Factors Affecting Daily Cochlear Implant Use in Children: Datalogging Evidence

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 824-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijayalakshmi Easwar ◽  
Joseph Sanfilippo ◽  
Blake Papsin ◽  
Karen Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Daily Basis ◽  
Noisy Environments ◽  
Profound Hearing Loss ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Listening Environments ◽  
Practical Challenge ◽  
Pediatric Use ◽  
Device Use ◽  
Acoustic Experience

Background: Children with profound hearing loss can gain access to sound through cochlear implants (CIs), but these devices must be worn consistently to promote auditory development. Although subjective parent reports have identified several factors limiting long-term CI use in children, it is also important to understand the day-to-day issues which may preclude consistent device use. In the present study, objective measures gathered through datalogging software were used to quantify the following in children: (1) number of hours of CI use per day, (2) practical concerns including repeated disconnections between the external transmission coil and the internal device (termed “coil-offs”), and (3) listening environments experienced during daily use. Purpose: This study aimed to (1) objectively measure daily CI use and factors influencing consistent device use in children using one or two CIs and (2) evaluate the intensity levels and types of listening environments children are exposed to during daily CI use. Research Design: Retrospective analysis. Study Sample: Measures of daily CI use were obtained from 146 pediatric users of Cochlear Nucleus 6 speech processors. The sample included 5 unilateral, 40 bimodal, and 101 bilateral CI users (77 simultaneously and 24 sequentially implanted). Data Collection and Analysis: Daily CI use, duration, and frequency of coil-offs per day, and the time spent in multiple intensity ranges and environment types were extracted from the datalog saved during clinic appointments. Multiple regression analyses were completed to predict daily CI use based on child-related demographic variables, and to evaluate the effects of age on coil-offs and environment acoustics. Results: Children used their CIs for 9.86 ± 3.43 hr on average on a daily basis, with use exceeding 9 hr per day in ˜64% of the children. Daily CI use reduced significantly with increasing durations of coil-off (p = 0.027) and increased significantly with longer CI experience (p < 0.001) and pre-CI acoustic experience (p < 0.001), when controlled for the child’s age. Total time in sound (sum of CI and pre-CI experience) was positively correlated with CI use (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Longer durations of coil-off were associated with higher frequency of coil-offs (p < 0.001). The frequency of coil-offs ranged from 0.99 to 594.10 times per day and decreased significantly with age (p < 0.001). Daily CI use and frequency of coil-offs did not vary significantly across known etiologies. Listening environments of all children typically ranged between 50 and 70 dBA. Children of all ages were exposed to speech in noisy environments. Environment classified as “music” was identified more often in younger children. Conclusions: The majority of children use their CIs consistently, even during the first year of implantation. The frequency of coil-offs is a practical challenge in infants and young children, and demonstrates the need for improved coil retention methods for pediatric use. Longer hearing experience and shorter coil-off time facilitates consistent CI use. Children are listening to speech in noisy environments most often, thereby indicating a need for better access to binaural cues, signal processing, and stimulation strategies to aid listening. Study findings could be useful in parent counseling of young and/or new CI users.

HYGIENIC INFLUENCE OF PRODUCTION FACTORS ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DERMATOSES IN RAILWAY TRANSPORT WORKERS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
O.A. Karpova ◽  
◽  
V.A. Semenikhin ◽  
B.A. Balandovich ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Labor Process ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Railway Transport ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Production Factors ◽  
Transport Workers

Abstract: Introduction. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to look for new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases in the working population. Study objective. To study the hygienic influence of harmful and dangerous factors of the working environment and the severity of the labor process on the structure of the general dermatological morbidity in railway transport workers who ensure the safety of train traffic in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. The complex of harmful production factors affecting railway transport workers was studied according to the sanitary and hygienic characteristics of the working conditions of employees of the Altai region of the West Siberian Railway of JSC "Russian Railways". The structure of the general dermatological morbidity was studied according to the statistical coupons of outpatient patients who applied to a dermatovenerologist in the CHUZ " CB "Russian Railways-Medicine" Barnaul for the period 2019-2020. Results. The conducted complex of hygienic, epidemiological and statistical studies showed that the combined impact of chemical, meteorological, physical, biological harmful production factors and the severity of the labor process (class 3.1-3.5) in railway transport workers who ensure the safety of train traffic leads to the development of such production-related skin diseases as contact dermatitis and psoriasis. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, skin infections (62.8%) predominate over non-infectious dermatoses in the structure of the total dermatological morbidity. The share of primary morbidity increased to 90.8%. The first rank is occupied by pyoderma (47.5%), the second – allergodermatoses (20.0%), the third – mycoses (11.6%). Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic leads to changes in the epidemiological and clinical features of dermatoses in the working population, which must be taken into account in their prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

scholarly journals The Physiologic and Psychophysical Consequences of Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (04) ◽  
pp. 349-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Hoover ◽  
Pamela Souza
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Recognition ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Noisy Environments ◽  
Cochlear Function ◽  
Profound Hearing Loss ◽  
Sound Perception ◽  
Severe Hearing Loss ◽  
Tuning Curves

AbstractSubstantial loss of cochlear function is required to elevate pure-tone thresholds to the severe hearing loss range; yet, individuals with severe or profound hearing loss continue to rely on hearing for communication. Despite the impairment, sufficient information is encoded at the periphery to make acoustic hearing a viable option. However, the probability of significant cochlear and/or neural damage associated with the loss has consequences for sound perception and speech recognition. These consequences include degraded frequency selectivity, which can be assessed with tests including psychoacoustic tuning curves and broadband rippled stimuli. Because speech recognition depends on the ability to resolve frequency detail, a listener with severe hearing loss is likely to have impaired communication in both quiet and noisy environments. However, the extent of the impairment varies widely among individuals. A better understanding of the fundamental abilities of listeners with severe and profound hearing loss and the consequences of those abilities for communication can support directed treatment options in this population.

scholarly journals Access to bank credit by smallholder farmers in Tanzania: a case study

Afrika Focus ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nsubili Isaga
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Bank Credit ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Logit Regression ◽  
And Gender

Tanzania like many other developing countries is highly dependent on agriculture for income generation and job creation for its citizens. Because the sector is mainly composed of smallholder farmers, lack of finance remains the leading obstacle to development. This study seeks to determine factors that affect access to bank credit by smallholder farmers in the Mvomero District of Morogoro, Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional design, with data being collected via the survey method. Purposeful sampling was used to obtain the respondents who fitted into the study objective. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. The Logit regression model in particular was employed to determine factors that affect smallholder farmers’ access to bank services. The study reveals that the value of assets invested in farming activities, education and gender are significant factors affecting smallholder farmers’ access to bank credit. Policy recommendations include the establishment of a government bank that would exclusively provide financial services to agriculturalists by establishing a credit guarantee scheme, and the development of new financial products by the banks that would cater to the needs of smallholder farmers. Key words: access, bank credit, smallholder farmers, logit regression

scholarly journals An Assessment of Critical Factors Affecting Quality Performance of Government Financed Construction Projects: Evidence from Tanzania

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwahula Raphael ◽  
Augustine Wittonde Phillip
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Multiple Regression Model ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Quality Performance ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Performance Factors ◽  
Level Of Significance

The study objective was “An assessment of critical factors affecting quality performance of government financed construction projects in Tanzania”. The study was initiated as much of government financed construction projects are executed with variations on delivering time, cost and quality. The study identified factors if not considered can lead to poor quality performance of projects. Closed end questionnaire consisting of 20 performance factors were issued to 80 respondents dealing with construction related activities, they were required to rank them on a 5 point Likert scale. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16 (SPSS). The findings revealed that the critical factors that have direct impact on quality performance of government financed construction projects are; project financing processes, experience of contractors in construction industry, project technology, availability of plant and equipment, procurement system and processes as well as the project manager knowledge and skills. A multiple regression model developed showed a positive linear relationship between project quality performance and the critical quality performance factors. All the critical quality performance factors had positive coefficients with an acceptable level of significance. The study recommends further studies on the economic and social factors that hinder women participation in construction relation activities and how training and learning opportunities for continuous improvement will have positive impact on the performance of construction projects.

Factors affecting 13C/12C ratios of inland halophytes. II. Ecophysiological interpretations of patterns in the field

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (11) ◽  
pp. 2700-2707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert D. Guy ◽  
David M. Reid ◽  
H. Roy Krouse
Keyword(s):  
Salinity Gradient ◽  
Soil Water Potential ◽  
Close Correlation ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Salicornia Europaea ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Major Species ◽  
Hordeum Jubatum ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Sonchus Arvensis

By measuring δ13C values, 9 of 42 species inhabiting saline sites in Alberta were found to be C4 plants. None of these, however, are dominant species in wet saline situations. A salinity gradient was studied along a transect to provide improved field data on δ13C variations among C3 halophytes. Soils were dominated by sulphates of sodium and, less so, magnesium. Soil water potential [Formula: see text] was highest at a depth of about 10 cm and, on a daily basis, changed little. The δ13C values of Puccinellia nuttalliana (Schultes) Hitch, were well correlated with [Formula: see text]. The same appeared true for Salicornia europaea L. ssp. rubra (Nels.) Brietung. In a scattergram representing five major species, a close correlation was also evident for Hordeum jubatum L. The relationship could not be extended to Triglochin maritima L. and Sonchus arvensis L., but values for these two species were not separable from those of P. nuttalliana and H. jubatum. Salicornia europaea ssp. rubra, however, differed by having δ13C values that were markedly more negative. Although partly associated with cover by other species, this tendency may reflect a lower water-use efficiency as afforded by a greater reliance on the uptake of readily available salt for osmotic adjustment.

scholarly journals Five Year Pediatric Use of a Digital Wearable Fitness Device: Lessons from a Pilot Case Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimayani D. Butte ◽  
Amir Bahmani ◽  
Atul J. Butte ◽  
Xiao Li ◽  
Michael P. Snyder
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Case ◽  
School Work ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Pediatric Study ◽  
Pediatric Use ◽  
Device Use ◽  
New Applications ◽  
Successes And Challenges

AbstractObjectivesWearable fitness devices are increasingly used by the general population, with new applications being proposed and designed for healthy adults as well as adults with chronic diseases. Fewer, if any, studies of these devices have been conducted in healthy adolescents and teenagers, especially over a long period of time. The goal of this work was to document the successes and challenges involved in 5 years of a wearable fitness device use in a pediatric case study.Materials and MethodsComparison of five years of step counts and minutes asleep from a teenaged girl and her father.ResultsAt 60 months, this may be the longest reported pediatric study involving a wearable fitness device, and the first simultaneously involving a parent and a child. We find step counts to be significantly higher for both the adult and teen on school/work days, along with less sleep. The teen walked significantly less towards the end of the 5 year study. Surprisingly, many of the adult’s and teen’s sleeping and step counts were correlated, possibly due to coordinated behaviors.DiscussionWe end with several recommendations for pediatricians and device manufacturers, including the need for constant adjustments of stride length and calorie counts as teens are growing.ConclusionWith periodic adjustments for growth, this pilot study shows these devices can be used for more accurate and consistent measurements in adolescents and teenagers over longer periods of time, to potentially promote healthy behaviors.

scholarly journals FACTORS INFLUENCING CHANGES OF BEEF CATTLE HERD QUANTITY AND SIZE: CASE OF LATVIA

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andra ZVIRBULE ◽  
Raivis ANDERSONS
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Sharp Decrease ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Output Growth ◽  
Market Regulation ◽  
Market Demand ◽  
Beef Production ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Factors Affecting

Beef production volumes in Latvia have been different over a long period of time, beef output growth has been noted, as well as its sharp decrease, so it is important to analyze, what are the most important factors that are affecting beef production volumes, that will give an idea of the possibilities for beef market regulation. Consequently, the study objective can be defined: Identify factors affecting beef production in Latvia. For this research statistical methods, correlation analysis, induction, deduction, analysis and synthesis were used. These methods gave an accurate picture of factors that are affecting beef production volumes. According to the results, it can be concluded that beef production volumes are significantly affected by such factors as demand for beef. The results of this research indicate that Latvia beef production volumes are affected by the market demand. As an essential factor for increasing the number of beef cattle in Latvia, export opportunities are available where increasing amount of fresh or chilled beef exported in EUR is increasing the number of suckler cows, where there is a close positive relationship (r = 0.76), which indicates an increase in demand from Latvian meat beef holding output. The quality of the soil in the region and climatic conditions will affect the specialization of farms. The largest number of bovine animals is grown in regions of Vidzeme and Latgale, where average cereal production is lowest per hectare. Pierīga and Zemgale regions have high crop yields on average per hectare, so in this region the number of bovine animals is the smallest.

scholarly journals Scabies outbreak investigation in Addet town, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Habtamu Alebachew ◽  
Kebadnew Mulatu ◽  
Mastewal Worku
Keyword(s):  
Daily Basis ◽  
Northwest Ethiopia ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Disability Adjusted Life ◽  
Life Years ◽  
The Family ◽  
West Gojjam ◽  
Strength Of Association

Abstract Background Globally scabies was among the 50 most common infectious diseases, with a point prevalence 0.3%-46% and in terms of morbidity, at 1.5 million disability-adjusted life years. This study investigate and asses risk factors of scabies in Addet Medhanit Alem yekolo temarie in Yilmana Densa district Amhara, Ethiopia, 2017 Methods Unmatched Case-control study was employed. Fifety five cases from line lists reviewed as per the WHO case definition. Cases were epidemiological linked to previously epidemiological confirmed cases and 118 controls were interviewed with structured questionnaires. Data was entered EPI info version 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Adjusted Odds Ratios and with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to measure strength of association in multi-variable logistic regression Results The prevalence of scabies was 35%. The mean (SD) age of respondents was 16.4(2.785). Out of respondents 110 (63.6%) used river water for daily basis, 36(20.8%) changed their cloth frequently, 105(60.7%) washed their body frequently, 106(61.3%) had at least one scabies infected person in their house. The odds of scabies infection were 2.3 (AOR = 0.436, 95% CI: 0.205-0.929) times lower among frequent changing of cloth, And washing of body with soap and water were 2.17(AOR = 0.461% CI: 0.214-0.993) times lower having scabies infection. Share cloth was 3(AOR = 3.313, 95% CI: 1.536-7.149) times higher having scabies infection. Presence of scabies infected individuals in the family was 6 (AOR = 6.029, 95% CI: 2.071-14.275) times higher to develop scabies infection. Conclusions There prevalence of scabies infection was high, less than 15 years age group were most affected. Frequent changing of cloth, frequent use of soap for body wash, sharing of cloth and presence of scabies infected individuals in the family were factors affecting scabies infection. Personal, house hygiene should be strength and avail soap for students should be considered.

scholarly journals Utilization, Determinants, and Prospects of Electronic Medical Records in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Abdu Oumer ◽  
Ahmed Muhye ◽  
Imam Dagne ◽  
Nesredin Ishak ◽  
Ahmed Ale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Factors Affecting

Background. A lot of effort is being done in the electronic medical record (EMR) system. However, it has not been implemented and used at the expected scale for maximal effectiveness. There is limited evidence on the factors affecting the utilization of EMR in this particular context, which are critical for targeted strategies. Objective. To assess the magnitude and factors affecting the utilization of EMR among health professionals in eastern Ethiopia. Methods. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 412 health professionals from Harari and Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia, using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. The tool was developed from previous literature, and a pilot survey was done before the actual study. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were done to assess the relationship between an independent variable with EMR use. Crude and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were reported. A P value of less than 0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association. Results. A total of 412 health professionals with a mean age of 29 years (±6.4 years) were included. A total of 229 (55.6%) and 300 (72.8%) of them had good knowledge and attitude towards the EMR, while 279 (67.7%) used the service (54% used it on a daily basis). About 272 (66%) of the respondents reported that they prefer EMRs to paper-based systems. Health professionals with more than five years of experience had two times higher odds of using the service ( AOR = 2.22 ; 95% CI; 1.12-4.42) than early-career workers. Health professionals trained in EMR would use the service more ( AOR = 5.88 ; 95% CI; 2.93-11.88) compared to those who did not take the training. In addition, having good knowledge ( AOR = 1.52 ; 95% CI; 0.92-1.5) and a good attitude towards the EMR system ( AOR = 2.4 ; 95% CI; 1.35-4.31) showed to use EMR as compared to counterparts. Conclusions. The utilization of EMR was found to be optimal. Age, work experience, knowledge, attitude, and training of professionals were positively associated with the use of the service in their facility.

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