scholarly journals Acoustic Characteristics of Cross-Laminated Timber Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 5612
Author(s):  
Antonino Di Bella ◽  
Milica Mitrovic
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Acoustic Features ◽  
Acoustic Characteristics ◽  
Cross Laminated Timber ◽  
Acoustic Modelling ◽  
Improve Measurement ◽  
Reference Curves ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Building Elements

The growing diffusion of cross-laminated timber structures (CLT) has been accompanied by extensive research on the peculiar characteristics of this construction system, mainly concerning its economic and environmental benefits, lifecycle, structural design, resistance to seismic actions, fire protection, and energy efficiency. Nevertheless, some aspects have not yet been fully analysed. These include both the knowledge of noise protection that CLT systems are able to offer in relation to the possible applications and combinations of building elements, and the definition of calculation methods necessary to support the acoustic design. This review focuses on the main acoustic features of CLT systems and investigate on the results of the most relevant research aimed to provide key information on the application of acoustic modelling in CLT buildings. The vibro-acoustic behaviour of the basic component of this system and their interaction through the joints has been addressed, as well as the possible ways to manage acoustic information for calculation accuracy improvement by calibration with data from on-site measurements during the construction phase. This study further suggests the opportunity to improve measurement standards with specific reference curves for the bare CLT building elements, in order to compare different acoustic linings and assemblies on the same base. In addition, this study allows to identify some topics in the literature that are not yet fully clarified, providing some insights on possible future developments in research and for the optimization of these products.

scholarly journals Definition of the upper reference limit of glycated albumin in blood donors from Italy

2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Bellia ◽  
Martina Zaninotto ◽  
Chiara Cosma ◽  
Luisa Agnello ◽  
Bruna Lo Sasso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Donors ◽  
Glycated Albumin ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Reference Limit ◽  
Percentile Method ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Upper Reference Limit ◽  
Mean Glucose

AbstractBackground:Glycated Albumin (GA) has been proposed as a short-term indicator of glycemic homeostasis. The aim of this study is to describe the distribution of GA in a large sample of blood donors from Italy to evaluate whether demographic features, namely age and sex, could influence GA levels and define specific reference limits.Methods:The study included 1334 Italian blood donors. GA was measured using an enzymatic method (quantILab Glycated Albumin, IL Werfen, Germany). The upper reference limit (URL) was calculated using the non-parametric percentile method.Results:A modest, although significant, increase of GA was observed in relation to age (p<0.001), especially in males, where the differences were more pronounced (p<0.001 in males, p=0.003 in females). Slight differences were documented based on sex (12% [11.3–12.8] in males; 12.2% [11.4–13.1] in females; p=0.01). After excluding individuals with fasting plasma glucose ≥7 mmol/L, the calculated GA URL was 14.5% (95% CI: 14.3–14.7). Subjects with GA>14.5% presented a mean age of 48.4±12.2 years, 66.7% were males and the mean glucose was 6.88±2.5 mmol/L.Conclusions:GA in Caucasians shows a similar increasing trend at older ages documented in other ethnicities. The definition of the URL in this population could be useful for both clinical studies, which will clarify the role of GA for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, and will encourage the introduction of GA in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Sex- and Age-Specific Reference Curves for Serum Markers of Bone Turnover in Healthy Children from 2 Months to 18 Years

2006 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 443-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Rauchenzauner ◽  
Andrea Schmid ◽  
Peter Heinz-Erian ◽  
Klaus Kapelari ◽  
Gerda Falkensammer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Formation ◽  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Bone Markers ◽  
Collagen Degradation ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Type I ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Pubertal Stage ◽  
Reference Curves ◽  
Carboxyterminal Telopeptide

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to establish sex- and age-specific reference curves enabling the calculation of z-scores and to examine correlations between bone markers and anthropometric data. Methods: Morning blood samples were obtained from 572 healthy children and adolescents (300 boys) aged 2 months to 18 yr. Height, weight, and pubertal stage were recorded. Serum osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), type-1 collagen degradation markers [carboxyterminal telopeptide region of type I collagen (ICTP), carboxyterminal telopeptide α1 chain of type I collagen (CTX)], and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP5b) were measured. Cross-sectional centile charts were created for the 3rd, 50th, and 97th centiles. Results: Apart from TRAP5b, all bone markers were nonnormally distributed, requiring logarithmic (BALP, OC, ICTP) or square root (CTX) transformation. Back-transformed centile curves for age and sex are presented for practical use. All bone markers varied with age and pubertal stage (P &lt; 0.001). Significant correlations were found between sd score (SDS) for bone formation markers BALP and OC (r = 0.13; P = 0.004), SDS for collagen degradation markers ICTP and CTX (r = 0.14; P = 0.002), and SDS for the phosphatases (r = 0.34, P &lt; 0.001). Height and weight SDS correlated weakly with some bone marker SDS, particularly with lnBALP SDS (r = 0.20 and 0.24, respectively; both P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: This study provides reference curves for OC, BALP, CTX, ICTP, and TRAP5b in healthy children. Taller and heavier individuals for age had greater bone marker concentrations, likely reflecting greater growth velocity. SDS for markers of bone formation, collagen degradation, and phosphatases were each independently correlated, suggesting they derive from the same biological processes. The possibility of calculating SDS will facilitate monitoring of antiresorptive therapy or disease progression in children with metabolic bone disease.

Hydrogen Use in an Urban District: Energy and Environmental Comparisons

2010 ◽  
Vol 132 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michela Vellini ◽  
Jacopo Tonziello
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Production ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Coal Gasification ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emission ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
Hypothetical Scenario

Hydrogen technology is becoming ever more relevant because hydrogen use can help in containing greenhouse gas emission if CO2 capture and storage technologies are implemented in the hydrogen production pathway (when hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels). This work aims at carrying out a comparative analysis of possible energy scenarios in urban districts. A medium-small Italian city is considered as a reference case, and its energy consumption both for domestic and industrial use is evaluated. The current situation in which conventional technologies meet the energy needs is compared with a hypothetical scenario where hydrogen is largely used. Two options of hydrogen production from commercially ready technologies are investigated: coal gasification and steam methane reforming, as well as hydrogen use in advanced energy systems for transports and for thermal and electric energy generations. Also, the environmental impacts are evaluated. This study is particularly focused on greenhouse gas emissions with specific reference to carbon dioxide. The final goal is to define an alternative scenario, quantifying the energy needs and the relative environmental impacts in order to obtain quantitative information on the environmental benefits of the hydrogen scenario, as well as to identify its possible structural and functional criticalities.

scholarly journals AVALIAÇÃO DO ÍNDICE DE COMPACIDADE NAS SUBPREFEITURAS DO MUNICÍPIO DE SÃO PAULO

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Barreto Castelo da Cruz ◽  
Karin Regina de Casas Castro Marins
Keyword(s):  
Urban Form ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Mathematical Application ◽  
Occupancy Patterns ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Compactness Index

RESUMO: O município de São Paulo, assim como outros municípios brasileiros populosos, tem sua urbanização marcada por forte dispersão e adensamento populacional periférico, o que gera inúmeros impactos negativos para a qualidade de vida da população, para a economia urbana como um todo e para o meio ambiente, enquanto dificulta a gestão municipal e metropolitana. Assim, a compactação surge como uma estratégia de desenvolvimento urbano, ao aproximar demandas e ofertas para maior número de cidadãos, sobretudo os menos favorecidos, agregando, dessa forma, benefícios sociais, econômicos e ambientais. A compactação da forma urbana é medida pelo seu respectivo índice, o índice de compacidade (IC), construído por uma relação métrica espacial de perímetro e área, que de forma direta, ainda relaciona às interações humanas e à organização de atividades dentro de uma área urbana. O objetivo do presente artigo é calcular e analisar o índice de compacidade para as subprefeituras do município de São Paulo, com pesquisa exploratória bibliográfica, mapeamento digital e aplicação matemática dos índices de compacidade. O estudo da compactação urbana gerou resultados significativos quando analisados comparativamente no conjunto urbano ou do município, inclusive na verificação da aplicabilidade das políticas de adensamento populacional. Entretanto, a investigação para definição de escalas intermediárias de compactação, especialmente nas médias e altas densidades, mostra-se útil para que territórios extensos e com padrões de ocupação e dinâmicas urbanas e sociais bastante distintas, possam eventualmente ser subclassificadosABSTRACT: The municipality of São Paulo, as well as other populous Brazilian municipalities, has its urbanization marked by strong dispersion and peripheral population density, which generates numerous negative impacts on the quality of life of the population, for the urban economy as a whole and for the environment, while hindering municipal and metropolitan management. Thus, compacting emerges as a strategy of urban development, bringing together demands and offers for a greater number of citizens, especially the less favored, thus adding social, economic and environmental benefits. The compaction of the urban form is measured by its respective index, the compactness index (CI), constructed by a metric relation of perimeter and area, that directly, still relates to the human interactions and the organization of activities within an urban area. The aim of this article is to calculate and analyze the compactness index for the subprefeituras of the city of São Paulo, with exploratory bibliographical research, digital mapping and mathematical application of the indices of compactness. The study of urban compaction generated significant results when analyzed comparatively in the urban or municipal set, including in the verification of the applicability of population densification policies. However, research into the definition of intermediate compaction scales, especially in medium and high densities, is useful so that extensive territories with quite distinct occupancy patterns and urban and social dynamics may eventually be subclassified.

Subhuman or Superhuman?

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Stras
Keyword(s):  
Music Performance ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Aesthetic Responses ◽  
Level Model ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Analytical Frameworks ◽  
Sporting Performance

This essay begins a discussion of ethical and aesthetic responses to the performances of disabled musicians, using critical/analytical frameworks for debates concerning prosthesis and doping drawn from sports philosophy. Music performance is mapped onto a definition of games, and then sport, identifying points of correlation in terms of its rules and goals. Specific instances drawn from sporting events of 2012 are examined in relation to a five-level model against which ethical responses to technology in sport may be mapped. The same model is then adjusted to consider responses to the postproduction music application, Auto-Tune, with specific reference to the singers Imogen Heap and Janelle Monáe. Performances by disabled musicians that occurred during the Paralympics and London’s Cultural Olympiad are then considered using a second model for aesthetic responses to sporting performance.

Curriculum Development for Advancing Heritage Language Competence: Recent Research, Current Practices, and a Future Agenda

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 24-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimi Kondo-Brown
Keyword(s):  
Curriculum Development ◽  
Heritage Language ◽  
The United States ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Language Competence ◽  
Language Curriculum ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Definition Of

In the last few decades, research on teaching heritage language (HL) learners has expanded enormously and encouraged language professionals to work toward responsible curriculum development for this specific type of learners. This article suggests ways to expand current curriculum research and practices with the goal of advancing the HL competence of learners. To this end, this article examines the scope, trends, and issues in recent theoretical and practical studies concerning curriculum development for HL learners from various language backgrounds, especially those in the United States. A definition of HL learners is presented first, which is followed by a discussion of general second language curriculum development frameworks with specific reference to HL instruction. Then, the article examines the contexts, challenges, and possibilities for teaching HLs to school-age children in precollegiate programs. Next, it turns to a discussion of issues and recommendations for teaching postsecondary HL students. The article concludes by discussing curricular and pedagogical recommendations for HL professionals as well as a future research agenda that could promote the advancement of HL competence in all educational institutions.

Between History and Tafsīr: Notes on al-Ṭabarī’s Methodological Strategies

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-129
Author(s):  
Marianna Klar
Keyword(s):  
Subject Matter ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Historical Account ◽  
Detailed Understanding ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Relevant Section

The bulk of the cited anecdotes in the most immediately relevant section pertaining to the Fall of Adam within al-Ṭabarī’s History consist solely of material that is duplicated in al-Ṭabarī’s commentary on But Satan made them slip in Q. 2:36. The duplicated material is not presented in the same order across the two works, but the extent of the overlap between the two sources is intriguing. In his introduction to the Tafsīr, published (in the form of public lectures) from 270/883–884 onwards, al-Ṭabarī (d. 310/923) gives a definition of his own methodology; the introduction to his History, the first volume of which was made public some 20 years later in 294/906–907, announces meanwhile a focus on the history of kings. Yet al-Ṭabarī does not provide any explicit elucidation of what this difference might entail. In areas where al-Ṭabarī’s subject matter spans both texts such a question seems especially pertinent. This article seeks to contribute to a more detailed understanding of how concepts of genre affected the material that was included by al-Ṭabarī in the History and the Tafsīr, and to expose the author's editorial techniques, with specific reference to the parallel versions of the story of Adam and the Fall al-Ṭabarī provided. It draws upon the preceding historical account of the Creation of Eve, and the material that frames the repentance narratives. It also seeks to ascertain whether the individual context of each Qur'anic pericope affected the presentation of material within the Tafsīr itself.

Acoustic Analysis of Breathy and Rough Voice Characterizing Elderly Speech

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takeshi Miyazaki ◽  
◽  
Mitsunori Mizumachi ◽  
Katsuyuki Niyada
Keyword(s):  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Power Spectra ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Acoustic Features ◽  
Acoustic Characteristics ◽  
Listening Tests ◽  
Amplitude Spectra ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Age Range

This paper aims at investigating acoustic features, which can objectively explain breathiness and roughness of elderly speech, respectively. In this paper, acoustic analysis was carried out using word sequences, which were uttered by 153 male speakers in the age range of between 20 and 89 years old. Concerning the breathiness, we confirmed that elderly breathy voices caused energy lift in higher frequency region over 4 kHz in average power spectra during the stationary parts in the uttered vowels. Concerning roughness, we observed the slight fluctuations, which synchronized with vocal cord vibration, in amplitude spectra during stationary parts of vowels. Based on acoustic analysis results, we propose physical parameters for measuring breathiness and roughness, respectively. In this paper, listening tests were carried out to quantitatively give the subject degrees of breathiness and roughness, respectively. It was confirmed that the proposed physical parameters had correlation with each of subjective degrees. Relationships between age and acoustic characteristics of breathiness and roughness were investigated using the proposed parameters. It is confirmed that the degree of breathiness and roughness increased in proportion to age, especially in age ranges over 60 years old.

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