bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Potential Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sludge of Shanghai Sewage Treatment Plant: A Case Study
Authors: Zhang Jinling , Xu Xu
Published: February 2023

Sewage treatment is an important indicator of the urban environment and an important method of sustainable development. In this paper, the spatial distribution characteristics of 8 heavy metals in sewage sludge from 44 sewage treatment plants in Shanghai were analyzed. The pollution degree and potential ecological risk of heavy metals in sludge were evaluated by the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index and Hakanson potential ecological risk index. First, the single factor pollution index of heavy metals was ranked. The Nemerow comprehensive pollution index showed that five sewage treatment plants in Nanxiang, Dongqu, Liantang, Songjiang west, and Xinhe were heavily polluted. Second, the single factor potential ecological risk index of each heavy metal was analyzed. Finally, it is concluded that in the monitoring and control of sewage treatment, Shanghai should pay attention to the sewage treatment plants with high potential ecological risks and gain an excellent performance in the reduction in the emissions of pollution sources, so as to improve environmental quality and reduce the potential ecological risks. This paper provides the basis for studying the characteristics of heavy metal pollution of sewage sludge.
Innovative Dynamic Queue-Length Estimation Using Google Maps Color-Code Data
Authors: Sornsoongnern Promporn , Pueboobpaphan Suthatip , Pueboobpaphan Rattaphol
Published: February 2023

Queue length is an important parameter for traffic-signal priority systems for emergency vehicles. Instead of using conventional detector data, this paper investigates the feasibility of queue-length estimation using Google Maps color-code data via random forest (RF) and gradient-boosting machine (GBM) methods. Alternative ways of specifying independent variables from color-code data are also investigated. Additionally, the models are separated by peak or off-peak periods and by the presence or absence of adjacent upstream signalized intersections. The results show that the performance predicted by the RF and GBM methods is similar in all cases. Although the error values of both methods are relatively high, they are considerably lower than those obtained from estimates using historical queue-length data. The results obtained using variable-importance analysis show that the importance of the red band near an intersection is significantly higher than that of other variables for a direction without a prior signalized intersection. For a direction with a prior signalized intersection, the importance varies, depending on the period (peak or off-peak). Since Google Maps data are available and cover most of the world intersections, the proposed approach provides a cost-effective option for cities with no detectors installed.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Technologies and Determinants of Farmers’ Adoption Decisions in the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Sisay Theodrose , Tesfaye Kindie , Ketema Mengistu , Dechassa Nigussie , Getnet Mezegebu
Published: February 2023

Agriculture is a sector that is very vulnerable to the effects of climate change while contributing to anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere. Therefore, applying Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies and practices (referee hereafter as CSA technologies) that can sustainably boost productivity, improve resilience, and lower GHG emissions are crucial for a climate resilient agriculture. This study sought to identify the CSA technologies used by farmers and assess adoption levels and factors that influence them. A cross-sectional survey was carried out gather information from 384 smallholder farmers in the Great Rift Valley (GRV) of Ethiopia. Data were analyzed using percentage, chi-square test, t test, and the multivariate probit model. Results showed that crop diversification, agroforestry, and integrated soil fertility management were the most widely practiced technologies. The results of the chi-square and t tests showed that there are differences and significant and positive connections between adopters and non-adopters based on various attributes. The chi-square and t test results confirmed that households who were older and who had higher incomes, greater credit access, climate information access, better training, better education, larger farms, higher incomes, and more frequent interactions with extension specialists had positive and significant associations with CSA technology adopters. The model result showed that age, sex, and education of the head; farmland size; livestock ownership; income; access to credit; access to climate information; training; and extension contact influenced the adoption of CSA technologies. Therefore, considering barriers to the adoption of CSA technologies, in policy and action is anticipated to support smallholder farmers in adapting to climate change while lowering GHG emissions.
Investigations of Symmetrical Incomplete Information Spreading in the Evidential Reasoning Algorithm and the Evidential Reasoning Rule via Partial Derivative Analysis
Authors: Liu Hao , Feng Jing , Zhu Junyi , Li Xiang , Chang Leilei
Published: February 2023

Incomplete information causes great uncertainty in decision making. It is a critical task to understand how incomplete information spreads symmetrically in order to make comprehensive and balanced decisions. A better understanding of the spreading of incomplete information can also be used for accurately locating limited resources to reduce incomplete information in the input for the final purpose of reducing incomplete information in the result. In this study, the way in which incomplete information spreads is studied via the evidential reasoning (ER) algorithm and the evidential reasoning rule (the ER rule), which are known for their transparent analytical procedures. Specifically, the partial derivative analysis is conducted using the steps of ER and the ER rule for calculating the contributions made by the beliefs, weights, and reliability to the incomplete information in the result. The major theoretical contribution of this study is the calculation of the contribution of the input to the incomplete information in the output based on partial derivative analysis. A numerical case is studied to demonstrate the proposed derivative analysis, the contribution calculation, and the consequential results.
Energy-Saving Scheduling for Flexible Job Shop Problem with AGV Transportation Considering Emergencies
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Qin Chaoqun , Zhang Wenhui , Xu Zhenxing , Xu Gongjie , Gao Zhenhua
Published: February 2023

Emergencies such as machine breakdowns and rush orders greatly affect the production activities of manufacturing enterprises. How to deal with the rescheduling problem after emergencies have high practical value. Meanwhile, under the background of intelligent manufacturing, automatic guided vehicles are gradually emerging in enterprises. To deal with the disturbances in flexible job shop scheduling problem with automatic guided vehicle transportation, a mixed-integer linear programming model is established. According to the traits of this model, an improved NSGA-II is designed, aiming at minimizing makespan, energy consumption and machine workload deviation. To improve solution qualities, the local search operator based on a critical path is designed. In addition, an improved crowding distance calculation method is used to reduce the computation complexity of the algorithm. Finally, the validity of the improvement strategies is tested, and the robustness and superiority of the proposed algorithm are verified by comparing it with NSGA, NSGA-II and SPEA2.
Potential Role of Lipase Activity on the Internal Exposure Assessment of Glycidol Released from Its Fatty Acid Esters
Authors: Shimamura Yuko , Inagaki Ryo , Oike Minami , Wada Yuri , Honda Hiroshi , Masuda Shuichi
Published: February 2023

Glycidyl fatty acid esters (GEs) can be found in food, and they can be converted into genotoxic animal carcinogen glycidol in vivo by the action of lipase. This study examined whether human ingestion of charbroiled pork containing high levels of GEs (300 µg/day) increased glycidol–hemoglobin adduct (diHOPrVal), a marker of internal exposure to glycidol using LC-MS/MS. Contrary to expectation, the diHOPrVal value before ingesting charbroiled pork was 3.11 ± 1.10 pmol/g globin, which slightly decreased to 2.48 ± 0.47 pmol/g globin after 5 days of consumption. The decrease in lipase activity caused by the continuous consumption of lipid-rich foods such as meat in humans might decrease internal exposure to glycidol released from its esters. Thus, lipase activity was measured in C57/BL6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, and diHOPrVal formation was measured after the administration of glycidyl oleate. Lipase activity was significantly lower in the HFD group than in the normal diet group. The amount of diHOPrVal was reduced in the HFD group. Therefore, the lipase activity was reduced by HFD, thereby decreasing the degradation of glycidol from glycidyl oleate. These results indicate that changes in lipase activity depending on the amount of lipids in the diet may affect the assessment of GEs exposure, and monitoring the lipase activity would provide a comprehensive understanding of exposure assessment.
Isolation of the Main Pathogens Causing Postharvest Disease in Fresh Angelica sinensis during Different Storage Stages and Impacts of Ozone Treatment on Disease Development and Mycotoxin Production
Authors: Xi Jihui , Yang Dongyun , Xue Huali , Liu Zhiguang , Bi Yang , Zhang Yuan , Yang Xi , Shang Suqin
Published: February 2023

Angelica sinensis, a Chinese herbal medicine, is susceptible to molds during storage, reducing its quality, and even generating mycotoxins with toxic effects on human health. Fresh A. sinensis was harvested from Min County of Gansu Province in China and kept at room temperature. Naturally occurring symptoms were observed during different storage stages. Molds were isolated and identified from the diseased A. sinensis using morphological and molecular biology methods. The impact of ozone treatment on postharvest disease development and mycotoxin production was investigated. The results indicated that A. sinensis decay began on day 7 of storage and progressed thereafter. Nine mold species were isolated and characterized: day 7, two Mucormycetes; day 14, Clonostachys rosea; day 21, two Penicillium species and Aspergillus versicolor; day 28, Alternaria alternata and Trichoderma atroviride; and day 49, Fusarium solani. Ozone treatment markedly inhibited the development of postharvest disease and the mycotoxin production (such as, patulin, 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, and sterigmatocystin) in the rotten tissue of A. sinensis inoculated with the nine isolates.
Determination of Regulated and Emerging Mycotoxins in Organic and Conventional Gluten-Free Flours by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Giannioti Zoe , Albero Beatriz , Hernando María Dolores , Bontempo Luana , Pérez Rosa Ana
Published: February 2023

Gluten-free cereal products have grown in popularity in recent years as they are perceived as “healthier” alternatives and can be safely consumed by celiac patients, and people with gluten intolerance or wheat allergies. Molds that produce mycotoxins contaminate cereal crops, posing a threat to global food security. Maximum levels have been set for certain mycotoxins in cereal flours; however, little is known about the levels of emerging mycotoxins in these flours. The aim of this study was to develop an efficient, sensitive, and selective method for the detection of four emerging (beauvericin and enniatins A1, B, and B1) and three regulated (aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, and deoxynivalenol) mycotoxins in gluten-free flours. Ultrasound-assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion was used in the extraction of these mycotoxins from flour samples. The validated method was utilized for the LC-MS/MS analysis of conventional and organic wholegrain oat and rice flours. Six of the seven target mycotoxins were detected in these samples. Multi-mycotoxin contamination was found in all flour types, particularly in conventional wholegrain oat flour. Despite the low detection frequency in rice flour, one sample was found to contain zearalenone at a concentration of 83.2 μg/kg, which was higher than the level set by the European Commission for cereal flours. The emerging mycotoxins had the highest detection frequencies; enniatin B was present in 53% of the samples at a maximum concentration of 56 μg/kg, followed by enniatin B1 and beauvericin, which were detected in 46% of the samples, and at levels reaching 21 μg/kg and 10 μg/kg, respectively. These results highlight the need to improve the current knowledge and regulations on the presence of mycotoxins, particularly emerging ones, in gluten-free flours and cereal-based products.
Wildebeest-Derived Malignant Catarrhal Fever: A Bovine Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma Caused by Cross-Species Transmission of Alcelaphine Gammaherpesvirus 1
Authors: Gong Meijiao , Myster Françoise , van Campe Willem , Roels Stefan , Mostin Laurent , van den Berg Thierry , Vanderplasschen Alain , Dewals Benjamin G.
Published: February 2023

Gammaherpesviruses (γHVs) include viruses that can induce lymphoproliferative diseases and tumors. These viruses can persist in the long term in the absence of any pathological manifestation in their natural host. Alcelaphine gammaherpesvirus 1 (AlHV-1) belongs to the genus Macavirus and asymptomatically infects its natural host, the wildebeest (Connochaetes spp.). However, when transmitted to several susceptible species belonging to the order Artiodactyla, AlHV-1 is responsible for the induction of a lethal lymphoproliferative disease, named wildebeest-derived malignant catarrhal fever (WD-MCF). Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the induction of WD-MCF is important to better control the risks of transmission and disease development in susceptible species. The aim of this review is to synthesize the current knowledge on WD-MCF with a particular focus on the mechanisms by which AlHV-1 induces the disease. We discuss the potential mechanisms of pathogenesis from viral entry into the host to the maintenance of viral genomes in infected CD8+ T lymphocytes, and we present current hypotheses to explain how AlHV-1 infection induces a peripheral T cell lymphoma-like disease.
Healthcare Providers’ Adherence to Recommended Pneumococcal and Influenza Vaccination in Patients Discharged with Respiratory Diseases from General Medical Wards
Authors: Alshehri Amani , Ahmed Marwa , Bagazi Doaa , Alghamdi Ahmad
Published: February 2023

The periodic assessment of adherence to vaccination recommendations is an essential component of any vaccination process. This study aimed to investigate the adherence of healthcare providers to the international recommendations on influenza and pneumococcal vaccine in patients discharged from the internal medicine department with respiratory diseases. All medical records of adult patients who are 18 years of age and older with respiratory illnesses and who were discharged in January-February, May-June, and October-November of 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 264 discharge summaries from 190 patients were included in this analysis. The mean age was 55.5 years, with 54.7% of them being males. Pneumonia was the leading cause of hospitalization (63.7%), followed by asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation (27.4%). None of the discharged patients had immunization recommendations at discharge or a documented immunization request within 6 months of discharge from the hospital. The findings of this study demonstrated that healthcare providers need to pay more attention to adhering to the global recommendations on influenza and pneumococcal vaccine among patient who were recently discharged with respiratory disease. Additional measures are needed to improve adherence to routinely recommended vaccines among adults with respiratory diseases.
Adenoviral Vector-Based Vaccine Platform for COVID-19: Current Status
Authors: Chavda Vivek , Bezbaruah Rajashri , Valu Disha , Patel Bindra , Kumar Anup , Prasad Sanjay , Kakoti Bibhuti , Kaushik Ajeet , Jesawadawala Mariya
Published: February 2023

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) breakout had an unimaginable worldwide effect in the 21st century, claiming millions of lives and putting a huge burden on the global economy. The potential developments in vaccine technologies following the determination of the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 and the increasing global efforts to bring potential vaccines and therapeutics into the market for emergency use have provided a small bright spot to this tragic event. Several intriguing vaccine candidates have been developed using recombinant technology, genetic engineering, and other vaccine development technologies. In the last decade, a vast amount of the vaccine development process has diversified towards the usage of viral vector-based vaccines. The immune response elicited by such vaccines is comparatively higher than other approved vaccine candidates that require a booster dose to provide sufficient immune protection. The non-replicating adenoviral vectors are promising vaccine carriers for infectious diseases due to better yield, cGMP-friendly manufacturing processes, safety, better efficacy, manageable shipping, and storage procedures. As of April 2022, the WHO has approved a total of 10 vaccines around the world for COVID-19 (33 vaccines approved by at least one country), among which three candidates are adenoviral vector-based vaccines. This review sheds light on the developmental summary of all the adenoviral vector-based vaccines that are under emergency use authorization (EUA) or in the different stages of development for COVID-19 management.
New Onset of Giant Cell Arteritis following ChAdOx1-S (Vaxevria®) Vaccine Administration
Authors: Lo Sardo Luca , Parisi Simone , Ditto Maria Chiara , De Giovanni Rosanna , Maletta Francesca , Grimaldi Serena , Brussino Luisa , Fusaro Enrico
Published: February 2023

We report a 78-year-old man presenting with persistent headaches in vertex and temporo-parietal area; fatigue, worsening after walking; jaw claudication; scotomas; pharyngodynia; and dry cough after the second dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (ChAdOx1-S) administration. Laboratory findings showed an elevated C-reactive protein level and FDG-CT PET showed evidence of active large vessel vasculitis with diffuse abnormal artery uptake. Under suspicion of vasculitis, a temporal arteries biopsy was performed; the histopathologic findings demonstrated the transmural inflammatory infiltrate with giant cells, compatible with giant cell arteritis. Although the overall incidence of vaccine-triggered autoimmunity is low, rheumatologists worldwide should be aware of autoimmune diseases as a new potential adverse event of vaccines.
Analysis of Internal Solitary Waves in the Gulf of Oman and Sources Responsible for Their Generation
Authors: Koohestani Kamran , Stepanyants Yury , Allahdadi Mohammad Nabi
Published: February 2023

A combination of multiple data sources has been used to study the characteristics of internal solitary waves (ISWs) in the Gulf of Oman (GoO). Water column stratification in the Gulf has been examined using field observations and World Ocean Atlas 2018 datasets. The spatiotemporal distribution of ISWs has been obtained from satellite images obtained by means of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical sensors taken from 2018 to 2020. The mechanisms of ISW generation in the GoO have been studied using the data revealed from different available sources. The results show that there are annually two major typical stratifications in the GoO throughout the year, strong stratification in May through September and weak stratification during other months. Dispersion relations corresponding to these types of stratification have been obtained with acceptable accuracy for both deep and shallow regions. The spatiotemporal distribution of ISWs demonstrates that the western and southern regions of the GoO are the hotspots for generation of ISWs in this basin. Several mechanisms of ISW generation in the GoO are discussed including tide, eddies, lee waves, and atmospheric perturbation; the latter one is, apparently, responsible for the appearance of large-amplitude ISWs.
Occurrence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Antibiotics-Resistant and Multi-Resistant Bacteria and Their Correlations in One River in Central-Western Brazil
Authors: Gomes Raylane , Oliveira Thais , Rodrigues Ariadne , Ferreira Leandro , Vieira José , Carneiro Lilian
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: The uncontrolled increase in pollutants in the aquatic environment results in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARBs and ARGs). The overuse and misuse of antibiotics is also a crucial factor for public health. (2) Methods: In this study, the presence of ARBs and the presence of 24 resistance genes from eight different classes of antibiotics were evaluated in addition to performing statistical correlations and intercorrelations. Samples of water and sediment were collected from a river in central-western Brazil, responsible for supplying water to more than 3 million people. Physicochemical analyses were performed on the water samples, as well as methodological approaches based on culture and molecular biology, such as real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). (3) Results: The results of the analysis of apparent color, turbidity, thermotolerant coliforms and E. coli were not in accordance with Brazilian legislation. A total of 203 bacterial strains were isolated, of which 30.54% were from the Entero-bacteriaceae family and 29.06% from the Staphylococcaceae family. For the ARBs found, a higher prevalence of resistance to lyconsamides and β-lactams was detected. Among all isolated strains, a multi-drug resistance profile of 59.37% was found. The presence of ARGs was detected in all water and sediment samples; of the 24 genes searched, the presence of 22 was found, and the sul2 and ermC genes were detected in all samples. According to the statistical analysis, the Meia Ponte River is suffering a great anthropogenic impact, and the current Brazilian legislation is not sufficient to prevent it. This water environment is serving as a reservoir of resistance genes, and measures such as monitoring, depollution, management and preservation must be taken, so that the population does not suffer great damage. (4) Conclusions: This is the first study in the State of Goiás, Brazil, to indicate the existence of ARGs in samples of raw water and river sediments, supporting the worldwide investigation of ARBs and ARGs in a water environment. In addition, few studies address the correlations between the ARBs and ARGs groups, which is an important factor in the field of antimicrobial resistance.
Assessing the Influence of a Bias Correction Method on Future Climate Scenarios Using SWAT as an Impact Model Indicator
Authors: Brighenti Tássia Mattos , Gassman Philip W. , Gutowski William J. , Thompson Janette R.
Published: February 2023

In this study, we evaluate the implications of a bias correction method on a combination of Global/Regional Climate Models (GCM and RCM) for simulating precipitation and, subsequently, streamflow, surface runoff, and water yield in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The study area is the Des Moines River Basin, U.S.A. The climate projections are two RCMs driven by two GCMs for historical simulations (1981–2005) and future projections (2030–2050). Bias correction improves historical precipitation for annual volumes, seasonality, spatial distribution, and mean error. Simulated monthly historical streamflow was compared across 26 monitoring stations with mostly satisfactory results for percent bias (Pbias). There were no changes in annual trends for future scenarios except for raw WRF models. Seasonal variability remained the same; however, most models predicted an increase in monthly precipitation from January to March and a reduction for June and July. Meanwhile, the bias-corrected models showed changes in prediction signals. In some cases, raw models projected an increase in surface runoff and water yield, but the bias-corrected models projected a reduction in these variables. This suggests the bias correction may be larger than the climate-change signal and indicates the procedure is not a small correction but a major factor.
Changes to the coastal flora of Wirral, Merseyside (v.c.58)
Authors: Greenwood Eric F.
Published: February 2023

Changes over more than 200 years in the landscape, vegetation and flora of coastal habitats of the Wirral peninsula in north-western England are described. These include the creation of new salt-marshes, following ongoing accretion of sediments as well as destruction of habitats following urbanisation and industrialisation. These changes led to the development of new Open Mosaic Habitats increasing floral diversity. The role of hybrids and new species to the Wirral coast is discussed in relation to changes in floral diversity with losses largely confined to species of totally destroyed and relatively nutrient poor habitats and occurring before 1900.
Can the distribution patterns of plants used by humans as food give clues as to whether they are native or introduced?
Authors: Braithwaite Michael
Published: February 2023

The discovery that Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree) was probably introduced to Ireland and Wales by pre-Bronze Age copper miners about 2,400 BC (Sheehy Skeffington & Scott, 2021) has led me to consider whether the distributions of other British and Irish plants might have been extended by the activities of early humans, including hunter-gatherers. Three species have been chosen for study, Blitum bonus-henricus (L.) Rchb. (Good-King-Henry), Bistorta officinalis Delarbre (Common Bistort) and Lathyrus sylvestris L. (Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea). These have contrasting distributions. The tetrad distributions of the three species were examined for areas where the distribution is coherent, suggesting native status, or broadly random, suggesting introductions. Individual localities were studied for a sample of vice-counties. Natural dispersal methods were also studied as were the likely uses by humans. It was concluded that the Blitum is an archaeophyte that had been introduced as a vegetable by early farmers in the Neolithic or Bronze Age. The Bistorta is a native species that survived the woodland invasion following the Ice Age in refugia in the north of England and, when woodland cover was reduced by man in the Neolithic and Bronze Age, recolonised only limited areas where it came to be used as a vegetable. It was later widely introduced elsewhere as a medicinal plant. The Lathyrus is a native species that had probably been harvested as a vegetable by man in the Mesolithic Age, and cultivated from the Neolithic or Bronze Age. Introductions from other sources were also probable.
Pedicel colour does not separate Epipactis dunensis (Dune Helleborine) from E. ‘sancta’ (Lindisfarne Helleborine) (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Richards John
Published: February 2023

The characters which supposedly differentiate the narrow endemic Epipactis sancta (Delforge) Delforge on Lindisfarne (north-east England) from ‘Tyne’ and west coast (type) populations of Epipactis dunensis (T. & T.A. Stephenson) Godfery are examined. Lindisfarne plants vary for purple staining of the pedicel, while ‘Tyne’ populations and at least some west coast plants lack this character. There is no significant difference between ‘Tyne’ and Lindisfarne populations for the relative length of the inflorescence (position of uppermost leaf). It is shown that other supposed differences are apparently trivial. It is considered that minor differences in sequence in chloroplast DNA between the populations do not in themselves suggest that E. sancta deserves specific rank. It is concluded that the Lindisfarne population is best regarded as E. dunensis.
Effects of noise presence and noise position on interpersonal distance in a triadic conversation.
Authors: Hladek Lubos , Seeber Bernhard
Published: February 2023

People usually move in different ways during conversations but little is known whether movement behavior reflects difficulties that some people experience in communication in terms of listening and speaking. Here, we investigate movement behavior of standing participants in triadic
conversations in noise with different spatial properties. In the initial analysis, we test how presence and position of noise affects interpersonal distance. The task of the interlocutors was to hold a free conversation in controlled acoustic conditions with realistic reverberation and visual
scene of an underground station that was rendered in real-time in the Simulated Open Field Environment while the participants were monitored with motion tracking equipment and their voices were recorded. Two groups of people took part in the study. Different noise conditions involved presence
of stationary speech-shaped noise at 70 dB SPL presented from one of four possible directions (Front, Right, Rear, Left), or from all directions simultaneously (F+R+R+L), or there was no noise (Quiet). The results show that interpersonal distance decreased when the noise was present, which
confirmed previous results. Further, the preliminary analysis shows a relatively small effect of noise position on the interpersonal distance.
From sport to science: the acoustics of a pool transformed into an auditorium
Authors: Berardi Umberto , Bevilacqua Antonella , Lombardi Ilaria , Iannace Gino , Trematerra Amelia
Published: February 2023

The re-use of an abandoned building is probably among the most sustainable choice we can do in the built environment. A dismissed public building has been donated to the University of Foggia, Italy, due to the demand of facilities that the different departments requested for their academic
meetings and events. The original building was provided with a swimming pool on the ground floor, to be 50 m long and 3 m deep. The architects in charge to apply the change of use have designed the realization of an auditorium within the original pool. The project consists of the installation
of the audience seats on a 10% sloped stalls area, having a rectangular plan layout. The short dimension headwall, that is 3 m high, has been designed to allocate a screen for image and video projection. Before any change, a campaign of acoustic measurements has been undertaken in order to
assess the existing conditions of the room, having a volume size of 4000 m3. The results from the first survey highlight that the main acoustic parameters were significantly outside the optimal range for an auditorium. This paper presents a parametric investigation of some mitigation solutions
applied to lower the reverberation time and to increase the speech intelligibility (and the STI). The addition of absorbing surface areas allowed the users to effectively make use of this facility. A second campaign of measurements carried out after the realization of the acoustic design have
been compared with the predictions, to finally tune the retrofitted room
Modeling sound transmission through apertures with diffraction
Authors: Svensson Peter , Sohrabi Shahin
Published: February 2023

Sound transmission through an aperture in a thin wall is a classical scattering problem with various applications in building and room acoustics. In particular, the use of active noise control for open windows can be viewed as an aperture scattering problem. Diffraction-based modeling
of scattering is very efficient and accurate for convex scattering objects but has been shown to be less accurate for the transmission through circular apertures, at low frequencies. In this study we investigate the accuracy of edge-diffraction based modeling of sound transmission through
rectangular apertures. Reference solutions are computed with a boundary element formulation for this case. Results confirm that the diffraction modeling gives accurate results for mid-to-high frequencies. For low frequencies and skewed transmission angles, the diffraction-based method gives
larger errors. For aspect ratios between 1:1 and 10:1, the sound power transmission ratio predicted by the edge diffraction approach is maximally ±1.5 dB in error for very low frequencies.
Experimental tests of a multichannel active noise control system with single and multiple reference signals applied to the cabin of a tractor
Authors: Mori Francesco , Bonfiglio Paolo , Fausti Patrizio , Pompoli Francesco , Santoni Andrea
Published: February 2023

A feedforward active noise control system represents a valid solution whenever it is necessary to attenuate a disturbing noise at low frequency. One example of application is the case of tractors, in which the agricultural operators are exposed for several hours per day to loud noise
at low frequency, mainly generated by the engine. Generally, the feedforward systems make use of one reference sensor to measure the noise produced by the main source. However, this way of proceeding could be inadequate to describe the disturbing noise, especially when the noise is divided
both in structure-borne and air-borne components. In this article, a comparison between the use of a single and multiple reference signals, processed in a multichannel active noise control system applied to the cabin of a motionless tractor, is proposed. In particular, an accelerometer positioned
on the turbocharger is used to sense the vibration generated by the engine, while a microphone placed near the engine is used to measure the air-borne noise. The active system implements the filtered-X least mean squares (FXLMS) algorithm to produce the anti-noise signals. The results show
that the use of two simultaneously acquired reference signals improves the performance of the active system.
Auraltypical acoustics? A critical review of key standards and practices
Authors: Drever John , Cobianchi Mattia , Rosas Pérez Carmen
Published: February 2023

The concept of aural diversity was born out of awareness that there is a deeply embedded and intertwined, singular model of hearing at the core of the preponderance of acoustic standards and guidance, and hence practice (Drever 2015, 2017). This is exemplified with the prescription
of the 'otologically normal' hearer derived equal loudness contours (ISO 226:2003), giving form to ubiquitous A-weighted decibel - the 'otologically normal' characterising the hearing of 18 to 25-year-olds, arguably the healthiest sub-group of society. This paper will critically review this
assumption through reviewing the current set of acoustics standards in the UK. Crucially it will probe at some of the methods underpinning historic and foundational studies and concepts that are referenced in current standards, such as the reliance on WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized,
Rich, and Democratic societies) samples to stand in for the whole of the human population. (Henrich, Heine, Norenzayan 2010; Cobianchi & Rosas Pérez, 2021). Through interviews with acoustic professionals, the paper will then look at how this is carried through into practice and
finally, discuss the consequences of slavishly following these models, which studies have shown (Drever 2017), results in distress, negative impact on health and well-being and societal exclusion for some.
A new procedure to carry out noise and vibration measurements oriented to support an annoyance evaluation in the framework of the Life SNEAK project
Authors: Governi Lapo , Bracciali Andrea , Megna Gianluca , Bernardini Matteo , Bartalucci Chiara , Bellomini Raffaella , Colucci Gianfrancesco , Luzzi Sergio
Published: February 2023

The LIFE SNEAK project, started in September 2021, aims at the reduction of noise from road traffic that mainly affects densely populated urban areas where the noise and vibrations produced by the tram overlap with noise produced by road traffic. Applicative measures will be designed
and tested in a pilot case of the city of Florence, such as low-noise and vibration surfaces, with life cycle costs comparable to those of traditional surfaces, and measures to reduce tram noise aiming to obtain substantial reductions in noise and annoyance. In the first phase, specific attention
was dedicated to the state-of-the-art analysis concerning prediction and monitoring of the level of noise and ground-borne vibrations in urban environments. Moreover, the impacts of road traffic and tramway in terms of noise and vibrations on people annoyance in urban context have been investigated
in order to design appropriate questionnaires for citizens. In fact, the exploration of any combined effect of vibration and noise on annoyance is also suggested by recent guidelines for designing dedicated social surveys. In this paper the procedure to design a noise and vibration measurements
campaign oriented to support an evaluation of effective reductions in terms of both levels and annoyance is presented.
Implementing the CNOSSOS-EU correction near traffic light junctions and roundabouts
Authors: Shilton Simon , Tommasi RafDouglas C.
Published: February 2023

Under the Environmental Noise Directive (END), the Round 4 strategic noise maps are to be calculated using the methodology set out in Directive 2015/996 (as amended) (CNOSSOS-EU). As part of the road traffic source emission model, a correction for the effect on noise levels due to the
acceleration and deceleration of vehicles shall be applied near crossings with traffic lights and roundabouts. As part of the revision of the EPA guidelines on strategic noise mapping in Ireland, a technical investigation was carried out to identify the effect of the correction factor on road
traffic noise emissions, and determine whether there was a practical approach to implement the correction factor within the upcoming noise mapping. This paper will provide an overview of the results, including the change in noise level emissions for low speed low flow roads, and high speed
high flow road. It will also present a practical approach to preparing the road traffic flow models in GIS based on available datasets.
Prediction of impact noise from gym sources on resilient matting
Authors: Patil Nikhilesh , Mcnulty Martin
Published: February 2023

Controlling impact noise continues to be a challenging design issue in new and existing gyms. Within design and prediction phases, in-situ measurements on bare slab and flooring test samples are often required to reduce uncertainty. These can be intrusive, and to date, there is no consistent
test methodology within the industry. This is further complicated by the nature of the problem comprising numerous source mass and height combinations, and the potential number of flooring samples to be tested. Emerging guidance within the UK will fill the gap on predictions for typical gym
floors via reliance on engineering grade assumptions and empirical limits, however, this does not reduce the need for robust in-situ test data to complement predictive approaches. There is a need for a methodology bridging the gap between prediction and in-situ elements which is reliable,
time efficient and can be used on wider source cases and in varied locations or structures. The paper presented discusses potential ways of simplifying prediction and testing strategies, with a view to estimating noise and vibration levels from bare slabs only. Furthermore, a potential method
is showcased whereby the noise and vibration levels in the presence of a flooring solution can be predicted.
Interlaboratory comparison of ISO 23351-1: speech level reduction of furniture ensembles
Authors: Hongisto Valtteri , Radun Jenni , Maula Henna , Saarinen Pekka , Keränen Jukka , Alakoivu Reijo
Published: February 2023

We examined the effects of both wind turbine noise and road traffic noise on symptoms and diseases close to wind turbines and in a control area. Wind turbine sound levels were between 1739 dB LAeq and met the Finnish regulation (40 dB). Daytime road traffic noise levels were 32.5-63.5
dB. Altogether 676 residents responded to the questionnaire. Higher wind turbine sound level was associated with more likely reporting wind turbine noise annoyance and not with reporting of symptoms or chronic diseases. Higher road traffic sound level was associated with higher probability
of road traffic noise annoyance, migraine or headache, dizziness, impaired hearing, pressure in ears, tachycardia or heart palpitations, and heart disease. The health effects of wind farms seem to be limited to noise annoyance in areas where all residents are exposed to sound levels under
40 dB. The study has strong practical relevance since new wind power areas always fulfill this 40 dB regulation in Finland. On the other hand, more than 600.000 inhabitants are exposed to road traffic noise levels above 55 dB in Finland. Because high road traffic noise is associated with elevated
prevalence of symptoms and a disease in our study, and several previous international studies have found even more serious health effects of road traffic noise, this issue deserves higher concern in the future.
Interlaboratory comparison of ISO 23351-1: speech level reduction of furniture ensembles
Authors: Hongisto Valtteri , Keränen Jukka
Published: February 2023

International standard ISO 23351-1:2020 describes a laboratory method for declaring the speech level reduction DS,A of furniture ensembles (such as partially enclosed pods or workstations) and enclosures (such as phone booths). Such products are increasingly used in lounges, hospitals,
education buildings, open-plan offices, and similar places to provide local places of improved speech privacy or concentration. DS,A describes how much the product reduces the A-weighted sound power level of standard speech to the exterior space. The method is based on repeated application
of ISO 3741 standard. The purpose of our study was to determine the precision of the ISO 23351-1 method for two extreme kinds of products that the method covers: a workstation and a phone booth. Eight independent laboratories from six countries participated in the accuracy experiment. Two
specimens were circulated in these laboratories and tested according to ISO 23351-1. Measured DS,A values varied from 3.7 to 5.5 for the workstation and from 27.2 to 30.3 dB for the booth. The corresponding reproducibility standard deviations were 0.6 and 1.1 dB, respectively. The results
have been exploited in the ISO 23351-1 standard.
VIBWAY: A user-friendly computational for the prediction of railway-induced ground-borne vibration and noise
Authors: Arcos Robert , Conto Quispe Kenny Fernando , Liravi Hassan , Clot Arnau , Romeu Jordi
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to introduce a computationally efficient and user-friendly toolbox, called VIBWAY, able to predict vibration and re-radiated noise levels in two situations. On the one hand, it can predict levels in existing buildings due to new lines or after the application of mitigation
measures in existing ones. Thus, it can be used to assess the performance of vibration countermeasures applied at the track, vehicle and/or the building. On the other hand, it can predict levels in new buildings to be constructed close to an existing railway line. The VIBWAY toolbox is based
on a non-interface 2.5D FEM-SBM approach for the wave propagation on the soil, on semi-analytical approaches for the track and the building and on multibody modelling of the train vehicle.
Acoustical privacy in the built environment: Past, present and future
Authors: Bourdeau Ethan , Koukounian Viken
Published: February 2023

Although the need to consider acoustics in the built environment is well-accepted, an understanding of 'what' constitutes 'good acoustics' is not. The authors present posteriori-reviews of historical events and of empirical evidence-to develop an understanding of the current landscape
of Standards, Guidelines, and Codes. More specifically, special attention is devoted to the development of speech privacy metrics, as well as that of auditory and non-auditory effects of noise and sound on health. With a refreshed understanding of theory, a priori-i.e., an acoustical framework
for design and/or performance verification with a special interest in speech privacy-is renewed and its impacts on the ongoing development of Standards, Guidelines and Codes is discussed.
Flow and surface loading induced by a supersonic jet over an aft deck
Authors: Morris Philip , Douglas Darryl
Published: February 2023

Aircraft designs may include an engine that exhausts over the upper fuselage of the aircraft. This design has many benefits including reduced noise below the aircraft. However, the scrubbing of the high-speed turbulent jet flow over the fuselage has the potential to cause structural
fatigue. This paper describes a joint experimental/computational study of the surface pressure fluctuations induced by the supersonic jet flow. The model configuration consists of a rectangular convergent-divergent nozzle that exhausts over a flat plate. The plate is a continuation of the
lower lip of the nozzle. Pressure measurements are made at several locations on the plate surface. In addition, schlieren visualization is used to identify the jet's shock cell structure. Numerical simulations are performed using Large Eddy Simulation (LES). Results are compared between the
simulations and the experiments. The importance of shock turbulent boundary layer interaction to the surface loading is identified.
Health and whole life cost benefits of highways noise barriers
Authors: Parker Giles
Published: February 2023

As with any asset on the highways network, it is common sense to allow for realistic maintenance costs when choosing and procuring a noise barrier system. A short-term approach of focussing on newly installed prices alone creates a false economy and potentially stores up financial hardship
for the future. The adverse impact of road traffic noise on public health is also long appreciated. Being able to quantify in financial terms not the only perceived annoyance but also the long-term damage to health due to traffic noise helps to justify why one particular noise barrier design
will benefit the community more than another over its life-cycle.
Track Decay Rate (TDR) Measurement Method for Reactive Damping by Tuned Mass Damper (TMD)
Authors: Ho Wilson , Ip Marco , Ni Yi Qing
Published: February 2023

TDR measures the rate of vibration decay along rail in dB/m. Higher TDR leads to lower noise radiation. However, new railways are often having low TDR due to the use of resilient fasteners (to provide vibration isolation between rail and supporting structure for ground borne noise concerns),
which leads to high noise radiation. Rail damper is used to increase TDR (thus reduces railway noise), where TMD is an efficient damping mechanism dissipating the vibration energy of the rail. TMD provides reactive damping force, maximised after a few cycles of oscillations. TMD force is stronger
with continuous excitation than impulse excitation. For convenient purposes in the industry, TDR measurements are primarily conducted by impulse method, which do not allow sufficient time to include reactive TMD force. Therefore, impulse excitation TDR is smaller than continuous excitation
TDR. Continuous excitation TDR is considered to reflect more of the real case of wheel/rail interaction excitation during train running. Besides, TDR in terms of time decay in dB/s is an alternative approach for evaluating noise performance of the rail. This paper presents TDR measurement
results under different conditions, e.g., impulse excitation against continuous excitation; freely supported short rail (~6m), short rail (~6m) with resilient fastener support as well as site measurements in continuous welded rails.