bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic Noise Sources in a Work Environment
Authors: Smagowska Bożena 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The use of ultrasonic energy has created versatile possibilities of their applications in many areas of life, especially in hydro location and underwater telecommunications, industry and medicine. The consequence of a widespread use of high intensity ultrasonics in technology is the increased number of people who are exposed to such ultrasonic noise. Therefore it is important to determine the types of machines and other devices that are responsible for the emission of ultrasonic noise (10-40 kHz of central frequencies of one-third octave bands) as harmful and annoying hazard in the work environment. This paper presents ultrasonic noise sources frequently used in industry and preventive measures reducing the exposure to ultrasonic noise. Two types of ultrasonic noise sources have been distinguished: machines and other devices used to carry out or improve production processes, the so-called technological sources and sources in which ultrasonic noise exists as a non-intentional result of operation of many machines and systems, the so-called non-technological sources of ultrasonic noise. The emission of SPL has been determined for each groups of devices based on own measurement results.
Method of Testing of Sound Absorption Properties of Materials Intended for Ultrasonic Noise Protection
Authors: Pleban Dariusz 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Efficient ultrasonic noise reduction by using enclosures requires the knowledge of absorbing properties of materials in the frequency range above 4 kHz. However, standardized methods enable determination of absorption coefficients of materials in the frequency range up to 4 kHz. For this reason, it is proposed to carry out measurements of the sound absorption properties of materials in the free field by means of a tone-burst technique in the frequency range from 4 kHz to 40 kHz at angles of incidence varying from 0° to 60°. The absorption coefficient of a material is calculated from the reflection coefficient obtained by reflecting a tone-burst from both a perfectly reflecting panel and a combination of this panel and the sample of the tested material. The tests results show that mineral wool and polyurethane open-cell foam possess very good absorbing properties in this frequency range.
Creating Dynamic Maps of Noise Threat Using PL-Grid Infrastructure
Authors: Szczodrak Maciej , Kotus Józef , Kostek Bożena , Czyżewski Andrzej 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The paper presents functionality and operation results of a system for creating dynamic maps of acoustic noise employing the PL-Grid infrastructure extended with a distributed sensor network. The work presented provides a demonstration of the services being prepared within the PLGrid Plus project for measuring, modeling and rendering data related to noise level distribution in city agglomerations. Specific computational environments, the so-called domain grids, are developed in the mentioned project. For particular domain grids, specialized IT solutions are prepared, i.e. software implementation and hardware (infrastructure adaptation), dedicated for particular researcher groups demands, including acoustics (the domain grid “Acoustics”). The infrastructure and the software developed can be utilized mainly for research and education purposes, however it can also help in urban planning. The engineered software is intended for creating maps of noise threat for road, railways and industrial sources. Integration of the software services with the distributed sensor network enables automatic updating noise maps for a specific time period. The unique feature of the developed software is a possibility of evaluating auditory effects which are caused by the exposure to excessive noise. The estimation of auditory effects is based on calculated noise levels in a given exposure period. The outcomes of this research study are presented in a form of the cumulative noise dose and the characteristics of the temporary threshold shift.
Assessment of Ultrasonic Noise Hazard in Workplaces Environment
Authors: Śliwiński Antoni 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The hazard assessment of ultrasonic noise impact on human body at workplaces presents an open problem; it is not satisfactorily solved comparing the fund of knowledge and standard regulations established for the case of audible noise. Some research carried on in the Central Institute of Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Poland, are essential for elaboration reliable procedures for the assessment of ultrasonic noise hazard and they have to bring to modernization and creation the corresponding standards in this field. In the presentation, some problems related to measurement procedures applied as well as to the interpretation of results essential for hazard assessment of ultrasonic noise impact on human body will be considered; in particular such cases where some procedures elaborated for audible noise assessment are being transferred to apply in the ultrasonic range without taking fully into account some specific aspects of the high frequency components of the noise.
A Perception-Based Method for the Noise Control of Construction Machines
Authors: Carletti Eleonora 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
During operation, construction machines generate high noise levels which can adversely affect the health and the job performance of operators. The noise control techniques currently applied to reduce the noise transmitted into the operator cab are all based on the decrease of the sound pressure level. Merely reducing this noise parameter may be suitable for the compliance with the legislative requirements but, unfortunately, it is not sufficient to improve the subjective human response to noise. The absolute necessity to guarantee comfortable and safe conditions for workers, requires a change of perspective and the identification of different noise control criteria able to combine the reduction of noise levels with that of psychophysical descriptors representing those noise attributes related to the subjective acoustical discomfort.
This paper presents the results of a study concerning the “customization” of a methodology based on Sound Quality for the noise control of construction machines. The purpose is to define new hearing-related criteria for the noise control able to guarantee not only reduced noise levels at the operator position but also a reduced annoyance perception.
Investigation of Ultrasonic Emulsifying Processes of a Linseed Oil and Water Mixture
Authors: Skumiel Andrzej , Józefczak Arkadiusz , Heller Krzysztof , Hornowski Tomasz , Wielgusz Katarzyna 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Ultrasonic emulsifying processes of immiscible liquids can be used to obtain stable emulsions. The authors used an ultrasonic sandwich head with an energy concentrator to obtain a suitable value of the energy density necessary for the emerge of ultrasonic cavitation. Two piezoelectric ring (Dext = 50 mm) transducers of Pz-26 type produced by FERROPERM were used to design the ultrasonic sandwich head. The frequency of the ultrasonic wave was 18.4 kHz and the excitation time of the ultrasonic transducer exiting 5 minutes. Visible bubbles during the generation of ultrasonic waves appeared in the mixture after exceeding the cavitation threshold. The authors determined also the cavitation threshold by measuring the electrical voltage conducted to the transducers. To receive long-lasting emulsion, the electrical voltage attained 300 Vpeak. The dispersion dependence on the emulsifying time was determined. The emulsion of linseed oil and water was stable through some months without surfactants.
Source Width of Frontal Phantom Sources: Perception, Measurement, and Modeling
Authors: Frank Matthias 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Phantom sources are known to be perceived similar to real sound sources but with some differences. One of the differences is an increase of the perceived source width. This article discusses the perception, measurement, and modeling of source width for frontal phantom sources with different symmetrical arrangements of up to three active loudspeakers. The perceived source width is evaluated on the basis of a listening test. The test results are compared to technical measures that are applied in room acoustics: the inter-aural cross correlation coefficient (IACC) and the lateral energy fraction (LF). Adaptation of the latter measure makes it possible to predict the results by considering simultaneous sound incidence. Finally, a simple model is presented for the prediction of the perceived source width that does not require acoustic measurements as it is solely based on the loudspeaker directions and gains.
Ultrasound Transmission Tomography Imaging of Structure of Breast Elastography Phantom Compared to US, CT and MRI
Authors: Opieliński Krzysztof J. , Pruchnicki Piotr , Gudra Tadeusz , Podgórski Przemysław , Kraśnicki Tomasz , Kurcz Jacek , Sąsiadek Marek 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The paper presents an analysis of the results of ultrasound transmission tomography (UTT) imaging of the internal structure of a breast elastography phantom used for biopsy training, and compares them with the results of CT, MRI and, conventional US imaging; the results of the phantom examination were the basis for the analysis of UTT method resolution. The obtained UTT, CT and MRI images of the CIRS Model 059 breast phantom structure show comparable (in the context of size and location) heterogeneities inside it. The UTT image of distribution of the ultrasound velocity clearly demonstrates continuous changes of density. The UTT image of derivative of attenuation coefficient in relation to frequency is better for visualising sharp edges, and the UTT image of the distribution of attenuation coefficient visualises continuous and stepped changes in an indirect way. The inclusions visualized by CT have sharply delineated edges but are hardly distinguishable from the phantom gel background even with increased image contrast. MRI images of the studied phantom relatively clearly show inclusions in the structure. Ultrasonography images do not show any diversification of the structure of the phantom. The obtained examination results indicate that, if the scanning process is accelerated, ultrasound transmission tomography method can be successfully used to detect and diagnose early breast malignant lesions. Ultrasonic transmission tomography imaging can be applied in medicine for diagnostic examination of women’s breasts and similarly for X-ray computed tomography, while eliminating the need to expose patients to the harmful ionising radiation.
Pitch Processing of Speech: Comparison of Psychoacoustic and Electrophysiological Data
Authors: Wrzosek Małgorzata , Maculewicz Justyna , Hafke-Dys Honorata , Nowik Agnieszka , Preis Anna , Kroliczak Grzegorz 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The present study consisted of two experiments. The goal of the first experiment was to establish the just noticeable differences for the fundamental frequency of the vowel /u/ by using the 2AFC method. We obtained the threshold value for 27 cents. This value is larger than the motor reaction values which had been observed in previous experiments (e.g. 9 or 19 cents). The second experiment was intended to provide neurophysiological confirmation of the detection of shifts in a frequency, using event-related potentials (ERPs). We concentrated on the mismatch negativity (MMN) - the component elicited by the change in the pattern of stimuli. Its occurrence is correlated with the discrimination threshold. In our study, MMN was observed for changes greater than 27 cents - shifts of ±50 and 100 cents (effect size - Cohen’s d = 2.259). MMN did not appear for changes of ±10 and 20 cents. The results showed that the values for which motor responses can be observed are indeed lower than those for perceptual thresholds.
Acoustic Absorption of Mortar Composites with Waste Material
Authors: Stumpf González Marco Aurélio , Flach Fernanda , Reschke Pires Josiane , Piva Kulakowski Marlova 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
This paper presents an investigation about acoustic absorption of mortars with partial replacement of sand by waste (plywood formwork, rice husk, and thermoplastic shoe counters), examining different levels of replacement (0%, 5%, 10%, 25%, and 50%). The measurement of acoustic absorption was performed using a plane wave impedance tube with 100 mm diameter, using mortar samples of 20 mm, in frequency range 200-2000 Hz. Results demonstrated that some composite with waste presented noise reduction coefficient (NRC) above the reference mortar (NRC = 0.0343), such as a composite with 50% rice husk (NRC = 0.2757) and other with 50% of plywood waste (NRC = 0.2052). Since there is virtually no cost or difficulty to use these residuals, it may be concluded that it is a sustainable alternative to improve the acoustic comfort and reduce the impact of the waste on the environment.
A Clamped Bar Model for the Sompoton Vibrator
Authors: Wong Tee Hao , Dayou Jedol , Ngu M.C.D. , Chang Jackson H.W. , Liew Willey Y.H. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The sompoton is one of famous traditional musical instruments in Sabah. This instrument consists of several parts with the vibrator being the most important one. In this paper, the vibrator is modeled as a clamped bar with a uniformly distributed mass. By means of this model, the fundamental frequency is analyzed with the use of an equivalent single degree of freedom system (SDOF) and exact analysis. The vibrator is made of aluminum in different sizes and is excited using a constant air jet to obtain its fundamental resonance frequency. The fundamental frequency obtained from the experimental measurement is compared with the theoretical values calculated based on the equivalent SDOF and exact analysis theories. It is found that the exact analysis gives a closer value to the experimental results as compared to the SDOF system. Although both the experimental and theoretical results exhibit the same trend, they are different in magnitude. To overcome the differences in both theories, a correction factor is added to account for the production errors.
Practical Aspects Concerning Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Cable Structures
Authors: Lazar-Mand Ferencz 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The paper is about some aspects concerning the nonlinear dynamic analysis of prestressed cable structures. A method for the assessment of the tangent stiffness matrix and of the nonlinear parameters is proposed. The methodology is similar to the one described by P. Krishna. The Newmark method is used to integrate the motion equation. In the final section of the paper a comparison between the output supplied by the software of the presented method is made, with constant stiffness matrix(linear) and with the non-linear matrix updated step by step (geometric non-linear). The elements used for comparison are the displacement and velocity response of a given pretensioned cable structure.
Estimation of the Statistical Distribution Used in Hydrology Using Kernel Functions
Authors: Trandafir Romică , Ciuiu Daniel , Drobot Radu 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In this paper we will study the statistical distributions for the extreme discharges of the Danube River using kernel functions. We will also compare the results with those obtained using classical cumulative distribution functions (Pareto, Weibull, etc).
Influence of Granulometric Cement Characteristics on the Uniformity Degree
Authors: Mitu Corina , Radu Lidia 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In industrial practice, the dimensional characterization of the polygranular materials can be done, experimentally and/or by calculation, on the basis of various types of granulometric distribution laws, of the different types of diameters, of the specific surface and of some indicators related to the granulometric uniformity. This paper aims at introducing a new indicator, called granulometric uniformity degree, defined on the basis of some informational statistics elements, and calculated in a unique way, different from any particular type of granulometric distribution. At the same time, a series of correlations between the granulometric uniformity degree and different characteristic diameters is pointed out, i.e. the specific surface of cements, characterized by the Rosin-Rammler-Sperling ganulometric distribution.
In Plane Cyclic Behavior of Masonry Walls Jacketed with Fiber Reinforced Mortar and Fiber Grids
Authors: Popa Viorel , Pascu Radu , Papurcu Andrei 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Masonry buildings represent the most vulnerable part of the building stock to seismic action in Romania. The main goal of this experimental research program is to investigate the efficiency of several retrofitting solutions using fiber reinforced polymers. Research focused on the lateral strength and displacement capacity of the retrofitted specimens. The masonry walls were built using solid bricks. Glass or carbon fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP or CFRP) embedded in a fiber reinforced mortar layer were used for jacketing. Seven specimens having essentially 25cm width, 1,75m height and 2,10m length were tested in the experimental research program. These specimens were subjected to a constant vertical compressive stress of 1,2MPa. A quasi-static load protocol was considered for the horizontal loading. This paper presents the layout of the experimental research program and some preliminary results.
Seasonal Water Temperature Variability of Springs From Porous Sediments in Gryżynka Valley, Western Poland
Authors: Szczucińska Anna Maria , Wasielewski Hieronim 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
This paper discusses fluctuations in spring water temperature and its correlation to climate and aquifer characteristics. Data from nine springs in the Gryżynka River catchment (Polish Plain) were taken monthly (November 2005 to October 2010). The springs examined in this study are characterised by significant thermal inertia in contrast to air temperature, that is expressed in small temperature amplitudes that range from 1.3°C to 2.3°C. The average temperature of the springs is about 9°C. The research proved that observed groundwater temperature variations on the surface resulted mainly from atmospheric conditions, especially air temperature. The highest water temperatures (up to 10°C) were observed during late summer and early autumn, and the lowest temperature (7.7°C) was observed at the end of the winter period. The range of spring water temperature variability may reflect amount of water contribution from local water recharge in the spring vicinity.
Effect of the North Atlantic Oscillation on Ice Phenomena on Selected Lakes in Poland Over the Years 1961–2010
Authors: Wrzesiński Dariusz , Ptak Mariusz , Baczyńska Alicja 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
An analysis is presented of changes in the parameters of ice phenomena on selected Polish lakes over the years 1961-2010 against the background of variations in the intensity of the North Atlantic Oscillation. The following features were analysed: the start and end of ice phenomena and ice cover, their duration, and the stability of ice cover at observation sites of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management on lakes located in various physical-geographic regions. Multi-year tendencies of change in the ice parameters under study were identified. The most statistically significant negative trends were observed for the ending dates of ice phenomena and their duration. Changes in the ice characteristics in the different NAODJFM stages were determined on the basis of their deviations: between years with high (> 1.7) and low (< -1.09) values of the winter NAO index, and from average values from the years 1961-2010. Changes in the intensity of the North Atlantic Oscillation affect all the parameters of ice phenomena except their starting dates. In a negative NAODJFM stage, ice phenomena and ice cover end later and last longer; also, the maximum thickness of ice cover is greater, its forms later and is more stable than in a positive stage and in average conditions
Initial Assessment of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model for Forecasting Bioclimatic Conditions During Breeze Circulation – Case Study of the Słowiński National Park
Authors: Czernecki Bartosz , Półrolniczak Marek 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Land-sea interaction at the Polish Baltic Coast impacts the specific local climate conditions. Thermally driven circulation, observed mainly in the summer season, causes the advection of the cool sea air over land and influences the local atmospheric environment, including bioclimatic conditions. The aim of this paper is to present the evaluation of the WRF model for forecasting sensitive bioclimatic conditions on a selected day with sea breeze in the vicinity of the Łeba Sandbar (the Słowiński National Park). The results obtained from a numerical weather prediction model were post-processed to calculate the daily variability of two biothermal indices: the Effective Temperature (ET) and the Dry Cooling Power (H). To evaluate the thermal comfort of a person wearing typical clothes, the Michajlow’s, Petrovič and Kacvińsky’s scales were adopted. A detailed analysis performed for 31st July 2010 shows in most cases a satisfactory level of agreement between the simulated data and the in-situ measurements for nested domains with horizontal grid resolution less than 2 km. However, the simulation results tend to underestimate the thermal comfort, especially in the middle part of the Łeba Sandbar due to terrain data misrepresentations, which results in the overestimation of wind speed.
Influence of Relief and Land Cover on the Distribution of Values of the Land Surface Temperature in Upper Parsęta River Area
Authors: Kubiak Marta , Stach Alfred 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The primary research problem presented in the article is verification of the thesis on the influence of relief and land cover type on the spatial variability of the land surface temperature (LST) distribution in the area including the river catchment area of upper Parsęta. The paper presents the use of thermal channels from two Landsat ETM+ scenes pictures, Corine Land Cover database from 2000 as well as the DTED-2 digital elevation model. Two ETM+ thermal bands processing algorithms were used for calculation of the land surface temperature: Qin et al. (2001) and Jiménez-Muňoz et al. (2003). Conducted statistical tests show significant differences of the land surface temperature values between particular land cover forms as well as types of relief. LST maps can be applied in topoclimatology eg. to detail and verify the in situ measurements.
Thermal and Humidity Conditions Over a Salient Land Form as Exemplified by a Coastal Sand Dune at the Łeba Sandbar in the Słowiński National Park
Authors: Kolendowicz Leszek , Forycka-Ławniczak Hanna 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In July 2011, measurements were taken of selected meteorological elements in the central part of the Łeba Sandbar in the Słowiński National Park. On the basis of the results of measurements performed at five points located on a salient land form in close proximity to the seashore, a thermal and humidity characteristics of this form were determined for a twenty-four hour period. The results of measurements obtained from an automatic weather station located in an open area, near the measurement points on the coastal sand dune, were used as information on the atmospheric conditions predominant in the standard area (flat area covered by grass). The research analysis was performed for the entire measurement period and for days with radiational weather. The authors also determined the dependence between air temperature and humidity values observed over the analysed land form and the values of weather elements measured over the standard area.