bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Educational Implementation of a Sound Level Meter in the LabVIEW Environment
Authors: Baranski Robert , Wszołek Grazyna 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
As a consequence of recent implementations of EU Directives related to noise protection more and more students of various AGH-UST programs are introduced to the basics of acoustic measurements. Students at various levels of theoretical background in the field of acoustic measurements are offered practical training in measurements using digital sound analyzers. The situation would be optimal if each student could have a device at his/her own disposal. Unfortunately, such a situation is not possible at the moment because of various reasons.
With the above problem in mind, a dedicated software package has been developed, implemented in the LabVIEW environment, which allows detailed studies of problems related to the acoustic signal measurement using sound level meters, as well as tasks in spectral analysis (1/1 and 1/3 band filters) and narrow-band (FFT) analysis. With such organization during the introductory laboratory classes each student is offered a direct individual contact with a virtual device that is properly pre-programmed for realization of a well-constructed learning process. It definitely facilitates understanding of the essence of acoustic signal measurements and provides a good basis for further laboratory work carried out as a team-activity.
Power Amplification and Selectivity in the Cochlear Amplifier
Authors: Kiełczyński Piotr 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
This paper presents a new model that describes the physical phenomena occurring in an individual Outer Hair Cell (OHC) in the human hearing organ (Cochlea). The new model employs the concept of parametric amplification and piezoelectricity. As a consequence, the proposed model may explain in a natural way many as yet unresolved problems about the mechanisms of: 1) power amplification, 2) non- linearity, 3) fine tuning, or 4) high sensitivity that take place in the human hearing organ. Mathematical analysis of the model is performed. The equivalent electrical circuits of an individual OHC are established. The high selectivity of the OHC parametric amplifier is analyzed by solving the resulting Mathieu and Ince differential equations. An analytical formula for the power gain in the OHC’s parametric amplifier has been developed. The proposed model has direct physical interpretation and all its elements have their physical counterparts in the actual structure of the cochlea. The numerical values of the individual elements of the electrical equivalent circuits are consistent with the experimental physiological data. It is anticipated that the proposed new model may contribute in future improvements of human cochlear implants as well as in development of new digital audio standards.
Detection of Objects Buried in the Sea Bottom with the Use of Parametric Echosounder
Authors: Kozaczka Eugeniusz , Grelowska Grazyna , Kozaczka Sławomir , Szymczak Wojciech 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The paper contains results of a in situ research main task of which was to detect objects buried, partially or completely, in the sea bottom. Object detecting technologies employing acoustic wave sources based on nonlinear interaction of elastic waves require application of parametric sound sources. Detection of objects buried in the sea bottom with the use of classic hydroacoustic devices such as the sidescan sonar or multibeam echosounder proves ineffective. Wave frequencies used in such devices are generally larger than tens of kHz. This results in the fact that almost the whole acoustic energy is reflected from the bottom. On the other hand, parametric echosounders radiate waves with low frequency and narrow beam patterns which ensure high spatial resolution and allows to penetrate the sea bottom to depths of the order of tens of meters. This allows to detect objects that can be interesting, among other things, from archaeological or military point of view.
Active Noise Reduction Algorithm Based on NOTCH Filter and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Górski Paweł , Morzyński Leszek 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Application of active noise reduction (ANR) systems in hearing protectors requires the use of control algorithms to ensure stability of the ANR system and at the same time highly effective active noise reduction. A control algorithm based on NOTCH filters is an example of solutions that meet these criteria. Their disadvantage is operation over a narrow frequency band and a need for prior determination of frequencies to be reduced. This paper presents a solution of the ANR system for hearing protectors which is controlled with the use of modified NOTCH filters with parameters determined by a genetic algorithm. Application of a genetic algorithm allows to change the NOTCH filter reference signal frequency, and thus, adapt the filter to the reduced signal frequency.
The Study of Behavior of Vibrating Systems Controllable by Devices with Rheological Fluid
Authors: Szary Marek L. , Weber Peter 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The nonlinear mathematical model of behavior of controllable viscosity fluid (CVF) under applied external field is presented. A large family of these fluids is commonly used to control responding forces of dampers in vibration control applications. The responding force of a damper with CVF has two components. The first one - uncontrollable - is proportional to the viscosity of a base fluid and velocity of its motion, the second one, which is controllable, depends on the strength of the applied external field. Both are involved in the process of dissipation of unwanted energy from the vibrating systems. An equivalent damping factor based on the principle of energy dissipated during one cycle of damper work under a constant strength external field was calculated. When mass or stiffness is variable the equivalent damping factor can be set accordingly by adjusting the strength of external field to have vibrating damped system purposely/continuously working in the critical or other chosen state. This paper also presents cases of applying periodically changing strengths of an external field synchronized with cycles of periodical motion of the vibrating system to continuously control the damping force within each cycle.
Analysis of Spectral Characteristics of Sound Waves Scattered from a Cracked Cylindrical Elastic Shell Filled with a Viscous Fluid
Authors: Piddubniak Olexa , Piddubniak Nadia 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The scattering of plane steady-state sound waves from a viscous fluid-filled thin cylindrical shell weak- ened by a long linear slit and submerged in an ideal fluid is studied. For the description of vibrations of elastic objects the Kirchhoff-Love shell-theory approximation is used. An exact solution of this problem is obtained in the form of series with cylindrical harmonics. The numerical analysis is carried out for a steel shell filled with oil and immersed in seawater. The modules and phases of the scattering amplitudes versus the dimensionless wavenumber of the incident sound wave as well as directivity patterns of the scattered field are investigated taking into consideration the orientation of the slit on the elastic shell surface. The plots obtained show a considerable influence of the slit and viscous fluid filler on the diffraction process.
Underwater Noise Generated by a Small Ship in the Shallow Sea
Authors: Grelowska Grażyna , Kozaczka Eugeniusz , Kozaczka Sławomir , Szymczak Wojciech 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Study of the sea noise has been a subject of interest for many years. The first works in this scope were published at the turn of the twentieth century by Knudsen (Knudsen et al., 1948) and G. Wenz (Wenz, 1962). Disturbances called “shipping noise” are one of the important components of the sea noise.
In this work the results of an experimental research of underwater noise produced by a small ship of a classic propulsion are presented. A linear receiving antenna composed of two orthogonal components was used in the investigation. Identification of the main sources of acoustic waves related with the ship was achieved. In addition, the intensity of the wave was measured. The research was performed in conditions of the shallow sea.
Features of Nonlinear Sound Propagation in Vibrationally Excited Gases
Authors: Perelomova Anna , Kusmirek Magdalena 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Weakly nonlinear sound propagation in a gas where molecular vibrational relaxation takes place is studied. New equations which govern the sound in media where the irreversible relaxation may take place are derived and discussed. Their form depends on the regime of excitation of oscillatory degrees of freedom, equilibrium (reversible) or non-equilibrium (irreversible), and on the comparative frequency of the sound in relation to the inverse time of relaxation. Additional nonlinear terms increase standard nonlinearity of the high-frequency sound in the equilibrium regime of vibrational excitation and decrease otherwise. As for the nonlinearity of the low-frequency sound, the conclusions are opposite. Appearance of a non-oscillating additional part which is a linear function of the distance from the transducer is an unusual property of nonlinear distortions of harmonic at the transducer high-frequency sound
Road Traffic Noise Attenuation by Vegetation Belts at Some Sites in the Tarai Region of India
Authors: Tyagi Vikrant , Kumar Krishan , Jain V.K. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Noise measurements have been carried out at eleven different sites located in three prominent cities of the Tarai region of India to evaluate the effectiveness of vegetation belts in reducing traffic noise along the roadsides. Attenuation per doubling of distance has been computed for each site and excess attenuation at different 1/3 octave frequencies has been estimated. The average excess attenuation is found to be approximately 15 dB over the low frequencies (200 Hz to 500 Hz) and between 15 dB to 20 dB over the high frequencies (8 kHz to 12.5 kHz). Over the critical middle frequencies (1-4 kHz), the average excess attenuation (between 10-15 dB) though not as high, is still significant, with a number of sites showing an excess attenuation of 15 dB or more at 1 kHz. The results indicate that sufficiently dense vegetation belts along the roadsides may prove as effective noise barriers and significant attenuation may be achieved over the critical middle frequencies (1-4 kHz).
Technical Notes: Using Microphone Arrays to Detect Moving Vehicle Velocity
Authors: Peral-Orts Ramón , Velasco-Sánchez Emilio , Campillo-Davó Nuria , Campello-Vicente Héctor 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The noise of motor vehicles is one of the most important problems as regards to pollution on main roads. However, this unpleasant characteristic could be used to determine vehicle speed by external observers. Building on this idea, the present study investigates the capabilities of a microphone array system to identify the position and velocity of a vehicle travelling on a previously established route. Such linear microphone array has been formed by a reduced number of microphones working at medium frequencies as compared to industrial microphone arrays built for location purposes, and operates with a processing algorithm that ultimately identifies the noise source location and reduces the error in velocity estimation
Expected Direct Seismic Losses Assessment Using Gis. Case Study for Iaşi Municipality
Authors: Văcăreanu Radu , Lungu Dan , Aldea Alexandru , Arion Cristian , Neagu Cristian , Găman Florian , Petrescu Florian , Aldea Mihaela 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Expected direct seismic losses assessment is performed on probabilistic basis using world-wide accepted methodologies for two study areas located in Iasi Municipality. The probabilistic assessment refers to the following issues: site-dependent seismic hazard, expected seismic response of buildings, seismic fragility of structures, expected seismic damage. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the existing building stock as well as the presentation of the results on expected direct seismic losses are performed using geographic information systems (GIS)
Changes in the Physical Properties of Precipitation in Pine Stands in the Area with A Low Degree of Air Pollution (Western Pomerania)
Authors: Kruszyk Robert 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The study presents the results of research conducted in the years 2010-2012 in pine stands in Western Pomerania. The research included physicochemical properties of bulk precipitation and throughfall. The results confirm that despite a decrease in the total throughfall in the interception process, the size of mineral and organic depositions in pine stands exceeded values recorded for bulk precipitation. It was caused both by the process of enriching the throughfall with (K+, Mg2+) rinsed out of needles and leaves and by washing off the dry deposition (NH4
+, Cl-, Na+, SO4
2-, NO3 -). The share of leaching processes for K+ was 74.1%, while for Mg2+ 23.6% of the total load of these elements brought to the ground with throughfall. In the case of Ca2+ no canopy leaching was observed for this element. The throughfall acidification processes were mostly caused by NO3-.
The Link Between from Day to Day Change of Weather Types and Synoptic Situations in Kraków During the Period 1961–2010
Authors: Piotrowicz Katarzyna , Szlagor Joanna 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
This paper analyses day-to-day changes of weather types and links these with synoptic situations, i.e. circulation types, air masses and weather fronts. The weather types were classified according to Woś (1999), while a calendar proposed by Niedźwiedź (2013) was used for synoptic situations. Weather records from Kraków were used covering the period 1961-2010. The frequency of all combinations of day-to-day weather type changes was calculated, identified using specific values of air temperature, cloudiness and precipitation. The analysis of the succession and frequency of the day-to-day changes was linked with the synoptic situations accompanying the change. It was found that the thermal weather types were relatively very stable and remained unchanged on the following day in 61.3% of cases, and that the synoptic situation also remained similar. Weather subtypes, identified with just cloudiness and precipitation, but not temperature, displayed much more day-to-day change in terms of frequency and scale. Synoptically it was the air mass change and/or the occurrence of atmospheric fronts, which tended to cause day-to-day weather type changes, while the impact of circulation was not always clear. Particular attention was devoted to sudden weather type changes caused primarily by dramatic air temperature fluctuations.
Changes in Plant Nutrients, and Microbial Biomass in Different Soil Depths After Long-Term Surface Application of Secondary Treated Wastewater
Authors: Al-Rashidi Radhi , Rusan Munir , Obaid Karem 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Long-term effects of surface application of secondary treated wastewater on plant nutrients dynamics, the cycling of C and N within the system through the determination of microbial biomass, and associated health hazards were studied in different soil locations. Sites that have been irrigated with wastewater for the last 1, 4, 10, and 17 years were identified and used as sampling locations for this study. Two other sites that have not been irrigated with wastewater were sampled as a control. Soil samples were taken from several sites within each location, and at the following depths: 0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cm. Results obtained indicated that microbial biomass C and N were increased significantly with increasing application period of treated wastewater. Barley plant tissues analysis showed that plant nutrients content was significantly higher in sites which received wastewater for a long period than other sites. No significances in accumulation of lead (Pb) in barley plant tissues were observed with sites received wastewater for different periods. The bacteriological analysis showed that the total bacterial count of surface soil (0-20 cm) was higher in sites irrigated with wastewater for the last 10 and 17 years. The total coliforms ranged from 0.92x102 cfu/g soil to 3.3x102 cfu/g soil, while fecal coliform were less and detected only in top soils at sites irrigated with wastewater for the last 10 and 17 years.
Numerical solutions and analysis of diffusion for new generalized fractional advection-diffusion equations
Authors: Xu Yufeng , Agrawal Om 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In this paper we study a class of new Generalized Fractional Advection-Diffusion Equations (GFADEs) with a new Generalized Fractional Derivative (GFD) proposed last year. The new GFD is defined in the Caputo sense using a weight function and a scale function. The GFADE is discussed in a bounded domain, and numerical solutions for two examples consisting of a linear and a nonlinear GFADE are obtained using an implicit finite difference approach. The stability of the numerical scheme is investigated, and the order of convergence is estimated numerically. Numerical results illustrate that the finite difference scheme is simple and effective for solving the GFADEs. We investigate the influence of weight and scale functions on the diffusion of GFADEs. Linear and nonlinear stretching and contracting functions are considered. It is found that an increasing weight function increases the rate of diffusion, and a scale function can stretch or contract the diffusion on the time domain.
An Outbreak of Early Syphilis in Patients Registered at the City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade from 2010 to 2012: a Case Series of 86 Patients
Authors: Bjekić Milan , Šipetić Sandra 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of an outbreak of early syphilis registered at the City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade, during the period from 2010 to 2012. The study was designed as a case-note review. In a three-year-long period, a total of 86 patients with early syphilis were registered: 33 cases of primary, 31 of secondary and 22 cases of early latent syphilis. Sixty-five (76.5%) of all patients were men who have sex with men, 15 were heterosexual men and 6 were women. The majority of patients were infected in Belgrade, and in 51/86 cases oral sex was the only risk factor. There were 13 HIV-positive patients, all men who have sex with men. Thus, 20% of men who had sex with men in this study were co-infected with HIV. In conclusion, this outbreak of early syphilis in Belgrade, in which more than two thirds of all patients were men who have sex with men, of whom 20% were HIV-infected, shows the need for: 1) enhanced prevention efforts targeting this group more important than ever, with education and condom use for oral sex as an important part of patient counseling; 2) coordinated and expeditious surveillance, partner services, screening among population at-risk, as well as early diagnosis and treatment.
American cockroach control assays in the municipal sewerage system of Valencia (Spain)
Authors: Bueno-Marí Rubén , Bernués-Bañeres Alberto , Peris-Felipo Francisco Javier , Moreno-Marí Josefa , Jiménez-Peydró Ricardo 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
Several insecticides (including different active substances and formulations) were applied to sewer shafts to control Periplaneta americana (LINNAEUS, 1758) populations in Valencia (eastern Spain). Results show that the best products for cockroach control were the paints (with and without insecticide), which provided an optimal reduction of P. americana populations for up to three months (P < 0.001). Therefore, it is important to note that the reduction of cockroach populations as well as the persistence of the insecticide effect in sewers was similar in both types of paints. A product combining two pyrethroids (Tetramethrin and Alfacipermetrin) and piperonyl butoxide also gave excellent results with cockroach control during one month. Two organophosphate insecticides (Clorpyrifos and Diazinon) significantly reduced cockroaches for only one week. Finally, our work indicates that the Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) we tested are not recommendable active substances for the control of P. americana in sewers.
Systematics and faunistics of Neotropical Grapholitini, 6: Grapholita TREITSCHKE, Eriosocia RAZOWSKI & BROWN and Coniostola DIAKONOFF
Authors: Razowski Józef , Becker Vitor O. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
Species of the genera Grapholita, Eriosocia, and Coniostola are treated as part of our ongoing studies of the Neotropical Grapholitini. Grapholita saphinella sp. n., G. alagoasi sp. n., G. mollitia sp. n., G. habra sp. n., Eriosocia igarapeae sp. n., and E. euphrasta sp. n. are described as new. Dichrorampha eulepidana (WALSINGHAM) comb. n., is transferred to Grapholita.
The peculiar winter-active midge Diamesa starmachi (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Giłka Wojciech , Soszyńska-Maj Agnieszka , Paasivirta Lauri 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
Morphological variations in brachypterous and fully-winged forms of Diamesa starmachi KOWNACKI et KOWNACKA, 1970, including the first description of the female, are presented. Notes on the biology of this winter-active chironomid, based on new data from Poland, are also provided.
Histopathological Evaluation of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Critical Review
Authors: Jiang Nancy , Kern Robert C. , Altman Kenneth W. 
Published: October 2013

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) consists of a constellation of symptoms, including facial pressure/pain, hyposmia, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion. On histopathological evaluation, the disease can be divided into pathophysiologically distinct subgroups. This study systematically reviews the literature regarding the unique histopathological findings of the various subtypes of CRS to determine the potential diagnostic value of performing tissue analysis of CRS specimens beyond routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Methods A PubMed search was untaken to identify articles that evaluated the histopathological features of CRS. Six hundred fifty-four relevant articles were identified and after application of specific exclusion criteria, 71 articles were further reviewed in detail. Results All articles included analysis of tissue samples from in-office biopsies or intraoperative specimens of patients who underwent sinus surgery. CRS was often further divided into subgroups and compared with each other and with a control group. The subgroups included CRS with and without nasal polyps, asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients, and with and without eosinophilia. Distinct inflammatory mediators were found for the different subgroups. Twenty-eight articles evaluated these inflammatory markers for their potential value as prognostic indicators. Conclusion CRS is a heterogeneous disease based on its histopathological findings. Information that is obtainable from light microscopy, but typically goes unreported, can serve as valuable prognostic indictors. However, routine H&E staining is suboptimal in distinguishing among the various subgroups of CRS. Assessment of specific inflammatory mediators in sinus mucosa specimens may help provide prognostic information and guide more tailored treatment for the individual patient.