| 1. |
- Favaretto, Niccolò, et al.
(author)
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Cochlear implant outcomes in the elderly : a uni- and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors
- 2019
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In: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. - Berlin, Germany : Springer. - 0937-4477 .- 1434-4726. ; 276:111, s. 3089-3094
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: To assess preoperative features that could predict the audiological outcome after cochlear implantation in the elderly, in terms of pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and speech perception performance. Methods: All available records of patients with cochlear implants aged 65 or more at the time of their implantation at our Institution were reviewed (50 patients, mean age 70.76 ± 4.03 years), recording preoperative clinical features. Pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and speech perception performance 1 year after cochlear implant activation and fitting were used as outcome measures. Results: No statistically significant association emerged between clinical features and pure tone audiometry. On univariate analysis, progressive sensorineural hearing loss of unknown origin was associated with a better outcome in terms of speech audiometry and speech perception performance (p = 0.035 and p = 0.033, respectively). On multivariate analysis, progressive sensorineural hearing loss retained its independent prognostic significance in terms of speech perception performance (p = 0.042). The discriminatory power of a two-variable panel (age and etiology of hearing loss) featured an AUC (ROC) of 0.738 (an acceptable discriminatory power according to the Hosmer-Lemeshow scale). Conclusions: A progressive sensorineural hearing loss of unknown origin was associated with a better outcome in terms of speech perception in the elderly in our case study. Further features that can predict audiological outcome achievable with cochlear implants in the elderly are desirable to perform adequate counselling and rehabilitation programs.
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| 2. |
- Sjöstrand, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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Fusion Power Measurement using a Combined Neutron Spectrometer-Camera System at JET
- 2010
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In: Fusion science and technology. - 1536-1055 .- 1943-7641. ; 57:2, s. 162-175
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fusion power production is the ultimate goal of fusion research, and its determination is crucial in any fusion energy application. In this paper the principles of collimated neutron flux measurements for fusion plasma power determination are described. In this method, a high-resolution neutron spectrometer provides an absolutely calibrated neutron flux, and a neutron profile monitor ("camera") gives information on the neutron emission profile of the plasma. The total neutron flux seen by the spectrometer is discussed in terms of direct and scattered flux, and a model is set up to evaluate the magnitude of these different components. Particular care is taken to estimate the uncertainties involved, both in the model and the measurements. The method is put to practical use at JET, where a magnetic proton recoil spectrometer and a neutron profile monitor are available. Results from JET's trace tritium experimental campaign in 2003 are presented and show that the systematic uncertainties in fusion power measurements are reduced in comparison to what has been presented for foil activation systems. A systematic error of 6% is reported here. For ITER these results imply that the fusion power can be redundantly measured and with better accuracies than for traditional methods.
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