bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The synergic effects of presynaptic calcium channel antagonists purified from spiders on memory elimination of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in the rat hippocampus trisynaptic circuit
Authors: Keimasi Mohammad , Salehifard Kowsar , Mirshah Jafar Esfahani Noushin , Esmaeili Fariba , Farghadani Arman , Amirsadri Mohammadreza , Keimasi Mohammadjavad , Noorbakhshnia Maryam , Moradmand Majid , Mofid Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2023

The hippocampus is a complex area of the mammalian brain and is responsible for learning and memory. The trisynaptic circuit engages with explicit memory. Hippocampal neurons express two types of presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) comprising N and P/Q-types. These VGCCs play a vital role in the release of neurotransmitters from presynaptic neurons. The chief excitatory neurotransmitter at these synapses is glutamate. Glutamate has an essential function in learning and memory under normal conditions. The release of neurotransmitters depends on the activity of presynaptic VGCCs. Excessive glutamate activity, due to either excessive release or insufficient uptake from the synapse, leads to a condition called excitotoxicity. This pathological state is common among all neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Under these conditions, glutamate adversely affects the trisynaptic circuitry, leading to synaptic destruction and loss of memory and learning performance. This study attempts to clarify the role of presynaptic VGCCs in memory performance and reveals that modulating the activity of presynaptic calcium channels in the trisynaptic pathway can regulate the excitotoxic state and consequently prevent the elimination of neurons and synaptic degradation. All of these can lead to an improvement in learning and memory function. In the current study, two calcium channel blockers—omega-agatoxin-Aa2a and omega-Lsp-IA—were extracted, purified, and identified from spiders (Agelena orientalis and Hogna radiata) and used to modulate N and P/Q VGCCs. The effect of omega-agatoxin-Aa2a and omega-Lsp-IA on glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in rats was evaluated using the Morris water maze task as a behavioral test. The local expression of synaptophysin (SYN) was visualized for synaptic quantification using an immunofluorescence assay. The electrophysiological amplitudes of the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in the input-output and LTP curves of the mossy fiber and Schaffer collateral circuits were recorded. The results of our study demonstrated that N and P/Q VGCC modulation in the hippocampus trisynaptic circuit of rats with glutamate-induced excitotoxicity dysfunction could prevent the destructive consequences of excitotoxicity in synapses and improve memory function and performance.
An inhibitory glycinergic projection from the cochlear nucleus to the lateral superior olive
Authors: Weingarten Dennis J. , Sebastian Eva , Winkelhoff Jennifer , Patschull-Keiner Nadine , Fischer Alexander U. , Wadle Simon L. , Friauf Eckhard , Hirtz Jan J.
Published: December 2023

Auditory brainstem neurons in the lateral superior olive (LSO) receive excitatory input from the ipsilateral cochlear nucleus (CN) and inhibitory transmission from the contralateral CN via the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). This circuit enables sound localization using interaural level differences. Early studies have observed an additional inhibitory input originating from the ipsilateral side. However, many of its details, such as its origin, remained elusive. Employing electrical and optical stimulation of afferents in acute mouse brainstem slices and anatomical tracing, we here describe a glycinergic projection to LSO principal neurons that originates from the ipsilateral CN. This inhibitory synaptic input likely mediates inhibitory sidebands of LSO neurons in response to acoustic stimulation.
Simulation of neuroplasticity in a CNN-based in-silico model of neurodegeneration of the visual system
Authors: Moore Jasmine A. , Wilms Matthias , Gutierrez Alejandro , Ismail Zahinoor , Fakhar Kayson , Hadaeghi Fatemeh , Hilgetag Claus C. , Forkert Nils D.
Published: December 2023

The aim of this work was to enhance the biological feasibility of a deep convolutional neural network-based in-silico model of neurodegeneration of the visual system by equipping it with a mechanism to simulate neuroplasticity. Therefore, deep convolutional networks of multiple sizes were trained for object recognition tasks and progressively lesioned to simulate neurodegeneration of the visual cortex. More specifically, the injured parts of the network remained injured while we investigated how the added retraining steps were able to recover some of the model’s object recognition baseline performance. The results showed with retraining, model object recognition abilities are subject to a smoother and more gradual decline with increasing injury levels than without retraining and, therefore, more similar to the longitudinal cognition impairments of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Moreover, with retraining, the injured model exhibits internal activation patterns similar to those of the healthy baseline model when compared to the injured model without retraining. Furthermore, we conducted this analysis on a network that had been extensively pruned, resulting in an optimized number of parameters or synapses. Our findings show that this network exhibited remarkably similar capability to recover task performance with decreasingly viable pathways through the network. In conclusion, adding a retraining step to the in-silico setup that simulates neuroplasticity improves the model’s biological feasibility considerably and could prove valuable to test different rehabilitation approaches in-silico.
Deschloroclozapine exhibits an exquisite agonistic effect at lower concentration compared to clozapine-N-oxide in hM3Dq expressing chemogenetically modified rats
Authors: Shimizu Makiko , Yoshimura Mitsuhiro , Baba Kazuhiko , Ikeda Naofumi , Nonaka Yuki , Maruyama Takashi , Onaka Tatsushi , Ueta Yoichi
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Within the realm of chemogenetics, a particular form of agonists targeting designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) has emerged. Deschloroclozapine (DCZ), a recently introduced DREADDs agonist, demonstrates remarkable potency in activating targeted neurons at a lower dosage compared to clozapine-N-oxide (CNO).

Methods

We conducted a comparative analysis of the effects of subcutaneously administered CNO (1 mg/kg) and DCZ (0.1 mg/kg) in our transgenic rats expressing hM3Dq and mCherry exclusively in oxytocin (OXT) neurons.

Results and Discussion

Notably, DCZ exhibited a swift and robust elevation of serum OXT, surpassing the effects of CNO, with a significant increase in the area under the curve (AUC) up to 3 hours post-administration. Comprehensive assessment of brain neuronal activity, using Fos as an indicator, revealed comparable effects between CNO and DCZ. Additionally, in a neuropathic pain model, both CNO and DCZ increased the mechanical nociceptive and thermal thresholds; however, the DCZ-treated group exhibited a significantly accelerated onset of the effects, aligning harmoniously with the observed alterations in serum OXT concentration following DCZ administration. These findings emphasize the remarkable efficacy of DCZ in rats, suggesting its equivalent or potentially superior performance to CNO at considerably lower dosages, thus positioning it as a promising contender among DREADDs agonists.
Safety and efficacy of lentinan nasal drops in patients infected with the variant of COVID-19: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Fan Wenhan , You Benming , Wang Xinyu , Zheng Xu , Xu Aijing , Liu Yangang , Peng Haoran , Yin Wei , Xu Mingxiao , Dong Xu , Liu Yayun , Zhao Ping , Liang Xuesong
Published: December 2023

Objective: Lentinan has antiviral, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, stimulating interferon production, and other pharmacological effects. Previous animal experiments have shown that lentinan nasal drops can assist [Corona Virus Disease 2019) COVID-19] vaccine to induce high levels of neutralizing antibodies and can effectively resist the invasion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lentinan nasal drops in patients infected with Omicron (SARS-CoV-2 variant) through a dose-escalation study and a placebo-controlled trial.

Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The study was divided into two phases: Phase I: a dose escalation trial in which 24 COVID-19 patients were enrolled, that is, 12 in the escalation dose group (50, 75, and 100 µg/day) and 12 in the standard treatment group. The aim was to evaluate the safety and tolerance of lentinan nasal drops. The second stage was a placebo-controlled study. The optimal dose group of the first stage was used as the therapeutic dose, and the sample size was expanded to verify the anti-COVID-19 efficacy of lentinan nasal drops.

Results: In the dose-increasing study, lentinan nasal drops showed good safety, and no serious adverse reactions occurred. The virus shedding time of the 100 µg dose group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (7.75 ± 1.71 VS 13.41 ± 3.8 days) (p = 0.01), and the 100 µg/day lentinan nasal drops were tolerated well. The results of the placebo-controlled study showed that compared with that in the placebo group, the time for COVID-19 antigen to turn negative was significantly shorter in the 100 µg lentinan nasal drop group (p = 0.0298), but no significant difference was observed in symptom improvement between the two groups. In the placebo-controlled study, two patients experienced mild nasal discomfort with nasal drops, but the symptoms relieved themselves.

Conclusion: Lentinan nasal drops are tolerated well and can shorten the time of virus clearance.
Body mass index affects spirometry indices in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma
Authors: Wang Xiaohu , Gan Hui , Wang Yimin , Yu Xinxin , An Jiaying , Sun Baoqing , Gao Yi , Zhu Zheng
Published: December 2023

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is known to affect the outcomes of spirometry indices. However, its association with spirometry indices in COPD and asthma is less studied. We aimed to explore the impact of BMI on these patients.

Methods: Patients with COPD or asthma who completed bronchodilator tests (BDTs) between 2017 and 2021 were reviewed. Spirometry indices were compared among patients with COPD or asthma that were subclassified as underweight (BMI< 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (≥18.5 to < 25), overweight (≥ 25 to < 30), and obesity (≥ 30). Results.

Results: Analysis was conducted on 3891 COPD patients (age:66.5 ± 7.8 years) and 1208 asthma patients (age:59.7 ± 7.5 years). COPD patients classified as underweight demonstrated significantly lower values of pre-and post FEV1 (L, %), pre-and post FVC (L, %), and pre- and post-FEV1/FVC (all p < 0.05). In contrast, COPD patients who were overweight or obese exhibited higher values for pre-and post FEV1 (L, %), and pre and post FEV1/FVC (all p < 0.05). Within the cohort of asthma patients, those underweight had lower pre-and post FEV1 (L, %), pre and post FVC (L, %), pre and post FEV1/FVC %. Obese asthma patients displayed higher pre and post FEV1/FVC (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Significant BMI category differences in spirometry indices can be seen in patients with COPD or asthma. Both underweight and obesity could affect the diagnosis and severity of these diseases. Recognizing these effects is essential to better management and diagnosis of these patients.
Resistance valves in circulatory loops have a significant impact on in vitro evaluation of blood damage caused by blood pumps: a computational study
Authors: Wu Peng , Bai Yuqiao , Du Guanting , Zhang Liudi , Zhao Xiangyu
Published: December 2023

Background: Hemolysis and its complications are major concerns during the clinical application of blood pumps. In-vitro circulatory testing loops have been employed as the key procedure to evaluate the hemolytic and thrombogenic performance of blood pumps during the development phase and before preclinical in-vivo animal studies. Except for the blood damage induced by the pump under test, blood damage induced by loop components such as the resistance valve may affect the accuracy, reproducibility, and intercomparability of test results.

Methods: This study quantitatively investigated the impact of the resistance valve on in vitro evaluation of blood damage caused by blood pumps under different operating points. A series of idealized tubing models under the resistance valve with different openings were created. Three pumps - the FDA benchmark pump, the HeartMate 3 LVAD, and the CH-VAD - were involved in hypothetical tests. Eight operating points were chosen to cover a relatively wide spectrum of testing scenarios. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the tubing and pump models were conducted at the same operating points.

Results and Conclusion: Overall, hemolysis and platelet activation induced by a typical resistance valve are equivalent to 17%–45% and 14%–60%, respectively, of those induced by the pump itself. Both ratios varied greatly with flow rate, valve opening and pump models. Differences in blood damage levels between different blood pumps or working conditions can be attenuated by up to 45%. Thus, hemolysis and platelet activation induced by the resistance valve significantly affect the accuracy of in-vitro hemocompatibility evaluations of blood pumps. A more accurate and credible method for hemocompatibility evaluations of blood pumps will benefit from these findings.
Ambient aerosols increase stomatal transpiration and conductance of hydroponic sunflowers by extending the hydraulic system to the leaf surface
Authors: Burkhardt Juergen , Zinsmeister Daniel , Roth-Nebelsick Anita , Hüging Hubert , Pariyar Shyam
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Many atmospheric aerosols are hygroscopic and play an important role in cloud formation. Similarly, aerosols become sites of micro-condensation when they deposit to the upper and lower surfaces of leaves. Deposited salts, in particular can trigger condensation at humidities considerably below atmospheric saturation, according to their hygroscopicity and the relative humidity within the leaf boundary layer. Salt induced water potential gradients and the resulting dynamics of concentrated salt solutions can be expected to affect plant water relations.

Methods

Hydroponic sunflowers were grown in filtered (FA) and unfiltered, ambient air (AA). Sap flow was measured for 18 days and several indicators of incipient drought stress were studied.

Results

At 2% difference in mean vapor pressure deficit (D), AA sunflowers had 49% higher mean transpiration rates, lower osmotic potential, higher proline concentrations, and different tracer transport patterns in the leaf compared to FA sunflowers. Aerosols increased plant conductance particularly at low D.

Discussion

The proposed mechanism is that thin aqueous films of salt solutions from deliquescent deposited aerosols enter into stomata and cause an extension of the hydraulic system. This hydraulic connection leads – parallel to stomatal water vapor transpiration – to wick-like stomatal loss of liquid water and to a higher impact of D on plant water loss. Due to ample water supply by hydroponic cultivation, AA plants thrived as well as FA plants, but under more challenging conditions, aerosol deposits may make plants more susceptible to drought stress.
Orientation representation in human visual cortices: contributions of non-visual information and action-related process
Authors: Threethipthikoon Thanaphop , Li Zhen , Shigemasu Hiroaki
Published: December 2023

Orientation processing in the human brain plays a crucial role in guiding grasping actions toward an object. Remarkably, despite the absence of visual input, the human visual cortex can still process orientation information. Instead of visual input, non-visual information, including tactile and proprioceptive sensory input from the hand and arm, as well as feedback from action-related processes, may contribute to orientation processing. However, the precise mechanisms by which the visual cortices process orientation information in the context of non-visual sensory input and action-related processes remain to be elucidated. Thus, our study examined the orientation representation within the visual cortices by analyzing the blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signals under four action conditions: direct grasp (DG), air grasp (AG), non-grasp (NG), and uninformed grasp (UG). The images of the cylindrical object were shown at +45° or − 45° orientations, corresponding to those of the real object to be grasped with the whole-hand gesture. Participants judged their orientation under all conditions. Grasping was performed without online visual feedback of the hand and object. The purpose of this design was to investigate the visual areas under conditions involving tactile feedback, proprioception, and action-related processes. To address this, a multivariate pattern analysis was used to examine the differences among the cortical patterns of the four action conditions in orientation representation by classification. Overall, significant decoding accuracy over chance level was discovered for the DG; however, during AG, only the early visual areas showed significant accuracy, suggesting that the object’s tactile feedback influences the orientation process in higher visual areas. The NG showed no statistical significance in any area, indicating that without the grasping action, visual input does not contribute to cortical pattern representation. Interestingly, only the dorsal and ventral divisions of the third visual area (V3d and V3v) showed significant decoding accuracy during the UG despite the absence of visual instructions, suggesting that the orientation representation was derived from action-related processes in V3d and visual recognition of object visualization in V3v. The processing of orientation information during non-visually guided grasping of objects relies on other non-visual sources and is specifically divided by the purpose of action or recognition.
Family-centered approach in Early Childhood Intervention of a vulnerable population from an Ecuadorian rural context
Authors: Frugone-Jaramillo Marcela , Gràcia Marta
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Studies about the implementation of the Family Centered Practices approach in Early Childhood Intervention refer as outcomes that have an impact on the Quality of Family Life, on children’s development, and also on family empowerment. In Ecuador, despite an absence of Early Childhood Intervention policies and programs, a university has developed training in Family Centered Practices for graduate students. A formative component is to implement a Routines Based Model with families of children with disabilities. The aim of the study is to analyze the impact on the Family Quality of Life, children’s development and self-perceived competence of families after the Routines Based Model has been implemented in their natural environment.

Method

Eight families from a rural area and their children with disabilities were included in the study. The Family Quality of Life Scale-Early Childhood Intervention and the Screening of the Battelle Developmental Inventory were applied at the beginning and end of the process. A qualitative interview established the family perspective upon the outcomes in their family and their children.

Results

There is evidence of a significant increase in the families’ Quality of Life and in the children’s development at the end of the process. At the interview the families declared themselves more competent to understand and contribute to the development of their children.

Discussion

The results provide knowledge of the implementation of a Routine Based Model in vulnerable contexts. Also contributes in the understanding of the family perspective on the outcomes and perceived benefits for the children and the family itself as a measure of quality of the intervention and training. Implications of the results for initial and ongoing training of early care professionals with vulnerable populations are discussed.
Is the practice of autonomy support the missing element in teacher training at university? A study on the effects of an intervention based on self-determination theory on biology preservice teachers’ knowledge, beliefs, and intentions
Authors: Großmann Nadine , Fries Stefan , Wilde Matthias
Published: December 2023

Teacher education at universities often lacks practice although preservice teachers should be equipped with effective teaching methods. We conducted an intervention to convey and practice autonomy-supportive teaching behavior (ASTB) with 63 preservice teachers. The first control group (n = 76) did not receive any information on ASTB. A second control group (n = 54) had their regular seminar on ASTB without practicing what they had learned. Significant differences in the participants’ (Mage = 24.18 ± 3.26 years; Msemester = 7.61 ± 1.84; 63% female) knowledge, beliefs, and intentions were found. Participants of the intervention had higher theoretical and practical knowledge regarding ASTB and a higher level of perception that ASTB is easy to implement than a seminar without information on ASTB (first control group) and the regular seminar (second control group). That is, their knowledge acquisition and their belief about the ease of implementation were positively affected by the intervention in comparison to both control groups. Although no significant differences were found, preservice teachers in the intervention group also showed the highest level of agreement with the belief about the effectiveness of ASTB and the most pronounced intention to implement ASTB. The results of our study show that the developed intervention based on self-determination theory had a positive impact on preservice teachers’ knowledge and beliefs about ASTB as well as their intention to apply it in the future. Since teacher education at university often lacks practice, the development of such effective theory- and practice-based interventions for preservice teachers is especially important. The practical skills acquired in our study are of particular importance for one central challenge teachers face in their profession: the need to counteract the decreasing trend of student motivation during secondary schooling.
The neuroscience basis and educational interventions of mathematical cognitive impairment and anxiety: a systematic literature review
Authors: Yu Hao
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Mathematics is a fundamental subject with significant implications in education and neuroscience. Understanding the cognitive processes underlying mathematical cognition is crucial for enhancing educational practices. However, mathematical cognitive impairment and anxiety significantly hinder learning and application in this field. This systematic literature review aims to investigate the neuroscience basis and effective educational interventions for these challenges.

Methods

The review involved a comprehensive screening of 62 research articles that meet the ESSA evidence levels from multiple databases. The selection criteria focused on studies employing various methodologies, including behavioral experiments and neuroimaging techniques, to explore the neuroscience underpinnings and educational interventions related to mathematical cognitive impairment and anxiety.

Results

The review identified key themes and insights into the neuroscience basis of mathematical cognitive impairment and anxiety. It also examined their impact on educational practices, highlighting the interplay between cognitive processes and educational outcomes. The analysis of these studies revealed significant findings on how these impairments and anxieties manifest and can be addressed in educational settings.

Discussion

The review critically analyzes the shortcomings of existing research, noting gaps and limitations in current understanding and methodologies. It emphasizes the need for more comprehensive and diverse studies to better understand these phenomena. The discussion also suggests new directions and potential improvement strategies for future research, aiming to contribute to more effective educational interventions and enhanced learning experiences in mathematics.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides valuable insights into the neuroscience basis of mathematical cognitive impairment and anxiety, offering a foundation for developing more effective educational strategies. It underscores the importance of continued research in this area to improve educational outcomes and support learners facing these challenges.
Seeing With Your Tongue? How The Brain Uses Multiple Senses At Once
Authors: Augenstein Richard , Collett Kayja , Mehra Kaamya , Hegdé Jay
Published: December 2023

Humans have seven main senses, each of which has its own unique sensory organs. These organs relay different kinds of information about the outside world (sights, sounds, etc.) to the brain. The information the sensory organs relay is then combined together throughout the brain. This combining of information from multiple senses is known as multisensory integration, and this is how healthy brains operate. However, for some people with a condition called synesthesia, activating a single sense (for instance, sight alone) can trigger multiple sensations such as sight and sound. Researchers are investigating how to use multisensory integration to help patients who have lost the ability to use one of their senses. For example, in blind patients, information from a healthy sense like the sense of touch could be used to make up for decreased vision. This is an exciting area of current and future research.
The temporal and latitudinal dependences of turbulence driven by pickup ions in the outer heliosphere
Authors: Wang Bingbing , Zhao Lingling , Abouhamzeh Paria , Zank Gary P. , Adhikari Laxman
Published: December 2023

The distribution of turbulence in the heliosphere remains a mystery, due to the complexity in not only modeling the turbulence transport equations but also identifying the drivers of turbulence that vary with time and spatial location. Beyond the ionization cavity (a few astronomical units (AU) from the Sun), the turbulence is driven predominantly by freshly created pickup ions (PUIs), in contrast to the driving by stream shear and compression. Understanding the source characteristics is necessary to refine turbulence transport models and interpret measurements of turbulence and solar wind temperature in the outer heliosphere. Using a recent latitude-dependent solar wind speed model and the ionization rate of neutral interstellar hydrogen (H), we investigate the temporal and spatial variation in the strength of low-frequency turbulence driven by PUIs from 1998 to 2020. We find that the driving rate is stronger during periods of high solar activity and at lower latitudes in the outer heliosphere. The driving rates for parallel and anti-parallel propagating (relative to the background magnetic field) slab turbulence have different spatial and latitude dependences. The calculated generation rate of turbulence by PUIs is an essential ingredient to investigate the latitude dependence of turbulence in the outer heliosphere, which is important to understand the heating of the distant solar wind and the modulation of cosmic rays.
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, surface proteins and virulence: a review
Authors: Soto Perezchica María M. , Guerrero Barrera Alma L. , Avelar Gonzalez Francisco J. , Quezada Tristan Teodulo , Macias Marin Osvaldo
Published: December 2023

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) is a globally distributed Gram-negative bacterium that produces porcine pleuropneumonia. This highly contagious disease produces high morbidity and mortality in the swine industry. However, no effective vaccine exists to prevent it. The infection caused by App provokes characteristic lesions, such as edema, inflammation, hemorrhage, and necrosis, that involve different virulence factors. The colonization and invasion of host surfaces involved structures and proteins such as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), pili, flagella, adhesins, outer membrane proteins (OMPs), also participates proteases, autotransporters, and lipoproteins. The recent findings on surface structures and proteins described in this review highlight them as potential immunogens for vaccine development.
The Association Between Religion and Healthcare Professionals’ Attitudes Towards the Conscience Clause. A Preliminary Study From Poland
Authors: Czekajewska Justyna , Walkowiak Dariusz , Domaradzki Jan
Published: December 2023

Objectives: This study was designed to determine the relationship between religion and healthcare practitioners’ attitudes towards conscience clauses in Poland.

Methods: We developed a survey assessing impact of religion on attitudes healthcare professionals towards the conscience clause. These questions were explored using a sample of 300 Polish healthcare professionals.

Results: The results indicate that religiosity was a significant predictor of acceptance of conscience clauses. It also influenced healthcare practitioners’ opinions on medical professionals that should be granted the right to conscience clauses and medical services that may be denied on moral grounds. There was also a significant relationship between healthcare practitioners’ religiosity and their eagerness to use conscience clauses in a situation of moral conflict. Finally, religious healthcare practitioners were more concerned about the personal consequences of using this right in a medical environment.

Conclusion: This study shows that at the same time, both religious and non-religious healthcare professionals believed that the Polish regulations regarding conscience clause are unclear and inaccurate, therefore leading to misinterpretation and abuse regulation of law.
Interval Quadratic Equations: A Review
Authors: Elishakoff Isaac , Yvain Nicolas
Published: December 2023

In this study, we tackle the subject of interval quadratic equations and we aim to accurately determine the root enclosures of quadratic equations, whose coefficients constitute interval variables. This study focuses on interval quadratic equations that contain only one coefficient considered as an interval variable. The four methods reviewed here in order to solve this problem are: (i) the method of classic interval analysis used by Elishakoff and Daphnis, (ii) the direct method based on minimizations and maximizations also used by the same authors, (iii) the method of quantifier elimination used by Ioakimidis, and (iv) the interval parametrization method suggested by Elishakoff and Miglis and again based on minimizations and maximizations. We will also compare the results yielded by all these methods by using the computer algebra system Mathematica for computer evaluations (including quantifier eliminations) in order to conclude which method would be the most efficient way to solve problems relevant to interval quadratic equations.
Coastal Inundation Hazard Assessment in Australian Tropical Cyclone Prone Regions
Authors: Nguyen Jane , Kuleshov Yuriy
Published: December 2023

One of the hazards associated with tropical cyclones (TCs) is a storm surge, which leads to coastal inundation and often results in loss of life and damage to infrastructure. In this study, we used GIS-based bathtub models and tide-gauge-derived water levels to assess coastal inundation scenarios for the landfall region of TC Debbie. The three scenarios modelled what could have happened if the TC’s maximum storm surge had coincided with the maximum storm tide for that day, month, or TC season, where the water levels were determined through analysis of tide gauge data, using a new method called the variable enhanced Bathtub Model. Additionally, this study analysed the impact of excluding the correction of water levels with the Australian Height Datum. Our study found that between the least and most severe scenarios, with the input water-level difference for the model along the coastline being 0.43 m, the observed inundation depth of the analysed populated region increased from 0.25 m to 1 m. Ultimately, it was found that in the worst-case scenario, the study region could have experienced coastal inundation 0.63 m higher than it did, inundating 72.53 km2 of the coast. The results of this study support the consensus that coastal inundation is highly dependent on the characteristics of the terrain, and that coastal inundation modelling, such as that completed in this study, needs to be performed to better inform decision makers and communities of the potential impacts of TC-induced storm surges.
Debris Flow Scale Prediction Based on Correlation Analysis and Improved Support Vector Machine
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Zhongxu , Zhao Dongsheng , Qiang Yue , Ni Bo , Wu Hengbin , Hu Shengchao , Lin Hanjie
Published: December 2023

The occurrence of debris flows are a significant threat to human lives and property. Estimating the debris flow scale is a crucial parameter for assessing disaster losses in such events. Currently, the commonly used method for estimating debris flow runoff relies on fitting techniques, which often yield low prediction accuracy and limited data representation capabilities. Addressing these challenges, this study proposes an improved grey wolf algorithm optimized support vector machine prediction model. The model’s effectiveness is validated using data from 72 debris flow events in Beichuan County. The results demonstrate a prediction accuracy of 95.9% using this approach, indicating its strong predictive capabilities for debris flow scale. Additionally, it is observed that the basin area, the basin relative, and the main channel length are the key factors influencing debris flow scale in Beichuan County.
Noise from gym in apartments above - measured levels from deadweight lifting
Authors: Larsen Bernt Mikal
Published: December 2023

Noise levels from deadweight lifting in gym to apartments in the floors above have been measured. In Norway the noise limit for the highest regular levels is LA,Fmax 27 dBA in apartments from gyms. The noise limit is sharpened with 5 dB to 22 dBA when the noise is impulsive. Measurements
in Kristiansand where there was gym in 1st floor and apartments above showed LA,Fmax of 29-35 dBA in 2nd floor and 24-28 dBA in 4th floor from deadweight lifting when the weights were dropped from "low height". This kind of lifting is seen upon as representative and typical for most
of the users. The basic construction between ground floor and 1st floor is with thick 300 mm concrete, 250 mm polystyrene and 90 mm concrete. Above that there is a good elastic floor with Sylomer rubber and wood/tiles plus a lifting platform. Even with such a good floor representative deadweight
lifting is not able to fulfill the demands for noise in the norwegian regulations. The situation in Kristiansand made discussion about what is meant by "representative lifting", because the gym has posters with information about that weights have to be set quiet down on the floor
when lifting.
Motor and bearing multi-fault diagnosis with sound quality metrics
Authors: Mishra Rismaya Kumar , Mian Tauheed , Fatima S. , Mohanty A.R. , Panigrahi B.K.
Published: December 2023

The occurrence of multi-faults is more critical as compared to single faults, and it creates unfavourable working conditions. The number of contact-based sensors and their placement plays a crucial role in diagnosing the multi-faults. The use of non-contact-based acoustic sensors could
be a cost-effective potential solution to this problem. In this work, two rotating components, a motor and a separate bearing of a system situated away from the motor, were considered for forming system-level multi-fault conditions. The acoustic signature of various multi-fault conditions
was acquired at different rotational speeds. Thereafter, a moving window was employed on the acquired raw acoustic signals to extract statistical and sound quality features. A feature fusion approach was implemented on the extracted features, and a machine learning model was trained with optimised
hyperparameters. A comparative study was performed to analyse the model's performance, which was trained with the extracted statistical, sound quality and fused features. It was found that the proposed feature fusion-based methodology was helpful for diagnosing multi-faults with acoustic signatures.
The importance of psychoacoustical features on model performance was also observed. It mitigated the complexity of mounting the sensors and showed the potential usage of sound quality metrics for multi-fault diagnosis.
Virtual reality reproducing outdoor audio-visual environments in nursing homes: exploring the restorative effects of soundscapes on the elderly
Authors: Long Xiaojie , Din Nazli Che , Mahyuddin Norhayati , Lei Yuliang , Liu Lin
Published: December 2023

As many countries across the globe are fraught with challenges brought by aging populations, the issue of how the quality of the elderly's living environment and their health status are connected has captured widespread public attention. Previous studies have shown that the acoustic
environment is closely associated with our health. The existing research on the acoustic environment of nursing institutions mainly focused on indoor environments, while this study aims to explore the restorative effects of the soundscape in the outdoor environment of nursing homes on the
elderly. In the experiment, the outdoor audio-visual environment of the nursing home was reproduced in a laboratory environment using virtual reality technology. Subjects are provided with 360-degree visual information via a head-mounted display (HMD) and audio information with head-tracking
technology through headphone-based 3D spatialized sound using first-order ambisonics (FOA). A within-subjects design was used to measure changes in participants 'mood levels, attention capacity, physiological and psychological responses, and perceived restorativeness (N=29). By comparing the
data from audiovisual experiments and pure visual experiments, the restorative effects of soundscapes on the elderly in three typical outdoor scenarios of nursing homes were analyzed.
Evaluation of the Aeroacoustic Sources of a Swirl Diffusor
Authors: Ostmann Philipp , Kremer Martin , Müller Dirk
Published: December 2023

The acoustic noise generated by air diffusers can have negative impacts on a productive working environment and thus is a considerable limiting factor in ventilation systems. A reliable prediction of sound sources and levels offers the potential to minimise noise emissions in the early
design process of air diffusers. In this work, we investigate a commercially available swirl diffuser. For a complete coverage of all flow and acoustic phenomena, the swirl diffuser is only slightly modified and modelled with transient flow simulations. We use large-eddy simulations coupled
with the perturbed convective wave equation to model the flow and the aeroacoustic behaviour. The diffuser can be operated over a wide range of volume flows. To limit the computational cost, we investigate the diffuser at three operating points (278, 414 and 549 m3/h). To validate the computed
aeroacoustic behaviour we use acoustic measurements. Laser-Doppler-Anemometry measurements are carried out to validate the flow simulation. The transient model is able to predict a sound spectrum and attribute certain features of the spectrum to geometric features of the air diffuser. Furthermore,
the flow structures responsible for the sound are determined. These insights can offer guidelines for future designs of comparable air diffusers.
Towards a revised international standard for personal sound exposure meters
Authors: Hanes Peter
Published: December 2023

Personal sound exposure meters and personal noise dosimeters are designed to be worn on a person and to measure sound exposure or sound exposure as a percentage of a predetermined criterion. Different jurisdictions employ different definitions of these quantities and different criteria
for exposure. Existing normative standards for these instruments therefore differ in their specifications and are outdated due to changes in markets and technologies since their publication. The International Electrotechnical Commission is revising the applicable international standard (IEC
61252) to modernise and harmonise requirements for the instruments. The technical aims of the revision are to provide realistic specifications, methods for testing all relevant characteristics of a model of personal sound exposure meter, and methods for periodic testing of individual instruments.
Specifications need to reflect the actual practice of measurements of noise exposure worldwide and test methods need to be consistent, realistic, and affordable. The needs of various users have been surveyed and used to prepare substantial technical changes to the specifications in the document.
Experience with the equivalent international standard for sound level meters (IEC 61672) has been reviewed to draft new test methods that are appropriate for personal sound exposure meters.
Fluctuating aerodynamic noise radiated from longitudinal vortex in the flow field with turbulence
Authors: Ogawa Shigeru , Nomura Takahiro , Yamada Yuji
Published: December 2023

The paper focuses on fluctuating aerodynamic noise of automobiles, that is, time-varying wind noise which can significantly affect driver annoyance during at high cruising speed, independent of average loudness. One of the main aerodynamic noise sources is considered as longitudinal
vortex behind the front pillar of a vehicle located near driver's ear. The mechanism of fluctuating aerodynamic noise was investigated from quantitative and qualitative viewpoints. Firstly, regarding quantitative noise level, wind-tunnel experiments and numerical simulations have been conducted
for the longitudinal vortex around the delta wing subjected to the wake of a circular cylinder. The both results showed that the aerodynamic noise increases around the vortex-shedding frequency by 10 to 20 dB. Numerical analysis investigated the effect of the flow with turbulence on the generation
of aerodynamic noise. Karman vortex emitted from the cylinder induces Aeolian tone with 58 Hz. The analysis revealed the noise sources with respect to time derivatives of both vorticity and surface pressure fluctuations, which lead to the increase in noise level around 58 Hz. Secondly, concerning
noise quality, modulation spectrum analysis also clarified that the vortex-shedding frequency 58 Hz shifts to the lower frequency 10 Hz, which is considered as the fluctuating aerodynamic noise.
Acoustic Analysis for Urban Design Evaluation
Authors: Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Tanabe Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Japanese townscapes have changed historically, and those changes have been inherited as distinctive streetscapes in various districts. This is a study that analyzes the characteristics of landscapes in each district based not on visual characteristics but on acoustic characteristics.
Specifically, we analyzed the characteristics of each reverberation time and frequency in areas with historical landscapes such as Tsukishima and Nippori in Tokyo. We were able to grasp the finishing materials and architectural forms as acoustics, and were able to capture the characteristics
of the street spaces in each city. We were able to verify the possibility as a method for evaluating urban design.
Active Noise Control of Air Conditioning System Noise
Authors: Okcu Orhun , An Kanghyun , Lee Sangkwon
Published: December 2023

A HVAC (Heat Ventilation Air Condition) system of the passenger seat in the autonomous bus is used for heating and cooling of the seat. The compressor of the HVAC system generates the operating noise, and the noise makes passengers annoyance. The frequency spectrum of the compressor
noise composes of operating frequency and its harmonics components. The frequency band of operating frequencies is low, and that of harmonic frequencies is high. Active noise control (ANC) has been used for the reduction of low-frequency noise while a passive method using absorption material
has been used for the attenuation of high-frequency harmonic noise. However, some part of harmonic components at low-frequency band among harmonic components is not able to reduce by using absorption materials. In this paper, a new ANC method is proposed for the reduction of the noise level
of low-frequency harmonic components based on the harmonic filtered x- LMS (HFX-LMS) algorithm. The novel method is successfully applied to the noise control of the compressor of the HVAC system of the passenger seat in the autonomous bus.
Active vibration control for reduction of interior noise caused by R-MDPS
Authors: An Kang Hyeon , Lee Sang Kwon , Shin Soo Hyun , Jang Dae Won
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an active vibration control (AVC) to reduce the vibration of motor driven power steering (MDPS). The MDPS used in the experiment was R-MDPS, an MDPS connected to Rack Gear. When the R-MDPS generates vibration in the operating state, the vibration is transmitted through
the subframe. The vibration transmitted through the subframe generates indoor noise and reduces the driving quality of the driver. To reduce vibration, the AVC was used by inserting an actuator between R-MDPS and subframe. The actuator used Piezo material is called a Piezo actuator. To select
the location of the actuator, Transfer path analysis (TPA) was performed. the effect was confirmed by setting the main path to error point. The experiment was conducted for feasibility by connecting R-MDPS and subframe to a test bench manufactured in the laboratory. The algorithm used for
vibration control used the Filtered-X Least Mean Square (FxLMS) algorithm and the control result was reduced from 4 to 5 dB. It is shown that proposed method is an effective vibration reduction effect of R-MDPS.
Practical Guidance on the Additive Manufacturing of Acoustic Materials
Authors: Ciochon Agnieszka , Kennedy John
Published: December 2023

This study draws on experiences and knowledge gained from the additive manufacturing of acoustic materials to provide a best practice guide to their design and manufacture. The emphasis is primarily on porous materials and metamaterials. 3D printing technologies enabled the creation
of complex structures that otherwise could not be produced using traditional subtractive methods. Additively manufactured components are subject to various production defects which primarily originate from: layer-by-layer fabrication, the influence of post-processing and properties of the
build material. These include surface roughness, poor geometric tolerances and micro-porosity of the built material. Thus, produced parts differ from the computer-aided design geometries on which they are based. These issues must be well understood and considered during the development of
novel acoustic materials to provide a good match between numerical and experimental results and achieve the designed performance. Here three distinct 3D printing technologies are examined: extrusion-based FDM, resin-based MSLA and powder-based SLM. Our findings offer insights into the impact
of additive manufacturing on the acoustic performance of novel materials and provide recommendations for acoustic material development.