Abstract (Introduction): In Latin America, the sensitive tropical biodiversity found outside of protected wilderness areas is under threat. In Costa Rica, the payment for environmental services (PSA) represents a mechanism to protect forests on private farms, but it lacks specific indicators on the state of biodiversity and forest conservation. (Objective): To analyze the use of acoustic monitoring for ecosystem assessment at 11 sites in the Osa Peninsula, nine on private farms, and two sites within Corcovado National Park. (Methods): Soundscapes were recorded from May 25 to June 1, 2021, using acoustic recorders. It was analyzed the behavior of six acoustic indices at each sampling site and applied an automated detection analysis of vocalizations of two representative bird species of the area. (Results): It was found that the most fragmented sites presented higher activity, energy, and acoustic diversity, possibly due to edge effects and ecotones present, as well as a high forest component in the surrounding matrix. Automated vocalization detection indicated that the species Hylopezus perspicillatus turned out to be more sensitive to differences in the landscape than Trogon bairdii. (Conclusions): The use of acoustic indices, although it associates features of the degree of conservation, was not a differentiating element of the quality of the ecosystem in the evaluated farms. The monitoring of species through the detection of their vocalizations was promising. A careful and rigorous sampling design, with more sampling points per site, is recommended to achieve accurate measurements and avoid bias in the analysis.

Resumen (Introducción): En Latinoamérica, la sensible biodiversidad tropical que se encuentra fuera de las áreas silvestres protegidas está bajo amenaza. En Costa Rica, el pago por servicios ambientales (PSA) representa un mecanismo para proteger bosques en fincas privadas, pero carece de indicadores específicos sobre el estado de la biodiversidad y de conservación de los bosques. (Objetivo): Analizar el uso del monitoreo acústico para la evaluación de ecosistemas en 11 sitios en la Península de Osa: 9 en fincas privadas y 2 sitios dentro del Parque Nacional Corcovado. (Metodología): Se grabaron paisajes sonoros del 25 de mayo al 01 de junio del 2021, utilizando grabadoras acústicas. Se estudia el comportamiento de 6 índices acústicos en cada sitio de muestreo y se aplicó un análisis de detección automatizada de vocalizaciones de 2 especies de aves representativas de la zona. (Resultados): Se encuentra que los sitios más fragmentados presentaron mayor actividad, energía y diversidad acústica, posiblemente por efectos de borde y ecotonos presentes, así como un alto componente de bosque en la matriz circundante. La detección automatizada de vocalizaciones indicó que la especie Hylopezus perspicillatus resultó ser más sensible a las diferencias en el paisaje que Trogon bairdii. (Conclusiones): El uso de índices acústicos, aunque asocia rasgos del grado de conservación del bosque, no resultó un elemento diferenciador de la calidad del ecosistema en las fincas evaluadas, pero el monitoreo de especies mediante la detección de sus vocalizaciones sí resultó promisorio. Es recomendable un diseño de muestreo metódico y riguroso, con más puntos de muestreo por sitio, para lograr mediciones precisas y evitar sesgos en el análisis.

Abstract: Nano-modification is an effective method currently used to improve mechanical properties of concrete by adding various nanomaterials. The results obtained from previous studies demonstrate that presence of these particles has positive effects on both mechanical and durability performances of concrete. However, while the existing studies investigate the state of resistance, revealing progressive failure mechanism of nano-particle added concrete under loading is a significant subject. In this regard, Acoustic Emission (AE) method is useful for identification of invisible damage progress by means of basic phenomenon defined as release of energy due to a fracture and propagation of it as elastic waves in a stressed medium. Apart from the existing studies in the literature, this paper is focused on investigation of the influences of nano-clay on mechanical and failure behaviors of concrete by AE. For this purpose, a plain and three different concrete mixtures including 1%, 3% and 5% nano-clay (NC) of cement weight were prepared. 100x100x600 mm beam specimens were produced from these mixtures and were tested under three-point-bending. Furthermore, to reveal invisible failure mechanisms of the specimens, all tests were simultaneously monitored with AE method. The results reveal that presence of nano-clay increases the load capacity and ductility of the concrete specimens which is also confirmed by AE results, as more amount of micro-scale events are obtained

RESUMO: O canto operístico, não amplificado por microfones, implica exigências para que o cantor seja ouvido em decorrência do acompanhamento da orquestra sinfônica. Para tal, este artista pode utilizar o recurso chamado formante do cantor. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa do formante do cantor nas bases de dados PubMed Central, Scopus e Scielo com foco nos conceitos, nos ajustes fonatórios/ articulatórios e na dimensão perceptivo-auditiva subjacentes ao fenômeno. Identificou-se que os conceitos foram associados ao brilho vocal e ao correlato acústico de maior energia de alta frequência criando um agrupamento do terceiro e do quarto formante. No âmbito articulatório, identificou-se rebaixamento da laringe, alargamento da faringe e aproximação da língua aos dentes incisivos inferiores. O fenômeno estudado é responsável pela audibilidade da voz humana. RESUMO operistico operi stico operístico nao microfones exigencias exige ncias decorrencia decorre ncia sinfonica sinfo nica sinfônica tal revisao revisa Central fonatorios fonato rios fonatórios articulatorios articulato dimensao dimensa perceptivoauditiva perceptivo auditiva fenômeno Identificouse Identificou se acustico acu frequencia freque ambito a mbito articulatorio rio articulatório identificouse identificou laringe aproximacao aproximac lingua li ngua inferiores fenomeno feno meno responsavel responsa vel humana

ABSTRACT: Operatic singing, not amplified by microphones, requires the singer to be heard due to the accompaniment of the symphony orchestra. To this end, the singer can use the resource called the singer's formant. To conduct an integrative review of the singer's formant in the PubMed Central, Scopus and Scielo databases. An integrative review was conducted focusing on the concepts, phonatory/articulatory adjustments and the auditory-perceptual dimension underlying the singer's formant. It was identified that the concepts were associated with vocal brightness and the acoustic correlate of greater high-frequency energy, creating a grouping of the third and fourth formants. In the articulatory sphere, lowering of the larynx, widening of the pharynx and approximation of the tongue to the lower incisor teeth were identified. The phenomenon studied is responsible for the audibility of the human voice. ABSTRACT singing microphones orchestra end singers s Central databases phonatoryarticulatory phonatory auditoryperceptual auditory perceptual highfrequency high frequency energy formants sphere larynx voice

Abstract This research work focuses on the experimental investigation of indentation damage resistance and post-indented performance of different stacking sequence of glass/epoxy laminates using mechanical and acoustic responses. The laminates with stacking sequence, namely [0]12, [0/90]6S, [+45/-45]6S and [0/+45/-45/90]3S were subjected to normal and inclined indentation with acoustic emission monitoring. Quasi-static indentation (QSI) test was conducted on the center of the laminates using a hemispherical steel indenter with 12.7 mm diameter. The residual strength of the laminates was computed by conducting flexural after indentation test. Mechanical responses such as peak force, residual dent, linear stiffness and absorbed energy were employed to assess induced damages. The results reveal that the quasi-isotropic (QIS) laminates having better indentation damage resistance under 0o and 10o loading planes, whereas the angle-ply (AP) laminates performed well at 20o. Moreover, the normalised cumulative counts, energy rate, peak frequency, AE hits and sentry function were used to evaluate the damage initiation and propagation. Further, AE results show that the shear induced damage has been reduced in AP as compared with QIS laminates under 20o indentation plane. Finally, this study concluded that the QIS and AP laminates exhibited better indentation resistance under 0o and 10o, and 20o loading planes respectively. postindented post indented glassepoxy glass epoxy 012, 012 0 12, 12 [0]12 0/906S, 0906S S 0/90 6S, 90 6S [0/90]6S +45/456S 45456S +45/ 45 0/+45/45/903S 04545903S 0/+45/ 45/90 3S monitoring Quasistatic Quasi static QSI (QSI 127 7 12. diameter force dent damages quasiisotropic quasi isotropic (QIS o angleply angle ply (AP Moreover counts rate frequency propagation Further plane Finally respectively 01 1 [0]1 906S 0/906S 090 0/9 9 456S +45 4 903S 045 0/+45 4590 45/9 [0] 09 0/ +4 04 0/+4 459 45/ [0 + 0/+ [

ABSTRACT The cavitation phenomenon is an important factor affecting the safe and stable operation of hydraulic machinery units. The cavitation of the hydraulic machinery units can lead to the increased vibration, reduced efficiency, and cavitation erosion of blades. Therefore, a method is needed to determine the incipient cavitation of hydraulic machinery runner blades. This study is initiated from the acoustic characteristics of bubbles generated by the cavitation of model hydraulic turbines and the characteristics of radiated sound energy during cavitation. The characteristics of cavitation noise are studied. After the qualitative analysis of the high- and low-frequency energy distribution patterns of cavitation noise signals before and after cavitation, a mathematical model of the time-frequency characteristics of these signals is proposed using the energy distribution analysis method. The feature information is extracted from the cavitation noise signals and used to judge the occurrence of incipient cavitation in model turbine runner blades. Based on this method, an online cavitation monitoring system is constructed, and comparative tests are carried out on a model pump turbine and Francis turbine. It is found that the results of the proposed method for the judgment of incipient cavitation are highly consistent with those of traditional methods. vibration efficiency blades Therefore studied high lowfrequency low frequency timefrequency time constructed methods

The inadequate disposal of waste tires has caused environmental and public health problems. One of the direct harmful effects is the noise due to traffic. Waste rubber has been used in concrete to improve its acoustic performance and energy absorption. Studies carried out by the U. S. Federal Highway Administration show that barriers, regardless the material used, do not block completely but can reduce the volume of traffic noise by half. This study proposes concrete mixes containing waste tires and vermiculite to verify their acoustic properties for road barriers. The experiments include concrete with waste tires and vermiculite to replace the sand mass from 10% to 40%. An improvement in the acoustic properties was observed, reducing the total sound intensity level of the concrete acoustic barrier to 20 dB and 29 dB, for the frequencies of 500 Hz and 1000 Hz, respectively. problems absorption U S barriers half 10 40 40% observed 2 50 100 respectively 1 4 5

Abstract Shielded substations with SF6 gas insulation (GIS) play a critical role in supplying power to urban areas, and it is crucial to quickly identify and isolate faults to restore system operation and meet supply demands. However, locating faults in such substations can involve extensive and time-consuming procedures, such as opening and closing hermetically sealed compartments containing SF6. This paper presents the development of an acoustic test bench that accurately replicates the dynamic characteristics of SF6 shielded substations. By utilizing the traveling wave technique, partial discharges occurring in high-voltage insulation can be detected and precisely located. The method employs various techniques, including the analysis of the arrival time of traveling waves at different points within the substation and triangulation methods. The use of traveling waves in partial discharge detection offers several advantages, such as precise fault location and non-interference with normal substation operations. Additionally, acoustic methods are highly sensitive to other sources of partial discharges, such as moving particles and fluctuating potential discharges. The results demonstrate that the combination of the acoustic test bench and the disturbance localization technique presents an innovative approach to fault location studies in GIS. The acoustic test bench enables controlled simulation of failure conditions, providing accurate data on the acoustic behavior of substations. Through the disturbance location technique, these data can be analyzed and interpreted to pinpoint the exact fault location. This integrated approach enhances the efficiency of the troubleshooting process and reduces the time required to repair GIS. SF GIS (GIS areas demands However timeconsuming consuming procedures highvoltage high voltage located techniques advantages noninterference non interference operations Additionally conditions

Abstract Introduction Otosclerosis is characterized by the fixation of the stapes to the oval window, thereby impairing acoustic signal absorbance. A commonly used surgical technique for improving hearing in cases of otosclerosis is stapedotomy. However, it is unclear whether this surgery restores all the physical characteristics of the tympano-ossicular system. Objective To evaluate the tympano-ossicular system in individuals with fenestral otosclerosis pre and poststapedotomy using wideband tympanometry. Method A total of 47 individuals and 71 ears were assessed. The subjects were divided into three groups: presurgery otosclerosis; postsurgery; and a control group of normal-hearing adults. A handheld tympanometer with a wideband module (226–8,000 Hz) was used to take measurements at ambient pressure and under pressurized conditions. The level of statistical significance adopted was p ≤ 0.05. Results Acoustic absorbance at 226 Hz was low for all groups. At frequencies in the range 630 to 5,040 Hz, each group had a characteristic absorbance curve, allowing them to be distinguished from one another. In the presurgery group, absorbance values were below normal levels, with energy absorbance below 10%. Low energy absorbance was most evident at 1,000 Hz in the presurgery group, but this was not observed in the postsurgery group. Although there was an improvement in hearing, the surgery failed to restore the tympano-ossicular system to normal. Conclusion Wideband acoustic absorbance proved able to differentiate normal ears and otosclerotic ears pre and postsurgery, under both ambient pressure and pressurized conditions. window stapedotomy However tympanoossicular tympano ossicular tympanometry 4 7 assessed groups normalhearing adults 226–8,000 2268000 8 000 (226–8,00 conditions 005 0 05 0.05 22 63 5040 5 040 5,04 curve another levels 10 10% 1000 1 1,00 226–8,00 226800 00 (226–8,0 0.0 2 6 504 04 5,0 100 1,0 226–8,0 22680 (226–8, 0. 50 5, 1, 226–8, 2268 (226–8 226–8 (226– 226– (226 (22 (2 (

Resumen Esta revisión se centra en la técnica conocida por el nombre de cavitación para el tratamiento de aguas residuales. Existen diversas maneras de lograr que un fluido cavite; el centro de atención de este documento son la cavitación hidrodinámica y cavitación acústica. La cavitación ocurre cuando de manera brusca un fluido cambia de fase por variación en la presión de este; las cavidades cuentan con una considerable cantidad de energía que favorece reacciones en el interior e interfase de cada burbuja o cavidad que se forma en el seno del líquido, así como también en fluido. Esta técnica de tratamiento resulta favorable ya que no implica el uso o dosificación de insumos químicos para reducir la concentración de contaminantes en el agua. Las fuentes consultadas señalan que para lograr una mayor efectividad del proceso de cavitación se hace necesario la intensificación del proceso por la implementación simultánea de otras técnicas de tratamiento, entre ellas los procesos de oxidación avanzada, procesos electroquímicos y clarificación del agua. Las combinaciones de cavitación con otras técnicas de tratamiento de aguas residuales han sido objeto de estudio para diferentes contaminantes recalcitrantes logrando resultados muy favorables. Este trabajo hace énfasis principalmente en el estudio las aguas residuales de curtiembres.

Abstract This review focuses on the technique known by the name of cavitation for wastewater treatment. There are several ways to make a fluid cavitate; the focus of this document is hydrodynamic cavitation and acoustic cavitation. Cavitation occurs when a fluid abruptly changes phase due to a variation in its pressure: the cavities have a considerable amount of energy that favors reactions inside and at the interface of each bubble or cavity that forms within the liquid, as well as in the fluid. This treatment technique is favorable since does not imply the use or dosage of chemical inputs to reduce the concentration of contaminants in the water. The sources consulted indicate that to achieve greater effectiveness of the cavitation process, it is necessary to intensify the process by the simultaneous implementation of other treatment techniques, including advanced oxidation processes, electrochemical processes, and water clarification. The combinations of cavitation with other wastewater treatment techniques have been studied for different recalcitrant pollutants, achieving very favorable results. This work is mainly focused on wastewater from tanneries.

Resumen La disipación de energía cinética turbulenta es una magnitud esencial en el estudio de la turbulencia en fluidos. Particularmente, en la transferencia de la energía turbulenta desde grandes a pequeñas escalas y en la determinación de su estado de equilibrio y estacionalidad. Este trabajo, tiene el propósito de entender la turbulencia generada por olas que aún no rompen a partir del análisis de la disipación de energía cinética turbulenta. Diferentes grupos de olas monocromáticas con distinta pendiente ξ (0.012 ≤ ξ ≤ 0.273), se generaron mecánicamente en un laboratorio, donde mediante un dispositivo acústico (Vectrino Profiler, Nortek), se midieron y perfilaron las compones de las velocidades orbitales asociadas a olas que aún no rompen. A partir del subrango inercial identificado en los espectros de potencia de las componentes turbulentas u’(t, z) y w’(t, z), se cuantificó la tasa de disipación de energía cinética turbulenta ε u ’(z) y ε w ’(z), respectivamente. Se encontró que la magnitud de ε u ’(z) y ε w ’(z) aumenta conforme mayor ξ en las olas y que conforme mayor z, ε tiende a ser invariante ante rotaciones de eje (ε u ’(z) ≈ ε w ’(z)). Se identificó que la mayoría de los perfiles ε u ’(z)~ z n1 y ε w ’(z)~ z n2 , corresponden con una capa logarítmica atípica (n 1 , n 2 < -1) y que al aumentar ξ disminuye (aumenta) el valor del exponente n 1 (n 2). Por último, se introdujo un término de producción de turbulencia ε wave relativo a las velocidades orbitales en el movimiento de olas sin rompiente. A diferencia de otros términos de producción de turbulencia o aproximaciones, ε wave reproduce adecuadamente los valores de ε u ’(z) y ε w ’(z) independientemente de ξ, con lo que se establece que el corte en la vertical de las velocidades orbitales es el mecanismo generador de turbulencia en un fluido bajo olas que aún no rompen.

Abstract The turbulent kinetic energy dissipation is an essential quantity in the study of turbulence in fluids. In particular, on the transference of turbulent energy from large to small scales and determining its state of equilibrium and stationarity. This work has the purpose of understanding turbulence generation by non-breaking waves from turbulent kinetic energy dissipation analysis. Different groups of nonbreaking monochromatic waves with different slopes ξ (0.012 ≤ ξ ≤ 0:273), were mechanically constructed in a laboratory, whereby an acoustic device, the wave orbitals velocities were measured in various depths. Considering the inertial subrange in the power spectrum of components of turbulence velocity u ’ (t, z) and w ’ (t, z), a turbulent kinetic energy dissipation ε u ’(z) and ε w ’(z) was quantified, respectively. It was detected that the magnitude of both ε u ’(z) and ε w ’(z) increases with the wave slope ξ, and they are invariant to axis rotation (ε u ’(z)≈ε w ’(z)), especially for great values of z. It was distinguished that most of the profiles ε u ’(z)~ z n1 and ε w ’ (z)~ z n2 agree with an atypical logarithmic layer (n 1 , n 2 < -1) and that increasing ξ decreases (increase) exponent values n 1 (n 2). Finally, a term of the turbulence production ε wave was introduced, relative to nonbreaking wave orbitals velocities. Unlike other turbulence production terms or approximations, ε wave adequately reproduces the values of ε u ’(z) and ε w ’(z) regardless of ξ, which established that the wave orbitals velocities shear is the generator mechanism of turbulence in a fluid under nonbreaking waves.

ABSTRACT Significant wave height (SWH) in shallow waters is assessed by generating two wave hindcasts; the first uses ERA-Interim wind fields and the second one from ERA5 to quantify the improvement of the ERA5 surface winds on the SWH representativeness, both in deep and shallow waters along the Chilean coastline. Additionally, wind field predictions from the Global Forecast System (GFS) were used to assess the representativeness of shallow waters. Oceanographic buoys were used to validate SWH in deep waters, while Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCPs) was equipped to measure waves in shallow waters. Energy spectrums coupling Wavewatch III and Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) models were transferred to evaluate the performance of shallow water simulations. In general, the SWH from both wave hindcasts showed good performance. Nonetheless, those forced by ERA5 presented a better qualitative comparison of sea state temporal variability, which increased the correlation coefficients (>0.9), coefficients of determination (>0.8), and minor errors (RMSE, MAE, and BIAS) compared to oceanographic buoys and ADCPs. Additionally, in simulations forced by GFS, the temporal variability of the waves in shallow waters was successfully reproduced. Nevertheless, an increase in the RMSE, MAE, and BIAS error was statistically verified compared to ERA-Interim and ERA 5.

Resumo Para o cálculo exato e projeto acústico de salas na faixa de baixas frequências é necessário utilizar ferramentas numéricas de simulação, cujo custo e dificuldade de uso são entraves no dia a dia do projetista acústico. Com a finalidade de analisar a aplicabilidade de modelos analíticos (mais simples e de custo reduzido), a presente pesquisa compara, em modelos de escala reduzida (1:8), possíveis formatos de salas acústicas (retangulares e não retangulares) com duas metodologias de análise de baixas frequências. As comparações são feitas paraos parâmetros acústicos T 20, EDT, C 80, D 50 e T s, extraídos por modelos computacionais que usam o método de elementos finitos (FEM) e obtidos por um modelo analítico de cálculo. Este trabalho avaliou ainda, por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r), a similaridade existente entre o modelo analítico e computacional para as curvas de decaimento energética EDC (ou Energy Decay Curve), a função resposta em frequência (FRF) H(f) e a resposta ao impulso h(t). Os resultados mostram que, para salas não retangulares, o projeto necessita de alta exatidão na análise da FRF e resposta ao impulso, o uso de métodos numéricos torna-se imprescindível.

Abstract For the exact calculation and acoustic design of rooms in the low-frequency range, it is necessary to use numerical simulation tools, whose cost and difficulty of use are obstacles faced in the daily routine of acoustic engineers/designers. In order to analyse the applicability of analytical models (simpler and cost-effective), this research study compares, in reduced-scale models (1:8), possible acoustic room formats (rectangular and non-rectangular) using two low-frequency analysis methods. Comparisons are made between the acoustic parameters T 20 , EDT, C 80 , D 50 and T s , extracted by computational models using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and obtained by an analytical model. Through Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), this study also evaluated the similarities between the analytical and computational models for the Energy Decay Curves EDC, the Frequency Response Function (FRF) H(f), and the impulse responses h(t). The results show that for non-rectangular rooms, the project requires highly accurate FRF analysis and impulse response, the use of numerical analysis methods becomes essential.

Resumo Edificações assistenciais de saúde são complexas pois abrangem ocupantes em diferentes condições de saúde. Nesse contexto, as avaliações de desempenho de edifícios podem ajudar a alcançar um melhor desempenho percebido pelos ocupantes. Assim, o presente trabalho desenvolveu uma revisão sistemática da literatura (RSL) sobre avaliações de desempenho em edificações assistenciais de saúde (EAS), visando compreender suas características intrínsecas e desenvolver visão geral do assunto. O objetivo foi identificar a finalidade das avaliações, critérios avaliados, métodos de avaliação, tipo de EAS avaliados, distribuição temporal e espacial das publicações. A pesquisa foi conduzida em três bancos de dados eletrônicos, e 83 artigos foram examinados com a ferramenta 5W1H. Como resultado, os edifícios avaliados englobaram serviços de saúde cobrindo todas as fases da vida, questões físicas e mentais. Foram identificados seis grupos de critérios, destacando-se: conforto espacial, luminoso e acústico, questões energéticas, materiais e acabamentos utilizados. Ademais, foram estabelecidas relações entre os tipos de edificações, critérios avaliados e ferramentas utilizadas. Finalmente, a RSL colaborou com o entendimento do desempenho em EAS, identificou que os EAS estão sendo avaliados, contribuindo com a saúde, bem-estar e satisfação dos ocupantes visto que edifícios com melhor desempenho tendem a ser melhores locais de cura e trabalho.

Abstract Healthcare buildings are complex as their occupants may have different health conditions. In this context, building performance evaluations can help to achieve better performance perceived by occupants. Thus, this paper has developed a systematic literature review (SLR) on performance evaluation in healthcare buildings to understand their intrinsic characteristics, in addition to developing an overview of the subject. The objective was to identify the purpose of the evaluations, the criteria evaluated, the evaluation methods, the type of healthcare facilities evaluated, as well as the temporal and spatial distribution of papers. The research was conducted using three electronic databases, and eighty-three papers were examined according to the 5W1H tool. As a result, the buildings assessed covered health services at all stages of life, physical and mental issues. Six groups of criteria were identified, highlighting: spatial, lighting, acoustic comfort, energy issues, and the materials and finishes used. Moreover, relationships were established between the types of buildings, evaluated criteria, and tools used. Finally, the SLR collaborated with the understanding of performance in healthcare buildings, identified that these buildings are being evaluated, contributing to the health, well-being, and satisfaction of occupants as buildings that perform better tend to be better places of healing and work.

Resumo Introdução: A hidropsia endolinfática é o substrato fisiopatológico da doença de Ménière. As alterações desencadeadas na orelha interna, transmitidas à orelha média pelas modificações na mobilidade da cadeia ossicular, podem ser quantificadas pela timpanometria de banda larga, através da medida da absorvância acústica sob múltiplas frequências, representadas pela energia sonora absorvida pela orelha média, mesmo em estágios iniciais de sua instalação. Estudar o comportamento da orelha média através da absorvância em pacientes com hidropisia endolinfática sob pressão ambiente e sob o pico de pressão pode ser útil na detecção da doença de Ménière. Objetivo: Caracterizar o comportamento da absorvância em indivíduos com diagnóstico da doença de Ménière sintomáticos e assintomáticos, comparados com controles, a fim de verificar a capacidade da timpanometria de banda larga em detectar variações clínicas relacionadas a possível hidropisia endolinfática. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, com enfoque diagnóstico, que comparou os achados da timpanometria de banda larga na pressão ambiente e no pico de pressão entre orelhas do grupo controle (n = 30), grupo assintomático (n = 21) e grupo sintomático (n = 9). Resultados: Foram encontrados valores do pico de pressão diferentes entre orelhas do grupo controle (0 daPa), do grupo assintomático (-11 daPa) e do grupo sintomático (-192 daPa), com p <0,05 pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann Whitney e correção de Bonferroni. Foram encontrados valores de absorvância diferentes entre orelhas do grupo sintomático e do grupo assintomático em relação ao grupo controle para as frequências baixas na pressão ambiente e na pressão de pico, com p < 0,05 pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann Whitney e correção de Bonferroni. Conclusão: A timpanometria de banda larga foi um teste capaz de identificar a presença da doença de Ménière e de diferenciar os pacientes assintomáticos e sintomáticos, comparando-os com indivíduos hígidos.

Abstract Introduction: Endolymphatic hydrops is the pathophysiological substrate of Ménière’s disease. The changes in the inner ear, transmitted to the middle ear through changes in the ossicular chain mobility, can be quantified by wideband tympanometry, through the measurement of the acoustic absorbance at multiple frequencies, represented by the sound energy absorbed by the middle ear, even at its early stages. Studying the behavior of the middle ear through the absorbance in patients with endolymphatic hydrops under ambient pressure and under peak pressure can be useful for detecting Ménière’s disease. Objective: To characterize acoustic absorbance behavior in subjects with symptomatic and asymptomatic Ménière’s disease compared to controls, in order to verify the ability of wideband tympanometry to detect Ménière’s disease. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study with a diagnostic approach comparing the findings of wideband tympanometry at ambient pressure and peak pressure between the ears of the control group (n = 30), the asymptomatic group (n = 21) and the symptomatic group (n = 9). Results: Different peak pressure values were found between the ears of the control group (0daPa), the asymptomatic group (−11 daPa) and the symptomatic group (−192 daPa), with p < 0.05 by the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann Whitney test and Bonferroni correction. Different absorbance values were found between the ears of the symptomatic group and the asymptomatic group compared to the control group for low frequencies at ambient pressure and peak pressure, with p < 0.05 by the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann Whitney test and Bonferroni correction. Conclusions: The Wideband Tympanometry test was capable of identifying the presence of Ménières disease, and to differentiate between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, when comparing them with healthy individuals.

ABSTRACT Wind energy is an important electricity source. Even though it is cleaner than other energy sources in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, gathering energy from the wind has impact on organisms that fly, including bats. Understanding whether and how bat activity patterns are affected by environmental variables may be useful when trying to mitigate these impacts, for example bat mortality from collisions with wind turbines. Northeastern Brazil concentrates one of the world’s largest wind potentials and has thousands of wind turbines in operation. In spite of this scenario, there is a lack of basic information, such as the presence of bat species and their activity patterns in those wind farms. We used passive acoustic monitoring to assess species richness and species composition and obtain data on activity patterns of insectivorous bats in four wind farm complexes in northeastern Brazil. We also investigated the possible correlation between environmental variables (wind speed and direction, air temperature and humidity, and percentage of moon illumination) and bat activity. The acoustic monitoring carried out for 30 nights produced approximately 120,000 bat passes of 29 sonotypes and four families. Environmental variables may influence bat activity, but in a site-specific way, i.e., although the environmental conditions of wind-energy complexes were similar, there was not an activity pattern common to all. Considering such specificities, we strongly recommend long-term specific on-site monitoring in each wind complex, avoiding generalizations for the environmental licensing of wind energy in Brazil.