bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency of Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 and Cytomegalovirus in Perilymph and Peripheral Blood Samples of Cochlear-Implanted Children Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction Method
Authors: Farahani Farhad , Vafaei Rad Majid , Naderifar Homa , Shariatpanahi Elnaz , Najafi-Vosough Roya , Jalilian Farid Azizi 
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim: Inner ear infection with some viruses may be one of the possible causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL). This study aims to determine the frequency of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in perilymph and peripheral blood samples of cochlear-implanted children.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 30 children with severe-to-profound SNHL (aged 1.1–5 years) underwent cochlear implantation surgery. During surgery, their perilymph and peripheral blood samples were collected. The samples were analyzed separately for the presence of herpes HSV-1, HSV-2, and CMV by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. The load of IgG and IgM antibodies against these viruses was determined using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method.
Results: The frequency of CMV in perilymph samples was 16.7% (5 patients) and in peripheral blood samples was 3.3% (1 patient). The IgG antibody against CMV and HSV- 1 was positive in 80% and 46.7% of the patients, respectively. The IgM antibody against CMV was positive in 10%. The mean IgM serum antibody load against HSV-1, HSV-2, and CMV was 2.70, 1.70, and 5.47, respectively, and the mean IgG antibody load against these viruses was 56.07, 2.50, and 23.67, respectively.
Conclusion: The IgG test is positive in cochlear-implanted children with CMV in their perilymph samples, and the CMV genome is not present in their peripheral blood. This may indicate the previous presence of this virus in the ear and its role in hearing loss.

Keywords: Sensorineural hearing loss; perilymph fluid; cytomegalovirus; herpes simplex
Is Acceptable Noise Level Affected by the Number of Competitive Talkers? An Implication of Informational Masking and Listening in Dips for Acceptable Noise Level Mechanism
Authors: Tavakoli Mostafa , Jalilvand Hamid , Mahdavi Mohammad Ebrahim , Akbarzadeh Baghban Alireza 
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim: The Acceptable Noise Level (ANL), which is an effective clinical tool for quantitative assessment of noise tolerance, is affected by some known variables related to both subject and testing materials. The present study examined how the characteristics of different babble noises may affect the ANL results in normal adult listeners.
Methods: Forty Persian listeners with normal hearing participated. In addition to typical ANL testing with 12-talker noise, the ANL was obtained in 8 different conditions varying in number of talkers from 2 to 10 in the babble noises presenting forward and backward.
Results: There was a significantly lower ANL for 2-talker babble compared to 4, 8, 10, and 12-talker babble in both forward and backward noise conditions. With the increase in talkers in noise, the ANL becomes worse but reaches almost a plateau with more than 4 talkers in babble noise. There was a statistically significant difference between 2-talker forward and 2-talker backward noises, with no difference for the other conditions.
Conclusion: This finding that the ANL is affected by the number of talkers in babble noise and by the forward and backward background noise suggests that informational masking and listening in dip mechanisms are involved in ANL for normal hearing people at least.
Keywords: Acceptable noise level; speech babble noise; listening in dips; informational masking; energetic masking
The Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Speech Perception in Noise: The Effect of Multichannel and Free-Channel Hearing Aids
Authors: Dhrruvakumar Shubhaganga , Kooknoor Vishal , Chowkalli Veerabhadrappa Rakesh 
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim: The output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is one of the essential factors in hearing aid benefits. There is limited evidence regarding SNR improvement by the Channel-Free (CFHA) and Multi-Channel Hearing Aid (MCHA) and the speech understanding in noise through them. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which output SNR was modified by CFHA and MCHA processing and the variation in aided speech recognition abilities with a change in output SNR.
Methods: Thirty-six participants aged 50–65 years were included. A chosen CFHA and MCHA were used to obtain the output SNR and sentence recognition in noise in four different processing algorithms (linear, linear+noise reduction, WDRC, WDRC+noise reduction). Hagerman’s phase inversion technique was used to measure the attenuation of noise and, in turn, to obtain the output SNR of the hearing aid.
Results: In all hearing aid processing algorithms among those with normal hearing and people with hearing loss, the output of CFHA revealed higher attenuation values than that of MCHA. There was a significant effect of the hearing aids and processing algorithms in both normal and individuals with hearing impairment on the mean SNR. Further, multiple linear regression analysis results showed that whether the hearing is channel-free or multi- channel significantly predicted speech recognition scores, while output SNR and processing algorithms did not.
Conclusion: The signal processing algorithms in CFHA had greater noise attenuation values, better output SNR, and speech recognition scores, showing an advantage over the modern MCHA among individuals with hearing impairment.

Keywords: Channel-free hearing aids; multi-channel hearing aids; sensorineural hearing loss; speech recognition
Study of Titanium Elastic Nailing in Forearm Fractures in Elderly Patients
Authors: Sharma Ashok , Suthar Tarachand , Sharma Saksham , Bhagwan Sharma Shiv 
Published: May 2024

Background: As operative techniques and the quality of implants are improving, surgical management of diaphyseal fractures of forearm bones in elderly patients is gaining widespread acceptance. Titanium elastic nailing system (TENS) provides flexural, axial, translational, and adequate rotational stability. This study aims to analyze the outcomes of the treatment of diaphyseal forearm bone fracture with TENS nail.
Methods: Elderly patients with both-bone forearm (BBFA) fractures in diaphysis were evaluated clinically and radiologically and followed for an average of six months. The outcome was assessed using the Grace-Eversmann scoring system. We followed up with all 25 patients and evaluated them every two weeks until the fracture united.
Results: After approval of the ethics committee, twenty-five elderly patients with AO type 22A3 and 22B3 fractures of the forearm bone who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken for the study. The mean age of the participants was 65 years. The average time to bone union was 12 weeks, and the average surgery time was 35 minutes. There was a superficial infection in one case. Most patients had a full range of elbow and wrist movements after the union.
Conclusion: The TENS is an acceptable and good tachnique for displaced BBFA diaphyseal fractures in elderly patients. It is easy, cheap, and convenient and gives elastic mobility, promoting a rapid union of fractures and stability, which is ideal for early mobilization. It provides a lower complication rate, shorter surgery time, good cosmetic outcome, and easy implant removal.
Grembach – etnograficzny przewodnik po łódzkim osiedlu
Authors: Karpińska Grażyna Ewa , Krupa-Ławrynowicz Aleksandra 
Published: May 2024

Grembach – etnograficzny przewodnik po łódzkim osiedlu jest pierwszą, szczegółową prezentacją fragmentu Łodzi, który do tej pory nie doczekał się odrębnego opracowania.

Grembach to osiedle robotnicze, które powstało pod koniec XIX wieku w podłódzkiej wsi Widzew. Życie na Grembachu związane było przede wszystkim z wybudowaną tu Fabryką Nici, która dawała pracę, mieszkania w przyfabrycznych domach i organizowała robotnikom czas po pracy.
W przewodniku prowadzimy czytelnika po przestrzeni osiedla, w którym robotnicy kiedyś zorganizowali „swój” świat. Jego obraz zrekonstruowałyśmy na podstawie wspomnień kilku pokoleń mieszkańców, fotografii i dokumentów archiwalnych. Podążamy śladami, które na Grembachu pozostawiła po sobie jego robotnicza przeszłość i które odsyłają nas do tego, co kiedyś „tu” było, idziemy za relacjami wspomnieniowymi odtwarzającymi życie robotników w okresie międzywojennym i w czasie PRL.

Projekt zrealizowany przy wsparciu finansowym Fabryki Nici ARIADNA S.A. oraz Fundacji na rzecz Edukacji i Kultury Ei-Ka
Computational Modeling of Sodium Ion Channel-Based Glucose Sensing Biophysics to Study Cardiac Atrial Cell Electrophysiology
Authors: Mahapatra Chitaranjan , Shanmugam Kirubanandan 
Published: May 2024

Elevated blood glucose levels, known as glycemia, play a significant role in sudden cardiac arrest, often resulting in sudden cardiac death, particularly among those with diabetes. Understanding the internal mechanisms has been a challenge for healthcare professionals, leading many research groups to investigate the relationship between blood glucose levels and cardiac electrical activity. Our hypothesis suggests that glucose-sensing biophysics mechanisms in cardiac tissue could clarify this connection. To explore this, we adapted a single-compartment, computational model of the human atrial node&#039;s action potential. We incorporated glucose-sensing mechanisms with voltage-gated sodium ion channels using ordinary differential equations. Parameters for the model were based on existing experimental studies to mimic the impact of glucose levels on atrial node action potential firing. Simulations using voltage clamp and current clamp techniques showed that elevated glucose levels decreased sodium ion channel currents, leading to a reduction in the sinoatrial node action potential frequency. In summary, our mathematical model provides a cellular-level understanding of how high glucose levels can lead to bradycardia and sudden cardiac death.
Detectable Radius of Investigation for One Flow Period with Bourdet Derivative
Authors: Jiang Lei , Chen Li , Yu Hua , Kristensen Morten , Gisolf Adriaan , Dumont Hadrien 
Published: May 2024

Summary
A new definition of the radius of investigation (ROI) is proposed to overcome the ambiguity present in the results from conventional ROI quantification methods. The term ROI is commonly used to quantify the minimum reservoir size or the distance to a potential boundary evaluated through pressure transient testing. However, the various methods available in the literature to quantify ROI often provide different answers stemming from varying assumptions and thus often lead to confusion in terms of the appropriate definition to choose. Although the ROI method developed by Van Poolen is well recognized in the industry, there is still debate about its general applicability because it is limited to a constant-rate flow period and is insensitive to flow rate, flow sequence, gauge resolution, and measurement noise level. This contrasts with operational experience, where a higher flow rate, higher gauge precision, and lower level of measurement noise lead to higher quality pressure transient testing data from which reservoir boundaries, or other features, can be identified farther away from the wellbore. In other words, higher flow rates, better gauges, and lower noise levels can lead to a larger achievable ROI.
We propose a new definition of ROI, which is the detectable ROI for each drawdown or buildup flow period. The detectable ROI is derived from the actual pressure derivative response and not from a generic model assumption. By defining a derivative noise envelope, the new method clearly identifies the time when the derivative deviates from an unbounded model due to the presence of a boundary and thus provides an estimate of the detectable ROI for the analyzed period.
This method overcomes the limitations of most conventional methods and provides ROI predictions that depend on flow rate and gauge noise while maintaining a consistent result with the current pressure transient interpretation. While detectable ROI is applicable for general drawdown/buildup pressure transient tests, the concept was developed with deep transient testing (DTT) in mind.
Improvement in Well Integrity by Mitigating Casing to Cement Debonding Using Advanced Technique
Authors: Alibrahim Mohammed , Jezany Mahdy , Sadeed Ahmed , Allam Belal 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This paper addresses the deployment of an external protective coating with a rough surface profile on wells identified as susceptible to common well cementing issues. It presents the associated challenges and highlights the distinctive benefits and robustness of the solution in effectively enhancing the well integrity. Initially, experimental investigations were conducted to assess the impact of casing surface profile on casing/cement bond quality. Subsequently, candidate wells were selected where additional cementing requirements was required to reinforce well integrity. Coated casings with rough surface profiles were deployed, followed by Cement Bond Logs (CBL) to evaluate the quality of casing/cement bond. The CBL responses of the selected wells were then compared to wells utilizing bare casings. The results indicated that the casing surface roughness due to external protective coating serves a dual purpose of corrosion protection and establishing a robust bond with cement. The corrosion logs provided a positive indication of good corrosion prevention. The findings from the CBL-VDL logs were aligned with the presence of a sturdy casing/cement bond. Cement bond logs from the wells, in which casing surface roughness is high, revealed the establishment of a solid cement/casing bond. The study indicated that an increase in surface roughness contributed to shear bond strength. The protective coating reinforced with special quartz, to provide high surface roughness, created a robust and rough surface that not only prevented corrosion initiation/propagation but also fostered a strong bond between the casing and cement. The outcomes indicated that the implementation of this innovative technique does not only provide corrosion protection but also enhanced casing-cement bond. Thus, it lowered the risk of fluid migration, consequently, mitigating sustained casing pressure. Therefore, it extended the lifespan of producing wells, resulting in notable cost reductions by eliminating frequent shut-in and costly workovers.
Challenges in Performing Coiled Tubing Zonal Isolation in a Well with Integrity Complication and the Probable Low-Cost Solutions; A Case Study in Balingian Basin
Authors: Karim Nurul. A. , Chua Hing. L. , Mokhtar Mohd. K. Mohd , Choi Yee. X. , Barat Junnyaruin. , Saleh Nur. E. , Amran Amierul. , Yap Yin. H. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This paper discusses the common operation challenges when performing Coiled Tubing Cement Zonal Isolation in a well with integrity complications and offers probable solutions to mitigate the operational risks introduced by the well integrity issues.
Our case study, well Y is situated in the shallow offshore terrain in Balingian Basin. This well was completed as a Dual String Completion Oil Producer in the year 1986. After years of production, well Y experienced multiple leaks in its production tubing, and the leaks were successfully isolated by tubing patches.
During well intervention campaign, these multiple tubing patches need to be retrieved to allow Coiled Tubing to pass through the well inner diameter (ID) which leaves the well to be in a leaking condition again.
A comprehensive risk assessment was conducted to identify the feasibility of performing Coiled Tubing Cement Zonal Isolation in a leaking tubing and recommended solutions to achieve a successful Zonal Isolation. Few of the vital criteria that enabled this campaign to be executed were the location of tubing leaks that were ways above the intended top of cement, the Production Packer Integrity was intact, and the use of Cement Retainer in the operation.
The low-cost solutions recommended were to (1) fill up both production casing and tubing with fluid to enable Production Packer – Tubing Integrity / Cement Retainer Integrity to be evaluated appropriately, (2) use of Single Trip Cast Iron Cement Retainer to avoid difficulties in sting-in or (3) use of Modified Cement Retainer with Dual Flapper Check Valve (DFCV) and Pump Out Plug to facilitate Cement Retainer Integrity Test in case if result from solution (1) was misleading or not available.
This paper therefore details all the operation approaches taken by the project team in accessing the available well data and how the integrity problems were addressed. This paper intends to guide well engineer who might face similar well integrity challenges in their intervention campaign.
DCT-based Perceptual Loss For Screen Content Image Super-Resolution
Authors: Sekhavaty-Moghadam Hossein , Hosseinkhani Marzieh , Mansouri Azadeh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The acceptable results of deep learning led to the use of the deep neural network on a wide range of models, including image super-resolution. The performance of the deep neural network is directly affected by its loss function. Most methods use intensity loss, such as MSE, which computes the difference between the predicted image and the ground truth. Since the structural information of a scene is more sensitive to the human visual system, it is desired that the loss function could measure the impact of the structural error. In addition, the use of screen content images has become widespread because of many applications such as desktop-sharing and remote computing. As a result, super-resolution of screen content images becomes a crucial technique to enhance the quality of low-resolution images. In the presented loss function, the structural error is weighted by employing DCT components. The model is trained and tested using the screen content images, and the experimental subjective and objective results illustrate the effectiveness of the presented loss for screen content images.
Using citizen science to protect threatened amphibian populations in Mediterranean urban spaces
Authors: Darel Omer , Rybak Olga , Levy Asaf Ben , Kolodny Gabi , Kis-Papo Tamar , Alon Nirit Lavie , Vidan Rotem , Kolodny Oren 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Over 40% of known amphibian species are threatened, with urbanization as one of the major threats to their continued survival. Conservation efforts to sustain viable amphibian populations within urban spaces may play a meaningful part in protecting amphibian species. To explore the factors that influence the viability of urban amphibian population in Mediterranean environments, we used a capture-recapture analysis applied to a large dataset collected in a multi-year citizen science program, focused on two Salamandra infraimmaculata populations within Haifa, and to a second dataset that we collected for two Bufotes variabilis populations within Jerusalem and at a nature reserve near it. Individuals of both species have individually-unique patterns of dorsal spots, which allowed for noninvasive recapture identification. Using the salamander dataset, we developed a length-based age-estimation method and discovered a prolonged period of increased vulnerability throughout their first years of life, even after reaching sexual maturity, a finding with important implications for management of such populations. Additionally, the shared conclusions from the two case studies indicate that the creation of fish-containing artificial water bodies in Mediterranean habitats can have highly detrimental impacts on amphibian populations. The study uncovered population-specific information, such as unknown breeding sites and population size estimates, of importance for their conservation, and demonstrates the utility of citizen science in study and conservation of urban ecology.
Green Transformation and Enterprise Performance Efficiency Evaluation of Listed Thermal Power Enterprises in China: A Three-Stage DEA Model Based on Environmental Tax Burden
Authors: Liu Xiao-yan , Ren Fang-rong , Sun Fang-yi , Yuan Xiaomei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The recent occurrence of global extreme climate events has prompted the international community to pay more attention to environmental issues. Characterized by high emissions and high pollution, thermal power enterprises have entered a critical period of transition towards clean energy. In response to the increasingly serious environmental pollution problem, the China government has begun to levy environmental protection taxes nationwide. This research selects 21 listed thermal power enterprises in China as the sample and uses a three-stage (operation, green transformation, and market performance) DEA evaluation model to evaluate the efficiency of their green transformation and corporate performance. We integrate comprehensive indicators such as ESG (environment, social, governance), stock price, and energy substitution returns into the model and conduct comparative research based on the macro-level policies and geographical location of the enterprises’ location. Using environmental tax burden as an exogenous variable, comparative analysis is conducted on corporate efficiency before and after adjusting the environmental tax burden. In terms of overall efficiency, there is a certain positive correlation between the overall efficiency value of thermal power enterprises and the economic development of the region in which they are located. In terms of stage efficiency, the green transformation efficiency of most thermal power enterprises is superior to market performance efficiency. In terms of sub-indicator efficiency, the efficiency values of input-output indicators in various stages of thermal power enterprises are mostly in a stable and progressive state. The environmental tax burden mainly improves the overall efficiency of thermal power enterprises by raising operational efficiency and green transformation stage efficiency, without affecting market performance efficiency. To further increase efficiency, thermal power enterprises should actively establish communication channels with stakeholders and alleviate financial difficulties caused by green transformation as much as possible. In addition to continuing to implement environmental tax collection, government departments should also designate a series of targeted subsidy policies.
In-cabin particulate matter exposure of heavy earth moving machinery operators in Indian opencast coal mine
Authors: Pradhan Dhruti Sundar , Patra Aditya , Santra Samrat , Penchala Abhishek , Sahu Satya Prakash 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As a part of their occupation, the operators of heavy earth moving machineries (HEMM) working in opencast mines are exposed to several air pollutants, prominent one being the airborne particulate matter. The paper presents the findings from a study that was aimed at investigating the particulate matter exposure of heavy earth moving machineries (HEMM’s) operators in highly mechanized opencast mines. The HEMMs included in the study are dumper, shovel and drill. The mean in-cabin PM10 concentrations of dumper and shovel, which had an air-conditioning system in the cabin, were in the range of 600–650 µg m− 3. Operators inside the drill cabin that did not have air conditioning systems were exposed to as high as 1992 µg m− 3 However, cabins were effective in preventing up to 20% particulate matter exposure by the operators in comparison to persons working in an open mine atmosphere. The main haul road in mines contributed ~ 50% higher exposure than the internal haul roads. Coarse particles (PM10) are retained in upper respiratory tracts while the fines (PM2.5 and PM1) travel via tracheobronchial region and reach the alveolar region. Occupational exposure of HEMM operators to different pollutants in a mine is at present very limited and therefore more studies need to be conducted.