bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criteria for the definition of similarity thresholds for identifying essentially derived varieties
Authors: Noli Enrico , Teriaca Maria Soccorsa , Conti Sergio
Published: October 2013

The concept of essential derivation refers to cases where a new variety is obtained from an initial variety (IV), of which it retains the expression of the essential characteristics resulting from the genotype or combination of genotypes of the IV. Protecting plant breeder's rights can be facilitated by identifying a species‐specific threshold level of similarity above which the new variety could be suspected as essentially derived (EDV). Amplified fragment length polymorphisms and simple sequence repeats proved suitable for measuring genetic similarity. Three approaches have been proposed for the definition of thresholds. According to the ‘calibration principle’, the critical level to discriminate EDVs is defined based on similarities among closely related genotypes. Adopting the ‘tail principle’, the threshold is placed at a given percentile of the distribution of the similarities within a reference population of independent genotypes. Finally, with the ‘pedigree principle’, the threshold is set starting from the a priori definition of breeding techniques that lead to EDVs. The tools and the approaches described in this review represent the basis for developing protocols useful in handling disputes of essential derivation.
Association of metabolic syndrome with atypical features of depression in Japanese people
Authors: Takeuchi Takeaki , Nakao Mutsuhiro , Kachi Yuko , Yano Eiji
Published: October 2013

Aim

It has been controversial whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with depression. We aimed to clarify the correlation between MetS and depression, considering atypical features of depression.

Methods

Participants were 1011 Japanese men aged 20–59 years. MetS was diagnosed according to criteria set by the International Diabetes Federation. Clinical interviews for major depressive disorder (MDD) employed the DSM‐IV; MDD was classified into atypical and non‐atypical types. The prevalence of MetS was compared between the groups with no MDD, atypical depression, and non‐atypical depression via trend analyses. Multiple logistic regression analyses examined the association of MetS with atypical depression and the features thereof.

Results

In total, 141 (14.0%) participants were diagnosed with MetS and 57 (5.6%) were diagnosed with MDD (14 had atypical and 43 had non‐atypicalMDD). The prevalence of MetS was the highest in the group with atypical depression, followed by the non‐atypical depression and no MDD groups, respectively, with a marginally significant trend (P = 0.07). The adjusted odds ratios of MetS associated with depression were 3.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–13.2) for atypical depression and 1.6 (95%CI 0.7–3.6) for non‐atypical depression. Among the five features of atypical depression, only hyperphagia was significantly related to MetS (odds ratio 2.7, 95%CI 1.8–4.1).

Conclusion

There was a positive association between MetS and atypical depression, but not between MetS and non‐atypical depression. Specifically, hyperphagia seems to be an important factor affecting the correlation between MetS and atypical depression.
Xanthomonas arboricola disease of hazelnut: current status and future perspectives for its management
Authors: Lamichhane J. R. , Varvaro L.
Published: October 2013

This review presents an overview of bacterial blight, the predominant and emerging hazelnut disease worldwide. Here, disease symptomatologies, disease cycle, epidemiology, detection and identification methods are thoroughly discussed. It also focuses on plant health regulations and control strategies. The information reported throughout the review could help to give a better understanding of the hazelnut–bacterial blight pathosystem. A thorough knowledge of this pathosystem is important for the effective management of bacterial blight across the hazelnut orchards of the world.
Presidential Versus Vice Presidential Home State Advantage: A Comparative Analysis of Electoral Significance, Causes, and Processes, 1884‐2008
Authors: Devine Christopher J. , Kopko Kyle C.
Published: October 2013

This article compares the electoral significance, causes, and processes associated with presidential versus vice presidential home state advantages. Our analysis of presidential election returns from 1884 through 2008 demonstrates that presidential candidates generally receive a large, statistically significant home state advantage. However, vice presidential home state advantages are statistically negligible and conditioned on the interactive effect of political experience and state population. Furthermore, the results indicate that the mobilization of new voters primarily accounts for presidential home state advantage, while vice presidential home state advantage is mainly due to the conversion of existing voters. Although home state advantages do occur in presidential elections, according to our analysis, a presidential or vice presidential home state advantage has not changed the outcome of any presidential election since 1884.
The Law: President Obama's Signing Statements and the Expansion of Executive Power
Authors: Crouch Jeffrey , Rozell Mark J. , Sollenberger Mitchel A.
Published: October 2013

Barack Obama campaigned for president of the United States on a promise of fidelity to the Constitution and stated that he would not issue any signing statements to revise legislative intent. His vision of the presidency stood in marked contrast to President George W. Bush's actions and seemed to suggest a reversal of the trend toward increased executive powers. We will analyze how and why President Obama has largely continued the unilateral presidential action of his predecessor, despite earlier promises to the contrary, outline why signing statements are not useful governing tools, and offer a solution to abuses of constitutional signing statements that impact appropriations.
Metabolic and mechanical involvement of arms and legs in simulated double pole skiing
Authors: Rud B. , Secher N. H. , Nilsson J. , Smith G. , Hallén J.
Published: October 2013

We evaluated arm and leg work rate and metabolism during double pole ergometer skiing. Thermodilution arm and leg blood flow was determined together with the arterial to venous difference for oxygen, while the work rate was assessed in eight male recreational skiers [24 (SD 7) years]. When work rate increased from 82 (SE 4) to 117 (7) W, leg power increased by 43% (enhanced vertical force and displacement of the body). The elbow angle tended to increase [from 71 (11.3)° to 75 (10.9)°; P = 0.07] and arm oxygen uptake increased by 20 (5)% [from 0.65 (0.07) to 0.78 (0.08) L/min; P < 0.05] because two‐arm blood flow increased [from 5.4 (0.6) to 6.3 (0.7) L/min; P < 0.05] with no significant change in oxygen extraction [from 59 (2.3)% to 60 (1.9)%] accompanied with net arm lactate and potassium release. In contrast, two‐leg blood flow [from 5.8 (0.5) to 8.0 (0.5) L/min] and oxygen extraction [from 67 (1.3)% to 75 (1.5)%] increased (P < 0.05), resulting in a 53 (8)% increase in leg oxygen uptake [from 0.82 (0.06) to 1.24 (0.07) L/min; P < 0.05]. In conclusion, during double poling on an ergometer, arm muscle metabolism and work rate increase only marginally and an increase in work intensity is covered mainly by the leg muscles.
The novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*07:110, was identified by sequencing genomic DNA
Authors: Li J.‐P. , Li X.‐F. , Zhang X. , Lin F.‐Q. , Zhang K.‐L.
Published: October 2013

B*07:110 has two nucleotides (nts) change from B*07:02:01 where 76 I is changed to V.
Formation of low‐magnesium calcite at cold seeps in an aragonite sea
Authors: Feng Dong , Roberts Harry H. , Joye Samantha B. , Heydari Ezat
Published: October 2013

This study investigates the conditions of occurrence and petrographic characteristics of low‐Mg calcite (LMC) from cold seeps of the Gulf of Mexico at a water depth of 2340 m. Such LMC mineral phases should precipitate in calcite seas rather than today's aragonite sea. The 13C‐depleted carbonates formed as a consequence of anaerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons in shallow subsurface cold seep environments. The occurrence of LMC may result from brine fluid flows. Brines are relatively Ca2+‐enriched and Mg2+‐depleted (Mg/Ca mole ratio <0.7) relative to seawater, where the Mg/Ca mole ratio is ~5, which drives high‐Mg calcite and aragonite precipitation. The dissolution of aragonitic mollusk shells, grains and cements was observed. Aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons and H2S is the most likely mechanism to explain carbonate dissolution. These findings have important implications for understanding the occurrence of LMC in deep water marine settings and consequently their counterparts in the geological record.
Diversity of influences on infant feeding strategies in women living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa: a mixed methods study
Authors: Zulliger Rose , Abrams Elaine J. , Myer Landon
Published: October 2013

Objective

To explore influences on infant feeding intentions and practices in women living with HIV in South Africa.

Methods

Structured questionnaires were completed by 207 pregnant women and 203 post‐partum women in Cape Town, South Africa. Concurrently, 34 semi‐structured, qualitative interviews explored the influences on infant feeding strategies in women living with HIV.

Results

Overall, 50% (104) of pregnant women intended to breastfeed and 22% (45) of post‐partum women ever breastfed. Women who breastfed or intended to breastfeed were significantly more likely to have running water in their homes, to have formal housing and to receive advice in support of breastfeeding. Advice from clinic staff was the strongest predictor of breastfeeding [adjusted relative odds (ARO) in pregnant women: 6.87; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.67, 17.66; ARO in post‐partum women: 4.04; 95% CI: 1.60, 10.19]. Other important influences included previous infant feeding experiences, desires to protect the infant from HIV and involvement of other care providers. Many women also noted that breastfeeding was not feasible due to work commitments and highlighted concerns around the discontinuation of the free provision of infant formula.

Conclusion

These results suggest that women living with HIV balance complex influences in deciding on their preferred infant feeding strategies. This underscores the need for extensive provider, patient and community education to ensure consistent messaging, while allowing for adaptation to the circumstances of individual mothers.
El tren fantasma: arcs of sound and the acoustic spaces of landscape
Authors: Revill George
Published: October 2013

Drawing on the example of Chris Watson's soundwork El tren fantasma, this paper considers how landscape is made in sound. Informed by the work of Michael Serres and Don Ihde, it argues for an understanding of landscape as mediation. Drawing on the work of Brandon LaBelle, Jean Luc Nancy, Mladen Dolar and Charles Sanders Pearce, the paper develops the concept of ‘the arc of sound’ as part of a socio‐material approach to semiosis able to recognise the ways in which sound connects and differentiates contingently across heterogeneous spaces and materials. It shows how sound participates in the production of the railway corridor as a complex, animate and deeply contoured historically and geographically specific experience of landscape. Finally, it argues for an approach to landscape as mediation that pays equal attention to ontology and epistemology.
First comparative evaluation of a new leukapheresis technology in non‐cytokine‐stimulated donors
Authors: Steininger P. A. , Strasser E. F. , Weiss D. , Achenbach S. , Zimmermann R. , Eckstein R.
Published: October 2013

Background and Objectives

Leukapheresis is an important source for mononuclear cells (MNCs) used in adoptive immunotherapies. Differences in the apheresis technology concerning physical conditions during cell separation and the optical detection system can affect the product's cellular content.

Materials and Methods

In a paired analysis, twenty healthy non‐cytokine‐stimulated donors underwent MNC collection at the Spectra Optia (Terumo BCT, Lakewood, CO, USA) and the COM.TEC (Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) device. In twelve donors, apheresis was additionally performed with the Amicus (Fenwal Inc., Lake Zurich, IL, USA). Donor response to leukapheresis and product composition was compared.

Results

Mean yields of CD14+ (CD3+) cells were 1·64 ± 0·70x109 (2·36 ± 0·96 × 109) in the Spectra Optia, 1·45 ± 0·50 × 109 (3·03 ± 1·04 × 109) in the COM.TEC and 1·20 ± 0·37 × 109 (2·80 ± 1·00 × 109) in the Amicus products, respectively. The Spectra Optia collected significantly more CD14+ monocytes than the Amicus and significantly less CD3+ T cells than the COM.TEC (P = 0·002 and P = 0·021). Apheresis products of the Spectra Optia showed the significantly lowest red blood cell yields while the Amicus generated products with the significantly lowest platelet contents.

Conclusions

Leukaphereses with the three devices resulted in almost equal total MNC yields. MNC products of the Spectra Optia and the Amicus could be used in preference for the monocyte enrichment by the Elutra system and the leukapheresis procedures could be also favourably applied in patients with low platelet counts. The COM.TEC is more efficient in monocyte and T‐cell collection with the disadvantage of high residual non‐target cell content in the products.
Indoor sound criteria according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)—An introduction
Authors: Carnes Ted N.
Published: October 2013

ASHRAE TC-2.6 Sound and Vibration Control technical committee has been activity involved with development, refinement, and promotion of Indoor Sound Criteria. ASHRAE, its members, and those in the HVAC industry are the largest users of Indoor Sound Criteria. As part of an effort to educate engineers and others particularly in the building design industry, an unofficial introduction to ASHRAE viewpoints and guidelines on Indoor Sound Criteria were developed into a presentation. Suggested use of dBA, NC, RC, NCB, and RC Mk II criteria descriptors have been included. The use of sound criteria in the Design, Commissioning, and Troubleshooting or Diagnostics of background sound or noise due to HVAC systems were considered. Criteria descriptors that promote the awareness of Sound Quality have been an essential aspect of ASHRAE research. One aspect of the ASHRAE criteria descriptor has been to provide suggested means to determine and quantify Noise Induced Vibration (NIV) of building systems. This type of noise problem has been well identified by the use of RC Mk II, RC, and NCB sound criteria methodology. Actual examples of NIV will be described in the presentation.
Comments on draft ANSI S12.2, American National standard on criteria for evaluating room noise
Authors: Beranek Leo L.
Published: October 2013

In 1995, American National Standard S12.2-1995 on room noise criteria was issued. Two methods for specifying and evaluating room noise were presented, the NCB noise-criterion curves [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 86, 650–664 (1989)] and the RC curves [Noise Control Eng. J. 45, 243–250 (1997)]. The NCB curves were derived from the characteristics of hearing with emphasis on speech interference level and loudness level, while the RC curves were derived from experimental studies in offices where the HVAC noise was low enough that there were no complaints from room occupants. The NCB curves were applicable to rooms ranging from concert halls to factory spaces, while the RC curves were largely restricted to office, hospital, and residential spaces. The two sets were incompatible at low frequencies and low sound levels. The NCB curves assumed that the HVAC noise was free of surging and strong turbulence. The RC curves demanded lower levels at low frequencies, thus permitting some degree of surging and turbulence. The new draft standard specifies two methods for evaluating room noise, the NC [Noise Control 3, 19–27 (1957)] and the RNC methods [Noise Control Eng. J. 48, 85–96 (2000)]. The former (NC) have found widespread use and the latter (RNC) bridges the differences between the NC (and NCB) and the RC criteria curves. This paper comments on the promise of the new RNC method and compares measured data were available.
Evaluations of indoor noise criteria systems based on human response
Authors: Bowden Erica E. , Wang Lily M.
Published: October 2013

The goal of this research is to examine human response to background noise, and relate results to indoor noise criteria. In previous work by the authors, subjects completed perception surveys, typing tasks, and proofreading tasks under typical heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) noise conditions. Results were correlated with commonly used indoor noise criteria systems including noise criteria (NC), room criteria (RC) and others. The findings suggested that the types of tasks used and the length of exposure can impact the results. To examine these two issues, the authors conducted a new study in which each test subject completed 38 total hours of testing over multiple days. Subjects were exposed to several background noise exposures over 20, 40, 80, and 240 minute trials. During the trials, subjects completed a variety of performance tasks and answered questions about their perception of the noise, the thermal environment, and various other factors. Findings from this study were used to determine optimum testing conditions for on-going research examining the effects of tonal or fluctuating background noise on performance, annoyance, and spectral perception. Results are being used to evaluate the effectiveness of commonly used indoor noise criteria systems. [Work supported by INCE and ASHRAE.]
When octave bands are not enough: Case histories of indoor room noise
Authors: Lilly Jerry G.
Published: October 2013

All of the published indoor noise criteria evaluation methods are defined on the basis of either the octave band or the overall A- or C-weighted sound pressure levels. While this may be sufficient for some acoustic environments, there are many situations where these sound level descriptors are totally inadequate. This paper uses case histories to show that 1/3-octave and narrow-band analysis is sometimes required to properly assess the acoustic environment. To take it one step further, a recommendation is made to avoid the use of octave bands altogether and to routinely use 1/3-octave band analysis for acoustical measurements and analysis relating to indoor noise criteria.
Sound transmission class (STC) is not a good predictor of performance of insulated wood frame gypsum walls used as interior partitions in most North American homes
Authors: Godfrey Richard D. , Alter Harry , Berdan Clarke
Published: October 2013

Home owners say that insulating interior walls improves the acoustic environment. Based on STC alone, no perceptible difference is expected. To define ‘‘improved,’’ ethnographic and laboratory studies were conducted. Ethnographic studies in 33 homes, revealed owners want quieter, less reverberant environments, including rooms where added isolation is desired. Families lives are 24/7, leading to frustration that they cannot use their homes without disturbing others. Laboratory jury studies were conducted where 35 listeners rated the relative isolation of insulated and uninsulated walls. Noise sources included broadband and real home noises. Insulated walls were perceived to perform better than uninsulated walls in all cases. Noise control engineers know that STC is only a quick screening tool (actual sound transmission loss should be used to estimate noise reduction between rooms). This is what the jurors appeared to sense. Jury ratings and the midfrequency average SPL correlated reasonably well. The STC is determined by a structural resonance near 125 Hz. Above this band, insulation has a significant impact on transmission loss (perceptible, 6 dB average). A new rating system is needed that quantifies what actual listeners hear in quiet room environments. A model using some form of room criteria is suggested.
Case study of restaurant successfully designed, constructed, and operated for excellent dining acoustics
Authors: Bollard Paul , Des Jardins Stephen
Published: October 2013

Prior to the construction of La Provence Restaurant in Roseville, California in 2004, the owner, Stephen Des Jardins, traveled with his cook, architect, and engineer to the Provence Region of France to study the cuisine, architecture, and acoustics of the local restaurants. This information was incorporated into the design, construction, and operation of his restaurant, with acoustical design assistance provided by the author, Paul Bollard. The result of the owner’s painstaking attention to detail is a restaurant which has received very positive reviews for its architecture, quality of food, service, and acoustic ambience. This paper documents the measures included in the construction of the restaurant to ensure that the building acoustics enhance the dining experience, rather than detract from it. Photographs of acoustic treatments are included, as are reverberation time (RT60) test results and ambient noise level measurement results.
Passive acoustic and seismic tomography with ocean ambient noise
Authors: Gerstoft Peter , Sabra Karim , Roux Phillippe , Kuperman W. A. , Hodgkiss William S.
Published: October 2013

We have demonstrated with ocean acoustic data and associated theory and land seismic data that the Green’s functions between pairs of receiving sensors can be obtained from a long-time correlation process. Noise data from fixed acoustic and seismic sensors can be used to study the ocean structure, the ocean bottom structure below the sensor field, and the earth structure between ocean sensors and land sensors hundreds to thousands of kilometers away. We have already performed extensive seismic noise tomography using land sensors in Southern California in which the major noise component originated in the ocean. We present the previous data analysis that demonstrates the feasibility of this concept.
Perspectives on noise in the menu of environmental issues, and the role of technical solutions relative to policy approaches
Authors: Burleson Carl
Published: October 2013

Over the last thirty years, the number of people affected by aircraft noise has decreased while air travel has grown dramatically. Despite this success, environmental issues, both noise and emissions, may become the key constraint on future air transportation expansion. As part of the Next Generation Air Transportation System Plan, the goal is for environmental protection that allows for sustained aviation growth. This includes reductions, in absolute terms, of community noise and local air quality emissions from aviation that significantly impact human health and welfare. Achieving these goals will require a multi-pronged approach that combines source reduction technology, operational abatement procedures, intelligent land use planning, and airport and aircraft operating restrictions. Given the interdependencies of impacts, there is a need to move from stand-alone models to an integrated tool set that allows understanding of the interactions between noise, air quality, economic costs and benefits. Such models would enable more effective evaluation of proposed air transportation system changes and allow communities and decision-makers better information to reach decisions on the proposed changes. FAA has initiated a multi-year, multi-million dollar effort to develop these models and improved capabilities and decision-making that will aid in tackling the enviornnmental challenges of aviation growth.
Impulsive noise of printers: measurement metrics and their subjective correlation
Authors: Baird Terrence , Otto Norman , Bray Wade , Stephan Mike
Published: October 2013

In the office and home computing environments, printer impulsive noise has become a significant contributor to user perceived quality or lack thereof, and can affect the user’s comfort level and ability to concentrate. Understanding and quantifying meaningful metrics for printer impulsivity is becoming an increasingly important goal for printer manufacturers. Several methods exist in international standards for measuring the impulsivity of noise. For information technology equipment (ITE), the method for detection of impulsive noise is provided in ECMA-74 and ISO 7779. However, there is a general acknowledgement that the current standard method of determining impulsivity by simply measuring A-weighted sound pressure level (SPL) with the impulsive time weighting, I, applied is inadequate to characterize impulsive noise and ultimately to predict user satisfaction and acceptance. In recent years, there has been a variety of new measurement methods evaluated for impulsive noise for both environmental and machinery noise. This paper reviews several of the available metrics, applies the metrics to several printer impulsive noise sources, and makes an initial assessment of their correlation to the subjective impressions of users. It is a review and continuation of the work presented at InterNoise 2005 (Baird, Bray, and Otto).
Progress in the development of a national noise action plan for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Authors: Alicea-Pou Jose , Navon-Rivera Milagros
Published: October 2013

This presentation describes the strategies taken for the development of a noise plan for Puerto Rico. One of the most important initiatives was the establishment of an interagency committee to work on the plan. This committee identified as first priorities the need of information from studies on environmental noise levels and data from noise attitude surveys. The Environmental Quality Board is currently investigating the levels of environmental noise in different locations in the city of San Juan. The preliminary results reinforce the need of actions to control emitters of community noise, like recreational sounds (radios, TV, night clubs) and noise from vehicles with modified mufflers and boom cars. Additionally, to achieve the implementation of the plan and the development of local noise research, we developed an interagency agreement to establish a common fund to support those projects. This year we celebrated the second annual Puerto Rico Noise Awareness Day. The activities included the second symposium on noise pollution, the first art posters contest on noise in our environment for elementary school kids, and the award ceremony, ‘‘Amigos del Menos Ruido.’’ All these activities were developed to promote public awareness of this important social and environmental issue.
New seismic codes and their impact on the acoustician
Authors: Lama Patrick J.
Published: October 2013

New seismic building codes for HVAC and electrical equipment, pipe ducts and conduits are being adopted nationwide. These codes affect the way acousticians practice their profession. Recently published model codes (such as IBC, NFPA, ASCE and NBC T1809-4) specify systems that require documented seismic protection. Specific performance and prescriptive code provisions that affect acoustical system applications and how they can be made to comply is included. Key terms in these codes (life safety, essential, seismic use group, category and importance factor) are explained and illustrated. A table listing major code seismic demand formulas (horizontal static seismic force, acting at the center of gravity of the equipment, pipe duct or conduit), is a useful reference. A table that defines which HVAC systems require static or dynamic analysis based on seismic use group, design category and importance factor is provided. A discussion of code-mandated Certificates of Compliance for both mountings and equipment is included and may impact acoustical decisions. New codes may require that engineers, architects and acousticians use seismic restraints with acoustical ceilings, floating floors, resilient pipe duct supports, HVAC equipment and architectural items. ‘‘How To’’ for all of this is presented with tables, details and graphs.
Noise impact study of a new 2004 noise abatement procedure at the Louisville airport
Authors: Sizov Natalia V. , Clarke John-Paul B. , Ren Liling , Elmer Kevin R. , Shivashankara Belur N.
Published: October 2013

A flight demonstration test in September 2004 at Louisville was a continuation of research conducted in 2002 by a team sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration’s Center of Excellence for Air Traffic Systems. A continuous descent procedure was designed primarily to minimize environmental impacts such as community noise and aircraft emissions, and to maximize savings in fuel and flight time. The test was designed to show the operational suitability of the new area navigation arrival procedure that begins at cruise altitude and which may be used in daily operation on two opposite facing runways. Flyover noise measurements were taken during a two-week testing period, and a three-week baseline period. The latest research focused on detailed analysis of aircraft performance, collecting noise data and noise prediction. The noise measurements confirm increased repeatability and predictability of noise levels that resulted from the well-designed procedure. The Integrated Noise Model was used to compare noise levels of test and baseline flights. And noise predictions using precise flight data confirm that a continuous descent approach reduces noise levels by 4 to 6 decibels which in turn reduces contour area by as much as 30 percent.
Vibration and rattle impact due to low frequency noise investigated at Dulles airport
Authors: Horan Erin M. , Hodgdon Kathleen , Atchley Anthony
Published: October 2013

A noise study was conducted at Washington Dulles International Airport to further investigate the noise and vibration impact of thrust reversers and start of takeoff roll on communities near runways. Two different houses located on the airport property were instrumented with outdoor and indoor microphones and accelerometers mounted inside on walls, windows and floor. This presentation will discuss both the experimental design and data obtained from the two different structures. Correlations between plane types, outdoor signatures and acceleration levels are considered. The outdoor signatures and acceleration levels are used to investigate the conditions under which rattle of a loosely coupled window is observed. Additionally, the design of a subsequent subjective study to examine the effects of rattle on human perception will be discussed. The combination of the objective measurements with the results of the subjective study is intended to give a better understanding of community impact due to airport noise. [Work is supported by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Exploratory and Foundational Program of the Applied Research Laboratory, Penn State University.]
Bill Lang’s contributions to acoustics at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), signal processing, international standards, and professionalism in noise control engineering
Authors: Maling George C.
Published: October 2013

Bill Lang joined IBM in the late 1950s with a mandate from Thomas Watson Jr. himself to establish an acoustics program at IBM. Bill created the facilities in Poughkeepsie, developed the local program, and was the leader in having other IBM locations with development and manufacturing responsibilities construct facilities and hire staff under the Interdivisional Liaison Program. He also directed IBMs acoustics technology program. In the mid-1960s, he led an IEEE standards group in Audio and Electroacoustics, and, with the help of James Cooley, Peter Welch, and others, introduced the fast Fourier transform to the acoustics community. He was the convenor of ISO TC 43 SC1 WG6 that began writing the 3740 series of standards in the 1970s. It was his suggestion to promote professionalism in noise control engineering, and, through meetings with Leo Beranek and others, led the founding of INCE/USA in 1971. He was also a leader of the team that founded International INCE in 1974, and he served as president from 1988 until 1999.
Bill Lang’s contributions to acoustics at the International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) and to IBM in general
Authors: Nobile Matthew A. , Chu Richard C.
Published: October 2013

Although Bill Lang’s accomplishments and key roles in national and international standards and in the formation of INCE are widely recognized, sometimes it has to be remembered that for nearly 35 years he also had a ‘‘day job’’ at the IBM Corporation. His achievements at IBM were no less significant and enduring than those in external standards and professional societies. This paper will highlight some of the accomplishments and activities of Bill Lang as an IBM noise control engineer, the creator of the IBM Acoustics Lab in Poughkeepsie, the founder of the global Acoustics program at IBM, and his many other IBM leadership roles. Bill was also a long-serving IBM manager, with the full set of personnel issues to deal with, so his people-management skills were often called into play. Bill ended his long and fruitful IBM career at a high point. In 1988, he took an original idea of his to the top of IBM executive management, which led directly to the formation of the IBM Academy of Technology, today the preeminent body of IBM top technical leaders from around the world.
Bill Lang’s contributions to the Acoustical Society of America
Authors: Tichy Jiri
Published: October 2013

This paper deals with the contribution of his activities as a member of the Executive Council of the Acoustical Society of America. His most important contribution was the restructuring of the financial system. As a treasurer of the Society, he converted the book keeping into a system that allows making clear decisions on the spending, keep the evidence on the balances and, most importantly charge all activities to the correct budget chapters. The budgets were of course computerized. The new system contributed substantially to balance the operating budget that was important due to the falling budget income from the JASA. Bill is the past chairman of the Technical Committee on Noise and a worldwide contributor to the acoustical standards in many functions particularly from the ASA bases. The paper will also deal with many other contributions linked to the Executive council decisions.
Bill Lang’s many contributions to the Acoustical Society of America’s domestic standard’s program and to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) TC-29
Authors: von Gierke Henning
Published: October 2013

Over the last 50 years, Bill Lang has been a major force in both National and International Standards. He has been a leader and major contributor to both, which together constitute our ASA Standards program that ASA conducts under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) umbrella. This paper concentrates on Bill’s contributions to the domestic portion of the Standards Program, contributions to our interactions with the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) TC-29 (electro-acoustics), and Bill’s unique contributions to IEC TC-29.
The role of sound masking treatment in the value engineering of office designs
Authors: Horrall Thomas R. , Rosenberg Carl
Published: October 2013

In the design and planning of office spaces, sound masking systems are often considered optional because of an owner/occupier requirement due to an understanding that can create a more pleasing and private acoustic environment or are required to provide adequate speech privacy. Installations are rarely considered on the basis of project value engineering or return on investment. In this paper, the authors argue that sound masking systems should in fact be considered as another important cost component of the office design, and evaluated along with ceiling tile, private office wall construction and workstation design for their mutual impact on the project budget, as well as on their contribution to acoustical performance. The authors provide typical project data to demonstrate masking systems typically result in overall project cost savings.
Speech privacy in customer service call centers
Authors: Foulkes Timothy
Published: October 2013

Customer service call centers are a special type of open plan office with different design considerations and different acoustical goals. Workers want a high degree of visual and verbal contact with adjacent members of their team, but customers do not want to hear crosstalk from other conversations. Achieving the correct balance between these conflicting goals is a challenge for the architect and acoustic consultant. This paper will present several case studies of different call centers with acoustic measurements, user comments, and other subjective assessment methods.
Forty years of plumbing noise control
Authors: Wetherill Ewart
Published: October 2013

The noise of fluid movement in piping systems is a frequent source of distraction and annoyance in buildings ranging from remote mining camps to private homes and luxurious resorts. However, in most cases this problem is easy to avoid if simple precautions are taken in design and construction. This paper reviews specific examples illustrating inexpensive methods of plumbing noise control.
Noise control of waste water pipes
Authors: Lilly Jerry
Published: October 2013

Noise radiated by waste water pipes is a major concern in multifamily housing projects. While the most common solution to this problem is to use cast-iron pipes in lieu of plastic pipes, this may not be sufficient in high-end applications. It should also be noted that many (if not most) multifamily housing projects in the U.S.A. are constructed with plastic waste piping. This paper discusses some of the measures that developers are currently using to control noise from both plastic and cast-iron waste pipes. In addition, results of limited noise measurements of transient water flow in plastic and cast-iron waste pipes will be presented.
Plumbing noise: Pressure levels and perception in a luxury condominium
Authors: Watry Derek
Published: October 2013

A consulting project has recently been completed that addressed a number of noise concerns in a 9-unit, 20-year-old luxury condominium building in the San Francisco Bay Area. Among other tasks, the noise levels of four bathroom plumbing functions (flushing, showering, bath filling, bath draining) were measured in adjoining units and an inventory of noise concerns was collected. This paper reports the measured noise levels (nearly a 20-dBA range for every function!) and looks at the corresponding resident assessments not always clearly correlated with sound-pressure level.
Suggested noise criteria for plumbing systems
Authors: Lilly Jerry
Published: October 2013

The issue of noise that is generated by plumbing systems has been addressed in several articles and texts in the acoustic literature, but most of this information deals with a description of the various noise generation mechanisms and recommended methods of controlling noise from plumbing fixtures and piping. As with any noise source that has the potential for generating annoyance, the question of how much noise is too much noise eventually arises. Chapter 47 of the 2003 ASHRAE Applications Handbook contains newly published guidelines for plumbing noise criteria as it impacts building occupants. This paper discusses the ASHRAE guidelines, and it also suggests additional noise criteria for other plumbing-related sources of noise in multitenant buildings.
Comparison of models for piping transmission loss estimations
Authors: Catron Fred W. , Mann J. Adin
Published: October 2013

A frequency dependent model for the transmission loss of piping is important for accurate estimates of the external radiation from pipes and the vibration level of the pipe walls. A statistical energy analysis model is used to predict the transmission loss of piping. Key terms in the model are the modal density and the radiation efficiency of the piping wall. Several available models for each are compared in reference to measured data. In low frequency octave bands, the modal density is low. The model of the transmission loss in these octave bands is augmented with a mass law model in the low frequency regime where the number of modes is small. The different models and a comparison of the models will be presented.
Geoacoustic inversion by using broadband ship noise recorded on the New Jersey Shelf
Authors: Turgut Altan
Published: October 2013

During the New Jersey Shelf RAGS03 experiment, acoustic signals emitted by ships of opportunity (merchant ships) are simultaneously recorded on three vertical line arrays (VLAs) and a horizontal line array (HLA). Recorded broadband (50–750 Hz) acoustic data sets are used to demonstrate the source localization capability as well as geoacoustic inversion capability. Waveguide invariant theory applied to beamforming by two vertical arrays that provided a range ratio of the source to the receivers. Beamforming by a horizontal array provided time-evolving spectrum for a particular look direction (LOFARgram). The trajectories of the striations observed both in vertical array beamformer output and LOFARgrams are used to estimate the source speed, range, and azimuthal direction as well as bottom geoacoustic parameters. Trajectories of striations are identified by the Hough transform that converts a difficult global detection problem in the image domain into a simpler local peak detection problem. Analysis of both simulated and RAGS03 data indicate the feasibility of source localization and geoacoustic inversion by using broadband noise signals emitted by distant surface ships. [Work supported by ONR.]
A simulated diffuse field for in situ microphone measurements
Authors: Struck Christopher
Published: October 2013

The asymmetric polar response of an in situ microphone system requires calculation of the Directivity Index (DI) from the random incidence response, as a calculation of the DI from polar response data in a single plane is inadequate. A technique is presented enabling diffuse field measurements to be performed, without a reverb chamber, in a moderately sized, untreated room over a wide bandwidth. The limitations and practicality of alternative methods are discussed. The use of four appropriately positioned, uncorrelated noise sources is shown to be simple, fast, and practical in comparison to roving source free-field tests. This also greatly simplifies the DI calculation. The importance of carefully positioning and calibrating the uncorrelated noise sources is shown. The diffusivity of the sound field is further improved by rotation of the test object during the measurement. Methods of verifying the diffusivity of the simulated sound field are discussed. Results are shown for several nonsimple microphone devices including a measurement manikin, a behind-the-ear hearing aid mounted on a manikin, and an in-the-ear hearing aid mounted on a manikin. The method is shown to be applicable to any asymmetrical polar response microphone system including, but not limited to headsets, lavalier microphones, and loudspeaking telephones.
Comparison of 48-point 3-D anechoic and diffuse sound field measurements of directivity index
Authors: Scicluna Ron , Killion Mead , Haapapuro Andy , Julstrom Stephen
Published: October 2013

The directivity index (DI) as the single best descriptor of directional hearing aid performance at a given frequency has been agreed to in ANSI Standard S3.35-2005. The standard specifies that the in situ directivity index of a hearing aid is not to be measured in a diffuse field (as in a reverberation chamber), as implied by the traditional definition, but in an anechoic chamber, where the rms average of measurements taken with the loudspeaker oriented at 48 locations spread out over an imaginary sphere is used to approximate the diffuse-field directivity index. The corresponding directivity index estimates can be labeled diffuse field and 3D, respectively. These two measurements are theoretically equivalent to within 0.2 dB for a first-order directional microphone. A round-robin series among several laboratories found three laboratories that obtained the same DI within an average of 0.13 dB between 500 and 4000 Hz. Nonetheless, no direct comparison between the 3-D and reverberation-chamber methods has been published. We will present data obtained using both methods, and speculate as to why no one likes the simpler reverberation method.
Directivity benchmarks using an automated three-dimensional scanning system
Authors: Burns Thomas
Published: October 2013

In clinical studies relating a patient’s perception in noise, it is interesting to note that the hearing industry has used exclusively the Directivity Index as an objective performance benchmark for the hearing aid. Considering, for example, that a dipole directional pattern has the same DI as a cardioid pattern, it is reasonable to require that additional directional performance benchmarks be reported in these clinical studies, along with the room acoustics parameters related to noise/source positions and the relationship between direct and reverberant fields. The purpose of this study is to describe an automated 3-D scanning system for benchmarking directional performance, and to review the traditional repertoire of directional benchmarking that has been used in the broader engineering acoustics community; namely, the null angle, maximum response angle, random energy efficiency, front to total random energy ratio, distance factor, and omni to directional array gain. Lastly, visualization of 3-D polar responses will be explored.
Round robin measurements of 3-D directivity using the ANSI S3.35 protocol
Authors: Burns Thomas
Published: October 2013

In December 2004, the 1985 version of ANSI S3.35 entitled Method of Measurement of Performance Characteristics of Hearing Aids under Simulated Real-ear Working Conditions was revised. An important addition to this revision included a process to estimate the Directivity Index of a hearing aid, when mounted on a mannequin, using spatial scans of a loudspeaker in three dimensions. In an effort to acquire empirical data with the new protocol, the ANSI S3.35 working committee decided to conduct a set of round robin measurements during the summer and autumn of 2004. Two hearing aids were circulated to seven different facilities. Three-dimensional, in situ, directivity measurements were taken on a KEMAR mannequin for each of the custom aids, and also for the mannequin without aids. Results were exceptional, with a standard deviation much less than 1.0 dB for 1/3 octave bands from 500 Hz to 8 kHz. Additional details of the results will be discussed, as will sources of systematic error encountered during the round robin testing.
Introducing phonetics students to spectral components of vowel-like sounds
Authors: Morrison Geoffrey Stewart
Published: October 2013

Undergraduate students in phonetics classes typically have difficulty understanding the concept behind Fourier analysis: that vowels can be decomposed into a series of spectral components. The concept can be introduced to students beginning with its inverse: that vowel-like sounds can be constructed from a series of sine waves. The demonstration consists of a Praat script which students are given to work with as a homework assignment before vowels are covered in class (Praat is free cross-platform software). The students are asked to input three frequencies, the script plots the time-domain representation of each sine wave and the sum of the three sine waves, and the frequency-domain representation of the sum of the three sine waves. It also plays the three sine waves and the sum of the three sine waves. Instructions include suggestions of frequencies for the students to try, and ask which vowels the results sound most like. Instructions also ask students to experiment with different frequencies to try to make sounds similar to other vowels. The students gain hands-on experience with vowel-like synthesis in order to give them an intuitive sense of the spectral components of vowel-like sounds before the theoretical concepts are introduced in the classroom.