distinctions in negative VOT, this research challenges that by finding distinct negative VOT subcategories in Gã. Using results from a field work study with 5 speakers, 159 tokens of /kp/ and /gb/ were manually measured. Both stops exhibit negative VOT, though in different ranges: /gb/ ranged from −5 to −348 ms (avg. −115 ms), while /kp/ ranged from −5 to −26 ms (avg. −14 ms). The implications are significant: this study disrupts traditional VOT norms by demonstrating distinct negative VOT categories, which is not discussed in phonetics. These findings suggest a need to reevaluate VOT categorizations, especially in relation to complex stop consonants like /kp/ and /gb/. Furthermore, this research underscores the importance of studying underrepresented languages like Gã to enrich our understanding of linguistic diversity and phonetic frameworks. Future research should explore how speakers perceive such sounds.
Phase-locking of oscillatory acoustic signals reflects syllable progression and variation
Authors: Hsu Haley , Byrd Dani , Iskarous Khalil , Goldstein Louis
Published: January 2025

While a common linguistic view of the cognitive representation of speech is that it is composed of sequenced syllable units, how exactly syllables as abstract cognitive compositional structure relate to quantifiable patterns in the observable signals of articulation and acoustics remains opaque. Previous work has suggested that oscillatory acoustic properties can serve to link linguistic representations and physical events (Tilsen & Arvaniti 2013). We further probe this relationship by testing the temporal coordination between oscillatory signal measures—changes in spectral energy and in amplitude—and syllable boundary locations through the use of phase-locking analyses (Lancia et al. 2023). Results in both English and Tashlhiyt for vocalic and consonantal syllabic nuclei show significant phase-locking values (PLVs) and demonstrate that these signal measures track syllable progression across typologically different languages. Furthermore, the cross-language preferences in syllable nucleus types are reflected in their respective PLVs. Specifically, vocalic nuclei exhibit the highest PLVs, followed by wide aperture consonantal nuclei (sonorants), and lastly by consonantal nuclei with narrow-to-closed constrictions (obstruents). Overall, the findings demonstrate a tight coordination between abstract syllable units and quantifiable signal properties and additionally provide novel dynamical grounding for cross-linguistic nucleus preferences.
Neural oscillation to Mandarin lexical tone processing in bilingual children: A developmental study
Authors: Baron Rigel , Reyes Kristal , Chai Faith , Cheng Angela , Yu Yan H.
Published: January 2025

Tonal language experience is associated with structural and functional characteristics in the brain that underlie facilitated pitch perception. However, it is less understood what the developmental trajectory is for lexical tone processing at the cortical level, especially in bilingual children. In the present research, we investigated these developmental changes in terms of neuronal oscillations in response to Mandarin lexical tone contrasts. We measured lexical tone processing in bilingual English-Mandarin learning children and bilingual English-Mandarin young adults. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded in an oddball paradigm with two tonal contrasts: one with a small acoustical difference, and one with a larger acoustical difference. We then analyzed the phase locking and amplitude modulation of ongoing oscillations in theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–14 Hz), and beta (14–30 Hz) bands to two types of lexical tone changes. Preliminary results suggest developmental changes were associated with strengthened phase locking of neural oscillations to both small and large acoustical contrasts, while stronger phase locking and higher power was observed in the larger acoustical contrast. Beyond this, the theta, alpha, and beta bands demonstrated different sensitivities to developmental changes. Such findings further our understanding of bilingual lexical tone development at the cortical level.
Assessing children's classroom comprehension: Development of a closed-set listening comprehension test
Authors: Redden Ella , Angel Maria , Flaherty Mary M.
Published: January 2025

The effects of noise on children’s word and sentence recognition have been extensively studied. However, the impact of noise on higher-level communication skills, such as listening comprehension, has received less attention. Currently, there are no widely available tests to assess children’s listening comprehension in noise. Existing tests are often time-intensive and limited in trial number, restricting their utility for assessing comprehension across different conditions. This study aims to develop a test to measure children's sentence comprehension in noise. A closed-set format was chosen to ensure ease of testing and facilitate group assessment in real classrooms. The test comprises 50 sentences, each containing 10 words describing an object. For this study, target sentences were presented in both quiet and various noise conditions, using a four-alternative forced-choice picture-pointing procedure. Children (5-17 years) participated in test-retest rounds to establish reliability and feasibility. Working memory, receptive vocabulary, and language ability were also measured. Sensitivity analysis was employed to evaluate the test's ability to detect differences in comprehension across noise conditions. Item analysis was conducted to refine test items for clarity and difficulty. Preliminary results are promising and suggest the test could be a valuable tool for assessing listening skills in noisy classrooms.
The AnySpeech Project —Open-vocabulary keyword spotting and phonetic transcription in any language
Authors: Samir Farhan , Zhu Jian
Published: January 2025

Performing multilingual phonetic analysis is challenging, not least due to the lack of performant tools for performing basic analyses on (non-English) speech data. Without the capacity to perform basic operations such as transcription or search through speech data for understudied languages, critical questions in cross-linguistic phonetic analysis remain elusive [Blasi etal. Trends in Cog. Sci. 26(12), 1153–1170 (2022)]. To this end, we will demonstrate our recent advances towards multilingual representation learning and automatic phonetic transcription, as part of our AnySpeech initiative. Specifically, we will demonstrate two tools. First, the CLAP-IPA model—a phoneme-to-speech model, capable of performing open-vocabulary keyword spotting in any language without any parameter updates, including languages that were not in the training dataset [Zhu et al., NAACL, 750-772 (2024)]. Second, the IPAPack transcription model, a lightweight transcription model, capable of annotating 473 different phones, including those that were lacking in prior models (e.g., click consonants in Bantu languages). We will demonstrate that our models can be easily downloaded and set up on consumer-grade laptops with little effort. We anticipate that our tools will enable researchers to analyze speech recording repositories at scale, unlocking answers to critical questions in cross-linguistic phonetic analysis.
Extracting low-dimensional signals from X-ray microbeam and magnetic resonance imaging articulatory data
Authors: Campbell Jessica , Hsu Haley , Goldstein Louis
Published: January 2025

Low-dimensional signals derived from speech allow for more efficient computational analysis than do raw speech signals and have been argued to be involved in neural synchronization to speech (e.g., Assaneo & Poeppel 2018, Giraud et al. 2007). While there are multiple such signals derived from the acoustic domain, little research focuses on low-dimensional signals derived from articulation, which provide a global characterization of movement of the vocal tract (c.f. Orlando & Palo 2023 and Poeppel & Assaneo 2020). We discuss one such signal, the articulatory modulation function (Goldstein 2019 and Campbell et al. 2023). In-progress research has found reduced stability of articulatory modulation in speakers with ALS; thus, the signal may serve as an index of inter-articulator coordination. In this tutorial, we describe uses for and methods of extracting low-dimensional signals from X-Ray Microbeam (XRMB) data (Westbury et al. 1994) and real-time MRI data. While a standard method using XRMB data has been established, no such standard exists for MRI data. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of two MRI approaches: (1) pre-segmented contours and (2) principal component analysis. [Work supported by NIH and NSF.]
Leveraging passive acoustic identification AID tag for autonomous underwater vehicle docking
Authors: Somaan Nizar , Bhardwaj Ananya , Sabra Karim G.
Published: January 2025

Accurate positioning is essential for the navigation of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), especially during docking and homing. This presentation explores the feasibility of using passive Acoustic Identification (AID) tags for precise AUV localization at a docking station. As a proof of concept, scaled experiments used AID tags made of four concentric hemispherical acrylic layers, each creating a unique backscattered acoustic signature when ensonified by a broadband ultrasonic transducer in GaTech water tank. The tags in these tests have a 9-in. outer diameter and were tested at a frequency range of 700 kHz to 1.3 MHz over a distance of up to 6 m. To enhance detection in cluttered environments, a parameterized signal processing method was employed. Additionally, we will present analysis of long-range experiments to assess the tags' detectability at greater distances using larger AID tags with outer diameter of up to 24-in. outer diameter. These tests will operate at a frequency range of 100 to 600 kHz, aiming to reach distances of tens of meters. Implications for the performance of AID tags operating under real-life conditions will be discussed.
Effect of spatial distribution of shallow water explosive sources over a muddy seabed on vector acoustic measures
Authors: Drinnan Robert W. , Dahl Peter H. , Dall'Osto David
Published: January 2025

Vector acoustic observations of underwater sound provide several properties of the sound field not accessible in pressure data. The sensor known as Intensity Vector Autonomous Recorder (IVAR) coherently measures pressure and 3-axis acceleration, enabling estimates of both kinetic and potential energy, and other vector acoustic measures involving the coherent combination of acoustic pressure and velocity. IVAR measurements of signals originating from broadband explosive sources (SUS charges) made during the Seabed Characterization Experiment (SBCEX) are analyzed. The SUS deployments made on and around the perimeter of the New England Mud patch (NEMP), a thick depression of mud sediments on the continental shelf roughly 95 km south of Cape Cod, reveal a spatial variation of the energetic and vector acoustic properties. Changes in bathymetry, mud thickness, and sediment layer composition along the source-receiver track are modeled and compared to measured data. The advantage of using these vector properties for geoacoustic inference is discussed.
Vertical unit ventilator headaches
Authors: Keefe Joseph
Published: January 2025

Electrification retrofit efforts are underway in New York City public schools. In order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, these projects involve the removal of natural-gas-fired HVAC equipment and the installation of electric heat pumps serving classrooms and other school spaces. Although ducted air distribution is often a preferred HVAC system design for new construction, particularly for acoustics, such configurations are generally not feasible for existing buildings. Accordingly, in-room HVAC devices are common for electrification projects, which introduces noise challenges. This presentation focuses on the discoveries and challenges associated with the design of a few projects using vertical unit ventilators in school classrooms.
Distributed acoustic sensing for underwater passive acoustic monitoring of biophonic, geophonic, and anthropogenic sources—Universityof Washington Lab tour
Authors: Goestchel Quentin , B. Horeh Erfan , Williams Ethan F. , Ragland John , Bouffaut Léa , Abadi Shima , Dall'Osto David , Denolle Marine , Douglass Alexander S. , Lipovsky Brad P. , Schoedl Katelyn , Wilcock William S.
Published: January 2025

Anthropogenic noise in the ocean is one of the many stressors affecting marine biodiversity. Knowing animals and ships locations is key to conservation efforts. Geophony is also of research interest, as T-phases analysis can help to characterize ocean seismicity and measure ocean temperature. However, offshore passive acoustic monitoring remains challenging and expensive, necessitating continuous advancements in technology. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) is one possible complement that leverages existing infrastructure to provide continuous acoustic data from the seafloor in near-real-time, at an onshore facility. DAS uses fiber-optic cables as sensors, offering capabilities comparable to an array of thousands of directional hydrophones, whose sampling frequencies depend on the longest probing distance. Various datasets are presented here, including those from the fiber connection between Seattle and Bothell, the Ocean Observatories Initiative’s Regional Cable Array off the coast of Oregon, and the MARS cable in Monterey Bay. In this virtual lab tour, we provide an insight into the workflow, from data collection to processing and data analysis. The results of this research at the University of Washington have led to new observational efforts on land, ice, and underwater, spanning fields as diverse as oceanography, seismology, engineering, and marine ecology. [Work partially supported by ONR]
Debate: Nanobubbles–Can they do anything?
Authors: Stride Eleanor P.
Published: January 2025

The seemingly paradoxical echogenicity of sub-micrometre or “nano” bubbles has become a topic of considerable debate over the past 5 years. The aim of this session is to discuss the existing evidence for the existence of nanobubbles, the mechanisms by which they are stabilized, the techniques and methodologies used to characterise them, and their potential in different diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The session will take the form of an open debate with short presentations being sought from researchers working on nanobubbles to address each question and then a discussion in which the whole audience will be invited to participate.
Interactive demo of Openwind, an online tool for simulating the acoustic response of wind instruments
Authors: Ernoult Augustin , Chabassier Juliette
Published: January 2025

Openwind is a Python library (free and open source) dedicated to the simulation of wind instruments. It allows the calculation of the acoustic response in the frequency domain (impedance or admittance) or in the time domain (impulse response), from the geometry of the instrument (main bore, side holes, and valves). The wave propagation model can take into account thermo-viscous effects, non-uniform temperature, multiple radiation conditions through boundary conditions, etc. It is also possible to simulate the sound of brass, reed, and flute instruments. Discretization is done in space with 1D spectral finite elements and in time with energy consistent finite differences. The sensitivity of the instrument to design parameters can be calculated and visualized. A graphical interface, freely available online (https://demo-openwind.inria.fr), gives the possibility to perform frequency domain simulations without coding. It is mainly used by students (in science or musicology) and instrument makers (hobby, student, or professional). With this interface, it is easy to observe the effect of a geometric modification on the acoustic response (resonance frequency, mode shape, etc.) or a change in temperature or radiation conditions. The numerical aspects (mesh, order, etc.) are set automatically and can be further refined using the Python library.
Scaling and aspect ratio effects on the frequency-modulated ultrasonic signal generated via fluidic oscillator
Authors: Sunkavalli Viswa R. , Strangfeld Christoph , Maack Stefan
Published: January 2025

Traditional ultrasonic non-destructive testing methods in civil engineering require the use of coupling agents, leading to prolonged and labor-intensivemeasurement procedures along with the risk of surface damage. To alleviate these concerns, air-coupled ultrasonic actuation has been introduced as an effective alternative. However, the power loss due to impedance mismatchs at the interfaces remains an important limitation. To mitigate the power losses at the interfaces while characterizing the specimen thickness, we employ the fluidic oscillator as an ultrasonic source, wherein air acts as both the operating and coupling medium. The fluidic oscillator generates signals through self-sustained oscillations of the exiting air jet under continuous pressurized air supply, and therefore, eliminates the need for intricate design and manufacturing processes. The frequency spectrum characteristics and time-averaged acoustic fields of the fluidic oscillators are shown for the several configurations that were designed by varying the aspect ratio and scaling. Our preliminary investigations highlighted the dependence of the dominant spectral characteristics of a given fluidic oscillator on the mass flow rate of input air. Leveraging this observation, frequency-modulated chirp signals are produced by rapidly varying the flow rate, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio for a reliable assessment of material characteristics.
Tones tines and tings
Authors: Cotton David
Published: January 2025

This session will be full of ideas and demonstrations that focus on aspects of sound waves in the curriculum and beyond, e.g., how to turn a tuning fork and a magnet into a model guitar pick up! These ideas tell a story based on the development and usage of oscillation and vibration in music and communication. Includes many more ideas using lab equipment and some musical instruments. This presentation has been developed in memory of Anthony Waterhouse, supported by the Fellowship scheme offered annually through the Institute of Physics UK.