bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of independent, participant-led, high-resolution studies of pitch-matching in post-lingual single-sided cochlear implant recipients
Authors: Lovell David , Martens William , Bradford Jake , Bradley Andrew , Crowe Anne-Marie , McKague Matthew , Perrin Dimitri
Published: November 2023

Understanding “what the world sounds like to someone else“ is fundamental to developing technologies and therapies to improve auditory perception for people with hearing impairment. Post-lingual single-sided deaf (SSD) cochlear implant (CI) recipients can play a special role here through their ability to compare perceptions of sounds heard acoustically and “electrically.” Pitch is, ostensibly, a sonic attribute that can be quantitatively compared, and pitch perception has been studied by asking SSD CI recipients to rank or discriminate limited sets of pitches, mindful of the burden on experimental participants. Through unusual circumstances, we have independently conceived and conducted two sets of participant-driven pitch-matching experiments on authors WM and DL gaining more data and richer insights than reported elsewhere. While our findings are consistent with existing lower-resolution studies (e.g., sounds perceived via CI are at higher pitch than via normal hearing), we have gained much more detailed quantitative and qualitative descriptions of those perceptual differences. Results can be meaningfully compared after accounting for individual differences and suggest that the CI transformation of pitch information for these two recipients could be individually adjusted to improve music appreciation, particularly with respect to restoring perception of musical intervals between successive notes.
Acoustic and neural classification of multi-verbs in natural Bangla speech
Authors: Sanyal Shankha , Gayen Pijush K. , Banerjee Archi , Karmakar Samir , Ghosh Dipak
Published: November 2023

Multi-verb constructions occur frequently in most South-Asian languages. In this work, we focus our attention to multi-verb formations in Bengali language, which are essentially categorized into Complex Predicates (CP) and Serial Verbs (SV). For this a database of 200 recordings of CPs and SVs in Bengali has been prepared. While SVs indicate a sequence of two events, CPs indicate a single event, with the second verb denoted as light verb or its effect bleached. We aim to quantify and categorize, in terms of acoustical and neural parameters, the event construals manifested by the SVs and CPs in Bengali. For acoustic analysis, robust features like spectral centroid, skewness, kurtosis etc have been used to establish a classification paradigm using tSNE and KNN clustering algorithm to distinguish between the event construals of CPs and SVs. In the neural domain, EEG was performed on 5 participants who listened to SV and CP utterances at the word and sentential level. The spectral power and multifractality corresponding to the alpha and theta frequency domain of the EEG signals were evaluated. The results distinguish between the different cognitive loads in the frontal and temporal lobe of the human brain corresponding to the multi-verb processing in Bengali.
Solving the cocktail party problem using Multi-modal Hearing Assistive Technology Prototype
Authors: Gogate Mandar , Dashtipour Kia , Hussain Amir
Published: November 2023

Hearing loss is a major global health problem, affecting over 1.5 billion people. According to estimations by the World Health Organization, 83% of those who could benefit from hearing assistive devices do not use them. The limited adoption of hearing aids can be attributed to the suboptimal performance in acoustically challenging environments, such as cocktail parties, where there are multiple competing speakers and noise sources leading to poor speech intelligibility for hearing impaired listeners. This work presents a first-of-its-kind real-time, multi-modal speech enhancement system that can effectively enhance speech in challenging real noisy environments. The system exploits both audio and visual cues to isolate the target speaker's voice from interfering background noises. The system is developed using deep neural networks and is integrated with the Open Master Hearing Aid (openMHA) platform. The integrated prototype was evaluated in a cocktail party setting to isolate the target speaker's voice from interfering speakers, music, and other non-speech noise sources and was able to significantly improve the speech intelligibility of hearing impaired listeners. This work has the potential to improve the quality of life for hearing impaired listeners by facilitating effective communication in cocktail party environments.
Sound energy-based surface contribution analysis for the vehicle interior noise problem
Authors: Gurbuz Caglar , Marburg Steffen
Published: November 2023

Booming noise is a major comfort problem in vehicle cabins occurring in lower frequencies. The method of panel or surface analysis serves as a viable tool to trace the sound emitting components on the enveloping chassis. Traditional techniques evaluate the surface contributions with respect to the sound pressure level at the driver’s position. However, using the sound pressure level as the control objective implies two major drawbacks: Firstly, the local sound pressure is highly sensitive to the position of the evaluation point. As a consequence, the predictions of the surface contributions become unreliable at frequencies or areas with low sound pressure levels. Secondly, surface contributions in existing techniques can be positive or negative, which facilitates the event of acoustic shortcircuits. This talk presents an accurate and robust contribution analysis method for the vehicle interior noise problem. For this purpose, the sound energy density is used as the control objective. A quadratic form yields energy-based contributions, which are always non-negative and thus avoiding acoustic shortcircuits. These findings demonstrate that contributing surface are effectively identified even in regions with sound pressure levels. As such, the evidence from this study suggests that the sound energy density provides an accurate and robust control objective.
Near-merger of /s: ʃ/ in Veneto Italian: A preliminary cross-generational acoustic investigation
Authors: Dian Angelo , Hajek John , Fletcher Janet
Published: November 2023

Italian contrasts /s:/ and /ʃ/. Although in standard Italian (SI) the two phonemes have distinct places of articulation (laminal denti-alveolar and laminal post-alveolar, respectively), early descriptions of the Italian spoken in the Veneto (VI) report a near-merger due to the absence of /ʃ/ in the regional substratum dialect (Canepari 1984). Accordingly, /s:/ is retracted and aplicalized, and /ʃ/ is advanced and in some cases also apicalized in VI. To investigate this phenomenon, an acoustic and statistical analysis of spectral Center of Gravity (COG), known to increase with more advanced constriction location for coronals, is conducted on 192 /s:/ and /ʃ/ tokens produced by six VI speakers (three males and three females) of varying ages (34 to 68) producing eight repetitions of /ˈkassa kasˈsata ˈlaʃa laˈʃata/ ‘case, cassata cake, he/she/it leaves, left’ within carrier sentences. Results show that, regardless of sex, the two older speakers (50 and 68) but not the four younger speakers (34 to 44) produce statistically similar COG values for the two consonants, indicating similar constriction locations. This preliminary study suggests that the near-merger may be produced by older speakers but not younger speakers today, in an ongoing process of standardization of Italian pronunciation across regional varieties.
Brazilian Portuguese vowel discrimination by Nungon and Tashelhit speakers
Authors: Sarvasy Hannah , Li Weicong , Elvin Jaydene , Escudero Paola
Published: November 2023

The vowel system of speakers’ native languages are known to affect perception of vowels in foreign languages (Elvin et al., 2021). In a field-based behavioral experiment, we tested the perception of Brazilian Portuguese vowels (seven-vowel system) by speakers of the Papuan language Nungon (six-vowel system) and the Berber language Tashelhit (three-vowel system). 60 native speakers of Nungon and 38 native speakers of Tashelhit participated. The acoustics of Nungon vowels were previously analyzed using a 30-point analysis technique (Sarvasy et al., 2020). For the present study, we also analyzed Tashelhit vowels using the same technique. We then used discriminant analysis to analyze the relationship between speakers’ performance on the Brazilian Portuguese vowel discrimination task and the acoustics of vowels in their native languages. We present preliminary results of these analyses, and address their possible contributions to four areas: (a) description of the acoustics of under-described languages, (b) the relationship between native vowel systems and perception of foreign vowels, (c) methods for undertaking rigorous acoustic and experimental research in noisy, field environments, and (d) theoretical frameworks for phonetic learning such as the L2LP model (Escudero, 2005; van Leussen and Escudero, 2015).
The vowel inventory of Nakanamanga
Authors: Li Shubo , Billington Rosey
Published: November 2023

Nakanamanga is an Oceanic language spoken by approximately 10,000 speakers in central Vanuatu (Lynch and Crowley, 2001), including northern Efate island and Nguna and other small islands to the north. Previous work on Nakanamanga indicates that it has five distinctive vowel qualities (/i,e,a,o,u/), as is typical of Oceanic languages, and some evidence of long vowels (Schütz, 1969). However, whether vowel length is contrastive remains unclear, and there are suggestions that vowel length exhibits complex relationships with consonantal and prosodic patterns (Schütz, 1969; McClintock, 1991; Schmidt, 2023). We present findings of a pilot study targeting vowel length in Nakanamanga, based on phonological evidence and acoustic phonetic data. A wordlist consisting of words of CVCV structures was designed after consultation with a native speaker, and recorded with the speaker in Mere-Sauwia village on Nguna. Data was processed and analysed using Praat, EMU-SDMS and R (Boersma and Weenink, 2023; Winkelmann et al., 2017; R Core Team, 2023). Results for vowel duration and first and second formant frequency at vowel midpoints provide strong evidence that Nakanamanga has ten distinct vowels, with a length contrast for all five vowel qualities. Findings lay the groundwork for larger-scale investigations of the phonetics and phonology of Nakanamanga.
Options for temperature selection in maximum entropy approach to obtaining source levels and seabed porosity
Authors: Nuttall Jacob R. , Neilsen Tracianne B. , Transtrum Mark K. , Knobles David P. , Hodgkiss William S.
Published: November 2023

When analyzing acoustical data, the goal often is to find source strength and characteristics of the environment. Instead of finding point estimates, a more informative approach is to find probability distributions from either a Bayesian approach or a maximum entropy approach. The Bayesian approach relies on prior distributions and an estimate of the noise covariance, while the maximum entropy approach relies on an estimate of a “temperature” derived from analogies with statistical mechanics. Different representations of the temperature are appropriate in different situations. The best choice is related to confidence in the model being used and if the model captures all the relevant physics. Examples of how the choice of temperature impacts the posterior distributions are shown using a toy model and a real-world application. Specifically, the maximum entropy approach is applied to models of transiting ship noise to obtain posterior distributions of source level and porosity of the sediment layer. These examples show that the selection of temperature significantly impacts the posterior distributions. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research.]
Acoustic retroreflectors in architecture: From incidental cases to focusing designs
Authors: Cabrera Densil , Lu Shuai , Holmes Jonothan , Yadav Manuj , Reinhardt Dagmar
Published: November 2023

Retroreflective acoustic treatment of architectural spaces can concentrate early-reflected sound onto the respective arbitrarily located sources. Typically, this is achieved by arrays of corner reflectors (CRs) or cube corner retroreflectors (CCRs). Still greater sound concentration can be achieved by focusing retroreflectors—achieved by curving the CRs’ or CCRs’ faces. This paper reviews physical instances of and experiments with such retroreflective treatments in buildings. Incidental cases include building facades, Indian stepwells, and arguably the original Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. Designed cases include both non-focusing and focusing installations, including experiments with room and ceiling treatments. Implications of such treatments on room acoustical design are discussed.
Micro-perfated membranes for cooling, heating, sound-absorbing, and lighting
Authors: Nocke Christian
Published: November 2023

25 years ago optically transparent sound absorbers made of micro-perforated sheets were introduced. Over the last yeas various applications and developments have been conducted. Optically transparent as well as translucent, coloured and printed sheets have been introduced. Other functions such as heating and cooling have been added into a stretched ceiling as well as modular systems. Sound absorption data according to ISO 354 for different set-ups are presented. pplications in various spaces will be presented and discussed. Day-light ceilings, mirror ceilings as well as absorbers in front of glass will be shown. Finally, some case studies will be discussed.
Acoustic reflector utilizing sound speed control by multiple obstacles
Authors: Saito Yuma , Masukawa Hidetoshi , Takahashi Yoshinori
Published: November 2023

Acoustic diffusers have a structure that diffuses sound waves in various directions by utilizing the interference of sound waves caused by surface irregularities. For example, a phase diffraction grating based on number theory has a structure with equally spaced depressions of irregular depth, and the maximum difference between the depressions is half the target wavelength. If the reflector targets 500 Hz sound waves, the thickness of at least 34 cm is required. On the other hand, the acoustic lens proposed by Kock et al. in the 1950s composed by multiple spheres or other obstacles to control the speed of sound. This report proposes a diffuser without depressions of irregular depth by applying the acoustic lens principle of Kock etal. The difference in reflection time caused by the depressions of the diffuser can be controlled by multiple obstacles.
Long-range underwater acoustic detection of aircraft surface impacts—The influence of acoustic propagation conditions and impact parameters
Authors: Duncan Alec J. , Dall'Osto David
Published: November 2023

The 2019 crash of an F35 fighter aircraft off the east coast of Japan was detected at a range of approximately 3000 km by a hydroacoustic station of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation’s International Monitoring System. In this paper we compare the acoustic propagation conditions relating to that detection to those relating to the crash of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 in the Indian Ocean in 2014 with a view to reassessing the likelihood that acoustic signals detected on a similar hydroacoustic station could have been related to the loss of MH370. Possible differences in source levels due to different assumptions about impact parameters are also considered. Despite several extensive searches, the location of the wreckage of MH370 remains unknown.
Microfluidic platform using focused ultrasound passing through hydrophobic meshes towards automatic biological experiment
Authors: Koroyasu Yusuke , Gupta Ruchi , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Ochiai Yoichi , Nomura Nobuhiko , Fushimi Tatsuki
Published: November 2023

Laboratory automation is critical in improving productivity and data quality. Droplet-based microfluidic systems offer a solution that enables parallel handling of small samples with high reconfigurability and scalability. The most common technique is electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD), which manipulates droplets by exploiting the imbalance of wetting. However, this method is often limited by biofouling. In our previous study, we proposed a novel microfluidic platform using focused ultrasound passing through a hydrophobic mesh, which reduces the contact area and thus the hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic attractions of biomolecules. Our platform demonstrates the manipulation of protein-rich droplets at concentrations up to 1 mg/ml without the need for any additives. This is a significant improvement over existing EWOD methods which are limited to handling samples with protein concentrations as low as 0.005 mg/ml without additives. Here, we further investigate the influence of protein concentration, pH, and buffers using fluorescence microscopy to determine the effect on the system. Our platform also provides basic functions such as moving, merging, and splitting, as well as superior jumping capabilities. With reduced biofouling and the ability to directly transfer droplets to adjacent devices and multi-step processes, our platform opens up new possibilities for the automation of biology.
High throughput system for preparing samples for genomic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic analysis
Authors: Matula Thomas , Bomsztyk Karol , Darlington Greg
Published: November 2023

Multi-omics considers the analysis of complex biological “omes” (genome, epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, and others). This exponentially growing systems biology approach aims to better understand phenotypes in health and disease and as such identify biomarkers of disease and drug targets. The basic workflow is divided into an upstream sample preparation step, and corresponding downstream assays. To prepare samples for these assays biospecimen are treated to extract analytes such as chromatin, DNA, RNA, protein and metabolites. Often these sample preparation steps are done using cavitation. Current tools such as ultrasonic horns, and even many commercial sample preparation instruments, can be highly inconsistent, leading to unreliable assays. In order to overcome the problems of inconsistency, an instrument was designed and built with a transducer array (free field pressures P +  = 30 MPa, P– = 12 MPa) capable of processing samples directly in standard 96-well microplates. An array of transducers is mounted below a microplate, coupled to a lens array that focuses acoustic energy into each well of a microplate. Intense cavitation is generated in each well. This process results in consistent analytes extraction that leads to consistently reproducible results. The authors have a financial conflict of interest. [Funded by NIH R33CA191135, R21GM111439, R01DK103849, R42HG010855, U01CA246503, and R44GM122097.]
On space-time media that compute their own inverse
Authors: van Manen Dirk-Jan , Aichele Johannes , Müller Jonas , Serra-Garcia Marc
Published: November 2023

We show that it is possible to design a space-time medium such that the time scattering anticipates the space scattering in the medium and produces the exact inverse for the space scattering. Probing such a medium with a single broadband pulse thus also results in a single broadband pulse on the other side of the space-time heterogeneity. The transmission coefficient of such systems is unity. The reflection coefficient is non-zero, however, as both the time and spatial boundaries scatter waves in the backward direction. The time boundaries thus add energy. To construct a single pulse on the other side of a stack bounded by n interfaces, 2(n−1)−1 additional well-scaled and well-timed pulses need to be emitted following the main pulse, to cancel multiple reflections in the forward direction. Scattering at a time boundary doubles the number of wavepackets propagating in a medium. Furthermore, time refraction and reflection coefficients have the form required to produce well-scaled pulses. The required 2(n−1)−1 pulses can thus be efficiently generated by a single pulse interacting with n time boundaries. The contrasts across the time boundaries are the spatial contrasts in reverse. The time “thicknesses” of the boundaries are a simple function of the layer velocities.
A theoretical study on altering the frequency of high-order modes using a time-varying wall property
Authors: Huang Bohua , Xu Tianyu , Dong Bin , Huang Lixi
Published: November 2023

Noise radiation by aero-engines features high circumferential modes and high frequencies. It is rather difficult to suppress such high-order modes near their cut-on frequencies. Delicate designs are needed. When the engine operation conditions change, a design good for one set of parameters may not be optimal for another. This study explores a new path: an electromagnetic diaphragm with a MOSFET-controlled shunt circuit can be used to convert the wave frequency to any value at will by creating a digitally pre-defined time-varying material property. When properly organized, the incident sound energy is dispersed to several frequencies, some of which are below the cutoff frequency. In this way, it is showed that part of the energy of high-order modes can be reduced. This method creatively utilizes electroacoustic coupling to alter frequencies and control the propagation of high-order modes. Additionally, the time-variation is made on a passive basis in the sense that it requires no sensor input and no energy input to the actuator, thus ensuring stability and potential application in engineering.
A case study on generative learning approaches in a studio and flipped class-room setting for increased learning outcomes
Authors: Oberst Sebastian , Sepehrirahnama Shahrokh
Published: November 2023

Teaching and learning during Covid-19 have been strongly affected by lockdowns, isolated online learning, and the sudden requirement to alternatively assess students while considering the effect internet-based information sources. Here, we present outcomes on the learning outcome of students returning from distance learning into the face-to-face mode, studying the subject “Embedded Mechatronic Systems” employing increasingly methods of Generative Learning Theory (GLT) in a flipped classroom environment, using studio and project-based learning approaches. By introducing a group project component, the formerly disconnected laboratory components become strongly connected with students being exposed to practical aspects and teamwork, generating reflected reports and videos of their practical work. To overcome the effects of Covi-d19, tighter assessments, and in-person engagements is emphasised. Viva-voces have been introduced and AI invigilated final exams have been altered to in-class room quizzes, while monitoring the cohort’s performance over 3 sessions. Our data indicate that face-to-face learning and hands-on practice with peers using self-testing and self-explaining strategies enacts higher outcomes, opposed to remote modes of teaching. Our results exemplify on how to move back into face-to-face teaching with future steps to increase learning outcomes using the flipped classroom, GLT, and a studio setting being discussed.
The application of the Psychoacoustics Perception Scale (PPS) in the measurement of soundscape with low-frequency traffic noise
Authors: Ma Kuen Wai , Mak Cheuk Ming , Chung Fu Lai Korris , Wong Hai Ming
Published: November 2023

In urban environments, road traffic noise is a significant source of low-frequency sounds. Recent research has revealed that the way humans perceive sounds is mainly determined by three perceptual dimensions, namely Evaluation (E), Potency (P), and Activity (A). The Psychoacoustics Perception Scale (PPS) is a valid and reliable psychometric tool that can be used to quantitatively evaluate the human general judgment (E), sensitivity to the magnitude (P), and sensation of the temporal and spectral compositions of sounds (A), respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the help of the PPS in assessing the urban environments with low-frequency road traffic noise. The assessments of the urban environments are in consist of the objective measurement of acoustic and psychoacoustic metrics and the subjective measurement of using the PPS. The statistical analysis results showed that the scores of PPS were the significant predictors of the soundscape gradings of the road traffic noise. The application of the PPS will be a holistic approach to improve the measurement, analysis, and evaluation of soundscape with low-frequency traffic noise to the current standards.
Review of road noise corrections in New South Wales road noise assessment method
Authors: Warren Rebecca
Published: November 2023

Road noise assessments are coming under increased scrutiny from regulators as a result of intensified urban development in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. This paper presents a summary of road assessment methodology, an assessment of the assumptions used in their calculations (particularly as applied to NSW) and some of their limitations. An analysis has been completed of the suitability of the correction used to correlate modelled results to Australian conditions and potential dependencies to other variables, through an analysis of data of completed projects. This paper also aims to identify the effectiveness of recently introduced road noise guidelines, which were developed to streamline the assessment process across the industry. Recommendations are provided to revisit data collection over a wider geographic area or identification of other possible variables which would influence the modelling of real life scenarios.
Managing noise from port operations via the use of automated noise monitoring systems
Authors: Pandey Priyadarshi
Published: November 2023

Ports are key pieces of infrastructure that enable the transportation of goods and passengers. Bays Port, Sydney NSW is located in close proximity to communities and balances the increased demand for Port facilities and services with community expectations, environmental requirements and regulatory approvals. For noise generated from Port activities at Bays Port, historically, individual port users have been required to monitor and evaluate noise under different environmental requirements and planning approvals, which can lead to inconsistent reporting, noise limits and regulation between operators and a lack of clarity for the community. Port Authority of NSW has implemented a first of its kind policy in Australia for the management of Port noise from both individual vessel and landside noise sources. To achieve these objectives, an automated directional noise monitoring system has been implemented to provide real-time measurement and analysis of noise contributions from vessel and landside activities. The system utilizes live data of individual vessel tracking locations, meteorology and an array of 6 direction microphones located around the port infrastructure. This information feeds into a live platform to facilitate management of port noise operations. This paper provides an overview of the Port Noise Policy and the use of unattended directional noise monitoring systems to meet the policy’s aims. Case studies are also provided to illustrate the benefits of real time monitoring systems in pro-actively managing port noise.
Sound in context: Comprehension of auditory scenes by listeners with normal and impaired hearing
Authors: Shafiro Valeriy , Forrest Louisa , Price Emily , Harris Michael S.
Published: November 2023

Sounds of everyday environments are rarely heard in isolation. Usually, they occur in the context of complex auditory scenes, where they are preceded and followed by other sounds or overlap with other sounds in time. In contrast, behavioral tests of auditory function are typically focused on isolated and often artificially constructed sounds which do not represent real world objects and events or the context in which they occur. Thus, results of such tests may have limited generalizability to important aspects of everyday listening. This presentation will review alternative approaches that focus on comprehension of auditory scenes and require integration of semantic information across multiple sounds. For listeners with hearing loss, our results suggest that comprehension of auditory scenes constitutes an important aspect of auditory assessment which, combined with findings from more traditional auditory tests, can provide a basis for auditory rehabilitation.
Sensor-fusion to understand communication difficulty during conversations in noise
Authors: Miles Kelly , Ibrahim Ronny , Tran Yvonne , Kan Alan , Buchholz Joerg M.
Published: November 2023

Difficulty communicating is the most challenging consequence of living with hearing loss, substantially affecting personal and professional relationships. While hearing devices help to redress this challenge, there is often a mismatch between performance measures obtained in clinical and laboratory settings and observed real-world behaviour. This discrepancy is likely due to an array of parameters, with the most notable being unrealistic speech stimuli (e.g., contrived sentence materials), artificial background noise, and tasks that do not reflect real-world communication behaviour or scenarios (e.g., sentence recall). To bridge this gap, we used sensor-fusion to understand communication difficulties in familiar communication partners engaged in natural, unrestricted conversations while listening to different levels of realistic background noise. We tallied communication breakdowns as a robust, overt metric of communication difficulty and fused data from an array of sensors including microphones, eye and motion trackers, and wearables that detect autonomic nervous system activity to objectively index communication difficulty. Our approach aims to find biomarkers that may predict the communication difficulties faced by individuals with hearing loss in the real-world. Ultimately, this research will contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of hearing devices, leading to improved social connection and quality of life for people with hearing loss.
Impact of internal waves on underwater acoustic propagation
Authors: Coyle Angus J. , Ayub Md , Boettger Daniel , Cervera Manuel , Mackinnon Andrew
Published: November 2023

The propagation of internal waves in the ocean can produce significant fluctuations in the local sound speed field. Understanding how these fluctuations affect acoustic propagation is an area of considerable interest in underwater acoustics. Previous studies have indicated that large fluctuations (of the order of 20 dB) in transmission loss (TL) of acoustic waves can occur due to focusing and defocusing effects as the acoustic waves propagate through an internal wave. This work looks to extend some of these studies by exploring the frequency and directional dependence of these fluctuations through the implementation of a 3D acoustic model (FOR3D) suitable for modelling low frequency (<1 kHz) acoustic propagation. The study utilises sound speed data produced using the non-hydrostatic model MITgcm, simulating a nonlinear three-dimensional internal wave field that was verified using in situ mooring observations. By also considering results from a study utilising an acoustic ray model (Bellhop3D) on the same data, this work gives a comprehensive picture of the internal wave induced TL fluctuations across a range of acoustic frequencies.
An investigation of the sound transmission class rating system using large-volume, high-variability datasets
Authors: Shafer Benjamin M.
Published: November 2023

From shortly before, ASTM International introduced the E90-61T classification method in 1961 to the present time, the use of the sound transmission class (STC) rating system in North America expanded arguably more than any other building acoustics metric available today. From building codes to architectural specifications, the STC rating continues to connect acoustical engineers to building designers and occupants as a method for conceptualizing sound isolation in buildings, notwithstanding a valid evidence basis for significant flaws in the STC calculation methodology. Modern innovation in acoustic treatment introduces a far greater variety in achievable sound isolation performance than when the STC was first introduced. PABCO Gypsum has performed thousands of standardized sound transmission loss (STL) testing, providing a large and varied sample from which to observe trends. This paper utilizes this large-volume sample to compare tested assemblies with the same or similar STC ratings. STL data will be observed and compared to probable loudness level differences with the hope that this information will motivate further research and change in sound isolation classification methodology.
The effect of suspension systems on the sound insulation of suspended ceilings: A finite element analysis
Authors: Lietzén Jesse , Kovalainen Ville , Talus Lauri , Kylliäinen Mikko , Lopetegi Aitor , Aldalur Ander
Published: November 2023

It has been shown via laboratory measurements that the airborne and impact sound insulation of a concrete floor structure with a suspended plasterboard ceiling can be improved by using elastic ceiling suspension systems. The weighted airborne sound reduction index R w was increased by 7dB and the normalized impact sound pressure level L n,w was decreased by 15 dB when using elastic ceiling hangers as opposed to fixed hangers. In order to study the effect of elastic ceiling hangers on sound insulation further and to make it easier to compare different suspension systems especially in the low frequency range, a calculation model applying the finite element method (FEM) and parametric calculation methods was created. The calculation model was validated using measured data. The calculation results were then used to predict the improvement of sound insulation achieved with the different suspended ceilings. Additionally, the calculation model was used to examine the phenomena around the performance of the different ceiling hangers. The calculation results confirm the observations made from the laboratory measurements; switching from fixed ceiling hangers to elastomer ceiling hangers improved the performance of the suspended ceiling by more than 10 dB, with significant improvements beginning from the low frequencies.
Marine soundscape research—Are we making progress?
Authors: Erbe Christine
Published: November 2023

Marine soundscape research includes, inter alia, ambient noise, marine animal bioacoustics, anthropogenic noise, sound propagation, and the effects of underwater noise. This research field is rapidly growing—in terms of its community, funding, and publications. Despite this almost exponential increase in activity, it might seem we are making too-slow progress, or in fact, running in circles. At every conference, we are hungry for new data, new research outputs. We aspire to see our research outputs translated into management outcomes and environmental impacts. But are we as a community making progress at a reasonable rate? Let us step aside from this race. Having worked with >60 peers on three ASA Press/Springer Verlag books on animal bioacoustics has given me the luxury to rejoice in the achievements we have made. It has, in fact, been a race to stay up-to-date with the literature, and regular, significant advancements have repeatedly required stepping back, reworking, updating, and editing. Join me in revisiting just some of the major developments from the last 20 years.
Evaluation of passive acoustic methods for ambient noise baseline and gas flow rate quantification at a proposed nearshore carbon capture and storage site in Australia
Authors: Kunnath Haris , Shajahan Najeem , Bergès Benoît , Kloser Rudy
Published: November 2023

Measurement, monitoring, and verification (MMV) is an integral component of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. Within an operational MMV equipment, hydrophone-based passive acoustic techniques are used to establish ambient noise baseline and flow rate quantification at short range, specifically to facilitate “detect-attribute-quantify” sequence of an MMV program. However, nearshore environments are acoustically complex with different soundscape components that can disproportionately dominate ambient noise levels, potentially masking acoustic signatures of bubbles used to quantify seabed gas seeps. Therefore, a robust baseline describing ambient noise variability across the range of frequencies associated with acoustic emissions of gas seeps is required, from which changes can be detected and monitored. In this context, hydrophone measurements from a proposed nearshore CCS site in Australia are analyzed to establish a temporally resolved baseline, identifying key drivers causing overall ambient noise variability. These results are compared with acoustic bubble spectrum features and flow rate estimates from a controlled in situgas release experiment to understand the likelihood of detecting bubbles and quantifying flow rate at the proposed CCS site. Despite the complexities of nearshore environment, the evaluation highlights that passive acoustic methods can provide a practical solution to complement quantification component of operational MMV programs.
Defining that je ne sais QUOI of seep sites: An overview of the Quantitative Ocean-Column Imaging (QUOI) voyage to offshore New Zealand
Authors: Weidner Elizabeth , Ladroit Yoann , Lucieer Vanessa , Nau Amy , Watson Sally , Lamarche Geoffroy , Le Gonidec Yves , Weber Thomas C. , Urban Peter , Heffron Erin , Spain Erica
Published: November 2023

Detecting and characterizing oceanic seep sites is of considerable interest for the geoscience community due to their influence on global climate, ecological significance, connection to resources of high value, and, in many locations including New Zealand, their cultural importance. Modern acoustic systems provide the means for quantitative analysis of seep systems by collection of backscattered energy by gas bubbles and associated water column phenomena and surrounding seafloor. The July 2018 international, multi-institution Quantitative Ocean-Column Imaging (QUOI) voyage aimed to develop protocols and methodologies for identifying and quantifying seafloor and water-column backscatter data associated with bubble seep sites utilizing a large range of active acoustic systems and direct sampling methods. Here, we will provide an overview of QUOI voyage goals and research activities at several locations offshore of New Zealand, including the Calypso hydrothermal vent field in the Bay of Plenty. Gas bubble and hydrothermal fluid emission were captured in acoustic water column data, video transects, and direct sampling operations. More than 3000 individual seep bases were identified in the Calypso hydrothermal vent field, occupying approximately 9 of 115 km2 of mapped seafloor. Efforts are underway to characterize the bubble size distribution of seep sites and quantify carbon flux to the atmosphere using a combination of broadband acoustic methods and in-situ measurements.
Depth-resolved reconstruction of anisotropic elastic moduli in a crosslinked cornea with wave-based optical coherence elastography
Authors: Regnault Gabriel , Marmin Agathe , Wang Ruikang K. , Shen Tueng T. , O'Donnell Matthew , Pelivanov Ivan
Published: November 2023

Ectatic changes in the cornea are typically marked by corneal thinning with increased corneal deformation and curvature, often leading to high levels of myopia and irregular astigmatism. The most common form of ectasia is keratoconus. Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) is commonly used to prevent or treat keratoconus. Limited penetration of CXL into the cornea may lead to a demarcation between treated and untreated regions, suggesting a two-layer structure after the treatment. Although corneal topography can be used to monitor corneal curvature changes pre- and post-surgery, it cannot predict surgical outcomes without mapping corneal elasticity. Recent studies in non-contact dynamic optical coherence elastography (OCE) demonstrated promise in quantifying changes in corneal anisotropic stiffness induced by CXL. However, depth dependent reconstruction of corneal elastic moduli following CXL remains challenging. Here, we show that the thickness of the crosslinked corneal layer can be determined from structural OCT, whereas its mechanical moduli can be reconstructed from acoustic micro-tapping (AuT) OCE using an analytical two-layer model of guided wave propagation. In addition, we discuss how the elastic moduli of partially CXL-treated cornea layers reflect the effective engineering stiffness of the entire cornea to properly quantify corneal deformation.
Maximum-entropy principle in knowledge-enhanced machine learning in acoustics
Authors: Xiang Ning , CHEN ZIQI
Published: November 2023

Recent acoustics investigations increasingly apply model-based methods, they purposely empower learning machines to analyze intrinsic parameters encapsulated in well-established models from experimental data. These data-driven analyses incorporate the well-understood /established models to the machine learning process as an important part of prior information, in addition to another part of prior information on the model parameters of interest. A data-driven machine learning method represents a learning process from data to update our knowledge, namely, learning from the data. This consistently represents the core of probabilistic inference within Bayesian framework on how one's prior knowledge is improved upon the experimental data. This paper discusses the data-driven machine learning methods in a way of thinking like a Bayesian. It emphasizes that knowledge-enhanced incorporation of the well-understood models in many learning processes can rigorously resort to the principle of maximum entropy, including Gaussian process due to their Bayesian nature. Benefits of the data-driven machine learning methods are highlighted when incorporating well understood/established models. This paper discusses physics-informed, knowledge-enhanced methods based on recent acoustic investigations, such as estimation of acoustic boundary conditions in wave-based numerical simulations and diffusion-equation-informed reverberation analysis.
Deep-learning driven reverberation-aware microphone array speech enhancement
Authors: Tong Feng , He Wei , Zhang Jiayang , Kang Yuanxun
Published: November 2023

Traditional microphone array speech enhancement algorithms suffer from significant performance degradation in complex and diverse speech application scenarios. The adoption of data-driven microphone array optimization models based on machine learning (deep learning) is capable of achieve significant performance improvements. However, such methods exhibit data dependency. A deep learning based reverberation-aware microphone array speech enhancement algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm first obtains the reverberation pattern through reverberation-aware environment probing, and then extracts the main component features to train reverberation-aware network (RAN). This operation enables the RAN to have the ability to decouple and generate adaptive de-reverberation beamforming coefficients based on reverberation features. Simulation and experiments are provided to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method in different reverbrant environments.
Architectural acoustics for non-acousticians
Authors: Hoover K. Anthony
Published: November 2023

The great majority of professionals who design our everyday environments, as well as our special spaces, have a very limited understanding of acoustics. Those who may be interested in learning more about acoustics must overcome the vast oceans of misinformation available on the web, and often feel “allergic” to math and physics. This presentation will focus on the methods and approaches for providing useful information that they can use and remember, in a meaningful and organized manner, as based on decades of “brown bag” lunches, meetings, professional society presentations, webinars, short courses, and 3-credit classes.
Acoustic attenuation in mixtures of air and water droplets
Authors: Leav Orddom , Moore Stephen
Published: November 2023

Sound propagation through mixtures of air and water-droplets occurs in many natural systems such as in fogs and clouds, where it has been observed that acoustic waves are attenuated to a greater degree than in the absence of water droplets. This effect has been exploited at space shuttle launches with the sound suppression system, where water sprayed around the shuttle significantly reduces the acoustic power radiated from the rocket engines. Theoretical studies have investigated various mechanisms causing acoustic attenuation in air-water droplet mixtures: heat transfer, mass transfer and momentum transfer. More recent studies have incorporated other mechanisms into analytical models so that they are more representative of sound propagation through fogs or clouds. The aim of this paper is to review the different mechanisms causing attenuation of acoustic waves, and to present a comparison of the different analytical models to illustrate the differences in predicted acoustic attenuation and dispersion. Some limitations of the different models are identified, and proposals for experimental work to validate analytical results are discussed.
Is the crying of my toddler detrimental to my hearing? An acoustic assessment of a toddler's cry and the estimated impacts on primary caregivers
Authors: Rastelli Victoria H.
Published: November 2023

Toddlers’ caregivers receive a fair amount of noise regularly, they are typically exposed to a first year of high intensity, high pitch crying noise from newborns and sometimes as a full-time activity during parental leave. It was estimated that the partial noise exposure during 8 hours of this stage for caregivers was between 78.5 and 81.5 dB, which is not negligible. After this initial year, toddlers’ crying intensity, patterns, and proximity of the caregivers’ changes; however. the surveyed population still considers that their hearing experiences a detrimental effect. Moreover, research is pointing towards the exposure to medium intensity noise, previously assumed “safe,” that may cause changes in the structure and function of the auditory system, possibly contributing to increasing the individual’s hearing threshold or aggravating the range and extent of age-related hearing loss, among other impacts. This study continues a survey addressed to caregivers, interviews medical experts and estimates noise exposure scenarios for toddlers’ caregivers, to advise safe noise mitigation practices, raise awareness and promoting a healthier, nurturing environment for all, child, parents and caregivers.