Intensity Levels Research Articles

Analysis of emotion recognition through 2D micro-animations of an illustrated character's face

Emotions make up a large part of everyday communication. Humans learn to recognize emotions by observing others and by referencing their feelings with the emotions of other people. Also, in cartoons, commercials, posts, etc., it's important that the design of the characters keeps the recognition of emotions high. Expressed emotions provide a better connection between the character and the viewer, making the message more understandable and tangible. This study analyses the recognition of animated facial expressions depicting different emotions on the face of an illustrated character. The accuracy of rec-ognition of six basic emotional expressions (joy, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust) was compared. Using micro-animation techniques, each emotion was presented in three levels of intensity (a subtle version, a normal version, and an exaggerated version). Emotion recognition was analysed with a meth-od of metric analysis of viewing and surveying that measured recognition time and accuracy in addition to the correctness of the characters' emotion recognition. Statistically relevant differences between the results of animated emotion recognition as a function of recognition time and type of recognition task were examined. The results show how recognition changed as a function of the emotion shown and intensity, and provide a deeper understanding of micro-animations and facial expressions on the animated character's face. Statistically relevant differences were found especially in the recognition of the emotions disgust and anger compared to the recognition of the emotions joy, surprise, fear. Based on the results, guidelines are given to help animators answer the question of which emotions need to be particularly exaggerated to be correctly recognised and which emotions can be animated more subtly without affecting emotional perception.

Light grazing increased but heavy grazing decreased the abundance and family richness of soil arthropods community in an alpine grassland in the Qinghai Lake Basin.

Soil arthropods are important biological components of the soil food web, which are highly sensitive to environmental disturbances and can rapidly respond to changes in the external environment, then reflect the stability and health of the soil ecosystem. We investigated the community structure of soil arthropod and their responses to grazing intensity along soil depth (from topsoil to subsoil) through a manipulated grazing treatment with four intensity levels (no grazing, light grazing, moderate grazing and heavy grazing) in an alpine grassland in the Qinghai Lake basin. The results showed that: (1) Collembola was the dominant group in the experimental site. (2) Nearly two-thirds of the individuals were distributed in the topsoil (0-10cm), and grazing did not cause soil arthropods to migrate from the topsoil to deeper soil layers. (3) Light grazing had a positive effect on increasing the individual number, family richness and diversity of soil arthropods, while heavy grazing had the opposite effect, exerting a negative impact on the soil arthropod community. (4) When the grazing intensity did not exceed moderate grazing (i.e. stocking rate of 3.86 Tibetan sheep·hm-2), grazing would have a positive effect on the soil arthropod community. In summary, light grazing is the intensity of disturbance that has a positive effect on the soil arthropod community in this region. This study not only revealed the impact of grazing on the community structure of soil arthropods but also aided in assessing the potential effects of grazing activities on the stability of soil ecosystems, providing scientific evidence for the sustainable management of alpine grasslands.

Redefining realistic and stochastic occupancy schedules and patterns for residential buildings in Jordan

Occupant behavior significantly influences building energy consumption, underscoring the importance of understanding the interplay between energy usage and occupant behavior. This integration is vital for evaluating how occupants and their interactions impact building energy consumption patterns. Despite widespread recognition of the importance of behavior-centric approaches in achieving sustainable architecture, there remains a gap in understanding human behavior, particularly in performance-based design. This study presents realistic and stochastic occupancy schedules for residential buildings in Jordan. This was achieved using a mixed-method approach involving a survey, data classification, clustering processes, and a co-simulation approach combining Rhino Grasshopper and Python. The results contributed to refining the general characteristics of each cluster within different age groups, encompassing various patterns of interaction, tolerance levels or levels of sensing, energy conservation consciousness, and occupancy patterns. A significant correlation was also observed between age groups, occupancy schedules, and energy consumption behaviors. The simulation also evaluated the effects of stochastic behavior patterns on the prediction of the energy performance of residential buildings. The results confirm the significant variation in energy use intensity levels between realistic occupancy schedules and fixed schedules for residential buildings. The results also prove that using realistic occupancy schedules for each age group significantly affects energy consumption behavior through occupant-based behaviors. This confirms the pivotal role of dynamic schedules and occupant behaviors in understanding and shaping energy consumption patterns and realistically determining the efficiency of building systems.

Динамика неврологического дефицита под воздействием медицинской реабилитации с применением полимодального афферентного воздействия среды виртуальной реальности у постинсультных пациентов

INTRODUCTION. The use of computer technologies in the medical rehabilitation of patients with cerebral infarction and intracerebral hemorrhage makes it possible to effectively influence the processes of restoration and compensation of impaired functions. Virtual reality technologies affect the recovery process, as well as cognitive functions through active multimodal sensory afferentation of the gaming virtual space. AIM. To assess the dynamics of neurological deficit in post-stroke patients during the medical rehabilitation in and virtual reality environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study involved 37 patients (23 women and 14 men) with MI and ICH with established coordination disorders, average age 48±3.9 years, of which 12 patients were in the early recovery period, 25 patients were in the late recovery period). Moreover, 59 patients with post-stroke pain syndrome, average age 58.5±9.94 years. All patients underwent a course of medical rehabilitation based on multimodal afferent influence. Efficacy was assessed using stabilometry, vestibulometry, the Berg, Beck, Spielberg-Hanin scale, visual analogue scale "VAS", PainDetect questionnaire. RESULT AND DISCUSSION. A significant improvement in statokinesiogram parameters according to stabilometry data established after a course of medical rehabilitation with multimodal afferent influence of the reality environment. A decrease from 42 [31;47] points to 30 [29;40] points (p<0.05) in the level of personal loudness according to the Spielberg-Khanin’s questionnaire was revealed. The intensity of post-stroke pain significantly decreased on the VAS’s scale (p<0.05). CONCLUSION. The results obtained demonstrate the possibilities and prospects of using multimodal afferent stimuli from the virtual reality environment in the rehabilitation of motor and cognitive functions in post-stroke patients.

Measurement and Evaluation of Insulating Properties of a Modified Dielectric Surface using Plasma Discharge

Abstract Plasma discharges under atmospheric pressure can be used to modify the electrical properties of metallic and dielectric surfaces. The aim of such a modification is to achieve an improvement in the characteristic parameters of the surface, for example in the area of the electrical strength of the surface, in order to achieve a higher ultimate level of electrical breakdown Eb when tested with pulsed or alternating electrical voltages. So far, research has focused on a set of functional experiments carried out using plasma on samples of two types of dielectric materials (thermoset, thermoplastic) with an impact on the final effect of the level of electrical breakdown voltage, electrical intensity and Eb. surface conductivity. The treatment technology requires repeatability and consideration of the industrial deployment conditions of plasma technology. The surface structure was modified in a defined and repeatable way by plasma discharge under atmospheric pressure without the presence of precursors. Methods to evaluate these modifications assessed the change in parameters related to sample type, repeatability and prediction of treatment stability. Subsequently, the surface strength of both the modified samples and the samples not affected by the plasma discharge was measured.

Emotional intensity produces a linear relationship on conditioned learning but an inverted U-shaped effect on episodic memory.

Emotional intensity can produce both optimal and suboptimal effects on learning and memory. While emotional events tend to be better remembered, memory performance can follow an inverted U-shaped curve with increasing intensity. The strength of Pavlovian conditioning tends to increase linearly with the intensity of the aversive outcome, but leads to greater stimulus generalization. Here, we combined elements of episodic memory and Pavlovian conditioning into a single paradigm to investigate the effects of varying outcome intensities on conditioned fear responses and episodic memory. Participants encoded trial-unique images from two semantic categories as conditioned stimuli (CS+ and CS-) before (preconditioning), during, and after (extinction) acquisition. We systematically varied the intensity of the unconditioned stimulus (US) during acquisition between-groups as a nonaversive tone, a low-intensity electrical shock, or a high-intensity electrical shock paired with a loud static noise. Results showed that conditioned skin conductance responses scaled linearly with US intensity during acquisition, with a high-intensity US leading to greater resistance to extinction and stronger 24 h fear recovery. However, 24 h recognition memory produced an inverted U-shaped relationship, with better recognition memory for CSs encoded before (retroactive), during, and following conditioning using a low-intensity US. These findings suggest a dissociation between optimal levels of emotional intensity on explicit and implicit learning and memory performance.

Expression of Ki-67 in Oral Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

One of the main signs of cancer development is increasing of cell proliferation activity. Expression of the Ki-67 as a cell proliferation marker is extensively utilized in pathology studies as an indicator of proliferation in human tumors. According to studies, Ki-67 plays an effective role in the pathology of malignant and pre-malignant oral mucosa lesions. The current study aimed to systematically review the Ki-67 expression in oral lichen planus without dysplasia and compare it with oral epithelial dysplasia. In this meta-analysis, all articles in the English language were searched in databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar until July 2023. MeSH terms and free keywords were used in the search step. Expression of Ki-67 in oral lichen planus and oral epithelial dysplasia was analyzed by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Nine hundred and two articles related to the searched words were found. According to the selection criteria, 12 retrospective articles were selected. Low quality was not observed in any of the records by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and most of them had a relatively good quality. Totally, 593 patients were examined. The heterogeneity between studies was not significant. The meta-analysis results indicated a significantly lower Ki-67 expression in oral lichen planus without dysplasia in comparison to oral epithelial dysplasia. The more intense expression level of Ki-67 in oral epithelial dysplasia compared with oral lichen planus was observed. The ki-67 expression could be utilized to indicate the existence and intensity of epithelial dysplasia and disease progression.

Dental Suction Interference and Acoustic Respiratory Monitoring.

Previous studies have reported that the noise generated by dental equipment can interfere with the auscultation of respiratory sounds during sedation. Therefore, this study aimed to identify whether positing the acoustic sensor on the chest or cervical position would be least susceptible to interference from dental suction device noise, a prominent noise noted during respiratory sound monitoring during dental sedation. This prospective cohort study was conducted with 30 students. Sound intensity (dB) and frequency (kHz) levels from the dental suction were recorded from the cervical and chest regions under both oral and nasal breathing conditions and analyzed. The mean intensity of dental suction sounds was significantly lower in the chest region compared with the cervical region, regardless of the breathing condition (P < .001). Furthermore, in the chest region, the mean sound frequency during oral breathing was significantly lower than that during nasal breathing (P < .01). Our study suggests that monitoring respiratory sounds in the chest region can significantly reduce interference from noise generated by dental suction devices compared with monitoring at the cervical region.

Placement and Orientation of an Accelerometer Sensor Attached to the Human Incus in Hearing Implants

Abstract In this study a method for determining the best placement and optimal orientation of the implantable piezoelectric accelerometer attached to the short process of the incus is developed. The accelerometer is intended to be used as a replacement for an external microphone to enable totally implantable cochlea implants or as part of a totally implantable hearing aid. The best location is determined to be near the incudomalleolar joint. The optimal orientation of the sensor at the determined location is obtained using two criteria - maximum voltage sum and minimum loudness level sum. The method described in the paper can be used to further optimize the design and the performance of the accelerometer.

Assessment of Electrically Evoked Stapedius Reflex Threshold (eSRT) for Auditory Mapping in Pulse Width Modulation Cochlear Implants: The Effect of Multielectrode Stimulation.

This study assesses the electrically evoked stapedius reflex threshold (eSRT) as an objective method for generating auditory maps in individuals with pulse-width-modulation cochlear implants (CIs). It investigates the impact of both single- and multiple-electrode stimulations on eSRT detection rates and their association with patients' comfort loudness levels (C-levels). Despite eSRT exploration by several CI brands incorporating pulse-amplitude-modulation stimulation technology, there is a lack of information on systems using pulse-width modulation. The eSRT was measured in 19 ears ipsilaterally and contralaterally in response to stimulations in groups of 1, 3, and 5 electrodes across five distinct cochlear regions, spanning from apical to basal. For each group, the eSRT detection rate and its correlation with the C-levels were analyzed both regionally and overall. In both contralateral and ipsilateral sides, higher electrically evoked stapedius reflex (eSR) detection rates were obtained for multielectrode (67%, 47%) than for single-electrode (41%, 23%) stimulation. Invoking eSR in the apical and basal regions was easier than in the middle region. The multiple stimulation just increased slightly the correlation coefficients between eSRT and C-levels from 0.73 to 0.77 and from 0.77 to 0.85 (p < 0.05) for the contralateral and ipsilateral ears, respectively. Our research indicates that using a multielectrode stimulation approach enhances the detection rate of eSRT and slightly improves the correlation coefficient between eSRT and C-levels. It is found preferable to obtain measurements from the contralateral side due to its higher detection rate, although the ipsilateral side yields a marginally higher correlation coefficient. The findings suggest that eSRTs obtained from pulse width modulation implants could aid audiologists in programming the device.

Sensory Profiling and Classification of Greek Olive Oil Varieties Using Principal Component Analysis and Learning Vector Quantization

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to explore whether the three primary sensory attributes—fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency—could be used to discriminate among seven Greek olive oil varieties. Sensory data from 110 extra virgin olive oil samples, collected over 9 years by the Kalamata Olive Oil Taste Laboratory, were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and learning vector quantization (LVQ). PCA revealed that varieties with overlapping sensory profiles formed three distinct sensory groups: Koroneiki‐Lianolia‐Chalkidikis, Makri‐Manaki‐Megaritiki, and Athenolia. Consequently, the research focus shifted to evaluating the ability of these sensory attributes to differentiate between groups of varieties rather than individual varieties. LVQ, validated through leave‐one‐out cross‐validation (LOOCV), classified the olive oil samples into these sensory groups with 80% accuracy. The results demonstrate that the intensity levels of fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency provide valuable information for distinguishing groups of varieties with similar sensory profiles. While the study benefits from a robust nine‐year dataset, limitations include a relatively small sample size, potentially limiting generalizability, and a selection criterion that excludes samples with lower fruitiness scores, possibly introducing a degree of bias.Practical ApplicationsThe study's findings provide practical applications in various areas. For panel training, the identified sensory profiles can serve as benchmarks, helping tasters recognize and classify olive oil varieties. Producers can utilize these sensory profiles for consistent quality control and strategic blending, ensuring their products meet desired sensory standards. Finally, these profiles can be used in culinary education, enabling chefs and food enthusiasts to select and pair olive oils more effectively with different dishes.

Calla lily-inspired 3D evaporator: A dual interface design for enhanced solar water evaporation

Due to the exponential growth of the global population, groundwater resources have long been insufficient to meet the escalating demand for potable water. In recent years, interfacial solar stream generation (ISSG) technology has emerged as a pivotal approach in generating clean water. The paramount performance factors of solar thermal evaporators encompass their exceptional light absorption capacity, efficient water transport, and effective thermal management. Among these factors, the 3D interface evaporator stands out due to its inherent advantages and ingenious structural design that enhances overall performance. In this study, the structure of calla lilies was used as inspiration, we propose a novel design featuring a 3D inverted conical double-sided evaporator (3D-ASIE) which effectively traps sunlight within its core, thereby augmenting light absorption capabilities while simultaneously forming a dual-evaporation interface. The inverted conical structure comprises two cellulose/TiN aerogel films with superior light absorption and heat insulation properties along with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hydrophilic film that is skillfully bent and assembled together. To ensure continuous water supply during evaporation, the tail end of the hydrophilic membrane is immersed in water. During interfacial evaporation process, activation of the outer photothermal layer of our 3D-ASIE facilitates steam diffusion along both inner and outer surfaces of the inverted cone structure concurrently resulting in an impressive dual-evaporative effect. Under sunlight intensity level at 1 kW m−2, our 3D-ASIE exhibits remarkable performance with an evaporation flux reaching up to 2.97 kg m−2 h−1 alongside an efficiency as high as 94.7 %, thus demonstrating immense potential for large-scale solar desalination applications.

Noise intensity analysis of building construction projects: a case study

Abstract Construction projects come with a variety of equipment that produce a variety of noise levels, this equipment has the potential to produce high noise levels that can impact people’s health in various ways. These effects include damage to the sense of hearing both temporarily and permanently, communication disorders, and physiological impacts. This study aims to analyze construction project noise involving construction equipment. This study identifies and classifies construction equipment that produces noise with a total of 16 pieces of construction equipment; 2 with high noise intensity; 5 with medium noise intensity; 9 with low noise intensity. The analysis used the calculation of the average noise intensity level normalized to 8 hours (Lex) so that finally a uniform classification can be made. In addition, this study also develops a plan for noise mitigation and control methods of noise that exceed the threshold value.

Sex differences in the relationship between physical activity and cognition as mediated by leukocyte telomere length: a UK Biobank study

AbstractBackgroundEvaluating sex differences in modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease could provide valuable information regarding the mechanisms by which these factors confer risk. Physical activity is a risk factor that has been shown to positively impact both telomere length, a marker of cellular age, and cognition. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether telomere length mediates the association between physical activity and cognition differently by sex.MethodParticipants from the UK Biobank were included in the sample based on availability of demographic variables, physical activity questionnaires, leukocyte telomere length, and cognitive measurements (Fluid Intelligence (FI), Numeric Memory (NM), Reaction Time (RT)). Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) scores were derived from self‐report questionnaires following the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) guidelines. Relative leukocyte telomere length was measured by quantitative PCR and adjusted for technical variation by the UK Biobank. The indirect effect of physical activity on cognition via telomere length was evaluated using causal mediation analyses in R. Models were adjusted for age, body mass index, and Townsend Deprivation Index (Figure 1). A priori sex‐stratified models were used to examine sex differences.ResultThe sample included 374,761 adults (52.2% women, mean age±SD = 56.3±8.12 years, see Table 1). Linear regression analyses identified negative associations between weekly physical activity measures (i.e., summed MET minutes of all activity p&lt;0.05*, MET minutes of moderate activity p&lt;0.001***) and telomere length in men. This negative relationship was similarly found in women (MET minutes of walking p&lt;0.05*), except for MET minutes of vigorous activity where a positive relationship with telomere length was observed (p&lt;0.05*). In men, telomere length mediated the relationship between MET minutes of moderate activity and FI scores (p&lt;0.001***), whereas in women this was only seen for walking (p = 0.04*). The association between vigorous activity and performance on the NM task was mediated by telomere length in women only (p = 0.04*). Lastly, telomere length mediated the relationship between RT performance and summed minutes of all activity in men only (p&lt;0.001***).ConclusionTelomere length mediates the relationship between physical activity and cognition differently in men and women based on the intensity level of the physical activity.

Insight into the correlation of taste substances and salty-umami taste from Monetaria moneta hydrolysates prepared using different proteases

To prepare dual-functional seasoning ingredients with a salty-umami taste, five proteases were applied to hydrolyze Monetaria moneta proteins, preparing enzymatic hydrolysates. Their taste compounds along with the salty-umami taste, were investigated. The results revealed that enzymatic hydrolysis facilitated the release of taste compounds from M. moneta. The whiteness and < 3 kDa peptides of enzymatic hydrolysates significantly increased. Moreover, flavorzyme and protamex, with high DHs, could thoroughly hydrolyze the proteins, generating the enzymatic hydrolysates abundant in taste compounds (e.g., amino acids, nucleotides) that synergistically provided a strong salty-umami taste. Saltiness and umami posed a strong positive correlation, with a correlation coefficient exceeding 0.90, resulting in the highest levels of equivalent salty intensity (ESI = 80.05 gNaCl/L) and equivalent umami concentration (EUC = 84.56 gMSG/100 g) in the flavorzyme-treated hydrolysate, followed by the protamex-treated hydrolysate. In summary, these findings offer novel insights into preparing dual-functional seasoning ingredients with a salty-umami taste, ideal for use in low-salt food production.

ANALYSIS OF EFFICIENCY EVALUATION AND INFLUENCING FACTORS OF FISCAL INVESTMENT IN CHINESE HIGHER EDUCATION

This study employs the Malmquist index and Tobit regression models to evaluate the dynamics and regional disparities in higher education fiscal investment efficiency, based on comprehensive analyses of panel data from 31 provincial administrative units in China from 2002 to 2021. Research findings reveal that improvements in technical efficiency are crucial for the Chinese government to enhance investment efficiency, with significant regional variations. The Eastern region excels in technical efficiency and technological progress, while the Central and Western regions lag. Tobit regression analysis indicates that the educational level of faculty, student-faculty ratio, and research investment intensity significantly positively influence efficiency. In contrast, the negative impacts of government fiscal capacity, per-student educational expenditure index, and faculty title structure highlight structural issues in higher education investment. Based on these findings, we propose some recommendations for government policy amendments that aim to strengthen technological innovation and optimal resource allocation, enhance teacher quality and scientific research investment, encourage the integration of educational resources with urban development, and establish a scientific evaluation and monitoring mechanism to boost the efficiency of fiscal investment in higher education and foster balanced regional development.

Spatial Characterization of Flood Intensity over the Drainage Condition of East Sempaja Village, Samarinda

The flood events frequently impacting Samarinda City have not yet been thoroughly examined based on their intensity, particularly in the most flood-prone village in the city, East Sempaja Village. This paper employed a rigorous methodology, including K-means cluster analysis and Getis-Ord G* statistics, to reveal spatial clustering patterns based on flood intensity and residential drainage conditions in East Sempaja. The Spearman correlation was determined to identify the relationship between both factors. The present study demonstrates that using community-derived data can enhance flood disaster mitigation strategies, particularly within regions with insufficient data availability. The analysis shows that most neighborhood areas in East Sempaja have moderate to high flood intensity levels. The areas with high flood intensity are spread across the North. This paper confirms that the condition of drainage channels has a positive, yet weak, significant relationship with the level of flood intensity. Thus, optimizing drainage channels is still relevant in managing flood disasters in East Sempaja, providing practical strategies for a pressing issue.

Soil organic and inorganic carbon interactions under tillage and cover cropping determine potential for carbon accumulation in temperate, calcareous soils

The global soil carbon pool comprises soil organic carbon (SOC), found in almost all soils, and soil inorganic carbon (SIC), in calcareous soils. Despite their agricultural significance, calcareous soils, which exhibit diverse chemical properties and are found in varied environments, have historically been understudied. Using soils obtained from a decade-long, fully factorial field experiment located on temperate, near neutral pH, calcareous soils, this study examined the influence of cover crops (no-cover vs radish) and three levels of tillage intensity: shallow (10 cm) and deep (20 cm) non-inversion, and plough (25 cm inversion) on SOC and SIC stocks. Further, considering recent experimental and observational evidence indicating the interactions of SOC and SIC pools and their likely microbial control, we also investigated how SOC, the soil microbial biomass pool, and SIC are correlated. For SOC stock, there were significant interactions with total SIC and SOC:SIC ratio that differed by tillage intensity. Across the whole soil profile (0–60 cm), there was a significantly positive relationship between SOC content and SIC stock that was only present with ploughing. Further, at low SOC:SIC ratios (∼0.5–3.0), while SOC stock was marginally lower under plough, at higher SOC:SIC ratios (∼3.1–10.0), SOC stock was predicted to be up to ∼4–fold greater (4 kg m−2) with ploughing than the lower intensity tillage treatments. This result highlights a critical SOC-SIC interaction that, depending on tillage intensity, may offset anticipated disturbance-related loss of SOC, and challenges the common perception that tillage consistently reduces SOC. SOC stock was also ∼40 % (0.42 kg m−2) greater at 0–10 cm and ∼30 % (0.2 kg m−2) greater at 30–40 cm under radish cover crop than without. SIC stock differences were correlated with SOC content, tillage intensity and cover cropping. SIC stock was strongly correlated with SOC, with a predicted ∼0.3–1 kg m−2 increase in SIC stock for ∼1 % increase in SOC. Under radish cover crops and with ploughing, there was ∼0.7 kg m−2 more SIC than under all other conditions. Microbial biomass was positively correlated with SIC stock suggesting a causality that needs experimental testing. Given that reduced tillage is a frequently recommended practice to increase soil carbon storage and given the limited attention that has been paid to the influence of cover cropping on the SIC pool, our results indicate the need for further investigation around the dynamics of SOC and SIC interactions and stabilization processes in calcareous soils and highlights the pitfalls of a one-size-fits-all approach to soil carbon management.

Correlation Between the Pitch and Loudness of Tinnitus, Hearing Levels, and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Scores in Patients with Chronic Subjective Tinnitus.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between tinnitus pitch and loudness, the frequency of hearing loss, hearing level, and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) scores reported by patients. Methods: In total, 139 patients (50 men and 89 women; mean age ± SD, 60.19 ± 11.47 years) who suffered from chronic primary tinnitus associated with sensorineural hearing loss were included in the study. Participants underwent pure-tone audiometry and tinnitus pitch matching assessments. Additionally, all participants completed the Hungarian version of the THI questionnaire. Correlations were assessed using simple linear, Spearman's, and Pearson's correlation tests, and a linear regression model was applied. The Mann-Whitney U test was also used. Results: This study identified a significant correlation between the pitch of tinnitus and the frequency of hearing loss (p = 0.000 *; rho = 0.549). There was also a significant correlation between tinnitus noise and hearing levels (p = 0.000 *; rho = 0.375). Age was shown to significantly affect tinnitus loudness (p = 0.016 *) and hearing levels (p = 0.000 *) as determined by a linear regression model. Tinnitus duration only significantly influenced tinnitus loudness (p = 0.022). There was no significant effect of sex on tinnitus or audiometry parameters. Total THI scores were influenced solely by tinnitus loudness (p = 0.021 *). Furthermore, sex did have an effect on total THI scores, with women reporting higher scores (p = 0.000 *). Conclusions: This study concluded that there is a significant correlation between the pitch and loudness of tinnitus and hearing levels, suggesting a connection in their underlying mechanisms. The intensity of tinnitus and hearing level are primarily affected by ageing processes. Furthermore, the severity of self-perceived tinnitus is mainly related to the loudness of tinnitus.

Improvement of the Foaming Agent Feeding Process to an Electric Arc Furnace by Analyzing the Sound Generated by an Electric Arc and the Coefficient of Variation of Active Power Consumption.

Electric arc furnaces are commonly used in foamed slag technology for the production of steel from steel scrap through an electric process. The effects of using this technology include increased efficiency, reduced consumption of refractory materials, reduced energy consumption, reduced electrode wear, and improved arc stability. The world is constantly looking for solutions to optimize the feeding of the foaming agent to the electric furnace, including determining the moment of starting its feeding. The authors propose using two parameters to determine the optimal moment of introducing the foaming agent: the change in the sound level emitted by the arc furnace and the fluctuations in active power consumption. In order to determine the above parameters, tests were carried out on an industrial alternating UHP arc furnace with a capacity of 70 tons. The sound intensity level was determined at which the feeding of the foaming agent to the furnace's working space should begin. A moving coefficient of power consumption variation was developed and decision variables of the software for online foaming agent feeding were determined. As a result of implementing the developed solutions to the electric furnace control system and conducting comparative tests, savings were obtained in the form of reduced foaming agent consumption.