bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social network analytics and visualization: Dynamic topic‐based influence analysis in evolving micro‐blogs
Authors: Tabassum Shazia , Gama João , Azevedo Paulo J. , Cordeiro Mario , Martins Carlos , Martins Andre
Published: November 2022

Influence Analysis is one of the well‐known areas of Social Network Analysis. However, discovering influencers from micro‐blog networks based on topics has gained recent popularity due to its specificity. Besides, these data networks are massive, continuous and evolving. Therefore, to address the above challenges we propose a dynamic framework for topic modelling and identifying influencers in the same process. It incorporates dynamic sampling, community detection and network statistics over graph data stream from a social media activity management application. Further, we compare the graph measures against each other empirically and observe that there is no evidence of correlation between the sets of users having large number of friends and the users whose posts achieve high acceptance (i.e., highly liked, commented and shared posts). Therefore, we propose a novel approach that incorporates a user's reachability and also acceptability by other users. Consequently, we improve on graph metrics by including a dynamic acceptance score (integrating content quality with network structure) for ranking influencers in micro‐blogs. Additionally, we analysed the topic clusters' structure and quality with empirical experiments and visualization.
Two‐parameter analysis of fatigue crack growth behavior in structural acrylic adhesive joints
Authors: Sekiguchi Yu , Houjou Keiji , Shimamoto Kazumasa , Sato Chiaki
Published: November 2022

Conducting displacement‐controlled fatigue double cantilever beam tests of a structural acrylic adhesive, two different slopes were observed in the fatigue crack growth (FCG) relationship of the FCG rate versus the strain energy release rate (SERR) parameters depending on the loading conditions. Because fatigue is a two‐parameter problem where stress waveforms contain cyclic and monotonic terms, the contribution of each term toward FCG needs to be clarified. Therefore, each slope was explained using SERR with load range and mean load. In addition, cases were observed where the slope changed with an increasing number of cycles. Accordingly, the FCG rate changes. Understanding the phenomenon is important to estimate the crack position from an engineering point of view. Therefore, FCG was categorized into three types using amplitude and mean displacement. After a sufficient number of fatigue cycles, amplitude played a more dominant role than R‐ratio or mean displacement to determine crack location.
Changes in the vertical distribution of age‐0 walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) during warm and cold years in the southeastern Bering Sea
Authors: Spear Adam , Andrews Alexander G. , Duffy‐Anderson Janet , Jarvis Tayler , Kimmel David , McKelvey Denise
Published: November 2022

In the last 20 years, the southeastern Bering Sea has shifted its thermal variability to longer‐term (4–6 years) ocean–ecosystem temperature stanzas. Age‐0 walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) populations respond to thermal changes with horizontal (east–west) shifts in spatial distribution over the continental shelf, though there are limited data on whether thermally mediated vertical shifts in distribution also occur. Vertical shifts may impact predator–prey overlap between age‐0 pollock and their lipid‐rich prey, calanoid copepods and euphausiids, resulting in different feeding conditions that ultimately affect fish body condition prior to winter onset. For this study, we analyzed acoustic backscatter measured during acoustic trawl surveys over the southeastern Bering Sea shelf in cold years (2011, 2012) and warm years (2014 and 2016) to determine the vertical distribution of age‐0 pollock. This study presents evidence that age‐0 pollock changes in vertical distribution were related to changes in ocean annual temperature. Age‐0 pollock went from occurring deeper in the water column during cold periods to being surface‐oriented during warm periods, potentially exacerbating spatial mismatches between pollock and prey. We relate patterns in a vertical position to physical water column properties, feeding, and bioenergetic condition of collected pollock and discuss implications for recruitment success during different thermal oceanographic stanzas.
Water‐level drawdowns can improve surface water quality and alleviate bottom hypoxia in shallow, eutrophic water bodies
Authors: Matsuzaki Shin‐ichiro S. , Kohzu Ayato , Tsuchiya Kenji , Shinohara Ryuichiro , Nakagawa Megumi , Fukumori Kayoko , Yamaguchi Haruyo , Kondo Natsuko I. , Kadoya Taku
Published: November 2022

Water‐level drawdowns are a management option for improving water quality in shallow, eutrophic lakes, but how much water levels should be reduced and what abiotic and biotic mechanisms can be expected to reduce the adverse effects of eutrophication are unclear.

We conducted a study with two experimental pools (10 m wide, 30 m long, and approx. 2.5 m water depth) in a before‐after‐control‐impact design to examine whether water‐level drawdowns could influence surface water quality and bottom‐water conditions, as well as how physicochemical and biological variables contributed to improvements. In the experiment, we fertilised the pools to increase productivity and induce hypoxia, and then reduced water levels four times in increments of 0.5 m.

Our experiment using high‐frequency sensors showed that water‐level drawdowns could decrease cyanobacterial blooms and alleviate hypoxia relatively quickly by changing physicochemical conditions. Water‐level reductions quickly increased bottom light illuminance, increased bottom‐water temperatures, and weakened stratification. The result was a dramatic increase in bottom‐water dissolved oxygen concentrations.

Water‐level drawdowns also decreased the relative fluorescence of chlorophyll and phycocyanin, probably because of a decrease of internal nutrient loadings from sediment. Total nitrogen and NH4‐N concentrations in the water column decreased after water‐level reductions, and NH4‐N and PO4‐P concentrations in sediment pore waters were reduced in the water‐level treatment.

Periphyton biomass did not change after the water‐level drawdowns. Water‐level manipulations increased the abundance of cyclopoids and calanoids but not large cladocerans. These biological processes responded slowly to water‐level drawdowns and are unlikely to have contributed to water quality improvement.

Overall, the size of the water‐level reduction required to start changing water quality was 0.5–1.0 m. Our results suggested that a temporary reduction in water‐level of 20%–40% of the depth might help to suppress cyanobacterial blooms and hypoxia in shallow lakes, reservoirs, and agricultural ponds. Such water‐level management may help resolve conflicting demands for water and may be incorporated into management plans for flood control.
One‐click at a time: Empowering mothers for their adolescent children's educational expenditures through social media usage
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Akshaya , Lin Meng‐Hsien (Jenny)
Published: November 2022

Mothers play a significant role in deciding their adolescents' educational expenditures. They increasingly rely on the Internet for information search and building online support networks to enhance their confidence. Thus, we use the psychological empowerment theory in this study to examine the association between social media use and educational expenditures. Through two studies, we show how a mother's use of social media (active/passive use) significantly impacts adolescent children's educational expenses via dimensions of psychological empowerment. We further demonstrate that the two dimensions of psychological empowerment differentially drive this relationship: intrapersonal (relying on the self) and Interactional (leveraging the community) empowerment. We discover that active (passive) social media use increases mother' intrapersonal (interactional) empowerment. We also find that cross‐cultural differences play a role in psychological empowerment's effect on educational expenditures, where intrapersonal empowerment is vital in the United States, and interactional empowerment is more relevant in India. Our key contributions to literature are three‐fold: we establish the relationship between a mother's social media use and educational expenditures for their adolescent children, identify predictors of different dimensions of psychological empowerment, and present evidence for cross‐cultural differences in the empowering role of social media.
Improving the accuracy of discharge medication documentation in people with kidney disease through pharmacist‐led partnered prescribing
Authors: Fussell Sarah E. , Butler Eamonn , Curtain Colin M. , Bowe Steven J. , Roberts Matthew A. , Lawlor Lauren N.
Published: November 2022

Background

Inaccurate medication documentation in prescriptions and discharge summaries produce poorer patient outcomes, are costly to healthcare systems and result in more readmissions to hospital. Errors in medication documentation are common in Australian hospitals.

Aim

To determine whether pharmacist‐led partnered prescribing (PPP) on discharge reduced errors and improved accuracy in documentation of medications in the discharge prescription and the discharge summary of people with kidney disease compared with medical prescribing (MP).

Methods

This interventional two‐phase study compared current workflow (MP) with the subsequent implementation of the interventional workflow (PPP) in the renal unit of a tertiary referral hospital. Patients were included if they were discharged within pharmacy working hours and had a discharge prescription and discharge summary. The primary outcome was the percentage of discharge prescriptions with at least one error. The secondary outcome was the percentage of discharge summaries with at least one error.

Results

Data were collected from 185 discharged patients (95 in MP phase then 90 in PPP phase). Discharge prescriptions with at least one error reduced from 75.8% in the MP phase to 6.7% in PPP phase (P < 0.001). Discharge summaries with at least one error reduced from 53% in MP phase to 24% in the PPP phase (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

PPP improves the accuracy of the documentation of medications in both the discharge prescription and the discharge summary of patients with kidney disease.
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against mandarinfish ranavirus and first identification of pyloric caecum as the major target tissue
Authors: Zhang Wenfeng , Deng Hengwei , Fu Yuting , Fu Weixuan , Weng Shaoping , He Jianguo , Dong Chuanfu
Published: November 2022

Mandarinfish ranavirus (MRV), also known as a variant of largemouth bass virus (LMBV), is an emerging pathogen in mandarinfish aquaculture. In this study, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against MRV were produced and characterized, and 7 mAbs were obtained through Western blotting screening and all 7 mAbs specifically recognized MRV/LMBV but not several piscine iridoviruses as ISKNV, GIV and TFV. By LC MS/MS analysis, the recognized viral proteins by seven mAbs were identified as MRV‐pORF47L, MRV‐pORF55R, MRV‐pORF57L, MRV‐pORF77L and MRV‐pORF78L, respectively, and all five viral proteins are late expression structural proteins by Western blotting. Based on mAb 1C4, immuno‐histochemistry and immuno‐histo‐fluorescence were performed to re‐assess the tissue tropism of MRV. The result showed that abundant reactive signals were observed in infected spleen, kidney as well as intestine and pyloric caecum. Real‐time quantitative PCR also demonstrated that spleen as well as pyloric caecum and intestines are the major target tissue upon MRV infection. In infected intestines and pyloric caecum, numerous enlarged, multinucleated cells with intracytoplasmic inclusions were identified as the target cells of MRV, suggesting that MRV serves as a digestive tract pathogen to mandarinfish, which may explain why acute infection of MRV can cause the typical clinicopathology featured by severe ascites.
Intergenerational Transmission of Preferences and the Operativeness of Bequest Motive
Authors: ALONSO‐CARRERA JAIME , BOUCHÉ STÉPHANE
Published: November 2022

We analyze the implications of dynastic altruism in an overlapping generations (OLG) model with consumption externalities and where parents influence their children's concern for relative standing in consumption through their saving behavior. The degree of altruism for which individuals leave bequests can be both larger or smaller than in an economy without intergenerational transmission of preferences. The optimal allocation exhibits a stationary capital stock larger than the one corresponding to the economy without transmission of preferences. Even when the bequest motive is operative, the intertemporal allocation is suboptimal. We characterize the optimal policy under the two regimes of the bequest motive.
Evaluation of hematological parameters in patients using systemic isotretinoin with diagnosis of acne vulgaris
Authors: Demirci Saadet Elif , Sahin Ugur
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Oral isotretinoin is the most effective treatment option in patients with acne. However, it can cause various hematologic and biochemical abnormalities. This study aimed to evaluate hematologic abnormalities during oral isotretinoin treatment in patients with acne.

Material and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, the hematologic and inflammatory parameters of 138 patients with acne using 0.3‐1 mg/kg/day oral isotretinoin for at least 6 months were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

In the study, the female‐to‐male ratio was 2.83, and the mean age of the patients was 23.1 ± 5.8 years. At the third and sixth months of isotretinoin treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in the neutrophil count compared to the pre‐treatment values (p = 0.003 andp = 0.032, respectively). The platelet count showed the most statistically significant increase (p < 0.001) at the first month of treatment. The most statistically significant decrease in the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was observed at the third month of treatment (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, and mean platelet volume.

Conclusions

There was a decrease in neutrophils and NLR and an increase in platelets during isotretinoin treatment, and these changes were usually mild. However, it would be appropriate to monitor blood counts during treatment in patients with neutropenia or thrombocytosis.
Efficacy and safety of innovative acne scar serum in Indian patients (ESTEEM India study)
Authors: Kandhari Sanjiv , Ganjoo Anil , Talathi Abhay , Aurangabadkar Sanjeev , Bhatia Satish , Goel Apratim , Patil Chetan Y.
Published: November 2022

Background

Scarring is a common and undesirable outcome of acne vulgaris. There are limited effective topical formulations for acne scar treatment. The investigational product, acne scar serum (HEXILAK® Acne Scar Serum) is latest topical formulation developed for treatment of acne scar with unique ingredients, Kollaren and Exo‐T.

Objective

Evaluate safety and efficacy of latest acne scar serum on the reduction of acne scars in Indian population.

Materials and Methods

Subjects, diagnosed clinically with acne scars with or without hyperpigmentation, of either gender in the age group of 15 to 45 years were enrolled in the study. The investigational acne scar serum was applied twice daily for 3 months with monthly follow for outcome evaluation.

Results

Out of 72 subjects enrolled, 67 completed the study. Most of the subjects, 79.1% showed improvement in acne scar at Day 90. Significant reduction of mean total post‐acne hyperpigmentation index (PAHI) was seen at all follow up visits compared with baseline. Significant improvement in mean acne scar depth, mean acne scar volume, and mean L value using 3D imaging were observed at all visits compared with baseline. All side effects reported were mild and overall, it was well tolerated by all subjects.

Conclusion

We found that there was a significant reduction in acne scar and post‐acne pigmentation with new acne scar serum as a monotherapy, this needs further confirmation in larger randomized controlled studies. Therefore, topical acne scar serum with unique ingredients Kollaren and Exo‐T can be a safe, effective, and new option in the armamentarium of acne scar management.
Validation of a smartphone‐based screening tool (Biliscan) for neonatal jaundice in a multi‐ethnic neonatal population
Authors: Ngeow Alvin Jia Hao , Tan Mary Grace , Dong Xiaoao , Tagamolila Vina , Ereno Imelda , Tay Yih Yann , Xin Xiaohui , Poon Woei Bing , Yeo Cheo Lian
Published: November 2022

Aim

Neonatal jaundice is an important and prevalent condition that can cause kernicterus and mortality. This study validated a smartphone‐based screening application (Biliscan) in detecting neonatal jaundice.

Methods

A cross‐sectional prospective study was conducted at the neonatal unit in a tertiary teaching hospital between August 2020 and October 2021. All babies born at the gestation of 35 weeks and above with clinical jaundice or are recommended for screening of jaundice within 21 days of post‐natal age were recruited. Using Biliscan, images of the babies' skin over the sternum were taken against a standard colour card. The application uses feature extraction and machine learning regression to estimate the bilirubin level. Independent Biliscan bilirubin estimates (BsB) were made and compared with total serum bilirubin (TSB) and transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) levels. Bland Altman plots were used to establish the agreement between BsB and TSB, as well as TcB, using the clinically acceptable limits of agreement of ±35 μmol/L, which were defined a priori. Pearson correlation coefficient was assessed to establish the strength of the relationship between BsB versus TSB and TcB. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Sixty‐one paired TSB‐BsB and 85 paired TcB‐BsB measurements were obtained. Bland Altman plot for the entire group showed that 54% (33/61) of the pairs of TSB and BsB readings and 66% (56/85) of the pairs of TcB and BsB readings were within the maximum clinically acceptable difference of 35 μmol/L. Pearson r for BsB versus TSB and TcB was 0.54 (P < 0.001) and 0.66 (P < 0.001) respectively. Compared with TSB, the recommended gold standard measure for jaundice, Biliscan has a sensitivity of 76.92% and specificity of 70.83% for jaundice requiring phototherapy. The positive and negative predictive values in term infants were 93.3% and 36.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that there is moderate correlation and mediocre agreement between BsB and TSB, as well as TcB. Improvement to the application algorithm and further studies that include a larger population, and a wider range of bilirubin values are necessary before the tool may be considered for use in screening of jaundice in newborns.
Thoracic manifestations of IgG4‐related disease
Authors: Muller Romain , Ebbo Mikael , Habert Paul , Daniel Laurent , Briantais Antoine , Chanez Pascal , Gaubert Jean Yves , Schleinitz Nicolas
Published: November 2022

Immunoglobulin G4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a recently described rare systemic fibroinflammatory disease with an estimated incidence of less than 1 in 100,000 persons per year. The disease can affect virtually any organ and is characterized by unifying histopathological findings. Recently, four subgroups of patients have been characterized: hepatobiliary, head and neck, Mikulicz syndrome and retroperitoneal fibrosis, who illustrate the mainly abdominal and ENT tropism of the disease. Yet, thoracic involvement is not uncommon. It can be detected in up to 30% of patients with systemic IgG4‐RD and is the exclusive manifestation of the disease in about 10% of cases. Clinical symptoms are nonspecific and may include dyspnoea, cough or chest pain. Chest CT findings are heterogeneous and primarily include peribronchovascular thickening, nodules, ground‐glass opacities and lymphadenopathy. There is no specific diagnostic test for IgG4‐RD thoracic involvement, which may mimic malignancy or vasculitis. Therefore, a cautious approach is needed to make an accurate diagnosis: a search for extra‐thoracic manifestations, elevated serum IgG4 levels, circulating levels of plasmablasts and pathologic evidence of disease is warranted. Although very suggestive, neither the presence of a polyclonal IgG4 lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, storiform fibrosis or obliterative phlebitis are sufficient to confirm the histological diagnosis. Steroids are recommended as first‐line therapy. Rituximab or disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs may be used in relapsed or rare cases of steroid‐refractory disease. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnostic modalities (clinical–biological–imaging–histopathology) and treatment of IgG4‐RD thoracic involvement.
Nurses' strategies to enable continuous positive airway pressure therapy in a general medical ward context: A qualitative study
Authors: Feldt Amanda , Köhler Anita Kärner , Bergstrand Sara
Published: November 2022

Background

Continuous positive airway pressure is a non‐invasive therapy beneficial for patients with acute respiratory failure. The need for this therapy outside intensive care units is growing, but nurses face many challenges to enable this therapy in general medical wards.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of the study was to explore nurses' strategies for enabling continuous positive airway pressure therapy in a general medical ward context.

Method

An explorative qualitative design was used including semi‐structured interviews with 15 Swedish nurses. Data were analysed using a conventional content analysis.

Results

The nurses' strategies included a non‐hierarchical approach when utilising an intra‐ and interprofessional collaboration. Inexperience was compensated for by collaboration. Nurses' strategies involved advanced patient‐centred care using interventions to manage and ease the patient's treatment and discomfort. The creation of an alliance with the patient was crucial to prevent treatment failure. The strategies were interrelated and considered as parts of a whole.

Conclusion

Nurses described the strategy of a dynamic team that could be enlarged or decreased in tandem with other professionals, depending on the situation and the nurses' needs. Nurses need to have an attentive response to the patients' physical, psychosocial and relational needs and to maintain trust for a positive therapy outcome.
Thromboprophylaxis in gynaecology: a review of current evidence
Authors: Nambiar Divya , Thachil Jecko , Yoong Wai , Balachandran Nair Deepa
Published: November 2022

Key content

Thromboembolism is a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. Hospital acquired thrombosis (HAT) accounts for 50–60% of all thromboembolic events.

As well as effects on patient safety, there are considerable cost implications to both prophylaxis and treatment.

While guidance exists on thromboprophylaxis for patients in obstetrics and those undergoing general surgery, there is a paucity of guidance relating to gynaecological practice.

Increasing prevalence of risk factors and multimorbidity is paralleled by higher risk of thromboembolic events.

Gynaecological surgery presents some unique risk factors for thrombosis.

Learning objectives

To understand the basic pathophysiology of thrombosis in relation to risk factors particularly relevant to gynaecology and pelvic surgery.

To know the current evidence in key areas relevant to gynaecological practice: early pregnancy; day case surgery; minimally invasive gynaecological surgery; open and complex benign gynaecology and gynaecological oncology.

To be aware of proposed guidance on risk assessment and prophylaxis in thrombosis as relevant to the gynaecologist based on current evidence.

Ethical issues

Problems with thromboprophylaxis in high‐risk patients include noncompliance and refusing animal products/injections.

Clinicians may be reluctant to institute thromboprophylaxis, most times because of the possible risks of bleeding.
A dynamic phosphoproteomic analysis provides insight into the C4 plant maize (Zea mays L.) response to natural diurnal changes
Authors: Gao Zhi‐Fang , Yang Xiu , Mei Yingchang , Zhang Jiao , Chao Qing , Wang Bai‐Chen
Published: November 2022

As sessile organisms, plants need to respond to rapid changes in numerous environmental factors, mainly diurnal changes of light, temperature, and humidity. Maize is the world's most grown crop, and as a C4 plant it exhibits high photosynthesis capacity, reaching the highest rate of net photosynthesis at midday; that is, there is no “midday depression.” Revealing the physiological responses to diurnal changes and underlying mechanisms will be of great significance for guiding maize improvement efforts. In this study, we collected maize leaf samples and analyzed the proteome and phosphoproteome at nine time points during a single day/night cycle, quantifying 7424 proteins and 5361 phosphosites. The new phosphosites identified in our study increased the total maize phosphoproteome coverage by 8.5%. Kinase‐substrate network analysis indicated that 997 potential substrates were phosphorylated by 20 activated kinases. Through analysis of proteins with significant changes in abundance and phosphorylation, we found that the response to a heat stimulus involves a change in the abundance of numerous proteins. By contrast, the high light at noon and rapidly changing light conditions induced changes in the phosphorylation level of proteins involved in processes such as chloroplast movement, photosynthesis, and C4 pathways. Phosphorylation is involved in regulating the activity of large number of enzymes; for example, phosphorylation of S55 significantly enhanced the activity of maize phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase1 (ZmPEPCK1). Overall, the database of dynamic protein abundance and phosphorylation we have generated provides a resource for the improvement of C4 crop plants.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Social Science Studies, Vol. 10, No. 6
Authors: Young James
Published: November 2022

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 6 Ahmet Yıkmış, Abant Izzet Baysal Univeersity, TurkeyJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAKatja Eman, Univerza v Mariboru, SloveniaMd. Nasir Uddin, Prime Minister’s Office, BangladeshMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanNAZIAH ABD. KADIR, Universiti Selangor, MalaysiaSana Ali, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Pakistan      James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com
Architectural improvements to increase reverberation and reduce flutter echo in two music rehearsal rooms
Authors: McKelvie Kent , Kanapesky Aaron
Published: November 2022

New music rehearsal rooms at a small college suffered from flutter echo and very short reverberation times. The architecture of these rooms included visually elegant designs which the college wanted to retain if feasible. We coordinated with the college, the architect, and a wood worker to develop concept ideas for improvement which would be cost effective and retain the elegant architectural. By using finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation and mock-up listening tests, we evaluated the acoustic properties of these concept options. After completion of these tests and simulations, a design was implemented in each room based on acoustic performance and visual impact. We will present measurement results pre- and post-renovation, along with our methodology used for the FDTD analysis and mockup testing.
Influence of stratified sub-bottom sediment layers on acoustic simulations in the New England shelf break environment
Authors: DeCourcy Brendan J. , Lin Ying-Tsong , Chaytor Jason
Published: November 2022

During the 2021 New England Shelf Break Acoustics (NESBA) Experiment, a large number of acoustic signal transmissions along and across the continental shelf were compared with combined physical oceanographic (PO) and ocean acoustic (OA) models. This experiment aimed to examine the influence of environmental changes in the water column on acoustic propagation in the shelf break environment. Sub-bottom surveys carried out by a combination of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and ship-board instruments revealed distinctly stratified sediment layers. Accounting for the properties of sub-bottom sediment layers is an integral component of diagnosing mismatch between experimental acoustic data and simulations, as these properties can influence the attenuation and scattering of received signals. A comparison of homogeneous half-space bottom models calculated at sea in May of 2021 and improved models which incorporate the results of sub-bottom surveys is presented, and the importance of this modeling consideration is examined for the purposes of data and model comparisons. [This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research.]
Assessment of passive bottom loss estimation methods in the New England shelf break area
Authors: Flynn Tyler J. , Kniffin Gabriel P. , Ferat Patrick , Mandelberg Michael
Published: November 2022

Proper knowledge of geoacoustic bottom properties can be critical for accurate acoustic propagation predictions in the ocean, particularly in shallow environments. Unfortunately, these properties are unknown in much of the ocean. This knowledge gap presents a need for measurement techniques that enable the inference of critical bottom properties in a timely, cost effective manner. One such approach, proposed by Harrison and Simons, exploits the spatial structure of surface-generated, mid-frequency ambient ocean noise to infer bottom loss in a region as a function of bottom grazing angle. This method, known as the Up-Down Ratio, is fully passive and necessitates only a vertical line array with sufficient resolution for the frequencies of interest. A second approach, introduced by Buckingham, utilizes passive noise correlation between two vertically-separated hydrophones for similar purposes. In this presentation, these passive methods will be employed to estimate bottom parameters from mid-frequency (2–4 kHz) MACOS glider measurements collected within the New England Shelf Break Area as part of the Seabed 2021 joint experiment. In addition to comparisons of the inferred bottom parameters, discussion will include the ease of implementation of the methods as well as robustness against real data-collection challenges such as array tilt and strong surface interferers.
Ultrasound in oceanography and seabed mapping
Authors: Blondel Philippe
Published: November 2022

The scientific achievements of Paul Langevin are numerous and far-reaching. In the 150th anniversary of his birth, we look at one of his early contributions, forged in the heat and pressure of World War I. For most historians of science, Paul Langevin is the creator of sonars, and this opened a totally new window onto our world. In their first century of use, sonars quickly spread throughout the world, revealing the depths of the oceans, the complexities of marine life and the richness of oceanography. In the last decades, their capabilities were greatly augmented with the use of new materials and new techniques, from photographic techniques to computers and Artificial Intelligence. The early innovations of Paul Langevin enabled new fields of science, and this talk will explore the physics as well as the links between research, industry and governments that made these advances possible. François Rabelais, the French Renaissance humanist, wrote that “Science without conscience is only ruin of the soul,” and the life of Paul Langevin fully illustrated this sentence. This first century of ultrasound in oceanography and seabed mapping has lessons for future efforts in research efforts and its applications throughout the world, especially as oceans are crucial to climate changes.
Can rock and roll be a good neighbor: Auralizing the thump next door
Authors: Strong John T. , Cudequest Brandon , Schuette Dawn
Published: November 2022

Downtown Omaha is undergoing significant revitalization to include a 3,000-capacity live music venue. While myriad event types are expected in this new venue, a substantial portion are expected to be high-energy, high-volume musical performances such as rock/metal, country, hip hop, and electronic dance music. This new building is sited within one hundred feet of condominiums, apartments, and a hotel. The overall area is zoned as a central business district and has a permissive policy for decibel limits at neighboring properties. This paper will discuss how the design team helped project stakeholders create a good neighbor policy through the use of auralizations and how those criteria informed the enclosure design and sound isolation strategies for the venue.
Sound intensity and directivity measurements for a loudspeaker canopy in a restrictive noise environment
Authors: Irarrazabal Francisco J. , Pearson Robert M. , Dickerson Michael L. , Hord Samuel K.
Published: November 2022

It is common to have noise complaints from outdoor event and entertainment venues in urban and non-urban environments due to the loudness of the reinforcement system, rhythmic nature of the music, acoustical spectrum, and the geometric spreading of said system. Complaints about noise from events, bars, and restaurants are on the rise. Increasing traffic, construction, and commercial activities tend to increase the ambient noise level in urban environments, creating noise creep. The pandemic restrictions helped reduce the ambient levels in the urban and non-urban areas. However, after the reopening, more and more noise complaints started to be issued since residents were more sensitive to noise pollution. This paper presents a practical application of the source directivity for a loudspeaker system. The loudspeaker canopy is designed to produce a radiation pattern directing the main beam lobe to the front of the array and reduce the noise propagation to other directions. This device can be implemented in entertainment and outdoor events (such as wedding parties) to reduce the noise impact on sensitive receivers and meet the jurisdictional noise regulations. Real-world acoustic intensity measurements were made to obtain the system's sound power and assess the noise impact at distances up to 35 feet away from the source. The viability of using the system for outdoor activities within locations restricted by the City's ordinances is discussed.
Acoustically driven shear mechanoporation for efficient intracellular delivery and transfection
Authors: Meacham J. Mark
Published: November 2022

Delivery of large and structurally complex molecules into cells is useful in numerous biomedical applications. Furthermore, this capability is critical to the emerging area of cell-based therapeutics. Extant in vivo (viral) and in vitro (chemical, electrical) methods are often inadequate for protein, nucleic acid, and synthetic nanomaterial delivery, leading researchers to develop alternative physical approaches. Over the past two decades, our lab has established a micromachined ultrasonic droplet generator that uses geometric focusing of acoustic waves to break the liquid surface and form extremely fine droplets. More recently, we have found that these focused mechanical forces generated on a microsecond time scale can be applied to reversibly disrupt the membranes of cells. Acoustic shear poration (ASP) relies on cell ejection from microscale orifices only slightly larger than the cells to open transient pores large enough for passage of small to large macromolecules at greater than 75% efficiency. I will discuss the principles of device operation, the connection between operating parameters and treatment outcomes, and the limitations of diffusive delivery following mechanoporation. I will also introduce a two-stage approach that combines mechanoporation and an electrophoretic action to improve transfection and delivery of complex assemblies that carry multiple payloads.
Case study of the acoustic design of on-air broadcast studios and a performance space in a historic building in Franklin, TN with other tenants
Authors: Pettyjohn Steven D.
Published: November 2022

A historic building called 5th Square in Franklin Tennessee was renovated to provide space for a Museum of the Bible Radio facility. The renovation had begun and other tenants were preparing to move in such as law firms. This is a two story building with the on the 2nd floor. Two on-air radio studios, control room and a capture studio (performance area) were the main spaces. A new HVAC system was designed based on variable refrigerant. An analysis of this system with recommendations for designing the system to meet acoustic and vibration goals was included. The Capture Studio would be used for live performance of bands that would be streamed on-air. A design was required that would prevent the transmission to law offices while providing good acoustical results in the space. The contractor and owner of the historic building requested a field visit to show them how to install the sound rated walls, deal with existing concrete masonry walls, deal with repairing the walls and sealing around the walls to achieve the sound transmission loss goals. A review of the doors and windows was made, and the installation of the mechanical equipment was reviewed and recommendations made during the visit.
Geologic processes in marine “muddy” sediments
Authors: Chaytor Jason
Published: November 2022

Marine muds, or “muddy” sediments, represent a broad range of sediments containing a mix of clay and silt size components, often with some smaller amount of sand sized and larger material. Sediments characterized by these broad definitions comprise most of the modern global seafloor, except for areas proximal to terrigenous inputs, such as continental shelves and glacial margins, which can receive and retain a higher proportion of coarser sediment. Beyond the coastal zone, the distribution of marine sediments is driven by a combination of geological, biological, and physical oceanographic processes that themselves are a response to variations in environmental conditions (e.g., global climate, nutrient availability, tectonics, terrestrial erosion). At the local scale, sediment source variation, seafloor bathymetry, primary transport and near-bed currents, resuspension and reworking, and bioturbation contribute to the short- and long-term geologic nature of marine muds. The structure, quantitative compositional descriptions, and physical properties of marine muds from several environments will be compared and the techniques used to analyze them will be presented. New methods that may facilitate an improved understanding of the role and importance of muddy seafloor and shallow sub-seafloor sediments in influencing the acoustic environment will be highlighted.
Acoustic seabed characterization with autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Lin Ying-Tsong , Chaytor Jason , Packard Gregory , Chen Tzu-Ting , Kukshtel Natalie
Published: November 2022

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have been proven to be useful platforms to for acoustic seabed surveys with a variety of sonar systems. In this talk, results from two recent field experiments will be presented. One of the experiments was conducted in the New England shelf and upper slope areas using an AUV equipped with a towed hydrophone array and a 3.5 kHz sound source. The objective was to study the fine grained sediment (mud) layer on the shelf and the mutli-layer sub-bottom stratigraphy on the upper slope. The highlight of this first experiment is on the internal reflections from the mud layer at lower grazing angles, as well as the sub-bottom layering structure near a submarine landslide site. The other experiment took place at the Atlantis II Seamounts, and a deep water AUV was utilized with payloads including a multibeam echosounder, a sidescan sonar, a sub-bottom profiler, and a still image camera. The objective was to investigate the seafloor condition on the seamount summit plateau, of which the area is about 15 km × 5 km. Survey results showing sediment distributions and benthic marine life habitats will be presented. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research.]
Impacts of infauna on sediment heterogeneity and acoustic propagation
Authors: Dorgan Kelly M. , Frey Madeline R. , Clemo W. Cyrus , Venegas Gabriel R. , Lee Kevin M. , Ballard Megan , Wilson Preston S.
Published: November 2022

The sea floor is inhabited by diverse communities of animals that mix sediments through bioturbation and modify the physical properties of sediments. Infaunal activities, such as burrowing, construction of burrows and tubes, and ingestion and compaction of sediments into fecal pellets, can compact and dilate sediments and change grain size distribution on small scales. These impacts increase heterogeneity of sediment structure, potentially leading to increased acoustic attenuation, especially at higher frequencies, and increased variability in sound speed. We examined the impacts of infaunal communities from Mobile Bay, AL, and the New England Mud Patch on acoustic properties of sediments through measurements on sediment cores collected at each site. We measured sound speed and attenuation at six different orientations within a core and characterized the infaunal community within the core to determine how infauna affect variability in acoustic propagation. We hypothesize that infauna increase variability both on very small scales, among orientations within a core, and on local scales, among cores collected from the same site. These data are compared with acoustic measurements over a broader frequency range to determine how infauna affect variability in acoustic propagation both over different spatial scales and across a range of frequencies.
Evaluation of a rehearsal/recording room project for symphonic orchestra based on ISO23591
Authors: Maiorino Alexandre
Published: November 2022

The School of Music of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte is one of the fewer Federal Institutions in Brazil that is equipped with a recording studio attending a technical course in recording production. In 2021, the School of Music started a plan for its expansion with the project of a 7-storey building that will house a recording studio connected with several rehearsal rooms. One of the rooms was specifically planned to hold rehearsals and recordings of the UFRN Philharmonic Orchestra and the Big Band Jerimum Jazz. The objective of this research is to show the procedures used to evaluate, during the planning processes, the acoustics of the Philharmonic’s rehearsal room using as reference the new standard ISO 23591. Results showed that it was possible to identify initial acoustical problems and indicate solutions for the best modification of the space, even in the initial stages of the project. The room, with approximately 235 m2 and 6 m in height, was readjusted to a height of 9 m so that the space could comply with the recommendations of the standard. Next challenge will be to properly plan its isolation, since the new school library is above this room.
Automatic detection and classification system based on convolutional neural networks for bearded seal vocalizations in Alaska
Authors: Escobar-Amado Christian D. , Badiey Mohsen
Published: November 2022

Bearded seal vocalizations were recorded by four spatially separated receivers on the Chukchi Continental Slope in Alaska in 2016–2017. Bearded seals vocalizations are often analyzed manually or by using automatic detections that are manually validated. An automatic detection and classification system (DCS) based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is proposed. The DCS is divided into two sections. First, regions of interest (ROI) containing potential bearded seal calls are detected through a 2D normalized cross-correlation of the measured spectrogram and a representative template of the two calls of interest considered in this work. Second, CNNs are used to classify the ROIs to determine if they are noise or a specified vocalization. The CNNs are trained on 80% of the ROIs manually labeled from one of the recorders and validated on the remaining 20% with a classification accuracy above 95.5%. When assessing the generalization performance of the DCS, we tested on the remaining three recorders located at different positions, obtaining a precision above 89.2% for the main class of the two types of calls. This study provides evidence that CNNs are suitable for classifying bearded seal vocalizations from ROIs found by classic detection techniques. [Work supported by ONR via Grant No. N00014-18-1-2140.]
Machine learning models can predict bottlenose dolphin health status from whistle recordings
Authors: Jones Brittany L. , Karnowski Jeremy , Sportelli Jessica , Ridgway Sam
Published: November 2022

Recently, there have been incredible strides in applying machine and deep learning methods to predict the presence of disease states in humans from recordings of voice. Pattern analyses of dolphin whistles have historically depended on human operators visually and audibly differentiating between sound types. The training and implementation of machine and deep learning strategies for audio analyses reduce human bias and may improve feature detection. Our team at the Navy Marine Mammal Program in San Diego, CA has developed a substantial vocal catalog of whistle recordings for a group of focal dolphins. Additionally, an extensive health history database for each animal is maintained as part of a preventive medicine program. Together, these result in a unique, labeled dataset comprised of tens of thousands of whistles (input) emitted during differing health states (output) that have been leveraged for training machine and deep learning models to classify health status from whistles. We present preliminary results that suggest that health information may be encoded across dolphin whistle characteristics, similar to changes in the human voice. Further, we describe the applied goals for testing and implementing these innovative tools for early predicting changes in dolphin health status from non-invasive recordings.