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Coco L, Sanchez GD, Campuzano GA, Keeney AJ, Romine JK. Hearing Difficulties Among Farmworkers in the México-US Southwest Border Region. J Immigr Minor Health 2024:10.1007/s10903-024-01592-8. [PMID: 38647631 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-024-01592-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are a vulnerable population with a potentially high risk for hearing loss due to farm-related noise exposures. Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is permanent, and it is associated with an increased risk for injuries on the job, as well as communication difficulties, isolation, and depression. The México/US border region is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, however, no known studies have explored hearing loss among farmworkers in this area. This pilot study was a first step toward measuring and addressing hearing loss and noise exposure among this region's farmworkers. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of subjective hearing difficulties among Yuma County, Arizona farmworkers. Survey interviews took place during a late-night farmworker health fair from 2 am to 6 am to accommodate local farms' labor schedules. Multivariable regression adjusted for demographic and work covariates estimated subjective hearing loss prevalence ratios. Among 132 farmworker participants, 36% reported they have or might have hearing loss, and 62% reported no hearing loss. Subjective hearing loss prevalence was lower in farmworkers who report not working in noise compared to prevalence in farmworkers who work in noise [prevalence ratio, 0.44 (95% CI 0.23-0.82)]. This report contributes to understanding the perception of hearing-related health and occupational exposures among farmworkers in the México-US Southwest border region. The information from this line of research will inform appropriate safety measures known to lower the risk of experiencing occupational NIHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Coco
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
| | - Gabriela D Sanchez
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Gabriel A Campuzano
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Annie J Keeney
- School of Social Work, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - James K Romine
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
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Peachey KL, Franklin RC, Lower T. A Summary of Fatal Injury Surveillance Methods in Australian Agriculture and Their Impact on Safety Policies and Practices. J Agromedicine 2024; 29:297-303. [PMID: 37937811 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2023.2281516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture is one of the most important and also hazardous industries in Australia. Having a sound knowledge and understanding of the circumstance of injury events is critical to developing evidence-based intervention programs. This paper aims to provide a brief historical snapshot of the development of data systems underpinning the assessment of fatal farm injury in Australia and how it has impacted on safety policy and practice. The first Australian studies used coronial information to explore agricultural fatalities, these studies reviewed paper-based records (in-situ) and collected the information for analysis and reporting. This task was laborious and costly. When the National Coronial Information System (NCIS) was established in 2000, this allowed access to coronial records online. Information provided about the deceased includes demographics, contextual details on the nature of the fatality and autopsy, toxicology, and police reports, as-well-as the coroner's finding. Information from the NCIS, along with media reports, have been used to develop the farm fatality database. This information has been used to inform the safety goals and targets for farm commodity groups, identify key risks, provide long-term benchmark indicators and underpin the development of prevention materials and training resources. Without accurate, timely, concise and relevant data about injury occurring on farms, there is no evidence to drive policy and practice or to evaluate programs of work. As such, the continued utilization and extension of the NCIS data will prove crucial to further reducing the burden of preventable fatal injuries on Australian farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri-Lynn Peachey
- AgHealth Australia, School of Rural Health, The University of Sydney, Dubbo, Moree, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard C Franklin
- WSO Collaborating Center for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Tony Lower
- AgHealth Australia, School of Rural Health, The University of Sydney, Dubbo, Moree, NSW, Australia
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Feder K, Marro L, Portnuff C. Leisure noise exposure and hearing outcomes among Canadians aged 6 to 79 years. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:1031-1047. [PMID: 36036440 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2114022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between individual and cumulative leisure noise exposure in addition to acceptable yearly exposure (AYE) and hearing outcomes among a nationally representative sample of Canadians. DESIGN Audiometry, distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and in-person questionnaires were used to evaluate hearing and leisure noise exposure across age, sex, and household income/education level. High-risk cumulative leisure noise exposure was defined as 85 dBA or greater for 40 h or more per week, with AYE calculations also based on this occupational limit. STUDY SAMPLE A randomised sample of 10,460 respondents, aged 6-79, completed questionnaires and hearing evaluations between 2012 and 2015. RESULTS Among 50-79 year olds, high-risk cumulative leisure noise was associated with increased odds of a notch while high exposure to farming/construction equipment noise was associated with hearing loss, notches and absent DPOAEs. No associations with hearing loss were found however, non-significant tendencies observed included higher mean hearing thresholds, notches and hearing loss odds. CONCLUSION Educational outreach and monitoring of hearing among young and middle-aged populations exposed to hazardous leisure noise would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Feder
- Non-Ionizing Radiation Health Sciences Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonora Marro
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cory Portnuff
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance Clinic, Aurora, CO, USA
- Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Peden AE, Tran TP, Alonzo D, Hawke C, Franklin RC. Adolescence is an opportunity for farm injury prevention: A call for better age-based data disaggregation. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1036657. [PMID: 36339219 PMCID: PMC9631027 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1036657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amy E. Peden
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia,*Correspondence: Amy E. Peden
| | - Tich Phuoc Tran
- School of Science, University of New South Wales, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Dennis Alonzo
- School of Education, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine Hawke
- School of Rural Health, University of Sydney, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard C. Franklin
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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Assessment of video see-through smart glasses for augmented reality to support technicians during milking machine maintenance. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15729. [PMID: 36131126 PMCID: PMC9490719 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20154-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Smart glasses for augmented reality are digital technology under investigation in the agricultural sector. The potential of augmented reality was underlined, in some scientific contributions, as a support tool for farmers' activities and for the decision-making process. One of the most practical applications studied for augmented reality was in maintenance operations, where the use of smart glasses showed high capability. This work focuses on the evaluation of the performance and applicability of smart glasses with a video see-through display system and testing the device's available functions in agricultural frameworks. In addition, an augmented assistance scenario describing the main steps involved in the functioning of the maintenance operation was developed for milking machine inspection. The audio–video quality, battery life, detection capabilities of markers, and voice control interaction system were evaluated. The results showed the capabilities of smart glasses to reach augmented information from a long distance in a short time interval and to transmit audio and video with a high level of detail, allowing discrimination of small objects during remote assistance with reduced delay. The built maintenance scenario represents an example of augmented reality digital assistance application in the inspection and maintenance of the milking machine. The device performance and the proposed maintenance scenario underline the potential that augmented reality could have in the agricultural sector to assist and guide both farmers and technicians to timely problem solving. This solution fits into the agriculture 4.0 perspective, which is increasingly focused on digital transformation to improve farms’ efficiency and sustainability.
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Farfalla AA, Beseler C, Achutan C, Rautiainen R. Coexposure to Solvents and Noise as a Risk Factor for Hearing Loss in Agricultural Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:754-760. [PMID: 35703294 PMCID: PMC9426749 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study addressed the relationship of hearing loss and coexposure to solvents and noise among farmers and ranchers in central United States. METHODS The surveillance study included surveys to stratified random samples of operations in 2018 and 2020 (n = 34,146), requesting information on injuries, illnesses, exposures, and preventive measures. Responses (n = 7495) were analyzed using hierarchical multinomial logistic regression, adjusting for personal and work characteristics. RESULTS Nearly 60% of respondents exposed to both solvents and noise reported hearing loss. The exposures increased the adjusted odds of moderate/severe hearing loss as follows: solvents alone, (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-2.38), noise alone (OR, 4.42; 95% CI, 3.39-5.76), and coexposure to both noise and solvents (OR, 6.03; 95% CI, 4.67-7.78). CONCLUSIONS Solvent exposure, along with noise, should be considered in hearing conservation programs among farmers and ranchers.
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Couth S, Mazlan N, Moore DR, Munro KJ, Dawes P. Hearing Difficulties and Tinnitus in Construction, Agricultural, Music, and Finance Industries: Contributions of Demographic, Health, and Lifestyle Factors. Trends Hear 2020; 23:2331216519885571. [PMID: 31747526 PMCID: PMC6868580 DOI: 10.1177/2331216519885571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of occupational noise exposure increase the risk of hearing difficulties and tinnitus. However, differences in demographic, health, and lifestyle factors could also contribute to high levels of hearing difficulties and tinnitus in some industries. Data from a subsample (n = 22,936) of the U.K. Biobank were analyzed to determine to what extent differences in levels of hearing difficulties and tinnitus in high-risk industries (construction, agricultural, and music) compared with low-risk industries (finance) could be attributable to demographic, health, and lifestyle factors, rather than occupational noise exposure. Hearing difficulties were identified using a digits-in-noise speech recognition test. Tinnitus was identified based on self-report. Logistic regression analyses showed that occupational noise exposure partially accounted for higher levels of hearing difficulties in the agricultural industry compared with finance, and occupational noise exposure, older age, low socioeconomic status, and non-White ethnic background partially accounted for higher levels of hearing difficulties in the construction industry. However, the factors assessed in the model did not fully account for the increased likelihood of hearing difficulties in high-risk industries, suggesting that there are additional unknown factors which impact on hearing or that there was insufficient measurement of factors included in the model. The levels of tinnitus were greatest for music and construction industries compared with finance, and these differences were accounted for by occupational and music noise exposure, as well as older age. These findings emphasize the need to promote hearing conservation in occupational and music settings, with a particular focus on high-risk demographic subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Couth
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Naadia Mazlan
- Faculty of Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - David R Moore
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK.,Communication Sciences Research Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, OH, USA
| | - Kevin J Munro
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Piers Dawes
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
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Mead-Hunter R, Selvey LA, Rumchev KB, Netto KJ, Mullins BJ. Noise Exposure on Mixed Grain and Livestock Farms in Western Australia. Ann Work Expo Health 2020; 63:305-315. [PMID: 30590427 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxy105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Noise presents an ongoing occupational health and safety issue, which despite numerous studies still presents a significant risk in agriculture with high exposures prevalent. In this study, we measured noise exposures associated with significant activities on 42 mixed grain and livestock farms in Western Australia. Employing a mixture of personal noise measurements using dosimeters, noise measurements using sound level meters, and a validated survey, we identified that 32% of farm workers were exposed to noise levels above the LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) limit, before considering extended shifts. We also noted that extended shift lengths, of up to 16 h in some cases, were possible. In addition, we found that 37% of workers were exposed to noise peak of 140 dB(C) or greater. It was further noted that hearing protection is not typically worn for the duration of an activity and is only for a small number of tasks. However we did find some evidence that farmers had begun to implement some form of noise management practice, usually in the form of buying quieter equipment or separating noisy tasks from quiet tasks. Improved education for farmer and farm workers in terms of the risks posed by noise, identifying noisy tasks, is recommended, as well as a programme to encourage better and consistent use of hearing protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Mead-Hunter
- Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Linda A Selvey
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Krassi B Rumchev
- Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kevin J Netto
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Mullins
- Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Depczynski J, Challinor K, Fragar L. Changes in the Hearing Status and Noise Injury Prevention Practices of Australian Farmers From 1994 to 2008. J Agromedicine 2011; 16:127-42. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2011.554770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Lower TE, Fragar L, Depcynzksi J, Fuller J, Challinor K, Williams W. Social network analysis for farmers' hearing services in a rural community. Aust J Prim Health 2011; 16:47-51. [PMID: 21133298 DOI: 10.1071/py09043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to define current hearing health service networks for farming families in a major regional centre in New South Wales, in order to identify approaches that can strengthen local service provision. A pilot survey of individuals and agencies that potentially work with farmers was undertaken and a social network analysis completed to assess the self-reported links of agencies with each other. Thirteen agencies with a role in hearing health service provision participated with results indicating that nurse audiometrists, WorkCover NSW and agricultural retailers have the lead role in disseminating relevant information within the network. For client referrals the nurse audiometrist, private audiometry services, general practitioners, ear, nose and throat specialists and industry groups played the major roles. Social network analysis can assist in defining hearing health networks and can be used to highlight potential actions that can strengthen networks to enhance services for farmers and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony E Lower
- Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, University of Sydney, PO Box 256, Moree, NSW 2400, Australia.
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Berg RL, Pickett W, Fitz-Randolph M, Broste SK, Knobloch MJ, Wood DJ, Kirkhorn SR, Linneman JG, Marlenga B. Hearing conservation program for agricultural students: short-term outcomes from a cluster-randomized trial with planned long-term follow-up. Prev Med 2009; 49:546-52. [PMID: 19800914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2009.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2009] [Revised: 09/16/2009] [Accepted: 09/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES (1) To conduct a contemporary analysis of historical data on short-term efficacy of a 3-year hearing conservation program conducted from 1992 to 1996 in Wisconsin, USA, with 753 high school students actively involved in farm work; (2) to establish procedures for assessment of hearing loss for use in a recently funded follow-up of this same hearing conservation program cohort. METHODS We analyzed a pragmatic cluster-randomized controlled trial, with schools as the unit of randomization. Thirty-four rural schools were recruited and randomized to intervention or control. The intervention included classroom instruction, distribution of hearing protection devices, direct mailings, noise level assessments, and yearly audiometric testing. The control group received the audiometric testing. RESULTS Students exposed to the hearing conservation program reported more frequent use of hearing protection devices, but there was no evidence of reduced levels of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). CONCLUSION Our analysis suggests that, since NIHL is cumulative, a 3-year study was likely not long enough to evaluate the efficacy of this intervention. While improvements in reported use of hearing protection devices were noted, the lasting impact of these behaviors is unknown and the finding merits corroboration by longer term objective hearing tests. A follow-up study of the cohort has recently been started.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Berg
- Biomedical Informatics Research Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, WI, USA
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Renick KM, Crawford JM, Wilkins JR. Hearing loss among Ohio farm youth: a comparison to a national sample. Am J Ind Med 2009; 52:233-9. [PMID: 19089836 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hearing loss is prevalent among adults in the farming community, with some evidence it begins in childhood. Our objective was to compare hearing thresholds of Ohio farm youth to published data on national norms. METHODS Baseline data were collected on youth (n = 212) in 1994-1996 with follow-up (n = 132) in 2003-2004 including pure-tone air conduction thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz. RESULTS When compared to nationally-representative data, study youth had a higher prevalence of hearing loss. The high-frequency range was most affected, particularly at 6 kHz where nearly 50% of the farm youth exhibited some degree of hearing loss at baseline testing. The prevalence of noise-induced threshold shifts, characterized by an audiometric notch, was nearly twice that of the national sample. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that hearing loss, which is common among adult farmers, may be problematic for farm youth as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Renick
- The Ohio State University, College of Public Health, Office of Research, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
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Abstract
The attenuation performance of a hearing protector is used to estimate the protected exposure level of the user. The aim is to reduce the exposed level to an acceptable value. Users should expect the attenuation to fall within a reasonable range of values around a norm. However, an analysis of extensive test data indicates that there is a negative relationship between attenuation performance and the standard deviation. This result is deduced using a variation in the method of calculating a single number rating of attenuation that is more amenable to drawing statistical inferences. As performance is typically specified as a function of the mean attenuation minus one or two standard deviations from the mean to ensure that greater than 50% of the wearer population are well protected, the implication of increasing standard deviation with decreasing attenuation found in this study means that a significant number of users are, in fact, experiencing over-protection. These users may be disinclined to use their hearing protectors because of an increased feeling of acoustic isolation. This problem is exacerbated in areas with lower noise levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Williams
- National Acoustic Laboratories, Chatswood, New South Wales 2067, Australia
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