bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of laparoscopic versus conventional open cryptorchidectomies on intraoperative and postoperative complications and duration of surgery, anesthesia, and hospital stay in horses
Authors: Cribb Nicola C. , Koenig Judith , Sorge Ulrike 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Objective—To compare surgical preparation time, surgery and anesthesia times, hospitalization duration, and intra- and postoperative complications between laparoscopic and conventional open cryptorchidectomy in horses.
Design—Retrospective cohort study.
Animals—60 horses that underwent cryptorchidectomy.
Procedures—Medical records were reviewed to identify horses that had undergone cryptorchidectomy from 1991 to 2012. Thirty horses that underwent laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy (case horses) were matched with 30 control horses that had undergone open cryptorchidectomy (ie, inguinal and parainguinal surgical approaches). Horses were matched according to history of previous surgery, testicle location, and type of closure following removal of an undescended unilateral testicle. Duration of surgery, surgical preparation and anesthesia times, hospitalization duration, and number of intra- and postoperative complications were compared between horses that underwent laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy versus open cryptorchidectomy. Comparisons were also made between horses in terms of whether there was a history of previous failed cryptorchidectomy or unknown location of testicle prior to surgery.
Results—Horses that underwent laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy had significantly longer surgery and anesthesia times overall, compared with horses that underwent open cryptorchidectomy. No difference in surgery time was found between case and control horses that had a previous surgical attempt to remove an undescended testicle or in which the testicle location was unknown prior to surgery. Overall, horses undergoing laparoscopy had a nonsignificant increase in intraoperative complications, compared with control horses, and had significantly more postoperative complications.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Horses undergoing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy had increased surgical preparation time, increased surgery and anesthesia times, and more postoperative complications, compared with horses undergoing open cryptorchictomy. Laparoscopy may be advantageous for a second attempt at cryptorchidectomy or if the testicle location is unknown prior to surgery.
Definition and Measure of the Sound Quality of the Machine
Authors: Pleban Dariusz 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The analysis of available literature indicates that tests of products sound quality, which would not involve participation of groups of listeners supposed to evaluate the sounds emitted by these products, are neither carried out in Poland, nor in the world. That results in the fact that the products sound quality is determined on the basis of psychoacoustic information and comprises both objective and subjective factors of sound perception. With reference to those factors and to different life cycles of the machine, an original definition of the “sound quality of the machine” has been developed and presented in this article. The global index of the acoustic quality of the machine, accounting for the relations between the noise level at the workstation and the selected parameters characterising both the machine's sound activity and the working environment, was adopted as the measure of the sound quality of the machine. The experiments that followed confirmed the appropriateness of the assessment made with the use of the global index of acoustic quality.
Type a Standard Uncertainty of Long-Term Noise Indicators
Authors: Batko Wojciech Michał , Stępień Bartłomiej 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The problem of estimation of the long-term environmental noise hazard indicators and their uncertainty is presented in the present paper. The type A standard uncertainty is defined by the standard deviation of the mean. The rules given in the ISO/IEC Guide 98 are used in the calculations. It is usually determined by means of the classic variance estimators, under the following assumptions: the normality of measurements results, adequate sample size, lack of correlation between elements of the sample and observation equivalence. However, such assumptions in relation to the acoustic measurements are rather questionable. This is the reason why the authors indicated the necessity of implementation of non-classical statistical solutions. An estimation idea of seeking density function of long-term noise indicators distribution by the kernel density estimation, bootstrap method and Bayesian inference have been formulated. These methods do not generate limitations for form and properties of analyzed statistics. The theoretical basis of the proposed methods is presented in this paper as well as an example of calculation process of expected value and variance of long-term noise indicators LDEN and LN. The illustration of indicated solutions and their usefulness analysis were constant due to monitoring results of traffic noise recorded in Cracow, Poland.
Annoyance Related to Wind Turbine Noise
Authors: Pawlaczyk-łuszczyńska Małgorzata , Dudarewicz Adam , Zaborowski Kamil , Zamojska-Daniszewska Małgorzata , Waszkowska Małgorzata 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
A questionnaire inquiry on response to wind turbine noise was carried out on 361 subjects living in the vicinity of 8 wind farms. Current mental health status of respondents was assessed using Goldberg General Health Questionnaire GHQ-12. For areas where respondents lived, A-weighted sound pressure levels (SPLs) were calculated as the sum of the contributions from the wind power plants in the specific area.
Generally, 33.0% of respondents were annoyed outdoors by wind turbine noise at the calculated A-weighted SPL of 31-50 dB, while indoors the noise was annoying to 21.3% of them. The proportion of subjects evaluating the noise produced by operative wind turbines as annoying decreased with increasing the distance from the nearest wind turbine (27.6% at the distance of 400-800 m vs 14.3% at the distance above 800 m, p < 0.016). On the other hand, the higher was the noise level, the greater was the percentage of annoyed respondents (14.0% at SPL up to 40 dB vs 28.1% at SPL of 40-45 dB, p < 0.016). Besides noise and distance categories, subjective factors, such as general attitude to wind turbines, sensitivity to landscape littering and current mental health status, were found to have significant impact on the perceived annoyance. About 50% of variance in annoyance rating might be explained by the aforesaid subjective factors.
In Memoriam. Elżbieta Maria Walerian, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Authors: Meissner Mirosław 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Elżbieta M. Walerian, Ph.D., D.Sc., a retired employee of the Institute of Fundamental Technological Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IPPT PAN), passed away after a serious illness, on the 26th December 2013. She was one of the scientific leaders in the Section of Environmental Acoustics of IPPT PAN and her career, educational and organizational activities were inseparably linked with the acoustics. Elżbieta Walerian was born on August 9th 1950 in Poznań. She graduated from the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry of the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, receiving her Master of Science degree in the environmental acoustics in 1973. Five years later, under the supervision of Professor Ignacy Malecki, she obtained her PhD title, in the physical acoustics, in IPPT PAN in Warsaw. In 1979 she began working at the Section of Environmental Acoustics of IPPT PAN, where she dealt with the diffraction of acoustic waves and a description of the sound field produced by vehicles moving in an urban area.
Magnitude Modelling of HRTF Using Principal Component Analysis Applied to Complex Values
Authors: Ramos Oscar Alberto , Tommasini Fabián Carlos 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Principal components analysis (PCA) is frequently used for modelling the magnitude of the head-related transfer functions (HRTFs). Assuming that the HRTFs are minimum phase systems, the phase is obtained from the Hilbert transform of the log-magnitude. In recent years, the PCA applied to HRTFs is also used to model individual HRTFs relating the PCA weights with anthropometric measurements of the head, torso and pinnae. The HRTF log-magnitude is the most used format of input data to the PCA, but it has been shown that if the input data is HRTF linear magnitude, the cumulative variance converges faster, and the mean square error (MSE) is smaller. This study demonstrates that PCA applied directly on HRTF complex values is even better than the two formats mentioned above, that is, the MSE is the smallest and the cumulative variance converges faster after the 8th principal component. Different objective experiments around all the median plane put in evidence the differences which, although small, seem to be perceptually detectable. To elucidate this point, psychoacoustic discrimination tests are done between measured and reconstructed HRTFs from the three types of input data mentioned, in the median plane between -45°. and +9°.
Chinese Syllable and Phoneme Identification in Noise and Reverberation
Authors: Peng Jianxin 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Chinese is a tonal language, which differentiates it from non-tonal languages in the Western countries. A Chinese character consists of an initial, a final, and a tone. In the present study, the effects of noise and reverberation on the Chinese syllable, initial, final, and tone identification in rooms were investigated by using simulated binaural impulse responses through auralization method. The results show that the syllable identification score is the lowest, the tone identification score is the highest, and the initial identification scores are lower than those of the final identification under the same reverberation time and signal-to-noise ratio condition. The Chinese syllable, initial, and final identification scores increase with the increase of signal-to-noise ratio and decrease of the reverberation time. The noise and reverberation have insignificant effects on the Chinese tone identification scores under most room acoustical environments. The statistical relationship between the Chinese syllable articulation and phoneme articulation had been experimentally proved under different noise and reverberation conditions in simulated rooms.
Optimal Design of Piezoelectric Actuators for Shunt Damping Techniques
Authors: Neubauer Marcus 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
In vibration control with piezoceramics, a high coupling of the piezoelement with the structure is desired. A high coupling improves the damping performance of passive techniques like shunt damping. The coupling can be influenced by a the material properties of the piezoceramics, but also by the placement within the structure and the size of the transducer. Detailed knowlegde about the vibration behavior of the structure is required for this. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the optimal shape of piezoelectric elements. General results for one-dimensional, but inhomogeneos strain distribution are provided. These results are applied to the case of a longitudinal transducer and a bending bimorph. It is obtained that for maximum coupling, only a certain fracture of the volume should be made of piezoelectric material&
FEM Analysis of Active Reduction of Torsional Vibrations of Clamped-Free Beam by Piezoelectric Elements for Separated Modes
Authors: Augustyn Elżbieta , Kozień Marek S. , Pracik Michał 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Beams with rectangular cross-section, with large length-to-width ratio, can be excited to torsional vibrations. If the piezoelectric elements are mounted to the beam in pairs at the same cross-section with two separated elements positioned on the same side of the beam, and the voltages applied to them are in the opposite phase, they produce twisting moments which can be applied to reduce the torsional vibrations. Results of FEM simulations are presented and analysed in the paper. All analyses are performed for a steel free-clamped beam. The piezoelectric elements made of PZT material are mounted in pairs on one side of the beam. The analyses are done for separated natural modes.
Technical Note. Optimization of Parameters for a Damped Oscillator Excited by a Sequence of Random Pulses
Authors: Ozga Agnieszka 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The paper is another step in discussion concerning the method of determining the distributions of pulses forcing vibrations of a system. Solving a stochastic problem for systems subjected to random series of pulses requires determining the distribution for a linear oscillator with damping. The goal of the study is to minimize the error issuing from the finite time interval. The applied model of investigations is supposed to answer the question how to select the parameters of a vibrating system so that the difference between the actual distribution of random pulses and that determined from the waveform is as small as possible.
Other-initiated repair in Lao
Authors: Enfield N. J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis article describes the interactional patterns and linguistic structures associated with otherinitiated repair, as observed in a corpus of video-recorded conversation in the Lao language (a Southwestern Tai language spoken in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia). The article reports findings specific to the Lao language from the comparative project that is the topic of this special issue. While the scope is general to the overall pattern of other-initiated repair as a set of practices and a system of semiotic resources, special attention is given to (1) the range of repair operations that are elicited by open other-initiators of repair in Lao, especially the subtle changes made when problem turns are repeated, and (2) the use of phrase-final particles—a characteristic feature of Lao grammar—in the marking of both other-initiations of repair and repair solution turns.
Cannabis, Lord Shiva and Holy Men: Cannabis Use Among Sadhus in Nepal
Authors: Acharya S L , Howard J , Panta S B , Mahatma S S , Copeland J 
Published: April 2015

Background: Despite being illegal in Nepal, cannabis grows wild, is cultivated, readily available and often consumed during religious festivals, such as those in honour of the Hindu god Shiva. Holy men (sadhus) also consume cannabis to aid meditation, and many are believed to suggest that as a substance favoured by Lord Shiva, and, as such, should be used. However, there are concerns that all cannabis use in Nepal is not benign, and that there are negative health and social consequences from its use for some consumers. Objectives: This study sought the views of sadhus in Nepal.Method: During the major Shiva festival at Pashupathinath temple complex in Kathmandu, Nepal, 200 sadhus were surveyed. Results: Most used cannabis daily, a quarter believed cannabis and its use to be legal in Nepal, and a further ten percent were unsure, about one third believed cannabis should be used by Hindus, but only fourteen believed Lord Shiva promoted its use. Those less educated and from the Naga sect were more likely to hold such views, and provide cannabis to devotees. Conclusions: Sadhus with evidence-based information about cannabis and its potential harms can play an important role in assisting to reduce harm and facilitate engagement in treatment. J Psychiatric Association of Nepal Vol .3, No.2, 2014, pp:9-14DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v3i2.12379
Profile of Patients Attending as Psychiatric Emergency at General Hospital
Authors: Tulachan P , Chapagain M , Ojha S P , Dhungana S 
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Scaling of services in any area requires knowledge of the pattern of illnesses and their various presentations. We therefore conducted this study aiming to see the pattern of neuropsychiatric illness in an emergency department of tertiary care center. Methods: A prospective study was carried out to assess the pattern of psychiatric morbidity as well as pattern of presenting symptoms in the general emergency room services. Total 340 patients were sought for psychiatric consultation over a period of one and half years from Emergency Room of Tribhuvan University Teaching hospital, Kathmandu.Results: Out of these patients, 281 patients (82.7%) were found to have diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Most of the patients were in the age group of 31-40 years (25.6%), and from valley itself (56.2%).Males (55.9%) outnumbered females. Most common presenting symptoms were disturbed behavior and intentional self harm. Out of the patients who received the diagnosis of Category F- Mental and Behavioral disorders of the ICD-10 (82.7%), 26.8% were suffering from the Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders and 26.5% were suffering from Mental and behavioral disorder due to psychoactive substance use. From the remaining 17.3% of patients, 14.1% of cases belonged to who attempted intentional self harm and rest were suffering from systemic disorder.Conclusion: Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of clinical and demographic characteristics of patients seeking psychiatric care in emergency service in order provide proper management.J Psychiatric Association of Nepal Vol .3, No.2, 2014, pp: 31-36DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v3i2.12387
Schalenhärtung mittels Hochgeschwindigkeits-Abschreckung* Teil 1
Authors: Frerichs F. , Fritsching U. , Lübben Th. , Sander S. , Schüttenberg S. 
Published: April 2015

KurzfassungEin zentrales Zieldieser Arbeit war die Ermittlung von Prozessfenstern, innerhalb derer eine Schalenhärtung mit unlegierten Stählen möglich ist. Dabei mussten drei Kriterien erfüllt werden, damit eine Schalenhärtung als sinnvoll angesehen wird: Erstens muss eine ausreichende Härtung am Rand vorliegen und zweitens muss ein signifikanter Härteabfall zum Kern der Bauteile erfolgen. Das dritte und wichtigste Kriterium ist die Erzeugung von möglichst hohen Druckeigenspannungen am Rand durch sehr große Wärmeübergangskoeffizienten, die dazu beitragen sollen, die Lebensdauer der Bauteile zu erhöhen. In den Untersuchungen, die in einer speziellen Anlage für Hochgeschwindigkeits-Abschreckung durchgeführt wurden, ist es gelungen, mit Wasser hohe Wärmeübergangskoeffizienten zu erzeugen und zu messen. Aus den erzielten Ergebnissen der experimentellen Untersuchungen und begleitenden Wärmebehandlungssimulationen konnten Prozessfenster für zylindrische Bauteile aus unlegierten Stählen ermittelt werden, bei denen alle drei oben genannten Bedingungen erfüllt werden. Im letzten Schritt wurden an Zahnrädern und zylindrischen Bauteilen in enger Kooperation mit der Forschungsstelle für Zahnräder und Getriebebau (FZG) an der TU München bzw. der Fa. Hilti Lebensdaueruntersuchungen durchgeführt. Neben experimentellen Untersuchungen an Wellen werden in dieser Arbeit auch ausgewählte Ergebnisse aus den Bereichen Werkzeugauslegung mittels Strömungssimulation, Wärmeübergangsbestimmung, Wärmebehandlungssimulation und Lebensdaueruntersuchungen vorgestellt.
Thermodynamic description of the Ti–O system
Authors: Hampl Milan , Schmid-Fetzer Rainer 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Phase diagram and thermodynamic data of the complete binary Ti–O system are assessed using the Calphad method. The main focus is on the proper description of high temperature titanium monoxide TiO
x
phase using the common compound energy formalism. The structural data of this complex solid solution phase could be successfully modeled together with the phase equilibrium and thermodynamic data, embedded in the comprehensive Ti–O assessment. The presentation of all original phase equilibrium data in the entire system indicates the well or less well established regions in comparison with the calculated phase diagram.
How do sea-ice concentrations from operational data compare with passive microwave estimates? Implications for improved model evaluations and forecasting
Authors: Meier Walter N. , Fetterer Florence , Stewart J. Scott , Helfrich Sean 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPassive microwave sensors have produced a 35 year record of sea-ice concentration variability and change. Operational analyses combine a variety of remote-sensing inputs and other sources via manual integration to create high-resolution, accurate charts of ice conditions in support of navigation and operational forecast models. One such product is the daily Multisensor Analyzed Sea Ice Extent (MASIE). The higher spatial resolution along with multiple input data and manual analysis potentially provide more precise mapping of the ice edge than passive microwave estimates. However, since MASIE is based on an operational product, estimates may be inconsistent over time due to variations in input data quality and availability. Comparisons indicate that MASIE shows higher Arctic-wide extent values throughout most of the year, largely because of the limitations of passive microwave sensors in some conditions (e.g. surface melt). However, during some parts of the year, MASIE tends to indicate less ice than estimated by passive microwave sensors. These comparisons yield a better understanding of operational and research sea-ice data products; this in turn has important implications for their use in climate and weather models.
Clinical Remission in Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis Treated with Adalimumab and Correlations in Joint and Skin Manifestations
Authors: Van den Bosch Filip , Kavanaugh Arthur , Kron Martina , Kupper Hartmut , Mease Philip J. 
Published: April 2015

Objective.Adalimumab (ADA) was evaluated for its efficacy in patients with moderate to severely active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and for the presence of correlations in disease change variables.Methods.Patients with inadequate response to standard PsA therapy were given 40 mg of ADA every other week for up to 12 weeks or 20 weeks. Outcome variables encompassed tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), physician’s global assessment (PGA) of psoriasis, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), patient’s global assessment (PtGA) of disease activity and pain, C-reactive protein, as well as composite measures of disease activity. Patients with inactive skin disease symptoms at baseline were excluded from the remission analyses.Results.Of 268 patients with active baseline joint and skin disease and data available at Week 12 following open-label ADA therapy, 73 achieved joint remission (27.2%, TJC ≤ 1 + SJC ≤ 1) and 144 achieved skin remission criteria (53.7%, PGA = clear/almost clear). Simultaneous joint and skin remission criteria were achieved in 16.0% and 24.8% of patients at weeks 12 and 20, respectively. In patients who did not achieve skin and/or joint remission, 12-week ADA treatment improved mean clinical and functional scores. Joint remission was more frequently associated with achieving clinically relevant outcomes including HAQ, PtGA disease activity, and PtGA pain compared to skin remission. No correlation between improvement in skin and joint disease was observed.Conclusion.ADA was effective in achieving strict criteria for remission in joint or skin disease in many patients with active PsA within 12 weeks and sustained through 20 weeks. (NCT00235885)