Hearing Process Research Articles

The caspase-inhibitor Emricasan efficiently counteracts cisplatin- and neomycin-induced cytotoxicity in cochlear cells

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used to treat solid tumors. However, it can also be highly ototoxic, resulting in high-frequency hearing loss. Cisplatin causes degeneration of hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the inner ear, which are essential components of the hearing process and cannot be regenerated in mammals. As the affected cells primarily die by apoptosis, we tested several anti-apoptotic small molecules to protect these cells from drug-induced toxicity. We found that the general caspase inhibitor Emricasan could significantly counteract the toxic effects of cisplatin in House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells, phoenix auditory cells, and primary SGNs. Importantly, the anti-cytotoxic effect in neuronal cells was even more pronounced than the effect of sodium thiosulfate (STS), which is currently the only approved prevention option for cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Finally, we tested the protective effect of Emricasan treatment in the context of another ototoxic drug, i.e., the aminoglycoside antibiotic neomycin, and again found a significant increase in cell viability when the cultures were co-treated with Emricasan. These results suggest a promising strategy to prevent ototoxicity in patients by temporarily blocking the apoptotic pathway when applying cisplatin or aminoglycoside antibiotics.Key messagesAnti-apoptotic small molecules can reduce cisplatin-induced toxicity.Emricasan can effectively exert its anti-apoptotic effect on cochlear cells.Strong protection from cisplatin- and neomycin-induced cytotoxicity with Emricasan.Sodium thiosulfate and Emricasan provide similar protective effects to cisplatin-treated cells.Emricasan is more potent than sodium thiosulfate in reducing neomycin-induced cytotoxicity.

The court and judicial proceedings in the villages of Galychyna (between the end of the XVIIIth and the first half of the XIXth century)

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the functioning of the judicial system and the peculiarities of the judicial proceedings in the rural communities of Galicia between the end of the XVIIIth century and the first half of the XIXth century. The development of legal institutions following the annexation of Galicia to the Habsburg Monarchy is examined, particularly the introduction of the Austrian judicial system, which replaced traditional forms of rural adjudication. The primary focus is on the changes in the structure of courts, the jurisdiction of judges, the process of case hearings, and the participation of peasants in judicial proceedings. The article also characterizes the influences of political, social as well economic factors on judicial procedures and decisions. Special attention is given to the role of peasant self-governance and its integration into new legal norms. The article highlights a significant contribution to understanding the evolution of judicial proceedings in the rural areas of Galicia, which will foster a deeper comprehension of the processes of legal modernization in the Austrian Empire. It describes the impact of the Austrian administration on the judicial system, including a series of reforms aimed at unifying judicial proceedings and implementing Austrian law. This led to significant changes in the structure of the courts, their jurisdiction, and the procedures for implementing their decisions, as the peasants of Galicia had their own traditional legal customs and norms, which often conflicted with Austrian legislation. The integration processes associated with the introduction of the new justice system substantially affected the unique legal culture of the peasants, as rural courts had specific characteristics compared to urban and district courts. The article analyzes legislative acts and reforms introduced by the Austrian authorities in the field of judicial proceedings, their role, and their impact on judicial practice. It identifies the specific features of courts and judicial proceedings in the villages of Galicia during the period under study. The importance of researching this issue lies in understanding the evolution of legal norms, judicial practice, and their impact on the lives of the rural population. The study of the declared problem allows for a better understanding of the legal and social processes that took place in this part of Europe during the specified period. This not only supplements the general picture of the history of law but also helps to identify the roots of contemporary legal traditions and issues.

Degradation in Binaural and Spatial Hearing and Auditory Temporal Processing Abilities as a Function of Aging.

Sensorineural hearing loss is common with advancing age, but even with normal or near normal hearing in older persons, performance deficits are often seen for suprathreshold listening tasks such as understanding speech in background noise or localizing sound direction. This suggests there is also a more central source of the problem. Objectives of this study were to examine as a function of age (young adult to septuagenarian) performance on: 1) a spatial acuity task examining lateralization ability, and a spatial speech-in-noise (SSIN) recognition task, both measured in a hemi-anechoic sound field using a circular horizontal-plane loudspeaker array, and 2) a suprathreshold auditory temporal processing task and a spectro-temporal processing task, both measured under headphones. Further, we examined any correlations between the measures.DesignSubjects were 48 adults, aged 21 to 78, with either normal hearing or only a mild sensorineural hearing loss through 4000 Hz. The lateralization task measured minimum audible angle (MAA) for 500 and 4000 Hz narrowband noise (NBN) bursts in diffuse background noise for both an on-axis (subject facing 0°) and off-axis (facing 45°) listening condition at signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of -3, -6, -9, and -12 dB. For 42 of the subjects, SSIN testing was also completed for key word recognition in sentences in multi-talker babble noise; specifically, the separation between speech and noise loudspeakers was adaptively varied to determine the difference needed for 40% and 80% correct performance levels. Finally, auditory temporal processing ability was examined using the Temporal Fine Structure test (44 subjects), and the Spectro-Temporal Modulation test (46 subjects). Mean lateralization performances were poorer (larger MAAs) in older compared to younger subjects, particularly in the more adverse listening conditions (4000 Hz, off-axis, and poorer SNRs). Performance variability was notably higher for older subjects than for young adults. The 4000 Hz NBN bursts produced larger MAAs than did 500 Hz NBN bursts. The SSIN data also showed declining mean performance with age at both criterion levels, with greater variability again found for older subjects. Spearman rho analyses revealed some low to moderate, but significant correlation coefficients for age versus MAA and age versus SSIN results. A low but significant correlation was also observed between the most adverse MAA and SSIN conditions. Results from both the TFS and STM assessments showed decreased mean performance with aging, and revealed moderate, significant correlations, with the strongest relationship shown with the TFS test. Finally, of note, extended-high-frequency (EHF) hearing loss (measured between 9000 and 16,000 Hz) was found in older but not young subjects, and correlated with decreasing performance on several tasks. Particularly for more adverse listening conditions, age-related deficits were found on both of the spatial hearing tasks and in temporal and spectro-temporal processing abilities. It may be that deficits in temporal processing ability contribute to poorer spatial hearing performance in older subjects due to inaccurate coding of binaural/interaural timing information sent from the periphery to the brainstem. In addition, EHF hearing loss may be a coexisting factor in the reduced performance in older subjects.

Effects of expectations and sensory unreliability on voice detection – A preregistered study

The phenomenon of “hearing voices” can be found not only in psychotic disorders, but also in the general population, with individuals across cultures reporting auditory perceptions of supernatural beings. In our preregistered study, we investigated a possible mechanism of such experiences, grounded in the predictive processing model of agency detection. We predicted that in a signal detection task, expecting less or more voices than actually present would drive the response bias toward a more conservative and liberal response strategy, respectively. Moreover, we hypothesized that including sensory noise would enhance these expectancy effects. In line with our predictions, the findings show that detection of voices relies on expectations and that this effect is especially pronounced in the case of unreliable sensory data. As such, the study contributes to our understanding of the predictive processes in hearing and the building blocks of voice hearing experiences.

Auditory Processing but Not Peripheral Hearing Differs Between Older Adults With and Without Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Impairments of hearing and auditory processing (AP) have been indicated as risk factors for dementia, but it remains unclear if persons with clinically diagnosed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show such impairments. The objective of these analyses was to compare AP between those with and without a clinical diagnosis of MCI using a battery of AP measures. Data from 274 older adults from the Keys to Staying Sharp randomized clinical trial (NCT03528486) were analyzed. A battery of AP measures in which three domains (temporal processing, binaural processing, and degraded speech understanding) were addressed by six tests was administered. Analyses were registered at https://osf.io/nga4v. Those with and without a clinical diagnosis of MCI differed significantly in age, p = .002; pure-tone hearing in the left ear, p = .007; sex, p = .015; and race, p < .001. These covariates were included in multivariate analysis of covariance, which indicated significant differences between persons with and without MCI on measures of binaural processing (ps ≤ .006), but not on measures of temporal processing or degraded speech (ps ≥ .093). Pure-tone hearing averages did not significantly differ among those with or without MCI after adjusting for age, sex, and race (ps ≥ .292). AP in the binaural domain is impaired in MCI, but peripheral hearing did not significantly differ between those with and without MCI. Poor performance on AP measures of binaural processing may reflect problems dividing attention and may be indicative of dementia risk. Results have clinical implications for early detection of and intervention for cognitive impairment.

The Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Speech Perception in Noise: The Effect of Multichannel and Free-Channel Hearing Aids

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

Analisis Putusan Banding Pengadilan Pajak Sengketa Nilai Pabean: Studi Kasus di KPU BC Tipe A Tanjung Priok

This study aims to evaluate and mitigate the factors causing the low victory of KPU BC Type A Tanjung Priok in the customs value dispute at the Tax Court. This study is qualitative with triangulation method of content analysis and interview. Data is obtained from the tax court decision on the customs value dispute for the period 2018 to 2020. The study found that factors that cause the low winnings on customs value disputes are the low effectiveness of collecting transaction evidence at the time of objection and the limitations of testing the validity of the evidence submitted by the Appellant during the appeal hearing process. This study provide a practical implication that KPU BC Type A Tanjung Priok can conduct further action to mitigate the loss of the appeal hearing for the customs value dispute by for example optimizing data requests to the applicant during the objection process, coordinating with the Document Examiner Officer (Pejabat Fungsional Pemeriksa Dokumen - PFPD) to improve the objection decision, and evaluating tax court decisions. Keywords: Tax Dispute, Tax Court, Tax Appeal, Customs

Normative Harmonization: The Eclecticism of Talak Law as a Compromise between Islamic Legal Principles and Indonesian Legislation

This article discusses the validity and legal consequences of divorce in Islamic law and positive law in Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative approach with deductive analysis method and literature study with Normative-Juridical approach. The results show that divorce is considered valid in Islamic law if it fulfills the predetermined conditions. On the other hand, in Indonesian positive law, divorce is recognized as valid if it is carried out through a court hearing process in accordance with Law No. 1 of 1974 concerning Marriage. In terms of post-divorce legal consequences, both Islamic law and Indonesian positive law regulate the rights, positions and obligations of former husbands and wives. Indonesian positive law, particularly in relation to divorce, has undergone legal eclecticism, incorporating the principles of legality, justice and humanity. Meanwhile, in the context of Islamic law, these principles are manifested in the concept of mashlahat, which covers five aspects, namely the maintenance of religion, soul, mind, offspring, and property.

Temporal resolution and pitch discrimination in music education: novel data in children

BackgroundRehabilitation of hearing and listening difficulties through neuroplasticity of the auditory nervous system is a promising technique. Evidence of enhanced auditory processing in adult musicians is often not based on clinical auditory processing tests and is lacking in children with musical education.PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the temporal resolution and frequency discrimination elements of auditory processing both in adults and children with musical education and to compare them with those without any musical education.MethodsParticipants consisted of ten children without musical training and ten children with musical training with mean age 11.3 years and range 8–15 years as well as ten adults without musical education and ten adults with musical education with mean age 38.1 years and range 30–45 years. All participants were tested with two temporal resolution tests (GIN:Gaps-In-Noise and RGDT:Random Gap Detection Test), a temporal ordering frequency test (FPT:Frequency Pattern Test), and a frequency discrimination test (DLF: Different Limen for Frequency).ResultsAll test results revealed better performance in both children and adults with musical training for both ears.ConclusionA positive effect of formal music education for specific auditory processing elements in both children and adults is documented. Larger samples, longitudinal studies, as well as groups with impaired hearing and/or auditory processing are needed to further substantiate the effect shown.

Dynamic Spatial Auditory Processing in the Elderly.

One of the most obvious functional effects of aging on the cognitive and processing processes of spatial hearing is the localization problem and the disorder of speech perception in noise. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the performance of dynamic spatial auditory processing in the elderly. This descriptive and analytical study was conducted on 60 young participants aged from18 to 25 years old and 60 elderly participants aged from 60 to 75 old years, using speech, spatial, and qualities of hearing scale (SSQ) questionnaire, binaural masking level difference (BMLD) and dynamic quick speech in noise (DS-QSIN) tests. Comparing the average scores of the tests and the questionnaire using the independent t test showed a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001). It was also found that gender had no effect on the results (p > 0.05). Aging is accompanied by different structural and functional changes in the auditory central nervous system, which leads to a decrease in speech perception in challenging listening environments, as well as a decrease in sound localization abilities, due to the reduction of temporal and spectral information. This problem affects the determination of the source of sound and the spatial cognition of the elderly and leads to a disturbance in the awareness of the auditory environment. Therefore, auditory rehabilitation programs can cause the improvement of spatial auditory processing performance and improve speech perception in noise in the elderly.

Age-related decline in hearing and emotional prosody processing: A multi-feature oddball study

This study investigated how age and hearing loss contributed to the challenges in perceiving emotional prosody in speech. A multi-feature oddball paradigm was employed to assess mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3a responses to three deviant prosodies (happy, angry and sad) against the standard neutral prosody in spoken words. The participants were 22 adults in the age range of 18 to 70 with various degrees of hearing loss as assessed with pure tone audiometry. Linear mixed effects models revealed heightened MMN response to angry voice and strongest P3a response to happy voice among the three deviants. There was a significant positive correlation between age and MMN amplitude for the angry prosody. Significant correlations were also observed between hearing loss and MMN amplitude in response to both angry and happy stimuli. In addition, negative correlations were found between P3a amplitude and hearing loss as well as aging for happy stimuli. However, aging and hearing loss did not significantly affect the processing of sadness in this paradigm. These findings showed category-sensitive age-related decline in emotional prosody processing. The intricate correlations patterns among age, hearing loss, MMN, and P3a responses called for further exploration of broader implications in cognitive aging.

A Multimethod Exploration of the COVID-Era Transition to Virtual Hearings in Child Welfare Court Cases.

To promote open and safe access to court hearings for families and professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, juvenile and family courts across the United States shifted towards virtual hearings in child welfare cases. Drawing on findings from a four state court observation study conducted pre and post emergence of the pandemic, as well as from a national survey of court professionals and a survey of parents, we reflect on the experiences of courts and court participants with virtual hearings in child welfare cases and specific impacts on hearing quality. Findings indicate that despite stakeholder perceptions, there is little difference in the quality of hearings with respect to judicial engagement and discussion. Differences were found however, in the attendance of fathers and relatives at hearings, with less fathers and relatives attending virtual hearings. Parents had mixed experiences with the virtual hearing process. Professionals noted challenges, as well as strategies for overcoming challenges, to engage parents and ensure their access to virtual hearings.

Preserved Gray Matter Volume in the Left Superior Temporal Gyrus Underpins Speech-in-Noise Processing in Middle-Aged Adults.

Neuroanatomical evidence suggests that behavioral speech-in-noise (SiN) perception and the underlying cortical structural network are altered by aging, and these aging-induced changes could be initiated during middle age. However, the mechanism behind the relationship between auditory performance and neural substrates of speech perception in middle-aged individuals remains unclear. In this study, we measured the structural volumes of selected neuroanatomical regions involved in speech and hearing processing to establish their association with speech perception ability in middle-aged adults. Sentence perception in quiet and noisy conditions was behaviorally measured in 2 different age groups: young (20-39 years old) and middle-aged (40-59-year-old) adults. Anatomical magnetic resonance images were taken to assess the gray matter volume of specific parcellated brain areas associated with speech perception. The relationships between these and behavioral auditory performance with age were determined. The middle-aged adults showed poorer speech perception in both quiet and noisy conditions than the young adults. Neuroanatomical data revealed that the normalized gray matter volume in the left superior temporal gyrus, which is closely related to acoustic and phonological processing, is associated with behavioral SiN perception in the middle-aged group. In addition, the normalized gray matter volumes in multiple cortical areas seem to decrease with age. The results indicate that SiN perception in middle-aged adults is closely related to the brain region responsible for lower-level speech processing, which involves the detection and phonemic representation of speech. Nonetheless, the higher-order cortex may also contribute to age-induced changes in auditory performance.

Quantifying active brain areas at spatial hearing process using Electroencephalography (EEG) source localization approach

The human ability for spatial hearing encourages the development of spatial audio technology to support many human activities. Spatial audio mimics the real-life sound and provides a more immersive hearing experience as if the listener were present in the environment where the sound source was recorded. Recently, research on how spatial hearing processes are encoded in the brain has begun to be developed. As a modality for brain activity measurement that is non-invasive and has a high temporal resolution, Electroencephalography (EEG) is suitable for studying brain responses to moving sound stimuli. This study compared brain activity in hearing stereo and spatial audio stimulus. Through measurements using 21 EEG electrodes on the scalp, the results showed an increase in the mean PSD for all Theta, Alpha, and Beta waves in the spatial audio stimulus compared to stereo audio. The most significant increase in the mean PSD occurred in the Beta wave of 93.8008 µV2/Hz. Furthermore, the source localization approach with Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and Low-resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) method was used to estimate and quantify the active brain area of this process. The results showed an activation of the non-auditory cortex when the subject was hearing spatial audio stimulus. By using Paired T-Test of current density for both hearing processes, the results showed there was no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in Brodmann area (BA) 41 (Primary Auditory Cortex) and BA 42 (Secondary Auditory Cortex). Meanwhile, for the spatial audio hearing process, there was a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) in BA 6 (Premotor Cortex), which is related to spatial orientation, and BA 9 (Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex), which is associated with executive functions, including working memory and selective attention. This study offers potential insights into spatial hearing research and immersive audio production.

Comparative Study of the Effect of Experience on Auditory Processing Abilities in Voice Therapists and Other Speech-Language Pathologist in Auditory Perceptual Judgment of Voice

This study aimed to compare the effect of experience on central auditory processing skills in voice therapists and other Speech-Language Pathologists in the auditory perceptual evaluation of voice. This research is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional observational study. Our study population includes three groups; first-year speech-language pathology students who have not undergone any training or education in the evaluation of auditory samples (group 1; n=10), Speech-Language Pathologists who do not have any activity in the field of voice disorders (group 2; n=10), and therapists who have at least 2years of experience in auditory-perceptual judgment (group 3; n=10). Initially, the participants underwent a basic audiological evaluation (Pure Tone Audiometry, Speech Recognition Threshold, Speech Discrimination Score, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex) to assess peripheral hearing. In the next step, the auditory processing skills of the participants were evaluated with the Buffalo model (staggered spondaic word (SSW) test, phonemic synthesis test (PST), speech in noise (SPN) test). In the third step, four recorded voice samples of patients with voice disorders and healthy individuals were randomly selected for auditory perceptual judgment. These samples were the same for all participants. All the voices were previously subjected to auditory perceptual analysis by two Speech-Language Pathologist who had at least 6years of experience in the evaluation and treatment of voice disorders; the voices were played for participants to assess auditory perception using the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain (GRBAS) scale. All subjects had normal hearing and auditory processing abilities but there were some differences among the groups in processing skills. A difference was found in the SSW-qualifier and SPN-R components between the three groups. The third group had significant differences with the other two groups in the evaluation of auditory perception in the components of R, B, and S (from the GRBAS scale) in voice number one, and the components of G, R, and A in voice number three. In voice number two, there was a correlation between the SSW order effect component and the G component, as well as between the PST component and the A component. In voice number three, there was a correlation between the SPN-L component and the G component, and between the SSW condition, SSW qualifier, and SSW All errors components with the S component. In voice number four, there was a correlation between the SSW-RC, SSW-LC, SSW condition, SSW competing, and SSW order effect components with the A component. Lastly, there was a correlation between the SSW order effect and SSW type A components with the R component in voice number three in group three. The results of the present study indicate that experience has an impact on auditory processing skills and the participants of the third group, who had more experience in the evaluation of voice disorders obtained better scores than the other two groups in the auditory processing skills. Additionally, the level of experience is related to the accuracy of auditory perceptual judgment of voice. The participants of the third group performed better than the other two groups, and the performance of the first and second groups was almost the same.

Review of the 2020 draft environment impact assessment notification governing public hearing process under environmental impact assessment in India

Review of the 2020 draft environment impact assessment notification governing public hearing process under environmental impact assessment in India

Exploring the Heterogeneity of Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss: A Comprehensive Review of Implicated Genes and the Role of Whole Exome Sequencing

Background: Hereditary hearing loss (HHL) accounts for approximately 50-60% of all hearing loss (HL) cases, highlighting the significant role genetics play in this condition. HHL can be mostly classified into two main forms: syndromic and non-syndromic. Of these, non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is the most prevalent, contributing to over 70% of HHL cases. The hearing process involves a complex interplay of various components inside the ear, working together to convert sound waves into comprehensible signals for the brain. Non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is known for its extraordinary diversity and complexity, influenced by a vast array of genes, with more than 120 identified thus far. These genes can be categorized into distinct functional groups, encompassing cochlear ion homeostasis, hair bundle development and cell adhesion, synaptic transmission, transcriptional regulation, and mitochondrial function. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has been instrumental in unraveling the genetic underpinnings of NSHL. Among NGS techniques, whole exome sequencing (WES) appeared as a revolutionary advancement, outperforming other approaches like targeted panel sequencing and whole-genome sequencing in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. WES not only aids in deciphering the genetic basis of hearing loss but also offers the potential to revolutionize patient care and diagnosis. It paves the way for a new era for precision medicine in the realm of hearing loss, promising more accurate and tailored treatments for affected individuals. This transformative approach is poised to bring about substantial advancements in our understanding of hereditary hearing loss and its clinical management.

Utilizing gammatone filter coefficient to improve human mouth-click signal detection using a multi-phase correlation process

This study introduces an enhanced structured signal processing scheme for detecting the “transmit-echo” of mouth-click signals used by blind individuals for echolocation. The processing scheme is based on coexisting work on the detection of the mouth-click signal, with an additional band-pass filter process introduced before synthesis, multi-phase correlation, and summation. The level of side lobes at the output was improved by more than −19 dB, and the number of local maxima was minimized by using a band-pass filter. The detection of “transmit-echo” results using artificial mouth-click signal data was validated and achieved a 100% success rate in detecting obstacles at 60 cm, 80 cm, and 100 cm. Nonetheless, the detection scheme discussed in this investigation is thought to be intuitive, having been learned from the human hearing process. The emerging concepts in this research are expected to benefit radar and sonar system applications in the near future.

The Presence of the Human Auditory Ossicles—Detected Postmortem by CT Scan—As a Taphonomic Indicator

Introduction: Three tiny bones compose the human ossicular chain: malleus, incus and stapes. Also known as auditory ossicles, they are united by joints in the middle ear cavity of the petrous part of the temporal bone. Completely developed two years after birth, the ossicular chain is involved in the physiological process of hearing, by which sound waves from the environment are converted into electrochemical impulses. In the last 500 years, most studies have focused on the morphogenesis, morphological variability and clinical pathology of the ossicular chain, whilst only a few studies have added relevant knowledge to anthropology and forensic science. The auditory ossicles and the enclosing petrous bone are some of the hardest in the human skeleton. This is reflected in a relative resistance to fire and in the possibility of preservation and fossilization in millions of years. Materials and Methods: The literature and four present-day forensic cases were included in studying the postmortem loss of the auditory ossicles in skeletal or decomposing remains. Results indicate that it can be ascribed to their destruction or physical displacement, by either macro-micro-faunal action and/or any other natural or artificial disturbance. Discussion: Physical displacement is closely connected to the depositional environment of the skeletal remains, such as burial, entombment (sarcophagus, coffin, vault…), submersion or exposure to natural elements. Auditory ossicles can be recovered in situ, or very close to their anatomical location, when the skeletal material has been involved in an archaeological excavation. In the case of accessible or disturbed remains, scavengers may remove the tiny ossicles and/or they can slip out of the middle ear cavity following skull movements. Entombment offers effective protection against the displacement of the auditory ossicles, whereas aquatic submersion and aquatic movement almost invariably displace them. Conclusion: the preservation of the human auditory ossicles should be critically considered in the comprehensive context of any forensic investigation on human remains since it can assist the reconstruction of their taphonomic history. Taphonomic histories of remains can add crucial information to forensic investigations (e.g., the Post Mortem Interval, PMI). The aim of this study, limited by scarce relevant literature, is to discuss the potential role of the ossicular chain, detected by postmortem imaging techniques, as a taphonomical indicator in decomposing and/or skeletonized bodies.

Implementation of E-Tickets in the Prosecution of Traffic Violations in Denpasar City (A Study of the Ticket Hearing Process at the Denpasar District Court)

The development of the times makes everything no longer need to be done manually. This provides convenience to all parties in doing work, including traffic police. Nowadays, the police no longer need to ticket traffic violators directly. The police can simply give an e-ticket to the offender. E-tickets are the application of tickets that only use photographic evidence on cellphones. This research examines the implementation of e-ticketing in traffic violation court hearings in Denpasar City and the legal consequences arising from the use of e-ticketing. Using a normative-empirical legal approach, this study analyzes the system of traffic violation enforcement using Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (ETLE) and the implementation of e-ticketing in court hearings. The findings show that e-ticketing has successfully improved the effectiveness of law enforcement and compliance with traffic regulations. The sanctions imposed on violators are based on applicable laws, including fines and administrative measures. This research also highlights the importance of professional and non-discriminatory law enforcement, as well as public awareness of the importance of traffic safety.