bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An enhanced estimator of finite population variance using two auxiliary variables under simple random sampling
Authors: Ahmad Sohaib , Adichwal Nitesh Kumar , Aamir Muhammad , Shabbir Javid , Alsadat Najwan , Elgarhy Mohammed , Ahmad Hijaz 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this article, we have suggested a new improved estimator for estimation of finite population variance under simple random sampling. We use two auxiliary variables to improve the efficiency of estimator. The numerical expressions for the bias and mean square error are derived up to the first order approximation. To evaluate the efficiency of the new estimator, we conduct a numerical study using four real data sets and a simulation study. The result shows that the suggested estimator has a minimum mean square error and higher percentage relative efficiency as compared to all the existing estimators. These findings demonstrate the significance of our suggested estimator and highlight its potential applications in various fields. Theoretical and numerical analyses show that our suggested estimator outperforms all existing estimators in terms of efficiency. This demonstrates the practical value of incorporating auxiliary variables into the estimation process and the potential for future research in this area.
A novel approach for power ramps classification in wind generation
Authors: Eltohamy M. Saber , Abdel Moteleb M. Said , Talaat Hossam E. A. , Mekhamer S. F. , Omran Walid A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRamp events are characterized by large power changes in a short period and increase with increasing renewable generation. Even with hourly forecasts, their predictions are still unreliable. Thus, grid operators should classify these power ramps to understand their expected occurrence periods and range to balance them. Previous research was based on a binary classification of ramp events, which assumed that ramp events were similar to one another, which is not true. Some other studies used randomization and non-causative classification methods. Hence, a more accurate method is still needed. The paper presents two new methods for ramp event classification. The first method depends on the standard deviation score, and the second method assigns a score to each ramp, which depends on the maximum value of the historical power ramps that occurred within the studied time period. The new classification methods are applied to the output power of Belgium’s aggregated wind farms from 2015 to 2019, and the relative frequency of each ramp category is determined. The results revealed that, even though the capacity of wind installations has doubled, ramping behaviour is nearly the same in all years.
Pore size engineering of cost-effective all-nanoporous multilayer membranes for propane/propylene separation
Authors: Dehghan Fahime , Rashidi Alimorad , Parvizian Fahime , Moghadassi Abdolreza 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this study, a new multi-layer hybrid nanocomposite membrane named MFI/GO/ZIF-8 has been synthesized. This membrane combines three nanoporous materials with different morphologies in one membrane without using polymer materials. This allows access to a previously accessible region of very high permeability and selectivity properties. In addition to introducing a new and efficient MFI/GO/ZIF-8 membrane in this work, controlling the pore size of the zeolite layer has been investigated to increase the selectivity and permeability of propylene. The membrane was made using a solvent-free hydrothermal method and a layer-by-layer deposition method. To control the pore size of the MFI layer, a two-step synthesis strategy has been implemented. In the first step, three key parameters, including crystallization time, NaOH concentration and aging time of initial suspension, are controlled. In the second step, the effect of three additional parameters including hydrothermal time, hydrothermal temperature and NH4F concentration has been investigated. The results show that the optimal pore size has decreased from 177.8 nm to 120.53 nm (i.e., 32.2%). The MFI/GO/ZIF-8 membrane with fine-tuned crystal size in the zeolite layer was subjected to detailed tests for propylene selectivity and permeability. The structural characteristics of the membrane were also performed using FT-IR, XRD, FESEM and EDS techniques. The results show that the synergistic interaction between the three layers in the nanocomposite membrane significantly improves the selectivity and permeability of propylene. The permeability and selectivity of propylene increased from 50 to 60 GPU and from 136 to 177, respectively, before and after precise crystal size control. MFI/GO/ZIF-8 membrane by controlling the pore size of the zeolite layer shows a significant increase of 23.1% in selectivity and 16.7% in propylene permeability compared to the initial state. Also, due to the precise synthesis method, the absence of solvent and the use of cheap support, the prepared membrane is considered an environmentally friendly and low-cost membrane. This study emphasizes the potential of increasing the selectivity and permeability of propylene in the MFI/GO/ZIF-8 hybrid membrane by controlling the crystal size of the zeolite layer.
Comparing Direct-to-Consumer Devices to Hearing Aids: Amplification Accuracy for Three Types of Hearing Loss
Authors: Sheffield Sterling W. , Jacobs Molly , Ellis Charles , Gerasimchik Amber 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration finalized regulations for over-the-counter hearing aids (OTC-HAs) on August 17, 2022. Little is known about the comparative performance of OTC-HAs and prescription HAs. This study compared amplification accuracy of prescription HAs and direct-to-consumer devices (DTCDs, including personal sound amplification products [PSAPs] and OTC-HAs).

Method:
Eleven devices were programmed to meet prescriptive targets in an acoustic manikin for three degrees of hearing loss. Devices consisted of high- and low-end HAs, PSAPS, and OTC-HAs. Each was tested, and deviations from target measured with an HA analyzer at every combination of 10 frequencies and low-, average-, and high-level inputs. Accuracy was compared using a multilevel Poisson model with device-specific intercepts controlling for input level, frequency, and device type.

Results:

For mild–moderate hearing loss, deviations from targets were not statistically different between high- and low-end HAs, but PSAPs (5.50 dB,
SE
= 0.92 dB) and OTC-HAs (8.83 dB,
SE
= 1.10 dB) had larger differentials. For flat moderate hearing loss, compared to high-end HAs, average differentials were larger for all device types at all input levels and frequencies (Low HA: 3.82 dB,
SE
= 1.10 dB; PSAP: 9.24 dB,
SE
= 1.22 dB; OTC-HA: 8.61 dB,
SE
= 1.19 dB). For mild sloping to severe hearing loss, compared to high-end HAs, OTC-HAs (9.72 dB,
SE
= 1.20 dB) and PSAPs (7.34 dB,
SE
= 1.07 dB) had larger differentials and significant variability at the highest and lowest frequencies. Half (three) of the PSAPs and OTC-HAs met most targets within ±5 dB.

Conclusions:
DTCDs were unable to meet prescriptive targets for severe types of hearing loss but could meet them for mild hearing loss. This study provides an examination of current hearing devices. More research is needed to determine whether meeting prescriptive targets provides any benefit in the outcomes and performance with DTCD devices.
Pitch Variation Skills in Cantonese Speakers With Apraxia of Speech After Stroke: Preliminary Findings of Acoustic Analyses
Authors: Wong Eddy C. H. , Wong Min Ney , Chen Si , Lin Joyce Y. W. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Literature on apraxia of speech (AOS) in Chinese speakers is sparse compared to the English literature. This study aims to examine the pitch variation skills of Cantonese adults with AOS poststroke in terms of perceptual tone accuracy, acoustic fundamental frequency (
f
o
) changes, and repetition durations on items with different syllable structures, lexical status, and tone syllables in various positions in a sequencing context.

Method:

Six Cantonese adults with AOS poststroke (AOS group), six adults without AOS poststroke (nAOS group), and six healthy controls (HC group) performed the tone sequencing task (TST), which was adapted from oral diadochokinetic tasks, with three different tone syllables. Tone accuracy,
f
o
values across 10 time points, and acoustic repetition durations were compared within and between the groups.

Results:

The AOS group produced significantly lower tone accuracy and different
f
o
changes on the three Cantonese tone syllables compared with the control groups and significantly longer repetition durations than the HC group. The AOS group showed more difficulty with the tone syllables with the consonant–vowel structure, while a priming effect was observed on the T2 (high-rising) syllables with lexical meanings. A unique lowering of
f
o
in the final syllable of the trisyllabic items was observed only in the AOS group.

Conclusions:
The AOS group showed degraded pitch variation skills. The effects of the three linguistic elements were discussed. Future investigations are called for to adapt the TST in other tonal languages to determine if degraded pitch variation skills are present in other tonal language speakers with AOS.
Identifying and Treating Functional “Nonnative [Foreign] Accent Syndrome”: Perspectives From the Patient and Speech-Language Pathologist
Authors: Utianski Rene L. , Bridge Michael J. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
When nonnative speaking patterns emerge following neurologic insult or injury, it has often been referred to as foreign, or nonnative, accent syndrome (FAS). In many other cases, FAS can occur as a manifestation of a functional speech disorder (FSD). The purpose of this clinical focus article is to (a) describe the methods utilized in identifying and managing a functional communication disorder characterized by nonnative speech, language, and nonverbal communication intrusions, accompanied by a functional movement disorder and (b) describe the patient's lived experience.

Method and Results:
The patient is a 59-year-old monolingual English-speaking gentleman with a remote history of episodic stuttering, who later developed an abrupt onset of a nonnative speaking style that changed in quality over time. He also developed gait difficulties that, after visiting with several neurologists, were judged to reflect a functional neurological disorder. During the speech evaluation session, an “Eastern European accent” was noted, along with nonnative word use and word order. A diagnosis of FSD characterized by foreign accent was made, and intervention was undertaken as detailed in the clinical focus article and demonstrated in the accompanying video. With behavioral intervention, the patient was able to correct sound-level changes in structured tasks such as reading and repetition and then in conversation. Language dialect–like changes resolved without direct intervention. The nonspeech movement disorder was addressed with intensive occupational and physical therapy.

Conclusions:
The patient presented with functional FAS, which was effectively managed with symptomatic, targeted behavioral intervention. His experience demonstrates the importance of patient advocacy in acquiring an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management recommendations.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24653430
What's New in Ototoxicity Management?
Authors: Fernandez Katharine A. , Garinis Angela , Knight Kristin , Konrad-Martin Dawn , Morata Thais , Poling Gayla L. , Reavis Kelly M. , Sanchez Victoria A. , Dreisbach Laura 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
Ototoxic medications and chemical agents in the workplace can put individuals' hearing and vestibular health at risk for permanent injury. Proactive ototoxicity management (OtoM) strategies aim to minimize exposure, avoid onset of symptoms, provide ongoing monitoring, and manage auditory and vestibular changes as the clinical needs of the patient evolve. During a 2021 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Groups Open House, members of the International Ototoxicity Management Group discussed how best to integrate OtoM into routine clinical practice, what tools to use, and what special considerations need to be understood to best support patients and their families. Here, we have summarized their viewpoints to encourage widespread adoption of improved OtoM services for at-risk individuals.

Conclusions:
The field of audiology needs to move to a place where we better understand the full extent of ototoxicity and can agree on expanding minimum guidelines that can be implemented more universally to mitigate, detect, and manage the damage from ototoxic exposures. Only recently has our field seen a therapeutic drug that can protect against ototoxicity; however, the population served is restricted only to children receiving treatment for nonmetastatic carcinoma. This is hopefully just the beginning of future therapeutic interventions to come, but, in the meantime, ototoxicity resulting from other medications in different patient populations and chemical agents persists.
Kein Schreiberling, aber Lehrer mit großem rhetorischem und diagnostischem Talent
Authors: Koehler Ulrich , Degerli Mikail Aykut , Conradt Regina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBy the second half of the 19th century at the latest, the scientific methods of physiology, clinical chemistry and physics formed a new basis for clinical diagnostics. The transformation of the hospital in Germany is essentially linked to the name of Johann Lukas Schönlein. Schönlein initiated and accomplished the transition from a natural-philosophical to a scientific approach to medicine. He was the first in Germany to use and teach auscultation and percussion. Schönlein not only introduced physical diagnostics, but also promoted microscopic, chemical and physiological research at the bedside. After years of successful work in Würzburg and Zurich, Schönlein was appointed to Berlin in 1890 on the recommendation of Johannes Müller. With Schönlein and Müller as well as their numerous students, a new generation of scientifically oriented physicians was established.
Ginkgo biloba Extracts Like EGb 761® for Treatment of
Non Common Indications – A Selection of Clinical Studies
Authors: Pfuhlmann Katrin , Koch Anna K. , Langhorst Jost 
Published: December 2023

AbstractExtracts of Ginkgo biloba L. are one of the most commonly applied herbal
medicines. The active constituents are flavonol glycosides and terpene
trilactones in particular. The special extract EGb 761® is mentioned in
the German S3 clinical guideline “Demenzen” as treatment option
(“kann” recommendation). Some small- and large-scale clinical
studies for Ginkgo biloba leaf extracts are summarized in this
publication for the indications: Tardive dyskinesia, vitiligo,
anxiety/anxiety disorder, visual impairment, mountain sickness, sudden
hearing loss, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and
fatigue. The studies are of different quality and show variable results. More
research is warranted to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of Ginkgo
biloba extracts for those indications.
Infestación por miasis después de cirugía electiva de la mano: Reporte de un caso
Authors: Oliveira Ricardo Kaempf de , Brunelli João Pedro Farina , Aita Márcio Aurelio , Delgado Pedro J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractoMiasis es un término de origen griego (myia = mosca) que describe las infestaciones causadas por gusanos del orden Diptera. Puede presentarse en innumerables formas pero generalmente lo hace en forma cutánea con larvas migratorias que infestan la piel. Tratamos a una paciente de dos años de edad que presentó sindactilia por bandas de constricción congénita (Fig. 1). En el postoperatorio desarrolló un caso atípico de infestación por miasis. La infestación parasitaria por insectos del orden dípteros (miasis) es un acontecimiento aterrador para los pacientes e incluso para el equipo sanitario que los asiste. A pesar de no ser tan frecuentes se debe considerar el potencial de complicaciones como infección bacteriana secundaria y enfermedad invasiva que pueden provocar la muerte de modo que no se pueda minimizar la gravedad de la afección.
Quality of life after melphalan percutaneous hepatic perfusion for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma
Authors: Vigneswaran Ganesh , Malalasekera Weeratunge , Smith Victoria , Gibson Tom , Patel Shian , Wheater Matthew , Karydis Ioannis , Gupta Sanjay , Stedman Brian , Modi Sachin 
Published: December 2023

Background
Recent studies indicate that melphalan percutaneous hepatic perfusion (M-PHP) for liver metastases from ocular melanoma (mUM) improves survival. Importantly, this benefit must be carefully balanced with changes in a patient‘s quality of life (QoL). This study examines the QoL changes post-M-PHP.

Methods
Retrospective analysis of the change in QoL using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) with mUM patients receiving M-PHP (n = 20). The FACT-G scores, which comprise physical (PWB), social (SWB), emotional (EWB) and functional (FWB) wellbeing were measured pre-procedure and at day 1, day of discharge (mean = 2.4 days), 7, 14 and 28 days after M-PHP therapy. Wilcoxon signed-rank test gauged QoL domain changes.

Results
Baseline FACT-G median (IQR) scores were 101.8 (21.8). QoL scoring significantly decreased immediately after the procedure [day 1; 85 (27.5); P = 0.002] and gradually improved over time. By day 28, QoL almost returned to pre-procedure levels [100.3 (13.8); P = 0.31]. Subscore analysis revealed that the initial drop in QoL at day 1 post-procedure was attributable to the PWB (28 vs. 24; P = 0.001) and FWB domains (26 vs. 18.5; P < 0.001). By day 28 there was a statistically significant improvement in EWB (P = 0.01).

Conclusion
QoL following M-PHP decreases immediately after therapy and is not significantly different from baseline by the day of discharge. By day 28 there is improved emotional well-being. This study could help to optimize the time between treatment cycles when combined with toxicity data and blood count recovery.
The double-edged sword of mesh use in pelvic organ prolapse surgery: a case report
Authors: Alibrahim Fawaz Khalid , AlMohaisen Sarah M. , Almajed Wael Sulaiman , Alzughaibi Mohand Ali , Alasiry Abeer , Alghafees Mohammad , Sabbah Belal Nedal 
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a prevalent condition among parous women, often warranting surgical intervention. This case accentuates the complications associated with mesh in POP surgeries, iterating the imperative need for an evidence-based approach towards its utilization and exhaustive patient counselling.

Case presentation:
A 60-year-old female, post-mesh-augmented POP repair, embarked on a 13-year journey characterized by persistent pelvic pain and multiple interventions. Despite undergoing several surgeries across different countries, involving mesh and stone removals, her symptoms, notably pelvic pain and dyspareunia, persisted. Clinical examinations revealed mesh erosion into the perivesical tissue, bladder, and associated stones, which were addressed through multiple interventions, albeit with transient success.

Discussion:
The complex journey of this patient exemplifies the intricate challenges mesh poses in POP surgeries. While mesh application offers a minimally invasive approach and has proven successful in numerous cases, it simultaneously opens a Pandora’s box of potential severe complications, necessitating thorough patient counselling and post-surgery management.

Conclusion:
The case delineates the challenging path that clinicians and patients tread when navigating through mesh-associated complications post-POP repair. Although mesh has been heralded as a revolutionary approach in POP surgeries, its potential drawbacks necessitate judicious application, ensuring clinicians are well-versed with its associated risks and are adept in managing ensuing complications.
Primary Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Prostate With Multiple Heterogenic Metastases Demonstrated on 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Yang Jinhui , Xiao Ling , Gao Xiaomei , Tang Yongxiang , Hu Shuo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A 54-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of urination disturbances. Serum prostate-specific antigen level was 4.96 ng/mL, and a possibility of benign prostate hyperplasia was raised by outside medical CT. Histopathology revealed adenosquamous carcinoma. Staging workup showed large areas of high PSMA uptake and focal intense hypermetabolism in the prostate, multiple lymphatics, bone, and pulmonary heterogenic metastases on 68Ga-PSMA and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging.
11C-Acetate PET/CT for Reactive Astrogliosis Outperforms 11C-Methionine PET/CT in Glioma Classification and Survival Prediction
Authors: Kim Dongwoo , Yi Ju Hyeon , Park Youngjoo , Kim Sun Jung , Kang Seok-Gu , Kim Se Hoon , Chun Joong-Hyun , Chang Jong Hee , Yun Mijin 
Published: December 2023

Purpose

11C-acetate (ACE) PET/CT visualizes reactive astrogliosis in tumor microenvironment. This study compared 11C-ACE and 11C-methionine (MET) PET/CT for glioma classification and predicting patient survival.

Patients and Methods
In this prospective study, a total of 142 patients with cerebral gliomas underwent preoperative MRI, 11C-MET PET/CT, and 11C-ACE PET/CT. Tumor-to-contralateral cortex (TNRMET) and tumor-to-choroid plexus ratios (TNRACE) were calculated for 11C-MET and 11C-ACE. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Bonferroni post hoc analysis were used to compare the differences in 11C-TNRMET and 11C-TNRACE. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and classification and regression tree models were used to assess progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results
The median 11C-TNRMET and 11C-TNRACE for oligodendrogliomas (ODs), IDH1-mutant astrocytomas, IDH1-wildtype astrocytomas, and glioblastomas were 2.75, 1.40, 2.30, and 3.70, respectively, and 1.40, 1.20, 1.77, and 2.87, respectively. The median 11C-TNRMET was significantly different among the groups, except between ODs and IDH1-wildtype astrocytomas, whereas the median 11C-TNRACE was significantly different among all groups. The classification and regression tree model identified 4 risk groups (IDH1-mutant with 11C-TNRACE ≤ 1.4, IDH1-mutant with 11C-TNRACE > 1.4, IDH1-wildtype with 11C-TNRACE ≤ 1.8, and IDH1-wildtype with 11C-TNRACE > 1.8), with median PFS of 52.7, 44.5, 25.9, and 8.9 months, respectively. Using a 11C-TNRACE cutoff of 1.4 for IDH1-mutant gliomas and a 11C-TNRACE cutoff of 2.0 for IDH1-wildtype gliomas, all gliomas were divided into 4 groups with median OS of 52.7, 46.8, 27.6, and 12.0 months, respectively. Significant differences in PFS and OS were observed among the 4 groups after correcting for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions

11C-ACE PET/CT is better for glioma classification and survival prediction than 11C-MET PET/CT, highlighting its potential role in cerebral glioma patients.
Novel Biodistribution of PSMA Radiotracer in the Uvula of Patients Undergoing PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Philbrook Phaethon , Casano Kelsey R. , Lee Daniel J. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT is an imaging technique that detects primary and metastatic prostate cancer and evaluates treatment effectiveness. The radioligands for PSMA PET/CT are known to have physiological off-target uptake in various tissues. These include the well-known off-target major and minor salivary glands. We report that, in addition to this location, radioligand uptake can be seen in the uvula, which we suggest is from salivary tissue in this location. PSMA uptake in the uvula is not reported in the literature and is a rare, but normal location for tracer biodistribution in some patients.