bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety, Efficacy and High-Quality Standards of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedures in Personalized Sedoanalgesia Managed by the Gastroenterologist: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Rizzi Marina , Panzera Francesco , Panzera Demetrio , D’Ascoli Berardino
Published: July 2022

Performing GI endoscopy under sedoanalgesia improves the quality-indices of the examination, in particular for cecal intubation and adenoma detection rates during colonoscopy. The implementation of procedural sedoanalgesia in GI endoscopy is also strongly recommended by the guidelines of the major international scientific societies. Nevertheless, there are regional barriers that prevent the widespread adoption of this good practice. A retrospective monocentric analytic study was performed on a cohort of 529 patients who underwent EGDS/Colonoscopy in sedoanalgesia, with personalized dosage of Fentanyl and Midazolam. ASA class, age and weight were collected for each patient. The vital parameters were recorded during, pre- and post-procedure. The rates of cecal intubation and of procedure-related complications were entered. The VAS scale was used to evaluate the efficacy of sedoanalgesia, and the Aldrete score was used for patient discharge criteria. No clinically significant differences were found between vital signs pre- and post-procedure. Both anesthesia and endoscopic-related complications occurring were few and successfully managed. At the end of examination, both the mean Aldrete score (89.56), and the VAS score (<4 in 99.1%) were suitable for discharge. For the colonoscopies, the cumulative adenoma detection rate (25%) and the cecal intubation rate in the general group (98%) and in the colorectal cancer screening group (100%) were satisfying. Pain control management is an ethical and medical issue aimed at increasing both patient compliance and the quality of the procedures. The findings of this work underscore that in selected patients personalized sedoanalgesia in GI endoscopy can be safely managed by gastroenterologists.
Mechanical Feasibility Study of Pressed and Burned Red Ceramic Blocks as Structural and Sealing Masonry
Authors: Cerqueira Niander Aguiar , Souza Victor , Alexandre Jonas , Xavier Gustavo de Castro , Fediuk Roman , Monteiro Sergio Neves , Barreto Marcelo Neves , Azevedo Afonso R. G. de
Published: July 2022

In the search for better constructive efficiency and a reduction of the waste of construction materials, several researches have been performed in the last years around the world. Red ceramic blocks are artifacts widely used in civil construction around the world, and they result in a great consumption of raw materials and energy. The great innovation of this research was the development of ceramic blocks through an innovative method of pressing and dosing materials, replacing the traditional stage of extrusion in the manufacture of ceramics. In such a sense, a new manufacturing technology for ceramic blocks was proposed through the pressing process, adapting the soil-cement brick press machine, thus attaining more even pieces with greater compliance to the dimensions and preset geometry. In this work, the physical and mechanical features of the pressed and burned blocks (PBB) are produced in a partnership with Arte Cerâmica Sardinha, a traditional ceramic industry in the region of Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil. It was sought to set the quality parameters for the blocks, to set their mechanical compressive strength, deformation modules and the Poisson coefficient. The blocks were tested in use by means of three layers of prism and small wall samples, and it was checked the fragile-type failure of the PBB. Results indicate that the blocks can be employed in small-sized construction works, as the characteristic compressive strength to block measured was 3.62 N/mm2 for average water absorption of 20.84%.
Water Absorption Behavior of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) and Oil Palm Kernel Shell (OPKS) as Fillers in Acrylic Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Almeida-Naranjo Cristina E. , Valle Vladimir , Aguilar Alex , Cadena Francisco , Kreiker Jeronimo , Raggiotti Belén
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the use of oil palm wastes has been an interesting approach for the development of sustainable polymer matrix composites. Nevertheless, the water absorption behavior of these materials is one of the most critical factors for their performance over time. In this study, the water uptake characteristics of acrylic thermoplastic matrix composites reinforced separately with oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and oil palm kernel shell (OPKS) were evaluated through immersion test in distilled water. The specimens of both composites were manufactured using the compression molding technique at three temperatures (80, 100, and 120 °C) using different particle sizes (425–600 and 600–850 µm). The composites, before and after the absorption test, were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The evaluation was complemented by the application of the Fickian diffusion model. Overall results showed that water absorption capacity decreased at a higher processing temperature and a larger particle size. In particular, it was observed that the type of reinforcement also influenced both water absorption and diffusivity. OPKS/acrylic and OPEFB/acrylic composites reached a maximum absorption of 77 and 86%, with diffusivities of 7.3 × 10−9 and 15.2 × 10−9 m2/min, respectively. Experimental evidence suggested that the absorption mechanism of the composites followed a non-Fickian model (n < 1.0).
Bradycardia and Heart Rate Fluctuation Are Associated with a Prolonged Intensive Care Unit Stay in Patients with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Tajarernmuang Pattraporn , Trongtrakul Konlawij , Chaiwong Warawut , Nantsupawat Teerapat , Deesomchok Athavudh , Chanayat Panida , Niyatiwatchanchai Nutchanok , Theerakittikul Theerakorn , Limsukon Atikun , Pothirat Chaicharn , Liwsrisakun Chalerm , Bumroongkit Chaiwat
Published: July 2022

Background and Objective: Bradycardia has been observed among patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is suspected to be associated with poorer outcomes. Heart rate (HR) fluctuation has been found to be correlated with a greater mortality rate in critically ill patients. The association of bradycardia and HR fluctuation with the outcome of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has not been clarified. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether bradycardia and HR fluctuation correlated with poor outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19. Materials and Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis from a prospective data collection of patients admitted to the intensive care unit, between April and June 2021, at Chiang Mai University Hospital. Results: The results showed that 62 of 86 patients (72.1%) had bradycardia, defined by HR < 60 beats per minute (bpm). The number of patients with high HR fluctuation, defined as the difference in HR during admission ≥ 40 bpm, was greater among the bradycardia group than in the non-bradycardia group (70.9% vs. 14.7%, p = 0.015, respectively). The patients with bradycardia had greater levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). In addition, a greater proportion of patients with bradycardia received interleukin-6 inhibitors and hemoperfusion as a rescue therapy than those with non-bradycardia. After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, CRP, and mechanical ventilator; bradycardia and the high HR fluctuation were significantly associated with a longer length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU-LOS), with adjusted risk ratios of 2.67, 95% CI; 1.02, 6.94, p = 0.045 and 2.88, 95% CI; 1.22, 6.78, p = 0.016, respectively. Conclusion: We found that bradycardia and a high heart rate fluctuation were associated with a poorer ICU outcome in terms of longer ICU-LOS among the patients with severe COVID-19.
Perspectives for Uses of Propolis in Therapy against Infectious Diseases
Authors: Salatino Antonio
Published: July 2022

Propolis has gained wide popularity over the last decades in several parts of the world. In parallel, the literature about propolis composition and biological properties increased markedly. A great number of papers have demonstrated that propolis from different parts of the world is composed mainly of phenolic substances, frequently flavonoids, derived from plant resins. Propolis has a relevant role in increasing the social immunity of bee hives. Experimental evidence indicates that propolis and its components have activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Mechanisms of action on bacteria, fungi, and viruses are known for several propolis components. Experiments have shown that propolis may act synergistically with antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirus drugs, permitting the administration of lower doses of drugs and higher antimicrobial effects. The current trend of growing resistance of microbial pathogens to the available drugs has encouraged the introduction of propolis in therapy against infectious diseases. Because propolis composition is widely variable, standardized propolis extracts have been produced. Successful clinical trials have included propolis extracts as medicine in dentistry and as an adjuvant in the treatment of patients against COVID-19. Present world health conditions encourage initiatives toward the spread of the niche of propolis, not only as traditional and alternative medicine but also as a relevant protagonist in anti-infectious therapy. Production of propolis and other apiary products is environmentally friendly and may contribute to alleviating the current crisis of the decline of bee populations. Propolis production has had social-economic relevance in Brazil, providing benefits to underprivileged people.
Improved Healthcare Access Reduces Requirements for Surgery in Indigent IBD Patients Using Biologic Therapy: A ‘Safety-Net’ Hospital Experience
Authors: Gu Phillip , Clifford Eric , Gilman Andrew , Chang Christopher , Moss Elizabeth , Fudman David I. , Kilgore Phillip , Cvek Urska , Trutschl Marjan , Alexander J. Steven , Burstein Ezra , Boktor Moheb
Published: July 2022

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with greater morbidity and increased healthcare resource utilization (HRU) in IBD. We examined whether a financial assistance program (FAP) to improve healthcare access affected outcomes and HRU in a cohort of indigent IBD patients requiring biologics. IBD patients (>18 years) receiving care at a ‘safety-net’ hospital who initiated biologics as outpatients between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2019 were included. Patients were divided by FAP status. Patients without FAP had Medicare, Medicaid, or commercial insurance. Primary outcomes were steroid-free clinical remission at 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes were surgery, hospitalization, and ED utilization. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Decision tree analysis (DTA) was also performed. We included 204 patients with 258 new biologic prescriptions. FAP patients had less complex Crohn’s disease (50.7% vs. 70%, p = 0.033) than non-FAP patients. FAP records indicated fewer prior surgeries (19.6% vs. 38.4% p = 0.003). There were no statistically significant differences in remission rates, disease duration, or days between prescription and receipt of biologics. In multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for baseline demographics and disease severity variables, FAP patients were less likely to undergo surgery (OR: 0.28, 95% CI [0.08–0.91], p = 0.034). DTA suggests that imaging utilization may shed light on surgical differences. We found FAP enrollment was associated with fewer surgeries in a cohort of indigent IBD patients requiring biologics. Further studies are needed to identify interventions to address healthcare disparities in IBD.
Integral Studies and Integral Practices for Humanity and Nature
Authors: Akiyama Tomohiro
Published: July 2022

Humanity is facing a crisis of survival. In order to save humanity and nature, we must rebuild their foundations. This paper proposes integral studies and integral practices as a possible new paradigm for the 21st century. First, we investigated the necessity of integral studies and integral practices, which were suggested by the following three evidences: (1) limitations of the Spiritual Revolution and modern philosophy, (2) limitations of the Scientific Revolution and modern science, and (3) contemporary practical problems that threaten the future of humanity and nature. Second, we investigated the purpose and the principle of integral studies and integral practices from a viewpoint of the nature of both human beings and universe. One of the fundamental questions for humanity is how to overcome the egoism of individuals as well as the entire human race. In this avenue, we think the first step is to transcend toraware, which is a Japanese word meaning both “states of being caught” and “what catches us”. The state of being caught manifests itself when the ego emerges while we begin to distinguish between the self and others. Therefore, integrity and intrinsic nature become principles of integral studies and integral practices. Consequently, integral studies and integral practices serve for the sake of nature including humanity. Third, we discussed the methodology of integral studies and integral practices. We argue its core is integral exploration and reframing of the self and others, ourselves and the world (universe), and humanity and nature. It consequently reveals integrity and harmonizes intellect, emotion, and volition as well as goodness, truth, and beauty while revealing integrity and opening up or unfolding the intrinsic nature of the individual and the collective. Finally, we addressed limitations and future agendas of integral studies and integral practices. We suggest it is essential to raise and discuss fundamental questions on humanity and nature as well as to elucidate the truly unknown, which cannot be understood within existing frameworks. However, whether it is correct or not will come to be verified over time. No one in the history of humanity has ever attained universal truth, which is absolutely true in light of absolute criteria that are not relativized by differences in space, time, or people, or which is absolutely true even without referring to any criteria. Therefore, it is necessary for each of us to discern what is right and maintain a critical gaze.
Digital Workflow for Prosthetically Driven Implants Placement and Digital Cross Mounting: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Tallarico Marco , Galiffi Davide , Scrascia Roberto , Gualandri Maurizio , Zadrożny Łukasz , Czajkowska Marta , Catapano Santo , Grande Francesco , Baldoni Edoardo , Lumbau Aurea Immacolata , Meloni Silvio Mario , Pisano Milena
Published: July 2022

Fully digital workflow in implant dentistry is ever increasing. Treatment of partial edentulous cases is well-documented; nevertheless, complete edentulous cases are still a challenge. To present several innovations in the treatment of complete edentulous patients using digital solutions, both for implant placement and restoration delivery, was the objective of this study. It was designed as a retrospective case series study, aimed to tune further research with larger sample size, and a longer follow-up. Patients requiring complete, implant-supported restoration were asked to participate in this study. Enrolled patients were treated with four implants, immediate loading and a definitive complete arch restoration. Patients were treated using computer-assisted, template-based surgery. Multi-piece surgical templates were used to accurately place the implants, to manage the bone if needed and to make immediate loading procedure quicker and easier. After osseointegration period, definitive, extra-oral, digital impressions were taken using newly developed scan analogs, connected in the patient mouth using temporary cylinders and stabilized by means of the low-shrinkage, flowable, resin composite. Outcomes were implant and prosthesis survival rate, complications, accuracy, and patient satisfaction. Radiographic evaluation performed with a preliminary, radiopaque aluminum try-in, was used to test the accuracy of the digital impressions. Overall, 20 implants were placed in five patients. All the implants osseointegrated without complications. One impression was taken a second time due to inaccuracy of the aluminum tray-in. Finally, all of the patients were completely satisfied with both surgical and prosthetic procedures. Within the limitations of this case series, multi-piece surgical templates showed promising results improving the clinician’s confidence in the case of bone reduction, post-extractive implants and immediate loading. The prosthetic template increased the trueness of the digital impression for complete edentulous patients. Finally, even if an impression was performed again, the scan-analog used for extra-oral chair-side digital impressions seemed to be a promising tool. Continuous improvements and further study are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
Queer Politics: Re-Shaping the Politics of Church and State
Authors: Mott Woodard King
Published: July 2022

The impact of LGBTQ+ individuals upon church institutions, state organizations, and political actors is expanding globally. Considerable policy objectives that protect queer people and families, most notably on marriage, trans rights, and non-discrimination policies, have been enacted in many nation states. However, although there are exceptions to queer political progress, broader church and government inter-actions have been altered as well, demonstrating a dynamic religious and political relationship. Far-right nationalists and traditional religious conservatives respond to queer influence by moving further to the right and using LGBTQ+ individuals and political groups as rhetorical and political targets to motivate their base. The result is a draconian environment for progressives inside these institutions. Also notable is the political power necessary to provoke this obsessive focus upon anything ‘queer’.
Semantic Segmentation of the Malignant Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Lexicon on Breast Ultrasound Images by Using DeepLab v3+
Authors: Shia Wei-Chung , Hsu Fang-Rong , Dai Seng-Tong , Guo Shih-Lin , Chen Dar-Ren
Published: July 2022

In this study, an advanced semantic segmentation method and deep convolutional neural network was applied to identify the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) lexicon for breast ultrasound images, thereby facilitating image interpretation and diagnosis by providing radiologists an objective second opinion. A total of 684 images (380 benign and 308 malignant tumours) from 343 patients (190 benign and 153 malignant breast tumour patients) were analysed in this study. Six malignancy-related standardised BI-RADS features were selected after analysis. The DeepLab v3+ architecture and four decode networks were used, and their semantic segmentation performance was evaluated and compared. Subsequently, DeepLab v3+ with the ResNet-50 decoder showed the best performance in semantic segmentation, with a mean accuracy and mean intersection over union (IU) of 44.04% and 34.92%, respectively. The weighted IU was 84.36%. For the diagnostic performance, the area under the curve was 83.32%. This study aimed to automate identification of the malignant BI-RADS lexicon on breast ultrasound images to facilitate diagnosis and improve its quality. The evaluation showed that DeepLab v3+ with the ResNet-50 decoder was suitable for solving this problem, offering a better balance of performance and computational resource usage than a fully connected network and other decoders.
New Sensors for Monitoring pH and Corrosion of Embedded Steel in Mortars during Sulfuric Acid Attack
Authors: Sampaio Rui , Bastos Alexandre , Ferreira Mário
Published: July 2022

The sulfuric acid attack is a common form of degradation of reinforced concrete in contact with industrial wastewater, mine water, acid rain, or in sewage treatment stations. In this work, new pH-sensitive IrOx electrodes were developed for monitoring the pH inside mortar or concrete. To test their ability, the pH sensors were embedded in mortar samples at different depths and the samples were exposed to sulfuric acid solution. In another set of experiments, iron wires were placed at the same depths inside similar mortar samples and their corrosion was monitored as the acid attacked the mortar. Severe acid attack led to cement dissolution and formation of gypsum. The new pH sensors succeeded in measuring the pH changes inside the mortars. The pH gradient, from the high acid environment to the high alkaline mortar interior, occurred in a narrow region. Corrosion of the iron electrodes started only when the acidic solution was in their close vicinity.
Modifications of Epitaxial Graphene on SiC for the Electrochemical Detection and Identification of Heavy Metal Salts in Seawater
Authors: Hajzus Jenifer R. , Shriver-Lake Lisa C. , Dean Scott N. , Erickson Jeffrey S. , Zabetakis Daniel , Golden Joel , Pennachio Daniel J. , Myers-Ward Rachael L. , Trammell Scott A.
Published: July 2022

The electrochemical detection of heavy metal ions is reported using an inexpensive portable in-house built potentiostat and epitaxial graphene. Monolayer, hydrogen-intercalated quasi-freestanding bilayer, and multilayer epitaxial graphene were each tested as working electrodes before and after modification with an oxygen plasma etch to introduce oxygen chemical groups to the surface. The graphene samples were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and van der Pauw Hall measurements. Dose–response curves in seawater were evaluated with added trace levels of four heavy metal salts (CdCl2, CuSO4, HgCl2, and PbCl2), along with detection algorithms based on machine learning and library development for each form of graphene and its oxygen plasma modification. Oxygen plasma-modified, hydrogen-intercalated quasi-freestanding bilayer epitaxial graphene was found to perform best for correctly identifying heavy metals in seawater.
Origami-Inspired Structure with Pneumatic-Induced Variable Stiffness for Multi-DOF Force-Sensing
Authors: Yue Wenchao , Qi Jiaming , Song Xiao , Fan Shicheng , Fortino Giancarlo , Chen Chia-Hung , Xu Chenjie , Ren Hongliang
Published: July 2022

With the emerging need for human–machine interactions, multi-modal sensory interaction is gradually pursued rather than satisfying common perception forms (visual or auditory), so developing flexible, adaptive, and stiffness-variable force-sensing devices is the key to further promoting human–machine fusion. However, current sensor sensitivity is fixed and nonadjustable after fabrication, limiting further development. To solve this problem, we propose an origami-inspired structure to achieve multiple degrees of freedom (DoFs) motions with variable stiffness for force-sensing, which combines the ductility and flexibility of origami structures. In combination with the pneumatic actuation, the structure can achieve and adapt the compression, pitch, roll, diagonal, and array motions (five motion modes), which significantly increase the force adaptability and sensing diversity. To achieve closed-loop control and avoid excessive gas injection, the ultra-flexible microfiber sensor is designed and seamlessly embedded with an approximately linear sensitivity of ∼0.35 Ω/kPa at a relative pressure of 0–100 kPa, and an exponential sensitivity at a relative pressure of 100–350 kPa, which can render this device capable of working under various conditions. The final calibration experiment demonstrates that the pre-pressure value can affect the sensor’s sensitivity. With the increasing pre-pressure of 65–95 kPa, the average sensitivity curve shifts rightwards around 9 N intervals, which highly increases the force-sensing capability towards the range of 0–2 N. When the pre-pressure is at the relatively extreme air pressure of 100 kPa, the force sensitivity value is around 11.6 Ω/N. Therefore, our proposed design (which has a low fabrication cost, high integration level, and a suitable sensing range) shows great potential for applications in flexible force-sensing development.
A Nonlinear Magnetoelastic Energy Model and Its Application in Domain Wall Velocity Prediction
Authors: Wu Li-Bo , Fan Yu-Feng , Sun Feng-Bo , Yao Kai , Wang Yue-Sheng
Published: July 2022

In this letter, we propose a nonlinear Magnetoelastic Energy (ME) with a material parameter related to electron interactions. An attenuating term is contained in the formula of the proposed nonlinear ME, which can predict the variation in the anisotropic magneto-crystalline constants induced by external stress more accurately than the classical linear ME. The domain wall velocity under stress and magnetic field can be predicted accurately based on the nonlinear ME. The proposed nonlinear ME model is concise and easy to use. It is important in sensor analysis and production, magneto-acoustic coupling motivation, magnetoelastic excitation, etc.
Tunable White Light for Elders (TWLITE): A Protocol Demonstrating Feasibility and Acceptability for Deployment, Remote Data Collection, and Analysis of a Home-Based Lighting Intervention in Older Adults
Authors: Elliott Jonathan E. , Tinsley Carolyn E. , Reynolds Christina , Olson Randall J. , Weymann Kristianna B. , Au-Yeung Wan-Tai M. , Wilkerson Andrea , Kaye Jeffrey A. , Lim Miranda M.
Published: July 2022

Sleep disturbances are common in older adults and may contribute to disease progression in certain populations (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease). Light therapy is a simple and cost-effective intervention to improve sleep. Primary barriers to light therapy are: (1) poor acceptability of the use of devices, and (2) inflexibility of current devices to deliver beyond a fixed light spectrum and throughout the entirety of the day. However, dynamic, tunable lighting integrated into the native home lighting system can potentially overcome these limitations. Herein, we describe our protocol to implement a whole-home tunable lighting system installed throughout the homes of healthy older adults already enrolled in an existing study with embedded home assessment platforms (Oregon Center for Aging & Technology—ORCATECH). Within ORCATECH, continuous data on room location, activity, sleep, and general health parameters are collected at a minute-to-minute resolution over years of participation. This single-arm longitudinal protocol collected participants’ light usage in addition to ORCATECH outcome measures over a several month period before and after light installation. The protocol was implemented with four subjects living in three ORCATECH homes. Technical/usability challenges and feasibility/acceptability outcomes were explored. The successful implementation of our protocol supports the feasibility of implementing and integrating tunable whole-home lighting systems into an automated home-based assessment platform for continuous data collection of outcome variables, including long-term sleep measures. Challenges and iterative approaches are discussed. This protocol will inform the implementation of future clinical intervention trials using light therapy in patients at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.
High-Quality Video Watermarking Based on Deep Neural Networks and Adjustable Subsquares Properties Algorithm
Authors: Kaczyński Maciej , Piotrowski Zbigniew
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a method of high-capacity and transparent watermarking based on the usage of deep neural networks with the adjustable subsquares properties algorithm to encode the data of a watermark in high-quality video using the H.265/HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding) codec. The aim of the article is to present a method of embedding a watermark in a video with HEVC codec compression by making changes in a video in a way that is not noticeable to the naked eye. The method presented here is characterised by focusing on ensuring the accuracy of the original image in relation to the watermarked image, providing the transparency of the embedded watermark, while ensuring its survival after compression by the HEVC codec. The article includes a presentation of the practical results of watermark embedding with a built-in variation mechanism of its capacity and resistance, thanks to the adjustable subsquares properties algorithm. The obtained PSNR (peak signal-to-noise ratio) results are at the level of 40 dB or better. There is the possibility of the complete recovery of a watermark from a single frame compressed in the CRF (constant rate factor) range of up to 16, resulting in a BER (bit error rate) equal to 0 for the received watermark.
The use of artificial neural networks to predict tonal sound annoyance based on noise metrics and psychoacoustics parameters
Authors: Sadeghian Marzieh , Shekarizadeh Soroor , Abbasi Milad , Mousavi Seyed Mahdi , Yazdanirad Saeid
Published: July 2022

The tonal noise of indoor mechanical systems causes an unpleasant sensation. The present study was conducted to predict tonal sound annoyance based on noise metrics and psychoacoustics parameters using artificial neural networks. Thirty-six signals of noise were produced by six tone
levels, three tone frequencies, and two background noise levels in an enclosed space. Then, noise metrics and psychoacoustic parameters of the signals were determined. Subsequently, 60 subjects were asked to express their subjective perception of annoyance during exposure to various noises.
Finally, the predictive model of annoyance was computed using the feed-forward neural networks. The initialization of weights and biases was performed using the Nguyen-Widrow method. The gradient descent with momentum and back-propagation algorithms were applied to learn the function and network
weights, respectively. Based on the results, higher tone level, higher background noise level, lower frequency, and less sharp noise significantly increased the value of the perceived annoyance. The obtained Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin coefficient of the model was equal to 0.8. The values of recognition
rate related to data of training and testing were computed by 0.83 and 0.91, respectively. The parameters of loudness, audible tone, and roughness compared to combined metrics were more substantial predictors of perceived annoyance.
Noise distribution law of air-conditioning ducts for metro vehicles
Authors: Liu Xiaobo , Jiang Zhongcheng , Wang Xianfeng , Li Dengke
Published: July 2022

The passenger comforts are directly affected by the air supply uniformity and noise of air-conditioning duct inside the metro vehicle. In order to solve the integrated design problem of air supply uniformity and noise control of air-conditioning ducts, a theoretical model is established
to analyze the air supply uniformity, noise attenuation, and airflow regeneration noise of the air-conditioning duct. The distribution law of the sound pressure level along the longitudinal air outlet was calculated, and the calculated results were compared with test ones. For a typical air
supply duct with a constant cross section: (1) In order to ensure air supply uniformity at the outlet of the static pressure chamber, the area of the side air hole should be gradually increased in an exponential form along the direction of the main flow, and cannot be designed in the equal
area form. (2) The airflow speed of each side hole decreased in sequence along the air duct length. In order to ensure the uniformity air supply of each side hole, the area of each side hole must be gradually increased. (3) The noise in the air conditioner duct was mainly concentrated at the
front end of the air duct, and the noise at the subsequent air outlet can fully meet the current requirements of subway vehicles for indoor noise. Therefore, the front end of the air duct is the most important area for noise control.
A method of generating car sounds based on granular synthesis algorithm
Authors: Xie Liping , Lu Chihua , Liu Zhien , Zhu Yawei , Song Weizhi
Published: July 2022

The active sound generation technique for automobiles, where car sounds can be synthesized by means of electronic sound production, is one of the effective methods to achieve the target sound. A method for active sound generation of automobile based on the granular synthesis algorithm
is put forward here to avoid the broadband beating phenomena that occur due to the mismatch of parameters of sound granular signals. The comparison of the function expression of sound signal and Hilbert transformation is performed based on the principle of overlap and add; moreover, those
parameters (phase, frequency and amplitude) of sound signals are interpolated by means of the Hermite interpolation algorithm which can ensure the continuity of the phase, frequency and amplitude curves. Thus, the transition audio is constructed by means of the sound signal function here to
splice the adjacent sound granules. Our simulations show that our method can be applied to solve the current broadband beating issue for splicing sound granules and achieve natural continuity of synthesized car sounds. The subjective test results also indicate that our transition audio can
produce high quality audio restitution.
Noise propagation and attenuation in L-shape duct with flow
Authors: Mori Masaaki
Published: July 2022

Clarifying duct noise is gathering attention for various industries. Duct noise is one of the noise problems in the equipment such as air conditioner and ventilation system. In the duct noise, the noise generated by the sources due to the fan or motor are included, and these noise propagate
in the L-shape duct with flow. However the propagation mechanism of these noise are not clarified, especially in the case of the propagation in the duct with flow. In this paper, we investigated the propagation and attenuation of the noise generated by the speaker in the duct with or without
a flow both experimentally and numerically. The results show that in the case of the duct with the flow, the noise generated by the speaker at frequency more than 1200 Hz are damped more than in the case of the duct without the flow.In the numerical simulations, the results shows that the
strength of the noise sources on the duct wall decreases in the case of the duct with a flow more than in the case of the duct without a flow. In the numerical simulations, we applied the coupling method using CFD and acoustic BEM solvers.
High-performance steel-framed wall and floor/ceiling assemblies
Authors: Raley Mike , Shafer Benjamin
Published: July 2022

Lightweight steel-framed assemblies can present significant advantages for construction: they are non-combustible, they can be faster to build, and they can be significantly lighter than concrete assemblies. However, steel-framed assemblies often present significant challenges when
trying to obtain high levels of acoustical performance. In this paper the author presents sets of laboratory data for two assemblies. The first is a floor/ceiling assembly comprised of steel C-section joists with a spring-isolated gypsum board ceiling. This assembly achieved ratings of STC
and IIC 60+ with hard-surface flooring. The second is a cross-braced double-stud wall with resilient sound isolation clips and damped gypsum board panels. This assembly achieved ratings up to STC 81. The test series also looked at the performance of the wall with and without cross-bracing,
sound isolation clips, and damped gypsum board panels.
Numerical modeling of noise and vibration due to discharge in hermetic compressors
Authors: He Dazhuang , Liu Yangfan , Ziviani Davide
Published: July 2022

The pulsive and intermittent nature of the operation of a hermetic refrigeration compressor leads to the generation of noise and vibration during the operation. Specifically, in hermetic compressors, gas pulsation induced by refrigerant discharge is a major source of NVH effects. The
generation of noise and vibration due to refrigerant gas discharge is a process that involves thermo-mechanical operation within compressor cylinder, cavity acoustic resonance, valve opening/closing, hermetic shell vibration, and exterior sound radiation. In the presented study, a numerical
simulation model was developed to address the multi-physical process of noise generation due to refrigerant gas discharge. The thermodynamics aspects of the compression process and the vibro-acoustics aspects are coupled together. The thermo-mechanical submodel is based on a compressor mechanistic
model based on control volume analysis with lumped parameters. The vibro-acoustics submodel is based on finite element analysis, and it describes the two-way coupled interaction of compressor cavity acoustic resonances and hermetic shell vibration. Meanwhile, the acoustics response in the
cavity is coupled with the thermodynamics submodel through proper modeling dynamics of discharge valves. Numerical simulations were conducted to demonstrate how simulation models work and how they can potentially help compressor manufacturers to gain a better understanding of the physical
reasons behind NVH effects of compressors.
A study of noise reduction in McCrone Micronizing Mill using sound enclosure treatment
Authors: Dies Gavin , Rao Mohan
Published: July 2022

A McCrone Micronizing Mill (micro mill) is used by materials researchers to break materials into smaller pieces or powder for microstructure analysis. To achieve this, material is compacted into solid bits inside a canister, and this canister is placed in the micro mill. During the
process of micronizing, a noise disturbance is created because of the high-speed vibration of the particles. The noise levels produced by this process is considered to be excessive and causes not only annoyance, but also there is a potential for hearing damage. The goal of this project was
to reduce the noise caused by the process to a more acceptable level. The optimal solution to this problem was to eliminate user interaction. However, such a solution was not practical. Therefore, a path treatment was fabricated such that sound pressure level produced by the micronizing mill
is reduced to background level using a full sound enclosure. The enclosure was designed such that it does not interfere with the operation of the mill. Effectiveness of this treatment was measured in terms of change in sound pressure levels, loudness, speech interference level, and transmission
loss. Results of this study show that using this novel treatment design, a maximum reduction of up to 14 dB in overall sound pressure level can be achieved.
A simple four-pole solution with FEM/BEM validation to estimate the effectiveness of compact resonators in large silencers
Authors: Zhou H. , Wu T. W. , Wang P. , Engel J. P.
Published: July 2022

Large absorptive silencers are used in the power generation industry to abate intake or exhaust noise. They are very effective at mid to high frequencies; however, low-frequency performance is an area of concern for absorptive silencers. Hybrid baffles and bars with empty space reserved
for a quarter wavelength duct design have been used to target low-frequency tonal noise with some success. Although, at times the hybrid baffles or bars themselves are not enough to reduce the low-frequency noise to an acceptable level. Synonymously, the overall high-frequency performance
may suffer due to the loss of space that could be used for more dissipative elements such as absorptive baffles or bars. Compact resonators with a tapering neck may then be considered as an add-on to improve the low-frequency performance. In this paper, a simple four-pole solution is utilized
to estimate the first natural frequency of a compact resonator. The end correction factor is then empirically correlated to the finite element method (FEM) or boundary element method (BEM) solution. The small compact devices have a potential application to provide engineers with a very flexible
design add-on strategy without significantly altering the installed silencer design, and their target frequencies can also be adjusted depending on the situation.
Change of community noise and noise impact with changes in air-taxi fleet compostitions over a longer period of time
Authors: Bauer Michael
Published: July 2022

Generic air vehicles are helping to understand effects specifically related to urban air mobility (UAM) noise. Air corridors were already studied, managing complex air-taxi traffic to reduce population's exposure to higher or critical noise levels in the vicinity of a highly frequented
flight paths. The results still depend on fleet compositions, which may change over shorter or longer periods because future UAM carriers can select from a variety of different air-taxi types, in some cases strongly differing in their noise characteristics. Once an air-taxi-fleet is operated
at a certain vertiport, its composition may not remain the same after one month or even after one year. This study is evaluating a long-term effect with changing fleets operated on the same flight paths in the same air corridor. Besides usual noise metrics like DNL, the results provide also
a first insight how metrics like the dose-response may be affected over a longer period of time. 25 acoustically diverse air-taxis were distributed inside an 8 km wide air corridor, carrying 165 single flight tracks at 5 flight levels. Approximately 60,200 movements were simulated representing
short-term effects, ten times more for mid-term scenarios, and finally a large number of 1,505,000 for the long-term study.
A multi-stage filter for separating speech from background noise
Authors: Garner Curtis , Blotter Jonathan , Sommerfeldt Scott , Sanders Tyler
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a multi-stage method for filtering speech signals that contain large-amplitude background noise. Many commonly encountered noise sources such as engines, propellers, or turbines produce noise fields that are too spatially incoherent to be effectively filtered using
traditional methods. The proposed filtering method uses two filter stages to separate speech from background noise: one to remove the coherent components of the noise, and the other to reduce the incoherent components of the noise. The first stage uses the LMS algorithm. In this stage, strategically
placed reference microphones are used to eliminate coherent noise from an array of error microphones. The second stage uses a beamforming algorithm to reduce the remaining incoherent noise. Results are presented that demonstrate the effectiveness of the multi-stage filter.
Using updated roadway construction noise model acoustical noise data for simplified construction noise predictions.
Authors: Burge Paul , Wayson Roger , Martin Cole
Published: July 2022

In 2006 the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued the Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM) for use in predicting noise levels from construction activities, and this tool is still in wide use today among practitioners for evaluating construction noise for a variety of project
types. The original RCNM included basic acoustical data for 57 different types of common construction equipment which was collected mostly in the late 1990s and early 2000s. More recently an effort was made to collect more detailed acoustical data for a wider range of more modern construction
equipment for an updated version of RCNM (version 2.0). The new RCNM 2.0, runs on a new user interface platform, which may have resulted in a lower use rate by practitioners. This paper summarizes the updated construction equipment acoustical data collected for RCNM 2.0, a brief comparison
to older data such as from the oroginal RCNM, and a more simplified, spreadsheet-based prediction methodology.
Hybrid experimental-numerical methodology for assessment of the building isolation performance
Authors: Masoumi Hamid , Hunt Bradlay
Published: July 2022

The Building Base Isolation (BBI) indicator proposed in the frame of BIOVIB project, has been examined by means of a hybrid experimental-numerical methodology. A two-story building adjacent to railway track is selected for this study. The building has been isolated at the top of the
foundation footings at the ground level. The foundation mobility as well as the transmission loss has been obtained by in-situ measurement and the mobility of the building has been determined by FE modeling of the building.
Design, development, and validation of acoustic insulation packages for business and VIP aircraft
Authors: Vance Fredrick , Young Jared
Published: July 2022

The owners of private airplanes have high expectations when it comes to the comfort inside the cabin. The interior of a business jet is crafted to feel like a luxurious office space where its occupants can focus on their work or relaxation without the distractions or fatigue caused
by excessive wind, engine, or mechanical noise while in flight. Choosing the right Thermal Acoustic Insulation System (TAIS) to accomplish this goal is most often a balancing act between competing priorities such as system weight, ease of installation, cost, and acoustic performance. Here,
we will describe our methodology to balance these objectives using an iterative approach leveraging Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) at its core. Examples from business jets will demonstrate the effectiveness of standardized kits bearing their own supplemental type certificates (STCs) including
those for Dassault and Gulfstream aircraft. Further examples will illustrate the customization possible on VIP aircraft with TAIS installed on larger planes from Airbus and Boeing.
Acoustically soft ground as a highway traffic noise reduction strategy
Authors: Rochat Judith , Cubick Karel
Published: July 2022

Acoustically soft ground adjacent to transportation systems can help reduce noise in nearby communities. The effectiveness of soft ground surfaces to reduce highway traffic noise is dependent on the soft ground placement, ground type/material, number/placement of traffic lanes, and
vehicle mix. Each specific site geometry and each vehicle noise sub-source location combines to define the region of influence in adjacent communities. The effect of a soft ground strip in the right-of-way (ROW) of a highway is examined on both a broadband and 1/3-octave band basis and as
a function of distance using the U.S. Federal Highway Administration Traffic Noise Model (TNM). Examinations as a single noise reduction strategy and combined with quieter pavement are presented for a variety of highway/ROW configurations. Results show a noise reduction of several decibels
due to a gravel strip and more combined with quieter pavement.
Investigation of mid-frequency prediction using combined pressure acoustics and power-based methods
Authors: Nashed Mina , Elnady Tamer , Åbom Mats
Published: July 2022

Simulation of sound propagation in duct networks is essential for many applications. Some applications e.g. car mufflers, need only simulation in the low frequency range where the plan wave is dominant due to application small size. In other applications e.g. HVAC systems, the size
of the duct network is relatively large, hence the entire frequency range analysis is needed. The low frequency range can be analyzed using FEM or pressure two-ports method which give high accuracy. In the high frequency range, power-based method is usually used for the analysis where the
source and the network are decoupled hence, the acoustics power is suitable variable for the analysis. In standards such as ASHRAE and VDI, the power-based analysis is used for the entire frequency range which is inaccurate. It is more appropriate to use pressure-based algorithm in the low
frequency and power based in the high frequency. This paper investigates the relation between the low and high frequency predictions trying to develop a method to predict the mid-frequency range behavior. Different networks configurations are investigated, and different techniques of prediction
are applied. The results of these techniques are compared to FEM analysis results and evaluation of each technique is presented.