Parameters F0 Research Articles

Influence of airflow and ligament tension on the acoustics of a biomimetic larynx model

The phonation process is a complex interaction involving the airflow from the lungs, the oscillation of the vocal folds’ tissue, and the resultant acoustics. To understand the underlying physical mechanisms, an experimental model has been designed that allow the control of flowrate and longitudinal tension of the vocal folds. A synthetic biomimetic larynx model was applied that features airflow-driven vocal folds’ oscillations. The longitudinal stiffness of the vocal folds is controlled using embedded ligament fibers. The model enables to measure aerodynamic and acoustic signals as function of airflow rate and the fiber tension. Based on the measured signals, the influence of airflow and fiber tension was statistically analyzed using the parameters F0, Psub, CPP, HNR, Shimmer, and Jitter. The statistical analysis revealed that both flowrate and fiber tension significantly influence acoustic and aerodynamic parameters. In general, the parameters showed different trends for increasing flowrate and fiber tension. Increase in fiber tension produced increasing parameters up to a maximum tension level followed by a saturation of the parameters. In contrast, the flowrate showed varying trends depending on the respective parameter. The results clearly show how flowrate and longitudinal tension control the phonation process and the resulting acoustic quality.

Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Heat-Treated Shale under Different Temperatures

As a typical rock, shale’s reservoir depth is about 1500–4000 m, and the temperature of the shale reservoir at this depth is 150 °C. Therefore, in order to study the dynamic strength of shale at this temperature, it is necessary to consider the effects of temperature and strain rate on the dynamic strength of shale, and then establish the damage constitutive model of shale. This paper took black shale from the Sichuan Basin as the research object, combined it with the separated Hopkinson bar experiment and temperature control system, and conducted the Hopkinson bar experiment on shale at room temperature, 60 °C, 90 °C, 120 °C, and 150 °C, and at three groups of air pressures of 0.2 MPa, 0.3 MPa, and 0.4 MPa. The stress–strain curves of shale at the same strain rate and different temperature and at the same temperature and different strain rate were obtained. In the temperature difference range of this experiment, the dynamic strength of the sample presented two opposite trends (increasing and decreasing) with the increase in temperature, which was determined via the direction of the bedding. The peak strength linearly increased with the increase in strain rate. Based on the Weibull statistical distribution and the D–P failure criterion, a statistical damage constitutive model of shale dynamic strength considering the effects of temperature and strain rate was obtained. By modifying the parameters F0 and m, the dynamic strength statistical damage constitutive model of shale was in good agreement with the experimental results.

Traits associated with higher productivity and resilience to drought-prone Mediterranean environments of coastal-lowland quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an Andean crop that has been cultivated for over 7000 years in Andean South America. Among the five quinoa ecotypes identified, the coastal-lowland ecotype is distributed in central-southern Chile. Little is known about the phenotypic variability of this germplasm and its productive potential. In this work, we evaluated a panel of 99 self-pollinating genotypes of quinoa under rainfed and irrigated conditions in the Mediterranean area of central Chile. The aim was i) to evaluate the phenotypic variability of agronomic and leaf photosynthetic traits; ii) to assess trait responses to environmental conditions (rainfed and irrigated) and their heritability; and iii) to identify traits and genotypes associated with high yield potential and resilience in drought-prone environments. The selected genotypes were evaluated under rainfed (Hidango; 34° 06' S, 71°47' W) and irrigated (Santa Rosa; 36°31' S, 71°54' W) conditions, in two growing seasons (2016/17 and 2017/18). In the most favorable environment (Santa Rosa 2016), the shoot dry weight (shoot DW) and grain yield (GY) of the different genotypes, ranged from 655 and 2787 g m-2 (average 1440 g m-2) and from 45 and 452 g m-2 (average 244 g m-2), respectively. Under rainfed conditions (at Hidango), the shoot DW and GY were reduced by 75 % and 74 %, respectively, compared to Santa Rosa 2016, but still, some genotypes produced more than 100 g m-2, with < 70 mm of precipitation, evidencing a high drought tolerance. The harvest index (HI) and grain weight (TKW) were less affected by drought; compared to Santa Rosa 2016, the reduction was 8–18 % and 25–29 %, respectively, in 2016/17 and 2017/18. Days from sowing to flowering (DSF) and from flowering to maturity (DFM) varied among genotypes and were negatively correlated with GY and HI. Under rainfed conditions, the fluorescence parameters F0 and Fm were reduced by 30 % during flowering and by 50 % during grain-filling, compared to irrigated conditions. The HI and TKW showed the highest heritability (0.69) and were highly correlated with GY in all environments. This study showed that traits associated with higher productivity and resilience of quinoa genotypes in rainfed Mediterranean environments were early maturating and with high HI, and TKW. Finally, a set of genotypes presenting a high stress tolerance index (STI), and therefore higher tolerance to drought conditions, were identified and are candidates for further research focused on the selection of parentals for more advanced breeding stages.

Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Soybean Plants Caused by Iodine-Selenium Chelates and Phytopathogenic Bacteria

The search for effective and environmentally sound measures to fight against plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic microorganisms is of great importance. It is especially important to investigate alternative measures to protect cultivated plants that combine elements beneficial to human health such as iodine and selenium. Purpose. The study of physiological and biochemical changes in soybean leaves after artificial inoculation of plants with different strains of phytopathogenic bacteria on the background of pre-sowing treatment of seeds with a solution of iodine-selenium (I-Se) chelates. Methods. Soybean plants of the Artemis variety were grown in field conditions. Before sowing, the seeds were treated with a 1% I-Se chelated solution (I — 80 mg/L and Se citrate — 0.05 mg/L). The experimental plants were inoculated with phytopathogenic bacteria from the microbiological collection of the Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology of the National Academy of Sciences, namely Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea IMВ B-9190, P. agglomerans IMВ B-9185, and P. syringae pv. syringae IMВ B-8531. The contents of chlorophyll-a, b and carotenoids in the leaves were determined by extraction in DMSO followed by spectrophotometry. Catalase activity was determined by the method of titrimetric permanganatometry with a 0.01M solution of KMnO4, the activity to non-specific peroxidases — according to Boyarkin’s method. Evaluation of the photochemical activity of photosynthesis according to the parameters F0, Fv/Fm, and RFd was carried out by the method of induction of chlorophyll fluorescence using a portable device «Floratest». Statistical processing of experimental data was carried out using the built-in functions of the Microsoft Excel program. Results. The increase of peroxidase activity of leaves was revealed after both pre-sowing treatment with 1% I-Se solution of intact plants and inoculation of them with different strains of bacterial pathogens in the following order: I-Se &gt; I-Se+P. syringae pv. syringae 8531 &gt; I-Se+P. agglomerans 9185 &gt; I-Se+P. savastanoi pv. glycinea 9190. The catalase activity of leaves tissues increased only when infected with a specific pathogen P. savastanoi pv. glycinea 9190 (by 20.6%). After artificial inoculation with strains of both specific and facultative bacterial pathogens and the pre-sowing treatment with I-Se, there was observed an increase in the quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv /Fm) and fluorescence in decline index (Rfd). An increase in the content of chlorophyll-a (by 18%), b and carotenoids (by 7%) in the leaves after the pre-sowing treatment with I-Se has been shown. The content of chlorophyll-a in soybean leaves due to pre-sowing treatment with I-Se had the most significant increase after inoculation of P. agglomerans 9185 (20%). Due to the inoculation with a specific pathogen P. savastanoi pv. glycinea 9190 (after the pre-sowing treatment with I-Se), the content of chlorophyll-a tended to decrease, and the content of chlorophyll-b decreased by 7%. The carotenoid content in leaves increased significantly at inoculation of plant with facultative pathogens: P. agglomerans 9185 (by 28.2%) and P. savastanoi pv. syringae 8531 (by 20.7%). The chlorophyll a/b ratio increased in all experimental variants. Conclusions. 1. It was found that pre-sowing seed treatment with 1% I-Se chelated solution results in increasing disease resistance in nonspecific adult soybean plants, including increasing their thermotolerance. This is evidenced by increasing the peroxidase activity of leaves and the content of photosynthetic pigments in natural conditions: chlorophyll-a and carotenoids. 2. Inoculation of soybean plants with a specific pathogen causes an increase in catalase and peroxidase activities in leaves. The significant increase in peroxidase activity after plant inoculation with facultative pathogens was shown. 3. A significant increase in the content of chlorophyll-a in soybean leaves after inoculation with P. agglomerans 9185 and pre-sowing treatment with I-Se was observed. The significant reduction of chlorophyll-b in leaves due to the inoculation of plants with P. savastanoi pv. glycinea 9190 and pre-sowing treatment of the seeds with I-Se was shown. The most significant increase in the content of carotenoids in leaves was detected after inoculation of plants with facultative pathogens — P. agglomerans 9185 and P. syringae pv. syringae 8531. 4. Significant stimulation of both maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv /Fm) and the rate of carbon assimilation (Rfd) due to the pre-sowing seed treatment with I-Se and inoculation of plants with different strains of phytopathogens was observed. It resulted from the activation of antioxidant systems and increased need for assimilates due to changes in plant metabolism.

Increased 18F-FDG Uptake in the Posterior Region of Contralateral Vocal Folds in Beagle Dogs With Unilateral Vocal Fold Immobility Disorders

To explore the glycolytic metabolism of contralateral vocal fold compensation by examining the glycolytic metabolism of the posterior region of vocal folds in beagles with unilateral vocal fold immobility disorders and its correlation with acoustic parameters. Prospective animal study. Department of Voice METHODS: Ten adult beagles were divided randomly into three groups: a unilateral cricoarytenoid joint dislocation (UCAJD) group (n=4), a unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) group (n=4), and a control group (n=2). Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) scans of larynx and recordings of vocalizations were collected 4 months after the operations. The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of 18F-FDG within each posterior region of the vocal folds were obtained from PET/CT and voice recordings were analyzed for acoustic parameters F0, jitter, shimmer, and loudness using PRAAT. In both UCAJD and UVFP groups, a significant increase of SUVmax was observed in the contralateral vocal fold relative to the impaired fold (P < 0.05). The SUVmax values of the contralateral vocal folds and the SUVmax values of the impaired vocal folds in the UCAJD, UVFP, and control groups were both found to be significantly different (P < 0.05). The SUVmax of the contralateral vocal fold may exhibit a potentially negative correlation with jitter and shimmer, with R2 values of 0.42 and 0.26 and P values of 0.03 and 0.11, respectively. UCAJD and UVFP can cause enhanced glycolytic metabolism of the contralateral vocal fold relative to the impaired vocal fold. The SUVmax of the contralateral vocal fold may be positively correlated with acoustic quality.

Goat kid recognition of their mothers' calls is not impacted by changes in fundamental frequency or formants

AbstractFeatures varying more between than within individuals are considered as potential cues for individual recognition. According to the source‐filter theory of vocal production, the fundamental frequency of mammals' vocalizations depends on the characteristics of vocal folds, while Formants are determined by the characteristics of the vocal tract. Goat mothers and their kids (Capra hircus) display mutual recognition, and both source‐related parameters (f0) and filter‐related ones (Formants) have been shown to be individualized. Here, we aimed to identify if f0 and Formants are used by goat kids to recognize their mother's vocalizations. To do this, we independently modified these parameters in calls of goat mothers to different degrees (within or exceeding the range of natural intra‐individual variability), and we played back these modified calls to their kids. We found no effect of f0 or Formants modification on the kids' reactions. Further analyses revealed that goat kids emitted fewer calls when modifications to f0 resulted in higher values of the first energy quartile, suggesting a role of the distribution of energy in the spectrum in maternal recognition. We propose that either: (i) f0 and Formants are not involved in goats' maternal recognition; (ii) goat kids have a tolerance for variation when recognizing their mother's calls that exceeds the performed shifts in these parameters; or (iii) goat kid maternal recognition is based on a combination of features and might be more flexible than previously thought, such that when one feature is modified, kids focus on other features. The effect of the spectral energy distribution modification on the kid responses, which depends both on f0 and Formant heights, suggests that (iii) is a likely explanation. Our findings support the hypothesis of complex individual acoustic recognition from the early stages of development in ungulates.

Creep damage coupling model of concrete based on the statistical damage theory

The creep behavior is one of the key issues in the design and construction of hydraulic concrete structures. However, it is an enormous challenge to accurately predict the development of creep deformation in concrete structures. Since the creep deformation behavior of concrete under long-term load action originates from the interaction between creep and damage, a new creep damage coupling model was developed by introducing the damage variable into the creep constitutive equation. This model utilized the statistical damage theory framework and assumed that the damage variable follows the random distribution described by the Weibull function. Then Weibull distribution parameters F0 and m were derived to determine the evolution equation of the damage variable D. Considering stress under complex stress conditions may change, the stress-strain correlation of concrete under complex stress conditions was deduced using the elastic creep theory. Moreover, the results of uniaxial compressive concrete creep tests with the corresponding numerical simulations under different levels of sustained loads, and the accuracy and applicability of the creep damage coupling model were verified. Consequently, the nonlinear creep properties of hydraulic concrete were analyzed by combining it with acoustic emission techniques.

Research on Soft Rock Damage Softening Model and Roadway Deformation and Failure Characteristics.

To determine a reasonable control strategy for deep buried soft rock roadways, a study on deformation and failure characteristics was carried out. The Weibull distribution damage variable was introduced to construct a damage-softening model considering the lateral deformation of the rock mass, and the functional relationship between the model parameters F0 and m and the confining pressure were discussed. The nonlinear fitting method was used to correct the model parameters. Using the model, the failure characteristics of deep buried soft rock roadways were analyzed. A comprehensive and step-by-step joint support control strategy was proposed based on the numerical simulation results. The research results showed that the damage-softening model curve established could genuinely reflect the whole process of mudstone failure. The apparent stress concentration phenomenon occurred in the surrounding rock. The surrounding rock deformation showed that roadway floors had larger plastic failure areas than sides and vaults. The plastic failure depth could reach 2.45 m. After a comprehensive and step-by-step joint support control strategy was adopted, the deformation rate of the roadway at the section was less than 0.1 mm/d. The optimized support scheme can effectively improve the stability of the roadway.

Prediction of Fracture Behavior of 6061 Aluminum Alloy Based on GTN Model.

To determine the Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN)damage model parameters of 6061 aluminum alloy after secondary heat treatment, the uniaxial tensile test was carried out on the aluminum alloy circular arc specimen, and the mechanical properties parameters and the load-displacement curve of aluminum alloy tube were obtained. With the help of the finite element reverse method, scanning electron microscope and a orthogonal test method, the GTN damage model parameters (f0, fN, fC, and fF) were calibrated, and their values were 0.004535, 0.04, 0.1, and 0.2135, respectively. Then the shear specimen and notch specimen were designed to verify the damage model, the results show that the obtained GTN damage model parameters can effectively predict the fracture failure of 6061 aluminum alloy after secondary heat treatment during the tensile process.

Dermatoglyphic and acoustic analysis of singing voices: a multiple case preliminary report

Purpose: to identify genetically enhanced physical skills (speed, strength, endurance and motor coordination), provided by the dermatoglyphic method and to analyze the preliminary correlation between dermatoglyphic and acoustic data of lyrical and pop singers. Methods: the study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee. Four male singers were evaluated (two lyrical and two pop singers), 31-53 years old. Data collection and analysis procedures comprised (1) Survey -Self-Perception of Vocal Characteristics in Singers (vocal habits, voice performance and phenotypic characteristics); (2) Dermatoglyphic Profile (fingerprint image digitalization: predominance of digital drawings (Arch, Loop and Whorl); scores of deltas (D10); the Total Ridge Count (TRC); digital formula and dermatoglyphic profile (aerobic, anaerobic and mix)); (3) Acoustic Analysis (the Expression Evaluator script application to the audio recordings: f0, intensity, spectral slope and long-term average spectrum - LTAS values); and (4) Integrated (Statistical) Analysis; cluster analysis. Results: correlations were found between dermatoglyphic variables (Arch, Loop, Whorl, D10, TRC) and acoustic parameters (f0 (median); intensity (asymmetry); spectral slope (mean); and LTAS (SD)). The dermatoglyphic profile did not segregate singing styles. Conclusion: the dermatoglyphic profiles showed a preliminary correlation with the acoustic vocal measures, especially f0 and LTAS measures.

ANALISIS TINGKAT RESIKO DAMPAK GEMPABUMI DI KABUPATEN CILACAP MENGGUNAKAN METODE DSHA DAN DATA MIKROTREMOR

Soil mechanical research has been done in Cilacap Regency using DSHA method and microtremor data. This study aims to analyze the local land response to earthquakes based on the dominant frequency parameters (f0), amplification factor (A0), wave velocity VS30 and seismic hazard analysis through deterministic approach. This research uses 193 microtremor measurement points using a short period TDS-303 type (3 component) seismometer. Microtremor data were analyzed using the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method in geopsy software. DSHA analysis refers to the source of the Lembang Fault earthquake and Java Subduction zone for deterministic calculations. Based on the analysis of HVSR method, Cilacap Regency is located on land type 1 (frequency 0-1.33 Hz) and soil type 2 (frequency 1,33-5 Hz) according to Kanai Classification (1983), dominated amplification value 1,104 to 8,171 times, then Dominated by soil class E (VS30 value 183 m / s) and soil class D (183 m / s VS30 366 m / s) according to NEHRP Classification (2000). This indicates that Cilacap Regency has high vulnerability to earthquake disaster. Based on the estimated value of PGA calculation method of DSHA, from the calculation of earthquake source Subduction obtained Java PGA bedrock 0,045 g - 0,0671 g and PGA surface rock 0,1926 g - 0,4855 g and calculation of Lembang Fault obtained PGA bedrock 0, 09 g - 0.025 g and PGA surface rocks 0.017 g - 0.089 g. Based on risk map analysis (combination of dominant frequency analysis, amplification, susceptibility factor and ability factor), the highest risk areas are Kec. Adipala, Kasugihan, Binangun, Nusawungun, Cil. Middle, Cil. South, Cil. North, allegedly the soil layer constituent area is a layer of thick and soft sediments. While the low risk of Kec. Majenang and Dayeuh Luhur.

Analysis of Three‐Dimensional Damage Constitutive Model of Frozen Sand Based on the Influence of Intermediate Principal Stress and Temperature

To study the mechanical properties of frozen soil, it is necessary to understand the damage characteristics of frozen soil. Four types of three‐dimensional indoor tests of frozen sand were carried out at −5°C, −10°C, and −15°C to study the mechanical damage properties. These include different stress path tests with the principal stress coefficients of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 while analyzing the entire failure process. First, the three‐dimensional compression test of frozen sand was studied to analyze the influence of temperature and intermediate principal stress coefficient on the large principal stress of frozen soil. The damage cost of frozen sand under the influence of different temperatures and intermediate principal stress coefficients was also established. Second, using the characteristics of discreteness and randomness of the distribution of the microelements inside the frozen soil and assuming that the failure of the microelement of the frozen soil obeys the Weibull distribution, the Drucker–Prager strength criterion was used as the statistical distribution variable of the microelement of the frozen soil based on the strain equivalence hypothesis, statistical theory, and continuous damage mechanics. This allows for a constitutive model of frozen sand damage under the three‐dimensional stress state to be established. Finally, the model parameter values through low‐temperature three‐dimensional test data were able to be determined. This model allows for the physical meaning of Weibull distribution parameters F0 and m to be analyzed, and the distribution parameters with temperature and intermediate principal stress coefficient can be modified to obtain a modified frozen sand damage constitutive model. The results show that the modified damage constitutive model can simulate the entire process curve of the large principal stress‐strain of frozen sand. It shows that the large principal stress of frozen sand increases with the increase of temperature and intermediate principal stress coefficient. Concurrently, the frozen sand damage constitutive model proposed in this paper can describe the deformation behavior of frozen soil under different temperature and stress paths and can be adapted to various other sediment types.

Uma análise acústica da palavra “este” do espanhol em função metadiscursiva

No presente trabalho, analisamos comparativamente as características acústicas da palavra morfológica este da língua espanhola em uso metadiscursivo (filler/marcador discursivo) com as que se observam para a mesma em uso referencial (adjetivo/ pronome). O objetivo da análise é verificar se, em uso metadiscursivo, a palavra apresenta regularidades quanto aos parâmetros F0 (frequência fundamental) e duração, do mesmo modo como em uso referencial, e se possíveis irregularidades são previsíveis. Nossa hipótese é que, em uso metadiscursivo, encontram-se diferentes padrões de F0 e duração para a palavra, sendo que cada um deles corresponde a um distinto matiz semânticopragmático. A investigação se insere dentro do domínio dos estudos prosódicos, utiliza procedimentos da Fonética Experimental, e também recorre a subsídios da Psicolinguística para a interpretação qualitativa dos dados.

Influence of inclusions on matrix deformation and fracture behavior based on Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman damage model

It is well known that the adverse effects of inclusions on the performance of a substrate are not negligible. Currently, as the level of smelting improves, the inclusion content in molten steel has been greatly reduced, but a completely pure material cannot be obtained still. Therefore, it is necessary to study the influence of inclusions on the steel matrix. In this study, the required parameters in the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman (GTM) damage model were accurately determined via in-situ tensile tests, and then, the parameters were substituted into the Abaqus model to simulate the tensile forming limit of the strip specimen. The final simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental results. On this basis, the effects of the number and distribution of inclusions on the mechanical properties of matrix materials are further analyzed. In this study, the in-situ tensile test method plays an extremely important role. Specifically, it can reveal the metallographic structure of samples under multiple load nodes during a single tensile experiment, which is conducive to determining parameters f0 and fF of the GTN model and the subsequent research results. The number and rate of pore growth were found to increase with the increasing number of inclusions. Moreover, the probability of pore polymerization increased, leading to damage and fracture of the specimen. Uneven distribution of inclusions resulted in uneven distributions of stress and strain during the deformation process, which changed the fracture behavior of the material. The first failed element appeared in the area with high inclusion content and extended to adjacent areas with high inclusion contents. The strength and plasticity of the material worsen with increasing difference in the distribution of inclusions.

Initial laryngeal neutralisation in Tyrolean

In the Southern Bavarian variety of Tyrolean, laryngeal contrasts undergo a typologically interesting process of neutralisation in word-initial position. We undertake an acoustic analysis of Tyrolean stops in word-initial, word-medial intersonorant and word-final contexts, as well as in obstruent clusters, investigating the role of the acoustic parameters VOT, prevoicing, closure duration and F0 and H1–H2* on following vowels in implementing contrast, if any. Results show that stops contrast word-medially via [voice] (supported by the acoustic cues of closure duration and F0), and are neutralised completely in word-final position and in obstruent clusters. Word-initially, neutralisation is subject to inter- and intraspeaker variability, and is sensitive to place of articulation. Aspiration plays no role in implementing laryngeal contrasts in Tyrolean.

FORCE-VELOCITY RELATIONSHIP OF LEG EXTENSORS OBTAINED FROM THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LOAD

The first aim of this study was to evaluate the shape of force-velocity (F-V) relationships in case of gravitational (W), inertial (I) and combined (W+I) type of load assessed from squat jump (SJ) performed on a modified Smith machine. The second aim was to determine whether there were differences between the same parameters (maximal force, F0; maximal velocity, V0; maximal power, P0) obtained from linear F-V relationship among three different loads. The third aim was to evaluate the concurrent validity of the parameters F0 obtained from different types of load in SJ, with maximum isometric force in squat (Fiso), as well as one repetition maximum in squat (1RM). Fifteen male participants were tested in SJ with three different types of load, squat for obtaining 1RM and isometric squat for obtaining the Fiso. The observed F-V relationships were exceptionally strong and approximately linear (median r ≥ 0.98) independently of used load. The differences between same parameters of different types of load were determined in parameters F0 and V0, while there were no differences between P0. Regarding third aim, concurrent validity for F0 showed to be moderate to high and significant in all 3 types of load (r ≥ 0.56), except between F0 and Fiso in W type of load, where it was non-significant (r ≥ 0.47). The significance of the study reflects in better understanding of the mechanisms of the functioning of muscle system in case of different types of load. Future studies should investigate the impact of different types of load to kinetic and kinematic parameters in case of different motoric tasks and muscle groups.

The ontogeny of the locomotor wave in sevruga fish (Acipenser stellatus Pall.)

Continuous filming of the swimming movements of sevruga prelarvae (Acipenser stellatus Pall.) was performed over the first to the fifteenth post-hatching days. These data were used to determine three locomotor characteristics: {f(v, θ), A(v, θ), w(v, θ)} where f is the frequency of the transverse oscillations; A is the amplitude of the tail fin movements; w is the speed of the locomotor wave; v is the speed of the locomotion; and θ is the number of days during which the filming was carried out. In addition, the comparison of two characteristics was performed. These are the step length L(v, θ) and the wavelength λ(v, θ), where L ≡ vT is the distance that a fish covers in time T ≡ 1/f and λ is λ ≡ wT. The results led to the conclusion that the prelarva swimming movements achieve the carangiform mode by the end of the second week. This is characteristic of adults and coincides with the beginning of external feeding. The mode is represented by an equation that follows from the generalized Bainbridge’s law: f = f 0 + f 1 v/H. The equation includes one anatomical parameter H of total length and two kinematic parameters f 0 and f 1, which can be calculated by the linear approximation method. These are the kinematic parameters that are changed in the early ontogenesis when 1 ≤ θ ≤ 15. However, the parameters become stable when θ ≥ 15. This means that the parameter values are constant and similar to those of adult fish. The similar properties of stabilization and variability have the kinematic parameters of other locomotor characteristics.

The role of vowel quality in the perception of English lexical stress for native speakers of Japanese

Vowel quality has been hypothesized to be a cue in determining the location of stress in English words. This study examined the role vowel quality plays in perception by native speakers of Japanese and English using synthesized English words: conflict, contract, and content. Suprasegmental (SP) parameters—F0, duration, and intensity—and vowel quality (VQ) parameters—the frequencies of the first two formants, were independently manipulated to make varying versions of the stimuli. Results of the perception experiment showed that native speakers of Japanese identified the stress location more accurately in the SP-driven stimuli, in which the stress pattern was generated using SP parameters, than in the VQ-driven stimuli, in which the stress pattern was generated using VQ parameters. In contrast, native speakers of English did not differentiate between SP-driven stimuli and VQ-driven stimuli. Furthermore, for the stimuli that SP parameters and VQ parameters indicated incongruent syllable, Japanese speakers id...

Approximate analytical multiple solutions of the boundary layer flow over a shrinking sheet with power-law velocity

The boundary layer flow over a shrinking sheet into a slot with power-law velocity is analytically studied by a newly developed technique namely homotopy analysis method (HAM). The present work provides analytically new solution branch in different solution areas with the aid of an introduced transformation. The analytical results show that quite complicated behaviors controlled by mass transfer parameters f0 exist, including the known algebraically decaying solution, additional dual solutions and unique solution, which greatly differ from the continuously stretching surface problem. The new analytical solution branch enriches the solution family of the boundary layer flow over a shrinking sheet into a slot with power-law velocity, and helps to understand it deeply.

Fault attacks on hyperelliptic curve discrete logarithm problem over binary field

In this paper, we present invalid-curve attacks that apply to the hyperelliptic curve scalar multiplication (HECSM) algorithm proposed by Avanzi et al. on the genus 2 hyperelliptic curve over binary field. We observe some new properties of the HECSM. Our attacks are based on these new properties and the observation that the parameters f0 and f1 of the hyperelliptic curve equation are not utilized for the HECSM. We show that with different “values” for curve parameters f0, f1, there exsit cryptographically weak groups in the Koblitz hyperelliptic curve. Also, we compute the theoretical probability of getting a weak Jacobian group of hyperelliptic curve whose cardinality is an smooth integer.