bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring regional displacements of tongue parts on ultrasound during /ɹ/ articulation
Authors: Hamilton Sarah M. , Boyce Suzanne , Mahalingam Neeraja , Garbo Allison , Walton Ashley , Riley Michael A. , Mast T. Doug
Published: June 2017

The ability to differentiate movements of the front, back and root portions of the tongue is important to the development of mature speech coordination. This ability is particularly relevant for sounds with complex tongue shapes, such as the American English rhotic approximant /ɹ/ (“r”), but speakers also have a wider scope of coarticulatory opportunities if able to control tongue parts independently [Zharkova, 2012]. In addition, lack of independence in tongue part movement is associated with speech sound disorders [Gibbon, 1999; Gick et al., 2008]. For this study, relative displacements of tongue blade, dorsum, and root were analyzed using MATLAB-based image processing. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn for these three areas on ultrasound images during production of /ɑɹ/ by 25 adults. Displacements of each region were measured by tracking of local brightness maxima from images representing /ɑ/ and /ɹ/ production, resulting in ranges of relative blade, dorsum and root displacement associated with normal /ɑɹ/ production. These ranges are compared to data from a sample of ultrasound images of speech from children with persistent speech errors. Preliminary results suggest that children with persistent sound errors have a smaller range of tongue part displacement when compared to typical adults.
Circular arrays of directive sensors for improved direction-of-arrival estimation
Authors: Gazzah Houcem
Published: June 2017

In directing finding, it is highly desired to design antenna arrays with constant accuracy across the whole field-of-view. The so-called array isotropy is achieved, most notably, by means of the uniform circular array. On the other hand, sensors with directive response improve performance but unequally, even if displayed in circular configurations. It follows that arbitrarily oriented arrays can suffer severe loss in performance. We show (i) what conditions are needed in order to preserve array isotropy while using directive sensors, and (ii) what can be done to compensate for the loss of isotropy when this condition is not met. For instance, we show that there is a critical array size below which the Cramer Rao Bound, our performance measure, is not direction-independent. In some cases, the direction-dependent expression can be simplified to the point where a closed-form array-adaptation algorithm is obtained. It calculates the optimal array orientation as function of the available statistical information about the source. Depending on how much is known about the source, the amount of improvement may be very significant compared to cases where the array is arbitrarily oriented, up to 50% for arrays of cardioid sensors.
A biomimetic coupled circuit based microphone array inspired by the fly Ormia ochracea
Authors: Xu Xiangyuan , Bao Ming , Jia Han
Published: June 2017

Miniaturization of microphone arrays poses challenges to attain accurate localization performance due to shrinking aperture. The fly Ormia ochracea is able to determine the direction of sound source with an astonishing degree of precision，even though its ears are extremely small. Inspired by this, an equivalent analog circuit is designed to mimic the coupled ear system of the fly for sound source localization. This coupled circuit receives two signals with tiny phase difference from a space closed two-microphone array, and produces two signals with obvious intensity difference. The response sensitivity can be adjusted through the coupled circuit parameters. The directional characteristics of the coupled circuit have been demonstrated in the experiment. The designed miniature microphone array can localize the sound source with low computational burden by using the intensity difference. This system has significant advantages in various applications where the array size is limited.
LWD-DATC: Logging-While-Drilling Dipole Shear Anisotropy estimation from Two-Component waveform rotation
Authors: Wang Pu , Bose Sandip , Sinha Bikash K. , Lei Ting , Blyth Matthew
Published: June 2017

Sonic dipole shear anisotropy orientation in subsurface formations is key information for a complete characterization of rock mechanical models for well planning. In Wireline logging, it is estimated with the well-known Alford rotation on four-component inline and crossline waveforms from two orthogonal dipole firings. In contrast, shear orientation estimation is more challenging in Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) operations because of the following reasons:—No exactly orthogonal cross-dipole firings in LWD tools due to tool rotation while drilling;—Coupling between the formation flexural mode and the strong collar flexural mode propagating through the stiff drill collar;—Unavoidable tool eccentering;—Strong drilling noise from vibration, shock, and the turbulent mud flow around the tool; To overcome the aforementioned challenges, this paper describes a new technique to estimate the LWD dipole shear orientation with two-component waveforms obtained from a single dipole firing. It is accomplished by maximizing the projected energy of the two-component waveforms into a subspace defined by two eigenfunctions (the Bessel functions of the first- and second-kinds) accounting for the propagation of the two coupled flexural modes over multiple frequency points. By resorting to the subspace estimation, the new technique has been successfully validated on synthetic data and tested on field data sets.
Far field directivity of an omnidirectional parametric loudspeaker consisting of piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers set on a sphere
Authors: Guasch Oriol , Sánchez-Martín Patrícia , Arnela Marc
Published: June 2017

In this work, it is proposed to extend the convolution model for the far-field directivity of a parametric loudspeaker array (PLA) in [C. Shi and Y. Kajikawa, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 137 (2) (2015)] to predict the far-field sound field generated by an omnidirectional parametric loudspeaker (OPL). The original two-dimensional model, intended for flat PLAs, relies on convolving the directivity of the primary waves with the Westervelt one, rather than on performing their product. This allows one to deal with piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers (PZTs) having large beam widths, typical of PLA applications. The model is herein enhanced to three dimensions, to predict the far-field pressure level of the difference wave at any observation point in space, for a PZT located and pointing anywhere. This makes the model amenable to compute the far-field directivity of PLAs on curved surfaces. In particular, it is shown how it can be applied to compute the far-field pressure of an OPL consisting of a spherical surface with hundreds of PZTs placed on it.
Passive detection of low frequency sources using vector sensor channel cross correlation
Authors: Deal Thomas J.
Published: June 2017

Acoustic vector sensors consisting of an omnidirectional hydrophone and three orthogonal velocity sensors offer new opportunities for passive detection of acoustic sources at low frequencies. In the frequency range from 10 to 300 Hz, the predominant noise sources in the ocean are surface wave action and distant shipping. Omnidirectional hydrophones are affected by both noise types whereas vertically-oriented velocity sensors are more affected by surface wave action, and horizontally-oriented velocity sensors are more affected by distant shipping. Under these ambient conditions, when no source is present, the vector sensor channels have low cross-correlation levels. When a source is present, propagation conditions cause an increase in correlation between all vector channels. This increase is measurable in the magnitude and phase of the correlation coefficients between each channel pair, which forms the basis of an algorithm for detecting acoustic sources. This paper presents the response of an acoustic vector sensor to both types of ambient noise and demonstrates the change in correlation when a source is present. These noise and signal responses determine a detection threshold for a single frequency source for desired probabilities of detection and false alarm.
Direction finding using a “p-v probe” of higher order
Authors: Muaz Muhammad , Wu Yue I. , Su Da , Wong Kainam T.
Published: June 2017

The “p-v probe” comprises one isotropic pressure-sensor and one uni-axial velocity-sensor. The “p-v probe” has been used for acoustic direction finding for a few decades. This work generalizes the “p-v probe,” by allowing a higher-order “figure-8” directional sensor to substitute for the uni-axial velocity-sensor, which represents a first-order “figure-8” directional sensor. This work presents new eigen-based azimuth-elevation direction-finding algorithms in closed forms, as well as the corresponding Cramèr-Rao lower bounds.
The contribution of Ira Dyer to understanding hydro-structural acoustics
Authors: Blake William
Published: June 2017

Ira Dyer’s work in structural acoustics is well known, but what I think is little known is his start in aeroacoustics followed by his early work in the response of structures to pressure fields of a kind that is typical of hydroacoustics. Lighthill’s seminal paper on aerodynamic noise in 1952 is generally regarded as the dawn of modern flow acoustics. Immediately after this, in 1953 and continuing into the early 1960s, Ira began his career by examining scaling laws for the sound and the structural vibration associated with jets and high speed flow over plate and shell structures. In this work he examined scaling laws for sound power, the importance of wave coincidence in fluid-structure interaction, and the effects of space-time decorrelation of excitation pressure fields. This paper will examine the conclusions of these early papers of Ira’s and trace their relevance through to modern times and across the combined fields of hydro-structural acoustics. Ira’s professional path led him away from these areas of interest but his early work nonetheless laid foundations for work of the future.
Hybrid solution techniques for structural acoustics
Authors: Corrado Charles , Conti Matthew , Stokes Ann , Heyd Edward
Published: June 2017

Ira Dyer’s structural acoustics research at MIT emphasized developing an understanding of wave interaction mechanisms and the role of structural complexity in dictating energy transport, dissipation, and radiation to the surrounding media. His work stressed a combination of experimentation and analytic-numeric methods to delineate the essential wave propagation mechanisms governing the response of the structure and the radiated field. Here we present an extension of research Ira led to study acoustic scattering from internally loaded shell structures. Hybrid analysis techniques employing wave transmission methods to represent plate and shell structures, and analytic or finite element methods to represent attached structures provide a means to discern the partitioning between wave types comprising the response. The method directly represents all allowable wave types and quantifies their displacement functions and dispersion behavior enabling detailed evaluation of energy transport mechanisms. Interaction loads produced at attached structures are computed using shell structure Green’s function matrices, impedance matrix descriptions of the attachments, and unloaded shell response vectors. The method is illustrated for marine pile driving and aerospace liftoff applications. Broadband impulse response maps are shown to illustrate the temporal evolution of the field over the structure and complement frequency domain evaluations providing further physical insight.
An Office of Naval Research perspective on Ira Dyer's Legacy
Authors: Headrick Robert H.
Published: June 2017

The talk will highlight a few of the many important contributions Professor Dyer made to underwater acoustics through his interactions with ONR as a researcher, advisor, and educator. His wide ranging expertise included sound and vibration in complex structures that led the way for the U.S. Navy to develop ultra-quiet submarines, as well as the statistics of sound propagation in the ocean, submarine sonar design, and advances in sonar signal processing. Beginning in 1978, he led and participated in six Arctic field programs, including the Canadian Basin Arctic Reverberation Experiment that imaged the entire Arctic basin with acoustics. Over the course of these efforts, that he really enjoyed talking about, he and his students developed a systematic understanding of sound propagation and noise in the Arctic.
Examining the intra-modal interference in an idealized oceanic wedge using scale-model experiments and acoustic propagation modeling
Authors: Sagers Jason D. , Ballard Megan S.
Published: June 2017

Scale-model tank experiments are beneficial because they offer a controlled environment in which to make underwater acoustic propagation measurements that can provide high-quality data for comparison with numerical models. This talk presents results from a 1:7500 scale model experiment for a wedge with a 10° slope fabricated from closed-cell polyurethane foam to investigate three-dimensional (3D) propagation effects. A 333 μs second long pulse allows the acoustic field to obtain a steady-state, continuous-wave signal. A computer controlled positioning system accurately moves the receiving hydrophone in 3D space to create a dense field of vertical line arrays, which are used to mode filter the measured time series. The single-mode fields show the classical interference pattern resulting from rays launched up and along the slope. The measured data are compared to an exact, closed-form solution for a point source in wedge with impenetrable boundaries. The finite size of the source and the departure from the perfectly reflecting boundary conditions are discussed. The measured data are also compared to results from a three-dimensional ray model known as Bellhop3D which can account for the non-ideal boundary condition. [Work supported by ONR.]
Measurements and modeling of three-dimensional acoustic propagation in a scale-model canyon
Authors: Ballard Megan S. , Sagers Jason D.
Published: June 2017

Scale-model acoustic propagation experiments were conducted in a laboratory tank to investigate three-dimensional (3D) propagation effects induced by range-dependent bathymetry. The model bathymetry, patterned after measured bathymetric data, represents a portion of the Hudson Canyon at 1:7500 scale and was fabricated from closed-cell polyurethane foam using a computer-numerically controlled (CNC) milling machine. In the measurement apparatus, a computer-controlled positioning system precisely locates the receiving hydrophone which permits the creation of synthetic horizontal line arrays. Results are shown for propagation paths along and across the axis of the canyon. The measurements are explained using both a hybrid method known as vertical modes/horizontal parabolic equation and a 3D ray model known as Bellhop3D. For propagation along the canyon axis, horizontal focusing is observed and discussed in the context of normal modes. For the across canyon propagation, the reflective foam walls of the canyon scatter sound back toward the receiver array from out of plane. This effect is examined using the 3D ray trace. For both cases, the capabilities of the models and their computation details are discussed. [Work supported by ONR.]
Radial and azimuthal acoustic propagation effects of the continental slope and sand dunes in the northeastern South China Sea
Authors: Chen Chi-Fang , Chiu Linus , Chiu Ching-Sang
Published: June 2017

A sound source, transmitting a 1.5-2.0 kHz chirp signal periodically, was towed at a depth of 50 m along a circular track that has a radius of 3 km centered on a vertical hydrophone array moored on the upper slope of the northeastern South China Sea during the Sand Dunes Acoustic Propagation Experiment in 2014. The largest amplitude of these sand dunes was close to 20 m with horizontal length scales between 200 and 400 m. Two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) underwater acoustic propagation models, namely FOR3D with the Nx2D option and FOR3D with the fully 3D option, were employed to simulate the acoustic propagation over the continental slope, with and without the sand dunes, from the towed source to the vertical hydrophone array. Environmental inputs to the models were measured bathymetry and sound speed profiles, obtained from multibeam echo sounding surveys and moored oceanographic sensors, respectively. Simulation results pertaining to the 2-D and 3-D propagation effects in relation to the slope, the sand dunes and the water-column variability are presented and discussed. Simulation results are also compared to the measured transmission data. [The research is jointly sponsored by the Taiwan MOST and the US ONR.]
Hearing as an extreme sport: Underwater ears, infra to ultrasonic, and surface to the abyss
Authors: Ketten Darlene R.
Published: June 2017

It has been argued that “hearing” evolved in aquatic animals. Auditory precursors exist in fossil Agnatha and cephalopod statolithic organs, but how/when/why did a dedicated acoustic receptor, the true primordial ear, first appear? Did hearing arise linearly or independently, in parallel, in and out of the water? Modern aquatic species have an extraordinary range of auditory systems, from simple pressure receptors to complex biosonar systems. What drives this breadth of “hearing”? Vertebrate ears reflect selective pressures. While vision, touch, taste, and olfaction are important, only hearing is ubiquitous. Even natural mutes, like goldfish and sea turtles, listen. Ears capture passive and active sound cues. Auditory structures, honed by habit and habitat, delimit species abilities to detect, analyze, and act on survival cues. Cochleae, from shrews to bats to wolves to whales, evolved from the essential papilla of stem reptiles, elongating, coiling, increasing in complexity that enhanced frequency discrimination, but with heads tuned to the physics of sound in their media. Air-water parallels evolved: ultrasonic echolocators and massive infrasonic specialists. The ear then is a window into the evolutionary push-pull driven by three tasks that shaped the several thousand elements packed into every auditory system: feed, breed, and survive another day.
The shape of sound
Authors: Paek Hyun , Siebein Gary W.
Published: June 2017

The work of Bertram Y. Kinzey, Jr., has influenced generations of architecture students and acousticians to visualize the sounds that become the acoustic signature of a performance or rehearsal space. His research and practice has shaped spaces we hear and listen in. Through the shaping of space, music and speech are enhanced and optimized by the addition of each curve, angle, planes, that become the unique character of the space. The sounds created on stages of theaters, concert halls, worship platforms, or lecterns are reflected, directed, and propagated to enhance the experience of the listener. Striving to achieve the perfect impulse response, we have learned from Bertram Kinzey that the acoustician’s work is not unlike the work of a sculptor, an interior designer, or an architect. Each surface and each texture on the surface has a purpose and a meaning to its existence.
Bert Kinzey, teacher, and collaborator in design
Authors: Brame William W.
Published: June 2017

As both his student and his client, I have known Bert Kinzey since 1971. In 1973 I started my career in Gainesville, and recently retired as the senior partner of the 106 year old firm known as Brame Heck Architects, Inc. From my earliest days up until 2004 when Bert moved away to Virginia, I had the pleasure of retaining Bert to serve as our architectural acoustics consultant on a wide variety of projects. These projects included music rooms for educational facilities, conference centers, worship centers, and multi-purpose facilities that required excellent acoustics regardless of what was taking place in the space. Ever the teacher, he would explain his recommendations and solutions to each situation in such a way that I (and our clients) understood both the acoustical theory and the resulting physical manifestations that were being incorporated into the facility. We would routinely seek Bert’s expertise for assuring that our new facilities were properly designed to isolate mechanical or environmental sounds. And, if a client had an existing facility that needed to remedy such noises, he would perform field testing and explore various options to solve those problems. Bert is a true gentleman and master of his profession.
Spreading acoustics to architecture programs
Authors: Park Sang Bum
Published: June 2017

Environmental Technology is one of the important core courses in an architecture program. It provides architectural students with basic physical principles in thermodynamics, acoustics, lighting, and indoor air quality and architectural design factors that affect those environmental qualities. This course is the only channel for the architectural students to be exposed to acoustical education and research, unless there are master's degree programs associated with acoustics at the school. Professor Bertram Kinzey, Jr., was the first one who planned and started the environmental technology and architectural acoustics program in the School of Architecture at UF. Since then, UF has been contributing as a producer of acoustical educators and researchers. The author taught discussion sessions of Environmental Technology as a graduate teaching assistant between 2008 and 2012 at UF, while he conducted acoustical research for his doctoral degree. He is now spreading the acoustical education to the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology at FAMU where previously there was no faculty or acoustical researchers with acoustical backgrounds through courses such as Environmental Systems in Architecture and Architectural Acoustics. He also provides the design studios with acoustical workshops and helps thesis students whose design priority lies in environmentally sustainable buildings.
The research of ceramic as sound absorption material in underground space
Authors: Li Hui , Yan Xiang
Published: June 2017

Beijing-Zhangjiakou High Speed Rail will be completed at the end of 2019. Badaling Station, the only underground station in this line, is the deepest high speed rail station in China with a depth of 102 m. The platform and transforming hall are both narrow spaces, which means acoustic treatment is necessary for the sake of speech articulation. Taking fireproofing, waterproofing, long lasting, culture and visual effect into consideration, ceramic is the most and only appropriate material being used in the underground station. This article will introduce the whole process of design and scale model test for the ceramic Helmholtz resonant cavity.
Rezonator effects of student cabinets used in classes
Authors: Kocyigit Filiz B.
Published: June 2017

Achieving acoustic comfort in high school is of great importance for increasing the quality of education. Due to the high number of students in classrooms, canteens, cafeterias, and corridors, the voices of young girls and young men are intense. Apart from that, HVAC systems, lighting fixtures, announcement systems, and electronic devices increase the background sound level and students communicate with each other with a higher sound pressure level. The conditions of use of the training areas require hygiene and materials resistant to vandalism. This necessitates the use of hard and smooth material, which increases the RT of the interior spaces. Different methods are being sought for ensuring the value of RT required to increase D50, C80, and S/N level in student-student-teacher communication in classrooms. For this purpose, different schools were observed in different sizes, covered with different materials and interior materials, and RT, EDT, D50, and C80 measurements, Lmax, Lmin, and Leq measurements were made. The studies show that circular and rod-shaped openings with ventilation purpose in the student cupboards used in the space show swallowing characteristics at low frequencies and they are working as a rezonator. In this study, samples from different classrooms and factors affecting indoor sound quality were evaluated.
A strategy for sustainable acoustic classification scheme of dwellings
Authors: Mijic Miomir , Milenkovic Aleksandar , Boljevic Danica , Sumarac Pavlovic Dragana
Published: June 2017

The new legislation in Serbia for sound insulation in buildings, currently in preparation, should introduce for the first time a national implementation of dwellings’ acoustic classification. There are some structural systems and building typology that are common in existing housing stock. Some of them are caused by seismic demands and some by architects’ routines. All that introduced realistically accessible range of apparent sound reduction index values at different positions in existing buildings. To achieve a sustainable classification scheme in prepared new legislation the analysis of sound insulation in existing buildings were performed and implications of possible boundary values between different classes on the housing stock acoustic score were analyzed. Based on such approach, the suggestions concerned with the classification scheme and class limits are presented.
Acoustic regulations and classification of various types of buildings in the Nordic countries
Authors: Gudmundsson Steindor
Published: June 2017

It is relatively well known that in the Nordic Countries, there are national classification standards for dwellings, and one of the classes (class C) is referred to in the building regulations as minimum acoustic quality. In Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, there are also national acoustic classification standards for different other types of buildings, and in Norway and Iceland, class C is referred to as minimum acoustic quality in the building regulations for these buildings as well as for dwellings. In Sweden, the acoustic quality for these buildings is recommended, but not mandatory. In the paper, the different types of premises for work included in the standards are discussed with examples of some of the acoustic demands. The regulated buildings include schools, kindergardens, hospitals, and nursing institutions. Hotels and offices are also included, and also the minimum sound absorption and maximum noise levels in restaurants, cultural, and sports buildings and many other different premises for work. Sometimes it is decided not to use only the minimum demands, defined by class C, but to use the better quality defined by class B (or even class A).
Perceptual perseverance in a passerine with permanent papillar impairment
Authors: Lauer Amanda , Dooling Robert
Published: June 2017

The Belgian Waterslager canary is unique for its loud, low-pitched song which is accompanied by a hereditary pathology involving missing and damaged hair cells in the basal end of the papilla. These birds were been bred for hundreds of years for loud, low-pitched song. Breeders likely selected for high frequency hearing loss. In spite hair cell regeneration, the papillae in these birds never approaches that of normal-hearing canaries. Auditory nerve and brainstem responses are also diminished, and auditory brainstem nuclei show reduced cell size. And these birds show a suite of psychoacoustic deficits consistent with impaired active processing as seen in humans with hearing loss. It is rather remarkable, then, that Belgian Waterslagers are able to learn, discriminate, and produce complex, species-specific sounds with such impaired frequency selectivity and phase processing. This feat, in the presence of severe peripheral auditory damage, underscores the importance of temporal information in the avian auditory perception and vocal learning. The obvious genetic basis of this pathology places the Belgian Waterslager canary in another unique position of being the only nonhuman organism which must navigate through vocal development and vocal learning in the face of an inherited developmental peripheral auditory pathology.
Cormorant audiograms under water and in air
Authors: Larsen Ole N. , Christensen-Dalsgaard Jakob , Maxwell Alyssa , Hansen Kirstin A. , Wahlberg Magnus
Published: June 2017

Little is known about underwater hearing abilities of diving birds. To help fill this gap we measured audiograms of cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) using two different methods. Wild-caught cormorant fledglings were anesthetized and their auditory brainstem responses (ABR) to clicks and tone bursts were measured; first in an anechoic box in air and then in a large water-filled tank with their head and neck submerged. In addition, audiograms were obtained from two adult cormorants using the psychophysical method of constant stimuli both in air and underwater. The shape of audiograms obtained from in-air ABR-recordings was similar to that reported for birds of similar size. The highest sensitivity in air was found at about 2 kHz, while the most sensitive response was at about 1 kHz underwater. In general, the audiograms obtained from psychophysical measurements were similar to the ABR audiograms but had much higher sensitivity than the ABR audiograms. The results from both methods suggest that cormorants have rather poor in-air hearing compared to similar-sized birds. Their underwater hearing sensitivity, however, is higher than what would have been expected for purely air-adapted ears, and it is likely that cormorants use their underwater hearing abilities during foraging dives.
Psychophysical basis for finite-state song syntax in Bengalese finches
Authors: Okanoya Kazuo
Published: June 2017

Bengalese finches have been domesticated for 250 years in Japan from wild white-rumped munias originally imported from China. Bengalese finches were domesticated for parental behavior and white color morphs, but not for songs. Nevertheless, Bengalese finches sing complex songs: 2-5 song notes were chunked and chunks are organized into finite-state syntax. Song duration indicates physical fitness of the bird and song complexity stimulates female reproductive behavior. We examined sequential expertizes in Bengalese finches using behavioral procedures. In a click detection task, birds were trained to peck when they heard a short click embedded in a chunk or between chunks. Reaction times were longer in the former cases. In a flash-song interruption task, song termination occurred more often when the flash was given between chunks. These data are suggestive of the perceptual and motor reality of chunk structures. In a serial reaction time task, birds where trained to peck horizontally arranged keys in certain order. Male birds learned the task better than females, suggesting that song motor control capacity may be utilized other motor domains as well. However, abstract rule learning by auditory discrimination was not possible, suggesting that the sequential expertizes maybe limited on the motor domain.
Mouse psychoacoustics: Not just re-Dooling the bird psychoacoustics research
Authors: Dent Micheal L.
Published: June 2017

The clever artist Willie Nelson once said “the early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese.” While Willie was not likely referring to animal psychoacoustics, the quote easily applies to the historical trajectory of the field. For years, birds served as a primary model for human hearing. Many species were already domesticated. They were known to be vocal learners. The hearing abilities of numerous species of birds were similar to humans. Finally, birds could be quickly trained using operant conditioning procedures and positive reinforcement. Robert Dooling was a pioneer of these techniques and results from his laboratory were instrumental for birds being used as models for human auditory processing for decades. With the development of the mouse genome in 2002, however, many researchers turned their focus instead towards these small mammals as research models. Genetically engineered strains of mice mimicking human disorders could be easily developed and studied, but unfortunately, the basic hearing and communication abilities of mice were largely unknown, limiting their utility as models. Successful but numerous adaptations of Dooling’s behavioral methods have been recently made to measure auditory acuity in mice to measure the perception of both simple stimuli and complex vocalizations.
Vocal production, auditory perception, and signal active space in an open habitat specialist, the Grasshopper Sparrow
Authors: Lohr Bernard
Published: June 2017

Grasshopper Sparrows are specialists in open grassland habitats and face acoustic challenges normally associated with that habitat type. They produce several types of calls and two distinct types of song, all of which are high-pitched for songbirds (6—10 kHz). The primary territorial song, also known as the “buzz” song, consists of 3 or 4 brief introductory notes followed by a high-pitched, rapidly modulated trill. The function of the secondary song type, or “warble” song, remains unknown, but data from autonomous recording units demonstrates a correlation with pairing status and breeding cycle timing. Operant discrimination tests with Grasshopper Sparrows show a broader audiogram and extended high frequency auditory limit when compared with other small songbirds, suggesting that these birds, and potentially related species as well, have evolved a wider spectral range of auditory sensitivity in this habitat type. Auditory detection and discrimination thresholds were used to explore the active space and communication distances of this species' vocalizations using a habitat bioacoustics model incorporating its normal territorial behavior. Results suggest that songs can be detected up to three territories away from the singer, but that birds may have difficulty discriminating between different conspecific songs more than two territories away.
Doppler sonar measurements of bedload transport: Evaluations using computer models and lab trials
Authors: Zedel Len , Hay Alex E. , Wilson Greg , Hare Jenna
Published: June 2017

Studies have demonstrated that bottom velocity measurements from Doppler sonar systems are proportional to bedload transport rates. Given the complexity of acoustic backscatter and sidelobe interactions near the bottom boundary, the exact source of this signal is not obvious. We explore this measurement using a computer simulation and a series of laboratory trials. The system that we have developed for these studies, MFDop, is a multi-frequency (1.2-2.2 MHz), bistatic Doppler sonar that provides 3-component velocity profiles over a ~ 30 cm profile with ~5 mm resolution at a rate of 50 profiles/sec. Model simulations show that side-lobe contamination biases the velocity measurements above the bottom but that effect is reduced in the bedload layer itself. We report on tests of our system in field conditions at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL). The SAFL facility provides a 1.8 m deep, 2.75 m wide flume tank. In our trials, we used a 1 m depth flow of about 1 m/s over a mobile bed of sand with median grain size d50 = 0.4 mm. We find agreement between transport estimates determined using the MFDop, the sediment trap system integrated in the SAFL flume, and estimates based on bedform migrations.
Acoustic removal of cavitation nuclei to enhance stone comminution in shockwave lithotripsy
Authors: Hall Timothy L. , Alavi Tamaddoni Hedieh , Duryea Alexander P. , Roberts William W.
Published: June 2017

Cavitation bubbles are formed by shockwaves as part of the normal SWL procedure and can assist in fragmentation when they collapse against a stone. However, following collapse, the bubble cloud leaves behind a large population of residual micron sized bubble “nuclei” that can interfere with subsequent shockwaves. This often manifests as more efficient fragmentation at lower shockwave repetition rates where there is sufficient time for nuclei to dissolve. This study will show how the application of low amplitude, unfocused ultrasound bursts can be used to stimulate bubbles to coalescence or dispersion from the shockwave path by the primary and secondary Bjerknes forces. Applying these bursts in between shockwaves reduces the bubble nuclei shielding effect allowing more energy to reach the stone and increasing efficacy. Our results will show this technique is effective at reducing the number of shocks required for stone comminution on a clinical electromagnetic lithotripter with a simple supplemental transducer to generate the low amplitude field.
Calibration and characterization of MEMS microphones
Authors: Prato Andrea , Schiavi Alessandro , Buraioli Irene , Lena Davide , Demarchi Danilo
Published: June 2017

In recent years, the increase in the number of smartphones led to a remarkable demand for low-cost microphones. This was met by the rapid development of MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) microphones, whose technology is becoming a promising perspective for future noise measurements based on new acoustic sensor networks. Nevertheless, current Standards do not provide proper calibration and test procedures for these microphones. In this work, calibration standard procedures have been adapted to characterize condenser MEMS microphones by comparison technique with laboratory standard microphones. Microphone parameters (sensitivity, frequency response, linearity, directivity, stability, and dynamic range) and changes of sensitivity with temperature (from -10 °C to + 50 °C) and humidity (from 25% to 90%) have been evaluated in a hemi-anechoic room and in an environmental chamber, respectively. These procedures open up the possibility to provide a robust and metrological characterization of MEMS microphones for noise measurements.
Graduate research opportunities in acoustics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Authors: Flynn Tyler J. , Dowling David R.
Published: June 2017

The University of Michigan is host to a wide array of acoustics research which encompasses many of the core Technical Committees of the ASA. Within the Department of Mechanical Engineering work is being done to advance the field of remote sensing and underwater acoustics, to better understand the physics of the cochlea in human hearing, and even to design safer football helmets. Within the University of Michigan Medical School, faculty and graduate students are constantly advancing techniques for diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound procedures. In the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, computational methods are being used to predict sound signatures and structural loading of complex sea vessels. Researchers in the Linguistics Department are using acoustic, perceptual, and articulatory methods to analyze human speech. And while these are only a sample of the projects taking place at Michigan, new opportunities for acoustics research and collaboration open up each semester. Combined with a rich course catalog, first-rate facilities, and prospects for publication, these opportunities prepare Michigan graduate students for careers in industry and academia alike. Go Blue!
Distance Education Master of Engineering in Acoustics from Penn State
Authors: Russell Daniel A. , Sparrow Victor
Published: June 2017

The Graduate Program in Acoustics at Penn State provides online access to graduate level courses leading to the M.Eng. degree in Acoustics. Lectures are broadcast live via Adobe Connect to students scattered around the world, while archived recordings allow working students to access lectures at their convenience. Students earn the M.Eng. in Acoustics degree by completing 30 credits of coursework (six required courses and four electives) and writing a capstone paper. Since 1987, more than 135 distance education students have completed the M.Eng. degree in Acoustics. Many other students take individual courses as non-degree students. Courses offered online include elements of acoustics and vibration, elements of waves in fluids, electroacoustic transducers, signal processing, acoustics in fluid media, sound and structure interaction, digital signal processing, aerodynamic noise, acoustic measurements and data analysis, ocean acoustics, architectural acoustics, noise control engineering, nonlinear acoustics, outdoor sound propagation, computational acoustics, flow induced noise, spatial sound and 3D audio, marine bioacoustics, and acoustics of musical instruments. This poster describes the distance education experience leading to the M.Eng. degree in Acoustics from Penn State and showcases student demographics, capstone paper topics, enrollment statistics and trends, and the success of our graduates.
Graduate research and education in architectural acoustics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Authors: Xiang Ning , Braasch Jonas , Brooks Todd
Published: June 2017

The Graduate Program in Architectural Acoustics has been constantly advanced from its inception in 1998 with an ambitious mission of educating future experts and leaders in architectural acoustics, due to the rapid pace of change in the ﬁelds of architectural-, physical-, and psycho-acoustics. Recent years the program’s pedagogy using “STEM” (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) methods has been proven to be effective and productive, including intensive, integrative hands-on experimental components that integrate architectural acoustics theory and practice. The graduate program has recruited graduate students from a variety of disciplines including individuals with B.S., B.Arch. or B.A. degrees in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Architecture, Electronic Media, Sound Recording, Music and related ﬁelds. Graduate students under this pedagogy and research environment have been succeed in the rapidly changing ﬁeld. RPI’s Graduate Program in Architectural Acoustics has since graduated more than 120 graduates with both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Under the guidance of the faculty members they have also actively contributed to the program’s research in architectural acoustics, communication acoustics, psychoacoustics, signal processing in acoustics, as well as our scientiﬁc exploration at the intersection of cutting edge research and traditional architecture/music culture. This paper illuminates the evolution and growth of the graduate program.
The Rossing factor: How I benefited from being his student
Authors: Russell Daniel A.
Published: June 2017

From 1998 to 1991, I had the privilege of pursing a master’s degree with Dr. Thomas D. Rossing, exploring a thesis on the nonlinear behavior of piano hammers at Northern Illinois University. I later earned a Ph.D. degree in Acoustics from Penn State, but my experience as Rossing’s student was instrumental in helping me develop a diverse set of research skills and interests which have to be proved extremely beneficial throughout my academic career. Dr. Rossing involved me in several side projects (like optical holographic interferometry, experimental modal analysis, mode scanning), that were extracurricular to my thesis research but which led to several publications on a variety of acoustics topics, both while his student and later on my own as a physics and acoustics faculty member. The experimental skills acquired in Rossing’s acoustics laboratory generated the inspiration for many of my own classroom demonstrations and research projects with my own students. This talk will summarize the many ways that Dr. Rossing’s example as a teacher, researcher, and author have had a significant influence on my own academic career and success.
Noise control for a public transport interchange—A Hong Kong experience
Authors: Tang Shiu-Keung
Published: June 2017

Recently, a large public transport interchange (PTI) is proposed to be built near to a new public housing estate in a relatively remote area of Hong Kong. The aim is to provide convenient transport to the residents in the housing estate. In the design stage of the whole development, it is found that the idling buses inside the PTI are likely to create noise problem as the PTI is designed to be built in open air so as not to block the views of the residents. There are also already nearby shopping malls and markets. In the view of the aesthetics, the PTI will be built using mainly glass panels and is designed to be ventilated by natural wind. There will be openings on the roofs of the PTI as heated air exhaust. In order to reduce the noise transmission towards the nearby housing blocks, the interior of the PTI and the openings are lined with sound absorption. A ray-tracing simulation was carried out. With the appropriate opening orientation sand amount of sound absorption, the noise levels at the building façades in concern can be kept under 48 dBA.
Pool equipment mechanical noise impact
Authors: Tikriti Walid
Published: June 2017

The paper discusses noise impact from mechanical systems in residential buildings. The project presented discusses noise impact related to pool equipment mechanical systems. Sound readings were taken and recorded with different settings. Sound analysis and noise mitigation solutions will be discussed. Project located in Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas.
The role of acoustic standards in the improvement of educational spaces in Italy
Authors: Astolfi Arianna , D'Orazio Dario , Garai Massimo
Published: June 2017

A good acoustics is one of the main requirements for indoor educational spaces, where information is transmitted from a teacher to students mainly by oral communication. Often obligatory regulations do not take into account this aspect as expected, but technical standards can provide a more informed and sound reference. In Italy, a new standard is under development at UNI (the national standardization body) to provide a technical framework for the design and use of teaching rooms in schools and a guideline has been released by AIA (Italian Acoustical Association) to provide a comprehensive, easy-to-read guide to authorities and stakeholders on the acoustical design of schools. The underlying principles and methods will be presented and discussed, as well as the way they are taught in University courses in order to raise awareness on these topics in future engineers and architects.
Acoustic standards for education of hearing conservation and industrial hygiene professionals
Authors: Murphy William J.
Published: June 2017

The practice of hearing conservation and industrial hygiene requires that workers’ noise exposures and hearing be evaluated. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has supported the development of new standards to assess hearing, hearing protector effectiveness and examined methods to best assess noise exposures to better understand the risk of workers developing noise induced hearing loss. This talk will consider noise measurement using both American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Standards Organization (ISO) acoustic standards. The paper will compare and contrast the hearing protector evaluation and rating standards for ANSI and ISO. The potential for using applications with mobile devices will be discussed.