bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding and Lung Function of Children: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Li Ming , Wang Chao , Wang Jiamin , Du Jing , Li Gang
Published: January 2025

Aim

To evaluate the associations between breastfeeding and lung function among children without known respiratory diseases and to determine the effects of breastfeeding on spirometry.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane was performed from their inception to 11 Oct 2023 (PROSPERO identifier: CRD42023471664). Observational studies (cohort or cross‐sectional or case–control design) and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were searched. A random‐effects model meta‐analysis was used to estimate the effect size if significant heterogeneity was detected (p < 0.05 or I2 > 50%); Otherwise, the fixed‐effects model was applied.

Results

In total, 13 observational studies with 18 152 children were included in the qualitative synthesis, and five studies with 5305 children were included in the meta‐analysis. Compared to children who were never breastfed, those who were breastfed had better FEV1 (β: 19.34 mL; 95% CI: 6.05, 32.64; p = 0.004) and PEF (β: 87.50 mL/s; 95% CI: 27.43, 147.58; p = 0.004). A similar trend was observed for FVC (β: 17.45 mL; 95% CI: −0.43, 35.33; p = 0.06). Furthermore, compared to children breastfed for less than three to four months, those breastfed for three to four months or more had better FEV1 (β: 19.86 mL; 95% CI: 4.21, 35.51; p = 0.01), FVC (β: 31.90 mL; 95% CI: 7.87, 55.93; p = 0.009) and PEF (β: 75.68 mL/s; 95% CI: 24.40, 126.97; p = 0.004).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta‐analysis revealed associations between breastfeeding and improved lung function in children aged 6–16 years. Further high‐quality evidence is needed.
‘Something I've carried with me’: Visibility and vulnerability within the writing journeys of preservice secondary English teachers
Authors: Walters Aisling
Published: January 2025

There is an assumption that English teachers identify as writers. This article explores the stories of three secondary preservice English teachers, their descriptions of their writing experiences and their self‐perceived vulnerabilities around writing. These narratives originated in a broader research study into the writer identities of preservice English teachers. Situated with a qualitative paradigm, the research design aligned with a relativist ontological approach. An interpretivist epistemology led to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Participants completed qualitative surveys, drew ‘writing rivers’ and reflected on these in semistructured interviews. A story map represents participants' writing journeys over time. Findings suggest that participants associated writing with exposure from an early age. Assessment of writing made participants visible; they experienced negative feedback on their writing as personal criticism and disconnected from writing. Faced with teaching writing as preservice teachers, participants encountered the same pedagogical practices that they found challenging as students. Reflection on their writing histories led participants to explore the source of their writing vulnerabilities and how these were ‘carried’ with them into classroom practice. Findings illustrate how assessment‐driven writing pedagogies can erode the writer identities of young people over time. The research therefore has implications for educational practice in a variety of contexts.
Teachers' choices of and experiences with teaching English literature texts in lower secondary school classes in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Seunarinesingh Krishna
Published: January 2025

Existing research about English literature texts that are studied at secondary schools in developed countries suggests that teachers' choices can be determined by, for example, school policies, access to books, teachers' reasons for teaching literature, the degree of autonomy they have in choosing text and the influence that canonical literature has in their teaching contexts. Comparable knowledge about teachers' choices of English literature texts, the contexts in which literature is taught and teachers' experiences of teaching the books they choose in Trinidad and Tobago is scarce. To address this, 84 schools were surveyed, and English teachers and heads of department were interviewed. Although many of the findings echoed previous studies conducted in developed countries, several new factors emerged, which may be ascribed to the local context. Chief among these were teachers' preference for multi‐genre anthologies, a high proportion of government schools choosing only one book in Year 8, the popularity of Caribbean texts and the significant impact of economic considerations on text selection. The study discusses the potentially negative consequences of some text selection criteria and questions the applicability of some contemporary research recommendations to Trinidad and Tobago.
Interaction between South American sea lions (Otaria byronia) and trawling fisheries recorded through video cameras
Authors: Apablaza Pedro , Queirolo Dante , Sepúlveda Maritza , Ahumada Mauricio
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the interactions between South American sea lions (Otaria byronia) and trawling fisheries in central‐southern Chile, using underwater video technology. From August 2017 to August 2018, a total of 32 underwater filming sessions were conducted across trawl fisheries targeting Patagonian grenadier (Macruronus magellanicus), nylon shrimp (Heterocarpus reedi), and Chilean hake (Merluccius gayi gayi). The records revealed a total of 15 sea lions, including adult and subadult males and females. These individuals were observed engaging in specific behaviors, such as swimming within the trawl nets and feeding at escape panels of bycatch reduction devices (BRDs). Notably, we documented one subadult male reaching 425 meters. This finding suggests a probable significant adaptability and potential predation behavior at extreme depths. Our findings highlight the importance of further monitoring and research to address conflicts between marine mammal populations and the fishing industry, while enhancing the of conservation strategies to ensure their effectiveness.
Phylogenetic relationships of Smilax astrosperma (Smilacaceae) with other Smilax species and its potential distribution patterns in karst areas of south China
Authors: Dai Yuxin , Huang Jiepeng , Zhang Jiaojiao , Yang Hao
Published: January 2025

The genus Smilax is adapted for growth in karst areas of south China, likely because of the karst habitat heterogeneity of the area and climate factors. However, the phylogenetic relationships among different species in this genus and impact of environmental changes on its geographic distribution patterns remain unclear. Therefore, we assembled the 11 chloroplast genomes of the genus Smilax and reconstructed its phylogeny using the maximum‐likelihood method to confirm the phylogenetic relationships of Smilax astrosperma among 28 other Smilax genus species. In addition, a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was applied to evaluate and predict the potential distribution of S. astrosperma using bioclimatic variables, soil environment, elevation, slope degree and aspect, and human footprints under present and predicted future climate scenarios. The results show that S. astrosperma has a close relationship with S. glabra in the genus Smilax. The average temperature of the coldest quarter is a crucial factor influencing the distribution of S. astrosperma in karst areas. The potential distribution range of S. astrosperma increases and decreases under the SSP1‐2.6 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios, respectively. These findings highlight that S. astrosperma and other species of the karst areas of south China need special attention under climate warming since both warming itself and extreme weather events threaten their survival.
Veterans' experiences of somatic experiencing and prolonged exposure therapies for post‐traumatic stress disorder: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Harwood‐Gross Anna , Elias Shir , Lerner Karen , Nacasch Nitsa , Lawi Cathy , Brom Danny , Barak Adi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Despite the proliferation of research into evidence based treatment for military PTSD there is little evidence for treatment assignment criterion and military based PTSD still demonstrates low remission rates.

Method

Thirty participants in a randomized control trial comparing Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) were interviewed on their experiences in therapy and their responses assessed using a descriptive phenomenological analysis approach to delineate the central tenets of the two therapeutic approaches.

Results

Results indicated that participants from both therapies covered themes of the experience of change, the experience of the therapeutic relationship and the therapeutic process. Within these themes, SE and PE participants reported both similar experiences, such as the predominance of physiological or bodily experiences and also described nuanced differences, specifically pertaining to therapy characteristics. SE participants described the process in terms of learning a language, applicable to alternative scenarios and PE participants described the process in terms of conquering exposures in order to achieve respite from symptoms.

Conclusion

The current findings have relevance in terms of presenting the key elements of the distinct trauma therapies and determining treatment appropriateness based on desired outcomes. They highlight the commonalities and differences between the patient experience in PE and SE, specifically the relevance of the bodily response, treatment expertise and therapist characteristics in both treatments. Understanding the unique elements of PE, a gold‐standard PTSD treatment and SE, a novel somatic‐based psychotherapy, will allow for better treatment preparation for participants and potentially aid treatment assignment.
Exploring experimental models of prostate cancer in chemoprevention: Oxidative stress as a key pathway to translational research
Authors: Naiki‐Ito Aya , Naiki Taku , Takahashi Satoru
Published: January 2025

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men globally. Its growth is driven by oxidative stress associated with inflammation, aging, and environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle. These factors contribute to multiple stages of PCa progression, including progression to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Therefore, oxidative stress represents an intriguing target for PCa chemoprevention and treatment. In vivo experimental models are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of PCa development, validating chemopreventive and therapeutic approaches, and translating preclinical results into clinical applications. We established a transgenic rat for adenocarcinoma of the prostate (TRAP) model, a transgenic rat that efficiently develops androgen‐dependent adenocarcinoma, pathologically and biologically mimicking human PCa progression, to clarify the mechanisms of tumor progression, including the involvement of oxidative stress, and established a system for screening the chemopreventive effects of agents against PCa. Additionally, we derived a CRPC model from the TRAP model and developed a distant metastasis model, providing a comprehensive multistage rat model of prostate carcinogenesis. This review presents findings on the molecular mechanisms of PCa and the chemopreventive effects of natural compounds with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols. We additionally described the potential for repositioning existing drugs with antiandrogenic activity for PCa chemoprevention.
Identification of Four New HLA‐B Noncoding Variants by Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Loginova Maria , Obukhov Ivan , Paramonov Igor
Published: January 2025

Four novel HLA‐B noncoding variants detected by next‐generation sequencing: HLA‐B*07:02:107, ‐B*08:01:78, ‐B*15:01:89 and ‐B*52:01:58.
Freeze‐dried plasma: Hemostasis and biophysical analyses for damage control resuscitation
Authors: Shoara Aron A. , Singh Kanwal , Peng Henry T. , Moes Katy , Yoo Jeong‐Ah , Sohrabipour Sahar , Singh Sanewal , Huang Rex , Andrisani Peter , Wu Chengliang , Pavenski Katerina , Kim Paul Y. , Trigatti Bernardo , Kretz Colin A. , Rotstein Ori D. , Rhind Shawn G. , Beckett Andrew N.
Published: January 2025

Background

Effective hemorrhage protocols prioritize immediate hemostatic resuscitation to manage hemorrhagic shock. Prehospital resuscitation using blood products, such as whole blood or alternatively dried plasma in its absence, has the potential to improve outcomes in hemorrhagic shock patients. However, integrating blood products into prehospital care poses substantial logistical challenges due to issues with storage, transport, and administration in field environments.

Study Design and Methods

We utilized hemostatic assays and advanced biophysical techniques, such as calorimetry, infrared spectoscopy, dynamic light scattering, and biolayer interferometry, to compare the functional and structural properties of freeze‐dried plasma (FDP; OctaplasLG Powder, Octapharma AB) with those of fresh plasma controls.

Results

Hemostatic characterization of FDP revealed that clot formation properties and coagulation parameters were largely comparable to fresh plasma controls, with some variations observed in Von Willebrand factor–ADAMTS13 axis and fibrinolysis. No change to moisture content of FDP (~1% water content) was observed after 6‐month storage at ambient conditions. Biophysical analyses of FDP during transfusion demonstrated spontaneous exothermic mixing of FDP in plasma, a dilution effect from saline, as well as comparable stability to plasma controls. Quantification of ligand‐binding affinities of platelet receptors activated GPIIbIIIa and GPIbα showed comparable binding properties to plasma controls.

Conclusion

Our results show that FDP exhibits hemostatic functionality and protein stability on par with fresh plasma, as assessed by novel, highly sensitive techniques. FDP therefore represents a viable alternative to conventional plasma in damage control resuscitation, offering significant logistical and storage advantages for prehospital and remote applications, especially in scenarios where whole blood is unavailable.
Empowering Students’ Ability in Writing Descriptive Texts Through Point Illustration Explanation (PIE) Strategy: A Case on Teaching Strategy
Authors: Girsang Semaria Eva Elita , Tumanggor Ezra Aurelia Putri , Metboki Yakob , Herryani Herra , Herman Herman , Syathroh Isry Laila , Fitriadi Ahmad , Saputra Nanda
Published: January 2025

This study sought to investigate the impact of the PIE strategy on seventh-grade students' ability to write descriptive texts at SMP Negeri 1 Pematangsiantar during the 2024/2025 academic year. The research involved 62 participants and employed a quantitative quasi-experimental methodology. Data collection was conducted through written tests, and the analysis procedure included descriptive statistical hypothesis testing. This involved calculating the mean score, median score, and standard deviation to determine the t-test value, which was then compared to the t-table to assess the significance of the PIE strategy in teaching descriptive text writing skills. The findings revealed that the statistical hypothesis test using t-test analysis at a 5% significance level (0.05) yielded a t-test value of 3.571, surpassing the t-table value of 1.677. Consequently, the null hypothesis (H0) was rejected, and the alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted. This outcome indicates a statistically significant disparity between the compared groups, suggesting that the observed effect is unlikely to be attributed to chance. These results provide robust evidence supporting the research hypothesis and warrant further exploration of their implications. This statistical significance implies that the observed differences between the groups are likely due to a genuine effect rather than random variation. It is important to consider the practical significance of these findings alongside the statistical results. Further analysis of effect sizes and confidence intervals could provide additional insights into the magnitude and precision of the observed differences. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the PIE strategy effectively influences seventh-grade students' descriptive text writing abilities at SMP Negeri 1 Pematangsiantar.
Reconstruction of reverberant sound fields over large spatial domains
Authors: Figueroa-Duran Antonio , Fernandez-Grande Efren
Published: January 2025

Characterising acoustic fields in rooms is challenging due to the complexity of data acquisition. Sound field reconstruction methods aim at predicting the acoustic quantities at positions where no data are available, incorporating generalisable physical priors of the sound in a room. This study introduces a model that exploits the general time structure of the room impulse response, where a wave-based expansion addresses the direct sound and early reflections, localising their apparent origin, and kernel methods are applied to the late part. This late energy is considered to follow a sinc-like spatial correlation, in accordance with the random wave field theory. Synthesised pressure points, which follow the observed statistics of the sound field, are introduced to enable extrapolation over large distances. The model is evaluated experimentally in a lecture room and an auditorium, demonstrating a successful reconstruction of the sound field across a 5 m aperture using three microphone arrays of only 4.2 cm radius each. These results indicate that the proposed methodology enables volumetric extrapolation over several orders of magnitude, which is significant in the context of navigable sound field reproduction, “6-degrees of freedom” spatial audio and sound field analysis in rooms.
From blind cave fish to anthropogenic sound: Fifty (plus) years of bioacoustics research
Authors: Popper Arthur N.
Published: January 2025

This session will gather participants spanning students to late career professionals to have a conversation about work in bioacoustics. Each participant will give a brief introduction on their background and career path with ample time allotted for Q&A. Topics will include professional development, the importance of mentors, work/life balance, integrating family into careers, and more! I will briefly discuss how my work has “evolved,” and the importance of evolution in one's scholarly career.
Water column observations and imaging: Revealing internal solitary waves and implications for sand wave dynamics in the Alor Strait
Authors: Putra I Wayan Sumardana E. , Atmadipoera Agus S. , Manik Henry , Harsono Gentio , Purwandana Adi , Karang I Wayan Gede A. , Purwanto Budi , Pranowo Widodo S.
Published: January 2025

This study presents the first comprehensive characterization of internal solitary waves (ISWs) in the Alor Strait, Indonesia, utilizing multi-modal observations from the Jala Citra Expedition 3-2023 “Flores.” High-resolution water column imaging via echosounder, coupled with satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, revealed exceptional ISWs with amplitudes frequently exceeding 100 m, with scattering volume (SV) value ranges from −73 to −60 dB. The Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation was employed to analyze the subsurface wave structure, correlating with SAR-derived bright-dark patterns. In situ measurements confirmed bi-directional wave propagation towards the Flores and Sawu Seas. This research demonstrates that the Alor Strait, not just the Ombai Strait, is a significant generator of internal waves in the southern Indonesian archipelago. Time-series analysis indicated that intra-seasonal events (ENSO) significantly modulate ISW characteristics. Notably, the study uncovered a potential link between ISWs, bolus activity, and sand wave evolution, with observations suggesting ISW-induced formation of sand wave crests up to 20 m high, ∼4 km long, and SV value ranges from −18.38 to −17.96 dB. These findings expand our understanding of internal wave generation in narrow Indonesian straits bordering the Indian Ocean and highlight the critical role of ISWs in shaping benthic morphodynamics, with implications for sediment transport and marine geohazards.
The emotional characteristics of the violin with different pitches, dynamics, and vibrato levels
Authors: SONG Wenyi , DINH Anh Dung , Horner Andrew B.
Published: January 2025

Recent research has explored how the emotional characteristics of violin sounds are influenced by pitch and dynamics. This study extends previous work by considering the pitch, dynamics, and vibrato level effects on perceived valence, arousal, and 16 emotional categories. A listening test was conducted with 24 participants, who provided ratings on a 9-point Likert scale for both the valence and arousal of 32 single violin notes. Participants also indicated whether the 16 emotional labels described each sound. The results showed that pitch had the greatest impact, with higher pitches increasing arousal. Vibrato level was the second most influential factor - higher vibrato decreased valence but increased arousal. Dynamics had a relatively weaker effect, with louder dynamics increasing valence but surprisingly decreasing arousal. Interestingly, the associations between the 16 emotional categories were complex. Emotions within the same valence-arousal quadrant varied between quadrants. There was even stronger correlation between the low-valence-high-arousal and low-valence-low-arousal emotional categories than between low-valence-low-arousal and high-valence-low-arousal categories, where they might be expected. These findings provide detailed insight into how specific factors shape the perceived emotional characteristics of violin tones.
The binaural interaction component (BIC) of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) reveals brainstem origin of listening difficulties in children
Authors: Tollin Daniel
Published: January 2025

Children experiencing conductive hearing loss (CHL) often display binaural hearing impairments that persist after CHL resolution. The neurophysiological correlates of the deficits and where problems begin to emerge are unknown. The long-time dogma was that maladaptive changes occur in cortex because while cortex remains plastic the brainstem circuits were not thought amenable to plasticity. Figures 5 and 6 of Gunnarson A. D. and Finitzo T. (1991, “Conductive hearing loss during infancy: Effects on later auditory brain stem electrophysiology,” J Speech, Lang. Hear. Res. 34, 1207–1215) demonstrated that the brainstem could be a plausible site by revealing that the amplitude of the BIC was eliminated in children with CHL histories. The BIC is computed by subtracting the sum of left and right ear monaural ABRs from binaural-evoked ABRs. The amplitude of the most prominent BIC peak, DN1, scales with interaural time differences and correlates with performance on binaural tasks. The latency of DN1 corresponds to the binaural nuclei of the auditory brainstem that initially extract the binaural cues to sound location, the lateral and medial superior olive. The study established that listening difficulties due to CHL emerge in the brainstem, a result with implications for how to diagnose and develop treatments for listening difficulties.
Amplitude-dependent group velocity transformations in nonlinear lattices with nonlocal coupling
Authors: Fronk Matthew D. , Sieck Caleb F. , Ikei Alec K. , Guild Matthew D.
Published: January 2025

Mass-spring lattices with weak stiffness nonlinearity undergo shifts in their band structure as a function of wave amplitude. Prior studies have characterized these shifts using perturbation techniques to derive small corrections to linear band structures. While lattice systems with nearest neighbor interactions are typically studied, growing attention is surrounding the effect of non-local elastic coupling. In this work, we report dramatic amplitude-dependentdispersion shifting in nonlinear lattices with nonlocal coupling. We demonstrate that nonlocal interactions with weak cubic stiffness have a profound impact on the amplitude-dependent group velocity of plane waves. Using a multiple scales perturbation technique, we obtain closed-form corrections to band structures that exhibit significant changes in sign and magnitude of group velocity compared to their linear counterparts. Analytical results are validated through direct numerical integration of the lattice equations of motion. [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research.]
Classification of morphologically separated synthetic aperture sonar imagery via dual-representation convolutional neural networks
Authors: Goehle Geoff , Cowen Benjamin , Park J. Daniel , Brown Daniel C.
Published: January 2025

Morphological component analysis (MCA) involves the separation of time series into components based on morphological factors, such as duration or envelope type. Acoustic returns from sonar systems can be separated into short-duration and long-duration components using MCA, and the resulting time series formed into traditional synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) images. We present an application of this approach to classification of data from hollow and solid spherical targets collected using a linear in-air SAS system (AirSAS). AirSAS time series were separated into morphological components and, utilizing online image formation, the resulting imagery processed through a multi-branch convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to classify targets by type. Classification results are included for a variety of scene backgrounds and representation modalities. This is a challenging classification problem since the targets have the same exterior geometry and are distinguished by non-specular acoustic phenomenology.
Decarbonizing architectural acoustics: Assessing the CO2 emissions of acoustic systems in an office building in Milan
Authors: Giglio Andrea , Benini Marcella , Broyles Jonathan , Paoletti Ingrid
Published: January 2025

Nowadays, the Architectural-Engineering-Construction (AEC) market requests buildings with both low CO2 emissions and high performance across all building disciplines, including architectural acoustic systems, to satisfy design regulations and protocols. However, not all acoustic material systems guarantee both of them. Previous research has suggested that design trade-offs exist when reducing CO2 emissions and achieving high-performing room acoustics but a study on a case study is absent. In response, this paper analyses the carbon data set and material quantities of the acoustic systems of a 7-story office building in Milan, Italy. The data are gathered by outsourcing them from the LCA and further analyzed by considering the technical data sheets of the as-built products. The analysis highlights the important role of acoustics in the total amount of CO2 emissions of the building. In particular, horizontal and vertical partitions have the highest impact due to the large material intensities. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that a performance-based LCA analysis is needed to better evaluate the relationship between acoustic performance and CO2 emissions, with future research needed to understand these complex design trade-offs further.
Harnessing bioeffects of ultrasound triggered microbubble cavitation in medicine
Authors: Delaney Lauren J.
Published: January 2025

The use of gas-filled microbubbles (1-10 mm in diameter) for ultrasound imaging is well established. Such contrast agents are used worldwide to improve the diagnostic capabilities of contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging (CEUS). At higher acoustic pressures (albeit well within United States Food and Drug Administration limits), the microbubbles undergo stable cavitation followed by destruction via gas diffusion and inertial cavitation, which produces numerous, localized bioeffects. Among these bioeffects, microbubble cavitation can improve drug delivery and sensitize solid tumors to radiation. This talk will discuss the variety of applications in which our laboratory investigates these bioeffects. Our pre-clinical and clinical trials to investigate the safety and therapeutic benefits of combining radioembolization and ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction (UTMD) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as the possibility of improving antibiotic treatment of joint infections with UTMD will be discussed. The current status of our ongoing trial of sonoporation in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) will be presented. Moreover, we have developed a noninvasive pressure measurement technique, known as subharmonic-aided pressure estimation (SHAPE), which was used to acquire intra-tumoral pressure measurements. The use of SHAPE and other quantitative ultrasound techniques as biomarkers for predicting treatment response will also be presented.
Feasibility study of histotripsy with the clinical device FocalOne®
Authors: Accary Virgil , Payen Thomas , Lafond Maxime , Vincenot Jérémy , Lafon Cyril
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the feasibility of generating histotripsy lesions in biological tissues ex vivo with the HIFU clinical device FocalOne® (EDAP-TMS). The Focal One® probe, composed of a 192-element imaging array and a 16-element therapy transducer operating at 3 MHz, was used with an upgraded amplifier (ADECE, 500W, 200 kHz-6MHz ) and a Verasonics Vantage system for passive cavitation and elastography monitoring. To ensure reproducibility, efficiency, and safety, efforts were directed into the electrical hardware stability and power optimization. Pressure fields, non-linear simulations, radiation force balance, and electrical instant power measurements were performed to validate that this setup can produce boiling histotripsy which is characterized in literature by a 10–18 MPa negative pressure and a shock amplitude >70 MPa. Typical treatment exposure was 10 ms repeated 60 times at 1 Hz pulse repetition frequency. Experiments in gel phantoms and fresh degassed bovine liver were performed. The ablations were detected with ultrasound B-mode at the focal spot. The millimetric lesions were confirmed by hyposignals on 3-D MRI scans and visual observation of cavities at the targeted spot after dissection. Further studies will be required to optimize treatment parameters and improve reproducibility of histotripsy using the Focal One® probe.
Investigating commercially available force sensors for bone conduction hearing device evaluation
Authors: Reeser Kiersten A. , Podolski Alexandria , Gray William , Brown Andrew D. , Argo Theodore F.
Published: January 2025

Bone conduction devices (BCDs) stimulate the auditory system by transmitting audio-frequency vibrations into the head. BCDs have long been used to diagnose and treat hearing loss, but increased interest in BCDs for consumer and communications applications has led to a proliferation of transducer designs. BCD calibration has historically been performed using an artificial mastoid, an expensive device that does not readily accommodate all BCD styles or account for impacts of anatomical variability on BCD coupling. Recent developments in force sensing technology could offer an inexpensive alternative to artificial mastoids for use with human subjects. Here, three commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sensors were identified that met size, flexibility, and dynamic range requirements necessary for evaluating human BCD performance. Sensor accuracy and repeatability of both static and dynamic force measurements were compared against artificial mastoid measurements. A capacitance-based sensor successfully measured static force coupling but was incapable of capturing dynamic force output due to sensor bandwidth limitations. A piezoresistive sensor had a suitable bandwidth, but required significant signal conditioning to amplify signals and improve accuracy and precision. An alternative piezoresistive sensor utilized integrated circuitry to amplify signals, increasing sensor durability and accuracy. Future research will evaluate additional low-cost solutions for BCD evaluation.
From concert halls to air conditioners
Authors: Knight Derrick P.
Published: January 2025

This talk will describe a circuitous career path in noise control, describing the journey from concert halls to air conditioners through consulting, teaching, self-employment, and engineering positions held over the past 24 years.
Noise control at the receiver: Promoting hearing conservation in society
Authors: Murphy William J.
Published: January 2025

Noise Control Engineering traditionally employs a Source/Path/Receiver model to mitigate the generation of noise in all sorts of activities. The industrial hygiene hierarchy of controls seeks to eliminate noisy processes, to identify substitute processes, or to develop engineering solutions that reduce noise at the Source or along the Path. Administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) are the last resort to reduce noise at the receiver, our ears. The first three decades of my career were as an officer of the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service and I was assigned to the Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. My research focused on developing rating and testing methods for hearing protection devices, standards to evaluate occupational noise exposures, and methods to measure impulse noise exposures. This talk will describe how I transitioned from graduate student in physics to a noise researcher focused on the protection of the receiver's ears.
The effect of reverberation time on the spatial relationships between interaural differences in a room
Authors: Hartmann William
Published: January 2025

The interaural level difference (ILD) and the interaural phase difference (IPD) are the two important physical features whereby a listener can localize a sound source in space. In an anechoic environment, the ILD and IPD measured at the ears are similar functions of angle as the head rotates. But in a room environment these interaural differences behave very differently as the head moves in the room. Experiments reported in 2022 (J. Acoust. Soc. Am. abst. 152 A91) indicated that the ILD and IPD, as measured along a straight line path, appeared to be Hilbert transforms of one another, at least at a sufficiently low frequency such as 250 Hz. For instance, the Hilbert transform of the ITD agreed with the ILD without any adjustable scaling factor. Recent measurements made in various room environments show that the smaller the direct to reverberant ratio, the better the Hilbert transform relationship describes the interaural differences. Shifts of the Hilbert transforms compared to interaural differences along the straight line path, vanish as the reverberation time approaches four seconds. Because functions and their Hilbert transforms are orthogonal, the interaural differences are maximally confusing as a listener moves in a room.
The neural representation of emotional cues investigated using the speech frequency following response: A potential tool to evaluate speech prosody
Authors: Karimi Boroujeni Maryam , Sadeghkhani Sajad , Seyednejad Saeid R. , Dajani Hilmi , Giguère Christian
Published: January 2025

Background: The Speech-evoked Frequency Following Response (sFFR) provides spctro-temporal data on speech processing in the auditory system. Its effectiveness in extracting prosodic features like variations in fundamental frequency (F0 contour) and intensity is uncertain. Objectives: This study examines how well sFFR tracks F0 contour in different emotions using a natural two-syllable word. It also explores talker’s gender impact on F0 contours and gender disparity in encoding prosodic cues. Method: The word “balloon” spoken by male and female speakers with sad and happy emotions, elicited FFR from 16 adults (8 males, aged 18–31). A pitch estimation algorithm calculated root mean squared error and 5% accuracy to evaluate the response’s fidelity to F0 contour under different conditions. Results: The sFFR tracked prosodic speech features, influenced by emotion type and talker voice characteristics. Participants identified emotions most accurately from sad male voices. Lower F0 trajectories corresponded to more reliable FFR responses, showing better tracking of male voices and sad emotions. No significant gender-related differences were observed in emotional data processing. Conclusion: These findings highlight sFFR’s utility in capturing dynamic speech properties and its potential in clinical assessments. Future research should explore prosody processing in hearing-impaired individuals and consider integrating sFFR into diagnostic protocols.
The influence of firefighting experience on speech-in-noise recognition with two-way radios
Authors: Chavez Abraham , Aguilar Tania , Flaherty Mary M.
Published: January 2025

Clear communication is critical for firefighters' safety, but high noise levels, hearing loss, and protective equipment impair speech understanding. This study investigates the performance of two-way radios in noise and examines their effects on speech-in-noise recognition related to noise levels, hearing thresholds, and firefighting experience. We first characterized the acoustic performance of Motorola APX 7000xe radios using MATLAB. Speech recognition was then tested using the Quick-SIN with two listener groups (n = 12 firefighters; n = 20 non-firefighters). Target sentences, recorded with KEMAR simulators, were presented in quiet and fire noise at fixed SNRs (−9 and −15 dB), yielding four test conditions. Realistic fire noise was simulated using auditory steering to create a surround sound effect relative to the radio position. Listeners repeated sentences heard over headphones and were scored on correct keywords. Preliminary control group results show significant speech intelligibility decline with radio use, even in quiet. In noise, performance dropped further, with 59% correct at −9 dB SNR and 40% at −15 dB SNR. The radio system's bandpass filter prioritized speech frequencies (1700-3200 Hz) but still posed challenges. Data from 12 firefighters are currently being analyzed to assess how hearing thresholds and experience affect performance, guiding future communication strategies.
A comparison of voice quality measures across in-ear, outer-ear, and standard microphone recordings
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Braga Alessandro , Shamei Arian , Bouserhal Rachel
Published: January 2025

Voice quality provides significant insights into one’s health. Recent advancements in intra-aural devices have enabled the longitudinal monitoring of speech and its changes. These wearables can record speech from in-ear microphones (IEMs) and outer-ear microphones (OEMs). The laboratory gold standard of speech recording uses a high-sensitivity low-noise microphone placed in front of the mouth to capture signals accurately. Speech recorded inside an occluded ear canal differs considerably from this due to the bone-and-tissue conduction and the effect of ear occlusion. OEMs record speech transmitted solely through air like the standard microphones but are more influenced by indirect air conduction due to their positioning. This study compares voice quality measures across IEM, OEM, and the standard microphone (REF) using an open-access database. We employed linear mixed-effect modeling to analyze the effects of different microphone recordings on these metrics. Results indicate that while pitch control remains relatively intact, IEM and OEM exhibit varying deviations from REF. Overall, OEM resembles REF in jitter, whereas IEM is higher. IEM resembles REF in shimmer, while OEM is lower. For HNR, both IEM and OEM are higher than REF. Sex-based difference was also observed, and the correlation between microphone differences and fundamental frequency was explored.
Send the important stuff back: An innovative approach to on-board stream processing for remotely deployed passive acoustic monitoring systems
Authors: Ross Joseph , Margolina Tetyana , Joseph John E.
Published: January 2025

Real-time monitoring of underwater soundscapes is necessary for rapid assessment of oceanic ecosystem health, controlling anthropogenic acoustic pollution, and establishing multi-scale spatiotemporal variability of the ocean acoustic environment. Such an assessment requires progression from existing regional and specialized passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) observational systems to a large-scale systematic passive acoustic monitoring of the World Ocean, complementary to the ARGO float Integrated Marine Observing System. This research develops an innovative approach to on-board stream processing of acoustic data on underwater autonomous mobile platforms using PyPAM, a Python-based package for calculating hybrid millidecade spectra and statistics. The design optimizes limited computational resources while preserving sufficient information to characterize the sampled soundscape’s noise levels and assemblage of sound sources. The association between frequency-temporal acoustic signatures of biophonic, geophonic, and anthropophonic sounds and corresponding features in percentiles of Spectral Probability Density have been established from PAM data collected at stationary receivers and test deployments of PAM-enabled underwater profilers. Financial support to Joseph Ross was provided by ASA SURIEA. Hardware development was supported by NPS CRUSER program. The PyPAM software is developed by Clea Parcerisas (LifeWatch). The research is conducted at NPS in collaboration with John Ryan (MBARI) and Josh Laney (Seatrec Inc.).
Analysis of underwater radiated noise from ships using distributed acoustic sensing technology
Authors: B. Horeh Erfan , Abadi Shima , Wilcock William S.
Published: January 2025

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology enables continuous monitoring of acoustic vibrations along fiber optic cables, providing high-resolution spatial and temporal data. This study explores the application of DAS technology for analyzing underwater radiated noise from ships. In November 2021, four days of DAS data were collected using two cables from the Ocean Observatories Initiative Regional Cabled Array, extending offshore central Oregon. Numerous ship passages occurred over these cables, with information available through the Automatic Identification System (AIS). DAS data were collected using two different interrogators on two fibers in each cable, providing an opportunity to investigate the differences in ship noise detected on different fibers within the same cable and across different DAS systems with varying configurations. Preliminary analysis of two large ships shows that their noise is clearly detected in the DAS measurements. By combining these measurements with AIS data, we can accurately locate the receiving channels on the cable. This talk will expand on these observations to perform a comparative analysis of the measurements across different fibers and interrogators. These findings demonstrate the capability of DAS technology in maritime acoustic monitoring and its potential to enhance our understanding of underwater noise pollution.
Seafloor quantification and characterization using multibeam echosounder backscatter data
Authors: Manik Henry , Handoko Dadang , Fadhil Ilham M , Rafif Rabbani Moh
Published: January 2025

Indonesia has many small islands to manage for sustainable development goals. The urgency of this research lies in seafloor classification technology using acoustic technology. Seafloor classification plays a crucial role in mapping and monitoring marine ecosystems, marine resource management, research, military operation, and engineering activities. We used multibeam echosounder (MBES) for seafloor quantification and characterization in Pari Island waters, North Jakarta, Indonesia. MBES instrument provided bathymetry information and backscatter data. The bathymetry data provide seafloor depth while the backscatter data are used to classify seafloor sediment. The sediment grab sampling were taken to validate the seafloor acoustic backscatter. We found in this study area, the measured acoustic backscatter strength of MBES is a function of the signal frequency, incident angle, and sediment type.
Whistle while you ductwork: Predicting air leakage noise
Authors: Cudequest Brandon
Published: January 2025

Improperly sealed ductwork creates system inefficiencies and noise. When leaky ducts are exposed to occupied spaces, these radiated noises can be a significant nuisance as their characteristic is often hissy, tonal, and whistle-like. This presentation will offer an empirical method for predicting noise resulting from air leakage. The algorithm only requires knowledge of the duct velocity and size. Example scenarios and limitations of the method will be presented.
Identifying and mitigating resonance from a valve serving hibernaculum
Authors: Hackman Joseph F. , DeRoo R. Bruce
Published: January 2025

This case study examines the challenges related to identifying and mitigating unwanted noise from a mechanical system serving hibernaculum, used for lemur torpor cycles. To support the torpor cycle, the design team determined a steady state background noise goal. Once installed, intermittent noise was discovered that the lemur research team felt might interfere with the rest cycle negatively affecting the lemurs and the results of any research. This presentation will review the investigation team’s methodology in identifying the main source of the noise, which was a coolant fluid value serving a fan powered box, review some of the measurement results, and discuss the solutions determined with the chamber design team. The implementation of the mitigation solution is underway and may be included in the presentation if completed by the time of presentation.
A look inside the Comparative Bioacoustics Laboratory: Mousing around
Authors: Abdavinejad Sevda , McLaughlin Riley , Dent Micheal
Published: January 2025

Deep in the basement of the Psychology building at the University at Buffalo, some tenacious researchers are attempting to unravel the mysteries of animal communication. The laboratory mouse is the most recent creature of interest for the Dent Lab. Mice produce ultrasonic vocalizations with many similarities to human speech. That, and the fact that laboratories around the world are using genetically modified mice to understand more about the contributions of various genes on diseases, has made many want to understand more about the mouse’s umwelt. In our laboratory, we focus on mouse bioacoustics. We record vocalizations produced by mice following different types of social encounters. We present these vocalizations and other stimuli to determine various choices by the mice in traditional preference experiments. Finally, most of our experiments involve operant conditioning to determine what mice perceive. In our tightly controlled psychoacoustic experiments, mice are trained to nose poke to tell us what they can detect, discriminate, and categorize. We have used these methods to compare the effects of age, sex, strain, and noise on hearing acuity. Through this combination of experiments, we are beginning to understand the bioacoustics of mice and other animals. [Work supported by NIH AG081747.]