Assessment Methods Research Articles

A comparison of results with different logging rates using ISO/PAS 1996-3:2022

Noise with prominent impulsive sound is more annoying than continuous types of noise (without impulses) with the same equivalent sound pressure level. Therefore, an adjustment is added to the measured LAeq if prominent impulsive sound is present. In ISO 1996, three categories of impulsive sound are defined, with adjustments for each. The list of sources of impulsive sound for each category is incomplete. ISO/PAS 1996-3 defines an objective method to measure the prominence of impulsive sound relative to residual sound. This can be used to categorize the impulsive sources, complementing the ISO 1996-2 environmental noise assessment method. The method is based on logging LpAF with 10-25 ms time intervals. Short-term LAeq (e.g. 10 ms), although not preferred, can be used to compute these values. 100 ms sampling is permitted for surveys and screening. Annex A of ISO/PAS 1996-3 PAS encourages further research to support the development of a full ISO standard. This includes the application of real-world sources assessed at receiver locations including typical signal to residual noise ratios. This paper describes such a study under these conditions that investigates the impact of the time intervals on results.

Evaluation of railway noise calculation models using CNOSSOS-EU considering the effect of rail roughness

Railway noise assessment is an important tool in decision-making for urban planning, investment in transportation infrastructure and implementation of noise reduction strategies. Currently, the procedure is based on CNOSSOS-EU (Common Noise Assessment Methods in Europe), which was developed in accordance with European Directive 2002/49/EC. This method takes into account a variety of factors impacting rail noise levels, such as vehicle characteristics and track features. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of rail roughness on generated railway noise and to evaluate the accuracy of calculation models using CNOSSOS-EU. The study involved in-situ railway noise measurements at three different locations near the city of Zagreb, Croatia, and measuring rail roughness at each location. In order to eliminate the influence of other factors, the rail track structures at the measurement locations were similar, and an identical train configuration was used for the study. Finally, a comparison was made between calculation models based on default roughness values and models including values obtained from in-situ measurements. This approach enabled an assessment of the variations in CNOSSOS-EU calculation models taking into account actual in-situ rail roughness measurements.

Life-cycle seismic performance of bridges with thin-walled steel piers under bi-directional excitations

In corrosive environments, steel bridges demonstrate time-dependent seismic performance and varied directional responses to bi-directional excitation at different life-cycle stages. However, current seismic assessment methods for bridges have not adequately addressed the time-dependent effects of bi-directional excitation directionality on seismic responses throughout their entire life cycle. Thus, this study aims to investigate the time-varying directional effects of bi-directional seismic excitations on steel bridges with multiple parameters and to propose a method for predicting the range of critical incident angles while considering the aging effects of bridges. Initially, time-dependent functions that characterize steel corrosion are integrated into multiscale finite element models of the steel bridges to simulate corrosion progression across their life-cycle stages. Subsequently, a quantitative analysis of the bi-directional seismic response of steel bridges is conducted throughout their life cycle, accounting for the directionality of seismic excitation. Finally, a method and process for predicting the range of time-varying bi-directional critical incident angles with 95 % probability are derived by fitting the statistical probability distribution boundary values of the critical incident angle deviation index. The study's findings indicate that the aging effects of steel bridges amplify the displacement response under bi-directional seismic excitation, with the maximum displacement response difference exceeds 40 %. The service time may increase the sensitivity of steel bridges to changes in incident angles, potentially amplifying the displacement response by a factor of 1.69. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering aging effects and bi-directional excitation directionality in bridge seismic assessments.

An Emotional-based Methodology to Detect Preferences in a Decision-making Process Applied to a Virtual Service Robot

In a multi-objective problem, no single solution optimally satisfies all objectives. Thus, the challenge is to find a balance between conflicting objectives. The decision-making necessarily requires human intervention. The person responsible for selecting the most appropriate solution among all the trade-off solutions is the decision maker (DM). The DM seeks to approach only the solutions that best suit her/his preferences. Since there is plenty of specialized literature showing that emotions play a critical role in decision-making, we aim to incorporate them into the decision-making process. To elicit emotions that can be quantifiable, we propose the Emotional Assessment Method. The method presents a simulation of the objectives to be optimized that represents the consequences of each decision. Using this methodology, the decision maker assesses the emotions evoked by each presented simulation to guide his/her search for solutions that satisfy his/her preferences. As a case study, we aim to identify subjects’ preferences towards robot behaviors. Seventy-two subjects with varying levels of familiarity with robots (divided into two datasets) participated in the experiments. We concluded that the method elicits subjects’ emotions while observing the consequences of the robot’s performance. Also, we found out that it is possible to identify subjects’ preferences based on both the context and the emotions to select the robot’s behavior.

Towards a simplified model for partially open windows - connecting acoustic and thermal comfort

Traditionally, the internal environmental quality (IEQ) aspects of acoustic and thermal comfort have been considered and designed separately. However, where occupants rely on opening or closing windows to achieve these dimensions, they are not independent in use. To consider both simultaneously, it is crucial to have a simple model of a partially open window that can predict both acoustic and thermal conditions internally. CIBSE TM59 defines the assessment method for adaptive thermal comfort. In the thermal model the ventilation performance of open windows can be described with an "Equivalent Area" (EA). We propose to use the EA to calculate the facade sound insulation based on a simple assessment according to Annex D of ISO 12354-3, i.e. as a facade element with an area of EA and zero sound insulation. This study presents field measurements of sound insulation according to ISO 16283-3 with road traffic sound sources, to evaluate the acoustic uncertainty of using the EA to calculate internal sound levels. Results show encouraging correlation between measurements of element-normalized level difference, Dn,e,w + Ctr and calculations based on the EA. This model is considered adequate for acoustic design purposes, and represents a significant simplification compared with previous proposals.

Application of the International Standards for noise insulation assessment of a metamaterial-based ventilated window

In recent years, acoustic metamaterials (AMMs) have been developed to create more ergonomic designs that can be integrated into the built environment. For instance, embedding metamaterials in windows has facilitated effective ventilation and sound insulation. Presently, European standards provide specific guidelines for evaluating the insulation properties of façades, enabling the characterisation of both active and passive noise management solutions to ensure a healthy indoor environment. However, these standards primarily focus on closed partitions, limiting their applicability to noise management open systems. This study employs the ISO 10140 measurement method to assess a vertical metamaterial-based partition, namely an acoustic metawindow (AMW) unit, that, when open, allows noise insulation and ventilation contemporarily. The standardised level difference (Dn,e) is used to assess the performance of the open AMW unit's noise insulation. The results demonstrate the applicability of ISO 10140 for assessing an open AMW unit's performance, showcasing a Dn,e,w = 27 dB in the frequency range 1000-5000 Hz and an improvement over an open standard window ranging from 3 to 15 dB. This initial exploration could pave the way for more inclusive regulations considering ventilated sound-insulating devices as vertical partitions in the built environment and more comprehensive assessment methods for AMMs-based ventilated systems.

How sustainable are low-noise pavements? Answers from a life-cycle-assessment including the use-phase and noise mitigation of typical Swiss pavements

Despite continuous efforts to reduce road noise emissions, road noise is still the dominant source of noise in Switzerland. Low-noise pavements are an effective measure for road noise mitigation, but besides their higher cost, their major drawback is a reduced service lifetime as compared to conventional pavements. How do these arguments compare in a comprehensive view? To address this question, we performed a cradle-to-grave life-cycle-analysis of four different pavement types: a conventional pavement as reference, two types of semi-dense low-noise pavements and an acoustically optimized type of asphalt concrete. Besides the needed raw materials, the construction, maintenance and demolition, this life-cycle-analysis also includes the use-phase of the road. Thus, the noise mitigation (based on latest acoustic ageing models) and changes in fuel consumption (based on rolling resistance) are included in the assessment. We evaluate the results in the dimensions of ecological scarcity, greenhouse gas emissions, primary energy consumption and life cycle costs. The impact assessment method "Swiss ecological scarcity" allows to weight noise emissions and fuel consumption directly against resource demands of the different pavement types. Our results show that in densely populated areas, the noise reduction and energy savings clearly outweigh the increased resource demand of low-noise pavements.

Projection of visual material on postoperative delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A double blind randomized clinical trial

Background: Postoperative delirium is a neurobehavioral disorder that can appear after surgery. It is characterized by an altered level of consciousness and impaired cognitive function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of visual projection of images of relatives or loved ones in patients undergoing cardiac surgery in the immediate postoperative period, and its influence on the incidence and development of postoperative delirium. Methods: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was designed in the immediate postoperative period of adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Consolidated Statement of Reporting Trials guidelines were followed. A control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG) were established. In the IG, the patients underwent a visual projection, while the usual unit treatment was carried out with the CG. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, anesthetic, and surgical variables were also recorded. The postoperative delirium assessment scale used was the confusion assessment method for diagnosing delirium in intensive care unit patients. Results: Information was collected from 104 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Most of the patients included in the study were men (66.35%) and the most performed surgical intervention was aortic valve replacement (34.62%). In the CG, positive patients in postoperative delirium increased from 19.23% to 25%, while in the IG they decreased from 5.77% to 1.92%. The logistic regression analysis presents a prediction model where the variables that influence the model are gender and group membership, meaning that being female and belonging to the IG significantly reduce the presence of delirium. Conclusion: The projection of visual material reduced the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, although it cannot be established that it is effective as a treatment once the pathology is already established.

Enriching Clinical Trials Enrolling Children With Cerebral Malaria Using Admission Demographics, Physical Examination and Point-of-care Testing Results.

Multiple clinical trials evaluating therapies for cerebral malaria (CM) have failed to demonstrate improved outcomes. This may derive from inclusion of children at all risk levels, including those at low risk of mortality or neurologic morbidity, limiting power to detect significant differences between intervention arms. One solution is enrichment, enrolling clinical trial participants at higher risk of adverse outcomes. We assessed if demographic, physical examination and point-of-care laboratory testing results in combination could identify children with CM at higher risk of death or neurologic disability. Retrospective case-control study of 1674 children hospitalized with CM in Blantyre, Malawi. We used univariate and multivariate analyses of admission factors to find the most parsimonious model associated with death or neurologic disability. To assess the clinical utility of the models, we evaluated derived probability density curve separation. Blantyre Coma Score (BCS), deep breathing and high blood lactate were independently associated with mortality. The derived receiver operating curve yielded an area under the curve of 0.7118. There was poor separation of derived probability density curves predicting death or survival, indicating limited clinical utility of this model. On multivariate modeling of neurologic sequelae in CM survivors, only BCS was associated with adverse outcomes (area-under-the-curve = 0.6151). Probability density curves again largely overlapped, demonstrating limited utility of BCS alone in outcome prediction. Combinations of admission demographic, clinical and point-of-care laboratory factors are inadequate to predict prognosis in children with CM. Higher technology assessment methods are necessary for clinical trial enrichment.

Environmental impact assessment of alternative technologies for production of biofuels from spent coffee grounds

AbstractIn the strategy to combat climate change that has been caused by the world's overdependence on fossil fuels, current research is focusing on the decarbonisation of the energy sector through the production of renewable cleaner energy, such as biofuels. Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), the waste stream of the coffee brewing industry, are a potential feedstock for the production of valuable products, including biofuels. However, the environmental implications for the valorisation of this valuable waste need to be investigated. This study assesses the environmental impacts of six biomass‐to‐fuel processing technologies using SCGs as a feedstock, with the aim of identifying the most environmentally friendly technology. A cradle‐to‐gate life‐cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted on fast pyrolysis, fermentation, anaerobic digestion (AD), hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), gasification, and biodiesel production. The mass and energy balances obtained from Aspen Plus simulations served as the life‐cycle inventory data. Using the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint (H) and Eco‐Indicator 99 as the assessment methods, potential environmental impacts were calculated in OpenLCA software. Electricity generation and carbon dioxide emissions were the biggest contributors of environmental impacts. For each category, the maximum result was set to 100% and the results of the other variants were displayed in relation to this result. AD, with the smallest total weighted score (160), was the most environmentally friendly biomass‐to‐fuel processing route, while HTL, with the biggest total weighted score (893), was the worst. A sensitivity analysis indicated that the environmental performance of biofuel production from SCGs was highly influenced by energy input flows and the source of energy generation.

Past Trends and Future Directions of Cardiac Regenerative Medicine - A Systematic Analysis of Clinical Trial Registries.

Cell therapy, gene therapy, and tissue engineering have been explored as potential strategies to repair or regenerate damaged cardiac tissue. Despite the presence of encouraging preclinical data, clinical trials of regenerative cardiac therapies have yielded mixed results. Our study aimed to investigate the fate of all registered clinical trials within regenerative cardiac medicine, with the purpose of exploring the potential role of publication bias (or trial-completion bias), how published and unpublished research affects the field, and to draw lessons and recommendations for future clinical trials. In this analysis, we show that only a third of all registered trials has yielded results and that a significant number of trials are not completed. Furthermore, we identified significant heterogeneity in study design, study phase, funding, specific therapies used, primary outcome measures and methods of outcome assessment. These observations might hinder the successful translation of cardiac regenerative therapies into clinical practice.

An Optical System for Cellular Mechanostimulation in 3D Hydrogels

We introduce a method utilizing single laser-generated cavitation bubbles to stimulate cellular mechanotransduction in dermal fibroblasts embedded within 3D hydrogels. We demonstrate that fibroblasts embedded in either amorphous or fibrillar hydrogels engage in Ca2+ signaling following exposure to an impulsive mechanical stimulus provided by a single 250µm diameter laser-generated cavitation bubble. We find that the spatial extent of the cellular signaling is larger for cells embedded within a fibrous collagen hydrogel as compared to those embedded within an amorphous polyvinyl alcohol polymer (SLO-PVA) hydrogel. Additionally, for fibroblasts embedded in collagen, we find an increased range of cellular mechanosensitivity for cells that are polarized relative to the radial axis as compared to the circumferential axis. By contrast, fibroblasts embedded within SLO-PVA did not display orientation-dependent mechanosensitivity. Fibroblasts embedded in hydrogels and cultured in calcium-free media did not show cavitation-induced mechanotransduction; implicating calcium signaling based on transmembrane Ca2+ transport. This study demonstrates the utility of single laser-generated cavitation bubbles to provide local non-invasive impulsive mechanical stimuli within 3D hydrogel tissue models with concurrent imaging using optical microscopy. Statement of Significance: Currently, there are limited methods for the non-invasive real-time assessment of cellular sensitivity to mechanical stimuli within 3D tissue scaffolds. We describe an original approach that utilizes a pulsed laser microbeam within a standard laser scanning microscope system to generate single cavitation bubbles to provide impulsive mechanostimulation to cells within 3D fibrillar and amorphous hydrogels. Using this technique, we measure the cellular mechanosensitivity of primary human dermal fibroblasts embedded in amorphous and fibrillar hydrogels, thereby providing a useful method to examine cellular mechanotransduction in 3D biomaterials. Moreover, the implementation of our method within a standard optical microscope makes it suitable for broad adoption by cellular mechanotransduction researchers and opens the possibility of high-throughput evaluation of biomaterials with respect to cellular mechanosignaling.

Разработка подхода к интегрированному планированию в цепочках поставок приборостроительной отрасли

Purpose: the article proposes an approach to integrated planning in supply chains of the instrument-making industry, aimed at improving the efficiency of coordination between their main participants. Methods: the study used methods of system analysis, statistical analysis and expert assessments, which made it possible to evaluate current approaches to planning and propose an approach to integrated planning based on modern digital technologies used in the performance of the planning function. To obtain the results of the study, official statistical data on the productivity and economic indicators of the instrument-making industry, data on logistics operations and supply chains of various enterprises in the industry were used. Results: the main scientific result is the approach to the development of integrated planning in supply chains developed by the author. The study also provided practical recommendations on the use of management methods at different stages of the formation of an integrated planning system. Practical significance: the practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying the proposed recommendations at enterprises of the instrument-making industry to improve the efficiency of supply chain management. The implementation of the developed methods will allow enterprises to adapt to dynamic market conditions, reduce costs and improve coordination of the actions of private logistics chain participants. The results of the study can be used to develop and improve planning systems in organizations in the instrument-making industry.

Oxygen Saturation Endoscopic Imaging as a Novel Alternative to Assess Tissue Perfusion During Esophagectomy.

Assessment of gastric conduit perfusion during esophagectomy is crucial to determine its viability and identify the optimal site for anastomosis. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging is commonly used for this purpose, but it is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to ICG, iodine, or shellfish. Oxygen saturation endoscopic imaging (OXEI) is a newer, non-pharmacologic technique for assessing perfusion. We report our experience with OXEI in 3 esophagectomy patients who had contraindications to ICG. All 3 patients underwent robot-assisted esophagectomies. None of the conduits had ischemic areas identified by white light. Using a 5mm laparoscopic specialized camera (ELUXEO Vision, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corp., USA), OXEI was deployed for intracorporeal assessment of gastric conduit perfusion after pull-up into the chest. Postoperative outcomes including anastomotic leaks and complications were recorded. In two patients, OXEI revealed ischemic zones, which were resected to ensure optimal conduit viability. In the remaining patient, OXEI indicated robust vascularity throughout the conduit. All three patients experienced uneventful postoperative courses and were discharged within 10 days. There were no instances of anastomotic leaks or other major complications. In our experience, OXEI is a viable method for intraoperative assessment of gastric conduit perfusion in patients with contraindications to ICG. Prospective studies are needed to validate its efficacy in preventing anastomotic complications and to compare it with other methods of perfusion assessment including gross visual and ICG dye in a larger patient population.

Multicriteria risk assessment of water inrush in underground mines with large-scale curtain grouting: a mine disaster risk reduction strategy

This paper presents a synthetic method to assess the risk of mine water inrush before and after large scale curtain grouting based on GIS platform. Firstly, nine factors were selected from three aspects: geological conditions, hydrogeological conditions and curtain grouting parameters, to construct a multi factor assessment model. The combined weight of every factor was determined using the minimum deviation comprehensive weighting method, which can reduce the polarization effect of various assessment methods in multicriteria decision. Then, the effectiveness of the synthetic method was validated through the Maoping lead–zinc mine in Southwest China. The mining area was divided into five zones, namely safe zone, relatively safe zone, transitional zone, relatively dangerous zone, and dangerous zone. The assessment results show that the relatively dangerous and dangerous zones were significantly reduced, while the safe, relatively safe and transitional zones were significantly increased after large scale curtain grouting. Finally, we analyze the impact of curtain grouting on the risk of mine water inrush and the mechanism of zoning evolution from three aspects: water source control, pathway sealing, drainage, and pressure reduction. This work provides an effective strategy for mine disaster risk reduction.

Undergraduate endodontic curricula across Canadian Dental Schools: A cross-sectional analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate and assess the degree of uniformity in endodontics education at the undergraduate level among Canadian dental schools. The objective is to enhance Canadian dental education programs to meet societal oral health needs while incorporating advancements in the field of endodontics. An online survey comprising 36 multiple-choice questions targeting the nature of endodontic teaching was conducted as our methodology. Participation was sought from directors of the undergraduate endodontics program at all ten Canadian dental schools in 2021 and 2022. A remarkable 100% response rate and the findings revealed a certain level of consistency among Canadian schools concerning pedagogical and assessment methods, as well as the endodontic topics taught to undergraduate students. However, notable variations were observed in the equipment and materials utilized. This study serves as a fundamental reference for identifying future modifications to the undergraduate endodontics curriculum in Canada.

Quantification of uncertainty in short-term tropospheric column density risks for a wide range of carbon monoxide

The short-term risks associated with atmospheric trace gases, particularly carbon monoxide (CO), are critical for ecological security and human health. Traditional statistical methods, which still dominate the assessment of these risks, limit the potential for enhanced accuracy and reliability. This study evaluates the performance of traditional models (ARIMA), machine learning models (LightGBM, ConvLSTM2D), and optimized machine learning solutions (Bayes residual optimization ConvLSTM2D LightGBM, Bayes_CL) in predicting Sentinel 5P columnar CO levels. This study findings demonstrate that machine learning models and their optimized versions significantly outperform traditional ARIMA models in cross-validation (CV), visualization, and overall prediction performance. Notably, machine learning model based on Bayes and residual optimization (Bayes_CL) achieved the highest CV score (Bayes_CL R2 = 0.8, LightGBM R2 = 0.79, ConvLSTM2D R2 = 0.75, ARIMA R2 = 0.61), along with superior visualization and other metrics. Using Bayes_CL, we effectively quantified a 2.4% increase in columnar CO levels in mainland China in the second half of 2023, following the complete lifting of COVID-19 lockdowns. This study confirms that machine learning models can effectively replace traditional methods for short-term risk assessment of Sentinel 5P columnar CO. This transition holds significant implications for policy formulation, greenhouse effect assessment, and population health risk evaluation, especially in uncertain situations where human activities are severely disrupted, thereby affecting environmental safety.

Анализ компонентного состава масла какао методом дифференциальной сканирующей калориметрии

Consumer properties of chocolate depend largely on the quality of cocoa butter, which affects the technological processes of chocolate production. This article introduces a new method of calorimetry-based mathematical modeling applied to polymorphic forms of cocoa butter. The authors studied various samples of cocoa butter from different manufacturers using the method of differential scanning calorimetry. The results of experimental studies were processed as a Gaussian distribution. The new method of cocoa butter quality assessment relied on experimental data processed as distribution dependencies of polymorphic cocoa butter forms. The latter were identified as follows: 1) a low-melting form (10–18 °C); 2) polymorphic form α (17–24 °C); 3) metastable form β' (27–29 °C); 4) polymorphic form β (28–30 °C). The authors also calculated the proportion of polymorphic forms of cocoa butter according to their melting point. The method facilitated the quality assessment of cocoa butter, which renders good prospects for the chocolate industry.

Exploring Machine Learning Approaches for Predicting Lung Cancer: A Comparative Study

Lung cancer is becoming more common, which emphasizes the significance of precise and user-friendly prediction methods for risk assessment and early identification. This research makes use of a dataset (284 cases and 16 attributes) that was acquired from the Online Lung Cancer Prediction System. The main goal is to find out how well machine learning techniques can predict the likelihood of lung cancer and give people useful information for making decisions. The collection contains a wide range of characteristics, such as lifestyle factors, health markers, and demographic data. To thoroughly assess predictive models, the study uses a variety of machine learning methods, including Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Classifier (SVC), Decision Tree, Random Forest, XGBOOST, CATBOOST, LightGBM and Gradient Boosting. The study also investigates the effects of hyperparameter tuning, visualization strategies, and data preprocessing techniques on model performance. Keywords: Cancer prediction· Machine learning· Ensemble models

Virtual reality analytics map (VRAM): A conceptual framework for detecting mental disorders using virtual reality data

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging tool in mental health care yet its potential in diagnostic assessments remains underexplored. Recognizing the growing need of technological advancements that support traditional methods for mental health assessment, this paper introduces the Virtual Reality Analytics Map (VRAM), a novel conceptual framework designed to leverage VR analytics for the detection of symptoms of mental disorders. The VRAM framework integrates psychological constructs with VR technology, systematically mapping and quantifying behavioral domains through specific VR tasks. This approach potentially allows for the precise capture and identification of nuanced behavioral, cognitive, and affective digital biomarkers associated with symptoms of mental disorders. The benefits of the VRAM framework are demonstrated with its example application across various mental disorders ensuring the utility and versatility of the framework. By bridging the gap between psychology and technology, the VRAM framework aims to contribute to the early detection and assessment of mental disorders.