Balloon Burst Research Articles

Successful Coronary Interventions with the Ingenious Vector\(\circledR\) Balloon in Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO): A Preliminary Study

Aims: To assess the safety and plausibility of successful coronary interventions in Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) with the innovative Vector\(\circledR\) balloon through balloon-assisted crossing technique. Study Design: Observational, prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Cardiology, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth G. S. Medical College, Mumbai. The study was carried out between the months of March and June, 2024. Methodology: A total of 20 patients were included in the study. All patients with chronic coronary syndrome were being planned for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) for CTO. During PCI, the standard protocol of intervening CTO lesions was followed. When the operator was not able to cross the lesion with standard CTO guidewires, Vector\(\circledR\) balloon-assisted crossing was planned. This technique was used in a total of seven (35%) patents. Success was defined as the possibility of advancing the guidewire further to the target lesion and being able to deploy a drug eluting stent. Safety was assessed as reporting complications like kinking or rupture of the balloon shaft, loss of balloon inside the guide or the coronary artery and the balloon burst rate after inflation exceeding the Rated Burst Pressure (RBP) according to the manufacturer’s reference table. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.1 ± 3.6 years. The balloon-assisted crossing was successful in all seven patients. The most commonly used diameter of the balloon was 1.25 mm (42.85%). Conclusion: The novel Vector\(\circledR\) balloon catheter showed excellent result when deployed to treat the CTO after the usual strategy of guidewire escalation had failed. The proximal shaft with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating brings the flexibility to navigate complex and tortuous vascular pathways with ease due to its laser welded core-wire. A study with a larger sample size and a comparator arm would rather clarify if such a balloon-assisted crossing technique in CTO would decrease the need of costly devices like double lumen microcatheters.

Impact of LWR assembly structural features on cladding burst behavior under LOCA conditions

This provides an initial scoping study on clad balloon and burst behavior for burnup extension of reactor fuel. The associated issues with burnup extension are fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal in the event of cladding failure. The general finding of this work is that the structural features, spacer grids and mixing vanes, locally suppress cladding deformation but have little impact on the overall clad performance during loss-of-coolant accidents. The work detailed in a previous report by Capps et al. focused on core optimization via neutronics, thermal hydraulics and thermomechanical analysis for burnups beyond 62 GWD/tU and enrichments above 5%. Uncertainty of fuel fragmentation relocation and dispersal in high-burnup rods during accident conditions was also investigated. The dispersal aspect of fuel fragmentation depends on cladding rupture. Thus, assessing uncertainties in the rupture behavior is helpful in estimating the dispersal of high-burnup fuel. This study builds on the previous work by assessing the impact of assembly structural features on cladding balloon and burst behavior in a full-length fuel rod.In this work, the BISON fuel performance code was used to generate 2D radial and height meshes containing structural features commonly used in nuclear fuel assemblies. First, meshes were generated with spacer grids. Results were then compared to the cladding burst temperature and balloon strain results from the previous work. A mesh sensitivity study was performed to ensure that mixing vanes and spacer grid effects were appropriately considered, resulting in a more refined mesh than the previous study. The balloon deformation and burst times of the cladding were compared to the original case. Consideration was also given to the effect of rod initial pressure. 3D quarter rod simulations were also performed and found good agreement with the 2D simulations in clad deformation and reasonable agreement in burst times.

Mechanism of balloon burst during transcatheter aortic valve replacement pre-dilatation: Image observation and validation by finite element analysis

BackgroundBalloon burst during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is serious complication. This study pioneers a novel approach by combining image observation and computer simulation validation to unravel the mechanism of balloon burst in a patient with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis. MethodA new computational model for balloon pre-dilatation was developed by incorporating the element failure criteria according to the Law of Laplace. The effects of calcification and aortic tissue material parameters, friction coefficients, balloon types and aortic anatomy classification were performed to validate and compare the expansion behavior and rupture mode of actual balloon. ResultsBalloon burst was dissected into three distinct stages based on observable morphological changes. The mechanism leading to the complete transverse burst of the non-compliant balloon initiated at the folding edges, where contacted with heavily calcified masses at the right coronary sinus, resulting in high maximum principal stress. Local sharp spiked calcifications facilitated rapid crack propagation. The elastic moduli of calcification significantly influenced balloon expansion behavior and crack morphology. The simulation case of the calcific elastic modulus was set at 12.6 MPa could closely mirror clinical appearance of expansion behavior and crack pattern. Furthermore, the case of semi-compliant balloons introduced an alternative rupture mechanism as pinhole rupture, driven by local sharp spiked calcifications. ConclusionsThe computational model of virtual balloons could effectively simulate balloon dilation behavior and burst mode during TAVR pre-dilation. Further research with a larger cohort is needed to investigate the balloon morphology during pre-dilation by using this method to guide prosthesis sizing for potential favorable outcomes.

Effects of transient fission gas release on rod balloon burst behavior during a loss-of-coolant accident

The US nuclear energy industry is investigating strategies to increase the reactor operating cycle to 24 months, which would result in rod average burnups exceeding the current limit of 62 GWd/tU. To support this goal,multiphysics simulations tools and methodologies are being developed to predict the effects of this change duringtransient events such as loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs). In this work, two cladding burst correlations were used to predict cladding failure. These were coupled with three transient fission gas release (tFGR) models and were implemented in the BISON fuel performance code to quantify any changes in cladding burst behavior during a large-break LOCA. First, a simple linear model was used to perform a sensitivity analysis of a single fuel rod. Second, a tFGR model available in BISON was applied to 281 fuel rods throughout the core. The third model examined was an empirical correlation based on data from the literature.

Load-sharing characteristics of stenting and post-dilation in heavily calcified coronary artery

In this work, stenting in non-calcified and heavily calcified coronary arteries was quantified in terms of diameter-pressure relationships and load transfer from the balloon to the artery. The efficacy of post-dilation in non-calcified and heavily calcified coronary arteries was also characterized in terms of load sharing and the changes in tissue mechanics. Our results have shown that stent expansion exhibits a cylindrical shape in non-calcified lesions, while it exhibits a dog bone shape in heavily calcified lesions. Load-sharing analysis has shown that only a small portion of the pressure load (1.4 N, 0.8% of total pressure load) was transferred to the non-calcified lesion, while a large amount of the pressure load (19 N, 12%) was transferred to the heavily calcified lesion. In addition, the increasing inflation pressure (from 10 to 20 atm) can effectively increase the minimal lumen diameter (from 1.48 to 2.82 mm) of the heavily calcified lesion, the stress (from 1.5 to 8.4 MPa) and the strain energy in the calcification (1.77 mJ to 26.5 mJ), which are associated with the potential of calcification fracture. Results indicated that increasing inflation pressure can be an effective way to improve the stent expansion if a dog bone shape of the stenting profile is observed. Considering the risk of a balloon burst, our results support the design and application of the high-pressure balloon for post-dilation. This work also sheds some light on the stent design and choice of stent materials for improving the stent expansion at the dog bone region and mitigating stresses on arterial tissues.

On the Detection of Icing Conditions at Altitude in Conjunction with Mesoscale Convective Complexes Using Balloon Sondes

Abstract Balloon-borne radiosondes are launched twice daily at coordinated times worldwide to assist with weather forecasting. Data collection from each flight is usually terminated when the balloon bursts at an altitude above 20 km. This paper highlights cases where the balloon’s turnaround occurs at lower altitudes and is associated with ice formation on the balloon, a weather condition of interest to aviation safety. Four examples of such cases are shown, where the balloon oscillates between 3- and 6-km altitude before rising to high altitudes and bursting. This oscillation is due to the accumulation and melting of ice on the balloon, causing the pattern to repeat multiple times. An analysis of National Weather Service radiosonde data over a 5-yr period and a global dataset from the National Centers for Environmental Information from 1980 to 2020 identified that 0.18% of soundings worldwide satisfied these criteria. This indicates that weather conditions important to aviation safety are not rare in the worldwide database. We recommend that soundings that show descent at altitudes lower than typically expected continue to be tracked, particularly given that these up–down-oscillating soundings can provide valuable information for weather forecasting on days with significant precipitation and icing conditions that might lead to aviation safety concerns.

Conformational changes during invitro balloon fracture of internal aortic annuloplasty ring.

HAART 300 300 (BioStable Science and Engineering, Inc) aortic annuloplasty rings restore physiologic annular geometry during aortic valve repair. Transcatheter valve-in-ring implantation is appealing for recurrent valve dysfunction but may necessitate balloon fracture of downsized annuloplasty rings. We characterized the feasibility of ring fracture and changes in ring geometry preceding fracture. The 19-mm, 21-mm, and 23-mm HAART 300 annuloplasty rings were obtained, and 23-mm, 24-mm, 25-mm, and 26-mm valvuloplasty balloons were obtained. Under continuous fluoroscopy and video recording, a 23-mm balloon was inflated within a 19-mm ring at 1atm/s until ring fracture or balloon failure occurred. If balloon failure occurred, experiments were sequentially repeated with 1-mm upsized balloons until ring fracture occurred or no larger-sized balloons were available. Upon balloon inflation, all rings exhibited an irreversible conformational change from an elliptical, annular geometry to a circular shape with ring posts flaring outward. A 23-mm balloon burst at 21atm without fracturing the 19-mm ring. The 24-mm balloon fractured the 19-mm ring at 15atm. Likewise, a 24-mm balloon ruptured at 18atm without fracturing the 21-mm annuloplasty ring. A 25-mm balloon fractured the 21-mm ring at 18atm. Finally, a 26-mm balloon burst at 20atm without fracturing a 23-mm annuloplasty ring, but it did elicit the confirmational changes described. All fractures occurred along the upslope of a ring post. The exposed metal frame was visible after the 21-mm ring fracture. Fracture of HAART 300 aortic annuloplasty rings is possible with an oversized, high-pressure balloon. However, the geometrical changes in the ring and subsequent rupture of its fabric covering may be obstacles to safe, invivo ring fracture.

Mid-Term Outcomes of Novel Covered Stent with Biodegradable Membrane in Porcine Coronary Artery Perforation.

Currently, commercially covered stents are the main treatment for coronary artery perforation (CAP), but without satisfied late-term outcomes when compared to drug-eluting stents (DES). This study seeks to report a new covered stent to treat porcine CAP, which is manufactured with DES and a biodegradable membrane fabricated by poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) polymer. Experimental swines experienced CAP in proximal-middle of right coronary artery (RCA) by non-compliant balloon burst, and covered stent was deployed in breach segment. Meanwhile, coronary angiography (CAG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), histological light microscopy and scan electron microscopy were performed to characterize the performance of covered stent. Seven swines were used for this study. Two swines were euthanasia at 14 days and 28 days after procedure, respectively. The remaining 5 kept alive until sacrifice at six months. CAG at six months showed total occlusion at the stented segment of RCA in all swines. The interventional revascularization of occlusion lesion was instituted in two swines. After recanalizing occlusion lesion, OCT examination visualized diffuse heterogeneous fibrous plaques, as well as organized thrombosis, lipid deposits and several neoatherosclerosis in the occluded segment. Serial histopathologic and electron microscopies at 14 days, 28 days and six months revealed gradual occlusive vessel lumen with diffuse heterogeneous fibroplasia, smooth muscle proliferation, inflammation response and local neoatherosclerosis, moreover with identification of PLLA polymer membrane degradability. The new covered stent with biodegradable membrane could seal urgent coronary breach and prevent experimental swines death, but with all stent occlusion in mid-term (six months) follow-up, which might be attributed to diffuse heterogeneous fibroplasia, smooth muscle proliferation, inflammation response and local neoatherosclerosis with the degradation of PLLA membrane.

Deterministic and probabilistic regularities underlying risky choices are acquired in a changing decision context

Predictions supporting risky decisions could become unreliable when outcome probabilities temporarily change, making adaptation more challenging. Therefore, this study investigated whether sensitivity to the temporal structure in outcome probabilities can develop and remain persistent in a changing decision environment. In a variant of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task with 90 balloons, outcomes (rewards or balloon bursts) were predictable in the task’s first and final 30 balloons and unpredictable in the middle 30 balloons. The temporal regularity underlying the predictable outcomes differed across three experimental conditions. In the deterministic condition, a repeating three-element sequence dictated the maximum number of pumps before a balloon burst. In the probabilistic condition, a single probabilistic regularity ensured that burst probability increased as a function of pumps. In the hybrid condition, a repeating sequence of three different probabilistic regularities increased burst probabilities. In every condition, the regularity was absent in the middle 30 balloons. Participants were not informed about the presence or absence of the regularity. Sensitivity to both the deterministic and hybrid regularities emerged and influenced risk taking. Unpredictable outcomes of the middle phase did not deteriorate this sensitivity. In conclusion, humans can adapt their risky choices in a changing decision environment by exploiting the statistical structure that controls how the environment changes.

The burst catheter balloon: A comparison of fragmentation rates and overinflation burst volumes in Foley catheters with special considerations in SCI

Objective The primary aim was to determine Foley catheter balloon burst volumes and the effect of latex Foley catheter size on balloon burst volume. The secondary aim was to measure the effect of Foley catheter material on free fragment formation rate. This study also focused on special considerations for those with neurogenic bladder and spinal cord injury at or above T6. Methods This study analyzed 83 various sized silicone (n = 14) and latex (n = 69) Foley catheters. All catheters had 5 mL balloons. Each catheter was overinflated in vitro with water until the balloon ruptured, with volume (mL) and fragment formation recorded upon rupture. The effect of catheter size on the number of free fragments and burst volume was measured with linear regression. The likelihood of free fragment formation was compared between silicone and latex catheters with significance measured using Fisher’s Exact Test. Results Free fragment formation occurred in 90% (62/69) of the latex catheters compared to 0% (0/14) of the silicone catheters. A higher proportion of free fragment formation occurred in latex catheters when compared to silicone catheters (P < 0.001). There was a positive effect of catheter size on burst volume (P < 0.001). Conclusion Balloon rupture by overdistention is an effective way to remove a retained catheter due to a non-deflating balloon. Post-bursting free fragment formation is common in latex balloons. This highlights the need for cystoscopy. Additionally, due to large fluid volumes needed to burst the balloon, this method should be discouraged in those at risk for autonomic dysreflexia.

An Acoustic Survey of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris before and after the Fire of 2019

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is amongst the most well-known worship spaces in the world. Its large volume, in combination with a relatively bare stone construction and marble floor, leads to rather long reverberation times. The cathedral suffered from a significant fire in 2019, resulting in damage primarily to the roof and vaulted ceiling. Despite the notoriety of this space, there are few examples of published data on the acoustical parameters of this space, and these data do not agree. Archived measurement recordings from 1987 were recovered and found to include several balloon bursts. In 2015, a measurement session was carried out for a virtual reality project. Comparisons between results from these two sessions show a slight but significant decrease in reverberation time (8%) in the pre-fire state. Measurements were recently carried out on the construction site, 1 year since the fire. Compared to 2015 data, the reverberation time significantly decreased (20%). This paper presents the preliminary results of these measurements, providing a documentation of the acoustics of this historic worship space both prior to and since the 2019 fire.

Surgical procedure for unexpected balloon burst complication during endoscopic balloon dilatation in a patient with common bile duct stones

BackgroundEndoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is the established treatment for common bile duct (CBD) stones. Although pancreatitis and bleeding have been reported as major complications of EBD, balloon-related complications are rarely reported in EBD.Case presentationA 30-year-old woman with suspected CBD stones underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and EBD. During EBD, the balloon of the EBD catheter suddenly burst at the biliary sphincter. We therefore performed surgical intervention: removal of the broken EBD catheter and T-tube drainage. Finally, the patient was discharged without any complications.ConclusionsWe present a case involving a burst balloon of an EBD catheter as a rare complication during EBD, as well as the surgical technique that was used to treat this complication.

Comparison of room acoustics parameters measured using different techniques

ISO Standard 3382 is used around the world to investigate the room acoustics parameters of performing arts spaces. The measured data serves as feedback for new projects; to evaluate the results with design intent, and benchmark exercises with well-known halls. It is not always practical for acoustical consultants to carry out tests using precision techniques that can include omnidirectional sources and other apparatuses that are difficult to transport from one place to another. To investigate the results obtained with different techniques, we measured the room acoustics parameters in six venues. These venues include a multipurpose theatre seating 1500, two small black-box type venues seating 150 each, one chamber music hall seating 200 and two large halls with no seats and capacity for 700 people. It is a broad sample, including halls of different volumes and shapes. At the precision technique sessions, it was used one omnidirectional source, number of samples according to ISO 3382, and swept sine signal. At the simplified technique sessions, we use balloon bursts and handclaps. The data analysis used the same software for both techniques. This article presents the results and the pros and cons of using the simplified technique.

Use of automatic radiosonde launchers to measure temperature and humidity profiles from the GRUAN perspective

Abstract. In the last two decades, technological progress has not only seen improvements to the quality of atmospheric upper-air observations but also provided the opportunity to design and implement automated systems able to replace measurement procedures typically performed manually. Radiosoundings, which remain one of the primary data sources for weather and climate applications, are still largely performed around the world manually, although increasingly fully automated upper-air observations are used, from urban areas to the remotest locations, which minimize operating costs and challenges in performing radiosounding launches. This analysis presents a first step to demonstrating the reliability of the automatic radiosonde launchers (ARLs) provided by Vaisala, Meteomodem and Meisei. The metadata and datasets collected by a few existing ARLs operated by the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN) certified or candidate sites (Sodankylä, Payerne, Trappes, Potenza) have been investigated and a comparative analysis of the technical performance (i.e. manual versus ARL) is reported. The performance of ARLs is evaluated as being similar or superior to those achieved with the traditional manual launches in terms of percentage of successful launches, balloon burst and ascent speed. For both temperature and relative humidity, the ground-check comparisons showed a negative bias of a few tenths of a degree and % RH, respectively. Two datasets of parallel soundings between manual and ARL-based measurements, using identical sonde models, provided by Sodankylä and Faa'a stations, showed mean differences between the ARL and manual launches smaller than ±0.2 K up to 10 hPa for the temperature profiles. For relative humidity, differences were smaller than 1 % RH for the Sodankylä dataset up to 300 hPa, while they were smaller than 0.7 % RH for Faa'a station. Finally, the observation-minus-background (O–B) mean and root mean square (rms) statistics for German RS92 and RS41 stations, which operate a mix of manual and ARL launch protocols, calculated using the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) forecast model, are very similar, although RS41 shows larger rms(O–B) differences for ARL stations, in particular for temperature and wind. A discussion of the potential next steps proposed by GRUAN community and other parties is provided, with the aim to lay the basis for the elaboration of a strategy to fully demonstrate the value of ARLs and guarantee that the provided products are traceable and suitable for the creation of GRUAN data products.

Development and demonstration of a methodology to evaluate high burnup fuel susceptibility to pulverization under a loss of coolant transient

For economic reasons, the US nuclear industry is renewing efforts to build a technical basis to extend rod average burnup limits above the current regulatory burnup limit of 62 GWd/MTU. The primary driver is to increase pressurized water reactor cycle lengths to 24 months, reducing the number of fresh fuel assemblies and core design constraints, thereby making core energy utilization more efficient. However, fuel pellet fragmentation and pulverization, termed high burnup fuel fragmentation (HBFF), has been observed in the high burnup (>90 GWd/MTU) Halden loss-of-coolant-accident (LOCA) integral test series. The issue gained attention when fuel fragmentation and pulverization were also observed closer to the current US regulatory limit during the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) sponsored out-of-core integral test at Studsvik Nuclear in early 2011. This led to NRC concerns with potential changes to fuel and core designs relative to fuel pellet pulverization. In a letter to the NRC Commissioners, the staff specifically identified a need to “…define the boundary of safe operation for key fuel design and operating parameters,” stating that “the staff is challenged to evaluate the acceptability of future fuel design advancements and fuel utilization changes.” As such, it can be concluded that HBFF and potential dispersal into the reactor coolant system introduces additional complications in light-water reactor (LWR) fuel safety evaluations. However, it is not clear how much fuel will be susceptible to HBFF; nor has there been a methodology developed to evaluate fuel susceptibility to HBFF. To that end, this paper proposes an analysis methodology to assess fuel susceptibility to HBFF during LOCA scenarios. The work presented here uses the BISON fuel performance code to evaluate a representative pressurized water reactor fuel rod exposed to a rod average burnup of 75 GWd/MTU. Sensitivity studies investigated the impact of the peak cladding temperature, transient fission gas released, and pre-transient fission gas release on cladding ballooning and burst timing. Subsequently, a methodology to assess fuel susceptibility to HBFF will be developed based on experimental data published in the open literature. The methodology will then be demonstrated by calculating the mass of fuel susceptibility to HBFF. The BISON results conclude that increasing peak cladding temperature drastically decreased time to failure, and decreased balloon size both of which have been confirmed experimentally. Additionally, the effect of pre-transient and transient fission gas release affected cladding balloon size and burst timing. Lastly, fuel susceptibility to HBFF significantly decreased as a function of peak cladding temperature.

Rupture, Breakdown, and Pulmonary Artery Embolism of a Balloon Catheter Tip during Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Arteriovenous Fistula

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is a well-known treatment for arteriovenous fistula stenosis. Balloon rupture during endovascular procedures is a rare but possible complication. The bursting balloon itself does not cause a serious problem, but it can occasionally cause entrapment, especially in case of breakdown of the balloon catheter tip. Here, we present four cases of balloon rupture during angioplasty in the hemodialysis circuit. In three cases, the ruptured balloon catheter was removed by cutdown of access conduit, while in one case, tip of ruptured balloon catheter was migrated into the pulmonary artery and was removed surgically. The operator must attempt to reduce the risk of balloon rupture by gradually expanding the balloons under bursting pressure. If the balloon bursts, it should not be removed excessively and attempt should be made to remove it using endovascular techniques. Surgical removal is considered after careful evaluation of the condition of the balloon and vessel.

Don't Wake Up Tiger by Britta Teckentrup

Nosy Crow Limited. Don’t Wake Up Tiger, 2018. Version unlisted. Apple App Store, https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/dont-wake-up-tiger/id1336103707?mt=8&#x0D; Suggested Age Range: Preschool (ages 3-5)Cost: $1.39&#x0D; Don’t Wake Up Tiger follows the aesthetically inviting, kinesthetically engaging style and storytelling present in Britta Teckentrup’s 2016 picture book, Don’t Wake Up the Tiger. This iOS app includes an oral retelling (narrated by Charlotte Rose Allen) with kinesthetic prompts, as well as a song clip, and two themed games. A gentle story about animal friends working together for a tiger’s birthday surprise, this multimedia text is a virtually wordless version of the physical book. Embracing the narrative and interactive style common to Teckentrup’s other works, the user can see the effects of their actions animated, such as blowing on a balloon, rubbing Tiger’s nose and rocking him to sleep, rather than relying on illustrations in the book to mimic such movements through page turns. There are instances in which written text might have been more purposefully integrated for this audience, for example, including highlighted lyrics to the familiar Happy Birthday song or inserting key words during the story, such as “pop” when a balloon bursts. Prompts given during the story are only offered once orally by the narrator (accompanied by a vague visual aid), and are thereafter primarily text-based, possibly necessitating a supervising adult to intervene with additional prompting, particularly during the first play. Although these details do not detract from the overall quality of the app, such minutiae may deter first time users if they cannot complete the actions and play/listen/interact with the story intuitively on their own. Both games offered are themed with the characters and colour palette from the story, and are of varying levels of difficulty; Matching Pairs is a traditional flip and pair memory activity, while Spot the Difference is a side-by-side attention to detail task, comparing two images at a time and touching on the item(s) that are different.&#x0D; Simple and charming, Don’t Wake Up Tiger is a lovely, low-key reinterpretation of the physical book, and would make a nice addition to any preschooler’s app selection. Recommended for public libraries and early childhood settings, this app is best suited for children aged three to five.&#x0D; Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars Reviewed by: Alexandra Adams Alex is a busy mom and elementary school teacher, with a passion for early childhood education and the arts. She is currently working on her MLIS at the University of Alberta.

Model of Thailand Speech Intelligibility (T-SI) in the Large Classrooms from Public University

The objectives of this research are to evaluate acoustic environments and to forecast STI values from spatial component variables in the large classrooms of the Thai public university that were specially controlled the same room finishing materials including the floor, walls, and ceiling. Whereas the five spatial component factors included (1) Room Volume (RV), (2) Ceiling Height (CH), (3) the Ratio of Depth to Width (Rdw), (4) Total Room Surface (TS), and (5) Percentage of Absorbing Surface areas (PAS). The research tools were the smartphones that used the applications for acoustical evaluation and speech intelligibility analysis. The Speech Transmission Index (STI), Reverberation Time (RT), and Background Noise Level (BNL) were collected by the calibrated microphone in the nine points distributed across the entire room. And also, the sounds for testing were simulated such as balloon burst, and STIPA signal via a sound generator. The Thailand Speech Intelligibility (T-SI) model was developed by the multiple regression analysis with a statistical at a confidence level of 95%.The results showed that this T-SI model depended on the strongly positive relationship of PAS and the slightly positive relationship of CH, TS while the RV, Rdw were slightly the negative relationship and which predicted STI values. Moreover, the highest affecting variable of T-SI model was CH and the lowest was PAS. However, this research implies that the improving room acoustic quality would be adjusting the sound absorbing surface areas i.e., increase the cloth curtain or appropriate methods.

Risk taking and the triarchic model of psychopathy

ABSTRACTIntroduction: High risk behaviors, such as aggression, criminality, sexual promiscuity, drug use, and gambling, are often associated with psychopathic traits. Such behaviors might arise due to a lack of fear of the consequences (boldness) or due to impulsive actions (disinhibition). We examined risk taking behavior in the laboratory setting using the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART), where an individual can inflate a balloon to earn a reward, but will lose this accumulated reward if the balloon bursts. The task reflects the willingness to take risks under conditions where the risk-taking behavior is understood and is made clear to the individual. Method: BART performance was measured in a mixed community and offender sample, and psychopathy was characterized via the triarchic conceptualization of psychopathy, which proposes that psychopathy is a combination of boldness, meanness, and disinhibition. Results: Total psychopathy score was correlated with greater risk taking on the BART, and this effect was mainly due to the Boldness scale rather than the Meanness or Disinhibition scales. These relationships were not moderated by the nature of the sample (offender vs. community) or by gender. Conclusions: Individuals with high psychopathy scores appear more willing to take risks on this simple laboratory task, and this behavior appears due to boldness rather than being related to an impulsive disposition.

A Comparison of Handgun Shots, Balloon Bursts, and a Compressor Nozzle Hiss as Sound Sources for Reverberation Time Assessment

Abstract Blank handgun shots, party balloon bursts, and a pneumatic compressor with a small-diameter nozzle were used as sources of sound in the assessments of reverberation time, T. The two first sources were of impulse type, while the third one resembled a noise signal source. In this work, 532 values of T were experimentally obtained in four rooms of different volumes and compared. The T values for 1/3 octave frequency bands were found to be independent of the sound source. Reverberation times for the A-frequency-weighting filtered signals were close to one another for the shots and balloon bursts, while those obtained using the compressor nozzle were significantly shorter. The latter effect can be attributed to the relatively high share of high frequency waves in the sound generated by the nozzle. The results show that balloon bursts can be used as handgun shot substitutes in the assessments of reverberation times. While the nozzle noise is rather unsuitable for this purpose, it can be applied in the assessments of T for high frequency waves, up to the ultrasound range. Such acoustic climate information may be useful in designing spaces for high frequency sound-sensitive individuals, e.g. animal shelters.