The lost tradition : changing interpretations of music in the three Chinese Confucian ritual classics from the Han to the Qing dynasty.

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Advances in Plasma Diagnostics and Applications

Plasma can be generated via the combination of energy-inducing fragmentation, ionization, and excitation of molecular. Such processes occur throughout the life of the plasma, resulting in a wide variety of atomic and molecular species, which can be electrically charged, energetically excited, highly reactive, or any combination of these states. Plasma diagnostics can demonstrate important discharge characteristics and the mechanisms of plasma-induced processes. Parameter’s dynamic range spans many orders of magnitude, and spatial/temporal scales significantly vary during plasma source configurations. Many diagnostic techniques have been developed to characterize plasma, including scattering techniques, intensified charge-coupled device cameras, laser-based methods, optical emission spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas chromatography, etc. Although various mature diagnostic technologies for plasma discharges have been developed, there are still many challenges. The measurement precision is not only affected by the diagnostic equipment/ techniques, but also by the plasma discharge itself. In many applications, direct measurements of the parameters of interest are still not possible. In addition, the plasma environments in application processes are unusually complex, and their reactions are still not fully understood. Plasma can exist in a variety of forms due to discharge modes resulting from different means of creation, resulting in a wide range of applications. This brings together many research fields, including physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, and medicine

Eastern medicine approaches to male infertility.

Male factor is a common cause of infertility and the male partner must be systematically evaluated in the workup of every infertile couple. Various Eastern medical strategies have been tried with variable success. This article describes the clinical effects of Eastern medicine approaches including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, yoga, tai chi, and qi gong, which could improve the sperm parameters and motility, genital inflammatory conditions, as well as immune system disorders, sexual dysfunction, and varicocele. Acupuncture reduces inflammation, increases sperm motility, improves semen parameters, modulates the immune system, and improves sexual and ejaculatory dysfunction in male infertility. The clinical effects may be mediated via activation of somatic afferent nerves innervating the skin and muscle. Chinese herbal medicines may also exert helpful effects in male infertility, and it is worth noting that some herbal drugs may result in male infertility. Massage also exerts positive effects in male infertility. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of clinical effects are unclear. Tai chi, qi gong, and yoga have not been investigated in male infertility, but it has been reported to regulate endocrine and central or autonomic nervous systems. In conclusion, Eastern medical approaches have beneficial on reproductive effects in male infertility. However, future well-designed, randomized, clinical control trials are needed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of Eastern medical approaches for male infertility.postprin

Part 1, Authors: Aall to Azzolina

United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industr

Inequalities

Inequalities appear in various fields of natural science and engineering. Classical inequalities are still being improved and/or generalized by many researchers. That is, inequalities have been actively studied by mathematicians. In this book, we selected the papers that were published as the Special Issue ‘’Inequalities’’ in the journal Mathematics (MDPI publisher). They were ordered by similar topics for readers’ convenience and to give new and interesting results in mathematical inequalities, such as the improvements in famous inequalities, the results of Frame theory, the coefficient inequalities of functions, and the kind of convex functions used for Hermite–Hadamard inequalities. The editor believes that the contents of this book will be useful to study the latest results for researchers of this field

New Indicators for the Assessment and Prevention of Noise Nuisance

This Special Issue was launched to promote a subject that is deserving of more attention: the study of new metrics, indicators or evaluation methods for noise exposure, and the relationship of noise with annoyance or other health effects, thus not relying only on an average noise exposure measure. This Special Issue on the theme of the New Indicators for the Assessment and Prevention of Noise Nuisance has attracted the interest of authors from all over the world, with the publication of two reviews and two communications, as well as original research papers. Progress has been made in the investigated topic; however, it is still necessary to increase the awareness of the population, both in geographical terms and for workers in specific sectors, such as the marine industry. It emerged that it is essential to carry out future studies that distinguish better between different sound sources with respect to their sound quality in terms of frequency, time pattern (fluctuation, emergence), and psychoacoustic indices, because a differential human reaction to sound sources is increasingly evident. More longitudinal studies are required. However, cross-sectional studies employing a more detailed soundscape description (including background) by competing sound indices are also useful to further the required knowledge to understand the human response in terms of the broad spectrum of potential adverse effects on health and quality of life

Genetic and Morphological Variation in Tropical and Temperate Plant Species

Plants provide the foundation for the structure and function, as well as interactions, among organisms in both tropical and temperate zone habitats. To date, many investigations have revealed patterns and mechanisms generating plant diversity at various scales and from diverse ecological perspectives. However, in the era of climate change, anthropogenic disturbance, and rapid urbanization, new insights are needed to understand how plant species in these forest habitats are changing and adapting. Investigations of plants in both little-disturbed, more natural environments, as well as in urban areas in which crucial green infrastructure is ever more important for sustaining complex human societies are needed. This Special Issue of Forests will focus on plant variation from the perspectives of morphology, genetics, and function, especially plant interactions with biotic and abiotic factors. Research articles may address any aspect of plant evolution and community phylogenetics (explorations of patterns and mechanisms from diverse organismal levels, e.g., molecular, population, species, community, landscape, and ecosystem), plant functional traits (e.g., nutrient traits of leaf, stem, root; reproductive traits of flower, fruit, seed), and/or responses of plant species to changing environments (e.g., water, atmosphere, soil, human activities). Studies providing quantitative evaluation or description of interactions of plants with animals and microbes, both in natural and urban environments, including terrestrial and aquatic systems, are also welcome

Part 1, Authors: Aall to Azzolina

United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industr

Deep Learning-Based Machinery Fault Diagnostics

This book offers a compilation for experts, scholars, and researchers to present the most recent advancements, from theoretical methods to the applications of sophisticated fault diagnosis techniques. The deep learning methods for analyzing and testing complex mechanical systems are of particular interest. Special attention is given to the representation and analysis of system information, operating condition monitoring, the establishment of technical standards, and scientific support of machinery fault diagnosis

Technology of Welding and Joining

In this book, you will find information on new materials and new welding technologies. Problems related to the welding of difficult-to-weld materials are considered and solved. The latest welding technologies and processes are presented. This book provides an opportunity to learn about the latest trends and developments in the welding industry. Enjoy reading