Single Vibroacoustic Impact Effect of Singing Bowls over the Psycho-Emotional State and Cardiovascular System Work

This article presents a two-stage study result of the author's method of vibroacoustic massage using singing bowls application. At the first stage, the effect of vibroacoustic massage single application over psycho-emotional characteristics was studied. 19 studied volunteers took part in our study. The testing results before and after exposures were compared according to the WAM (Weighted average mark), Zung, and Spielberg-Khanin tests. The study of the psycho-emotional sphere showed that after the vibroacoustic massage procedure, the indicators of "well-being" and "activity" of the WAM test significantly improved (p = 0.002). In addition, the depression level determined by the Zung test, personal anxiety indicators (p = 0.004), and situational anxiety ones (p = 0.028) decreased. At the second stage, 62 volunteers were divided into two groups. The first group underwent a vibroacoustic massage session according to the patented author's method. The second group received only acoustic exposure using only singing bowls. Differences in the Kerdo index were revealed in the dynamics, and in the first group, the changes were less significant than in the second one. Changes in heart rate variability characteristics for both groups were similar: there was an increase in parasympathetic influences at rest and during the orthostatic test (increased levels of RMSSD (Root Mean Square of Successive Differences), NN50, pNN50) and a decrease in sympathetic effects at rest and their slight increase with orthostatic loading (TINN, RR triangular index). The dynamics were more significant in the first group that received a vibroacoustic massage session. When assessing changes in the neurovegetative regulation levels activity of the heart rhythm, the main difference was associated with very low-frequency waves power dynamics during the orthostatic test. Thus, vibroacoustic massage using singing bowls improves the psycho-emotional state, reduces depression and anxiety, and increases Parasympaticus (autonomic nervous system) activity.

Extracorporeal ultrasound exposure by the low-frequency acoustic amplitude-modulated signal on a ureteral stent for preventing its incrustation: experimental determination of optimal application points

Introduction. Incrustation and biofilms formation on the surface of ureteral stents are still the most significant complications of internal drainage of the upper urinary tract. There are much researchers conducted to combat these complications. The lack of a solution to this problem affects the ultimate results of treatment and economic losses. The issue of impact by physical methods on the ureteral stent, particularly the use of extracorporeal ultrasound acoustic exposure remains, promising and poorly covered.Purpose of the study. To determine the optimal application points of extracorporeal acoustic exposure by the low-frequency ultrasonic amplitude-modulated signal on a ureteral stent in an experiment.Materials and methods. The original device was designed. The main principle of its operation is the generation of an amplitude-modulated ultrasonic signal in two modes: pulsed and permanent. A sexually mature mongrel dog was an experimental animal. The ureteral stent was placed by laparotomy and cystotomy. Intraoperatively, the emitter of the developed device was applied to the skin of the animal, according to the previously indicated topographic and anatomical landmarks. At the same time, an ultrasonic wave noise analyzer was applied through the laparotomy wound to the appropriate level of the ureter. Measurements of ultrasound intensity indicators were performed three times in two operating modes of the device.Results. Pulsed mode: for the ureteral upper third, the highest ultrasonic intensity (123.67 dB) was achieved along the posterior axillary line. For the ureteral middle third, the best ultrasound intensity (115 dB) was obtained by the posterior axillary line. For the ureteral lower third, the highest ultrasound intensity (113.67 dB) was noted along the middle axillary line.Permanent mode: the best ultrasonic intensity in the projection of the ureteral upper, middle, and lower thirds was achieved along the posterior axillary line and was 118.67 dB, 117 dB and 116.67 dB, accordingly. However, there was an excessive heat effect, manifested by hyperemia and hyperthermia of the animal's skin, fascicular muscle contractions during the instrument functioned in the permanent mode, which can potentially lead to thermal burns and intolerance to the procedure.Conclusion. The pulsed mode of the device function is most safe. The optimal application points of the instrument emitter for the ureteral upper and middle thirds is the posterior axillary line, and for the ureteral lower third is the middle axillary line.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ACOUSTIC EXPOSURE ON INDUSTRIAL WORKERS

Practical experience in the assessment of occupational risk from exposure to excessive noise levels allows us to identify a number of problems. The main ones are the lack of adequate information about the levels of impacting noise and full control of the effects from the health side. The analysis of international experience indicates the need to introduce new approaches to monitoring noise levels into domestic practice, including using individual monitoring devices that minimize the contribution of uncertainties; and identification of the realized effects of its impact, including mandatory audiometry when applying for a job and annual monitoring of the dynamics of hearing changes; evaluation of the effectiveness of the applied PPE in real production conditions.

INCREASE IN THE YIELD OF CINNAMIC ACIDS DERIVATIVES FROM ECHINACEA AS A RESULT OF WEAK ACOUSTIC EFFECTS

The article describes the option of intensification extraction process from the Echinacea purpurea. The effect of acoustic exposure (modulation of stretching) on an increase in the yield of extractives during the extraction of Echinaceae herbs with a 40% aqueous solution of ethanol is discussed. The extraction results were evaluated by the solid residue, the optical density of the solution. The yield of extractive substances is increased 1.5 times by generating a specific electrical signal in the form of a meander with a certain frequency range 350 kHz and amplitude 3 V. The yield of extractives is calculated on the sum of hydroxycinnamic acids. The best extraction time is determined. The results obtained allow us to hope for a reduction in the preparation time of extracts in the existing production of Echinacea tincture, where 40% ethanol is used and the infusion time exceeds 2 days. In further work, attention will be focused on finding optimal extraction conditions when using 70% ethanol and hot water, solvents used in a number of industries. Studying the effect of the solvent on extraction may allow us to get closer to explaining the observed phenomenon.

3D NOISE MODELING AND ASSESSMENT IN THE DESIGN OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Three-dimensional maps showing acoustic exposure can be used as information basis for residential areas planning and design in cities. This research work focuses on estimating changes in acoustic pollution in a large city caused by a new residential quarter being built there; overall, the quarter will be made up of 28 buildings including a school and a trade and entertaining center. The highest buildings in the quarter should not exceed 25 floors. Calculated estimates were performed at various heights, starting from 1.5 meters and up to 75 meters above the ground. Calculation results obtained for various heights allowed building up a threedimensional exposure picture for assessing expected levels of external noise at each floor in an apartment block. All calculations were made and acoustic exposure was visualized with a geoinformation system (ArcGIS 9.3 with ArcScene module) that allowed showing geographic and attributive data concerning an examined territory. Our experience and methodical approaches to estimating and visualizing noise propagation will allow making well-grounded managerial decisions on city development. Noise factor assessment is a key element in creating a favorable living environment in a city.

Acoustic Characteristics of Small Research Vessels

Vessel noise is an acute and chronic stressor of a wide variety of marine fauna. Understanding, modelling and mitigating the impacts of this pollutant requires quantification of acoustic signatures for various vessel classes for input into propagation models and at present there is a paucity of such data for small vessels (<25 m). Our study provides this information for three small vessels (<6 m length and 30, 90 and 180 hp engines). The closest point of approach was recorded at various ranges across a flat, ≈10 m deep sandy lagoon, for multiple passes at multiple speeds (≈5, 10, 20, 30 km h−1) by each vessel at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Radiated noise levels (RNLs) and environment-affected source levels (ASLs) determined by linear regression were estimated for each vessel and speed. From the slowest to fastest speeds, median RNLs ranged between 153.4 and 166.1 dB re 1 µPa m, whereas ASLs ranged from 146.7 to 160.0 dB re 1 µPa m. One-third octave band-level RNLs are provided for each vessel–speed scenario, together with their interpolated received levels with range. Our study provides data on source spectra of small vessels to assist in understanding and modelling of acoustic exposure experienced by marine fauna.