Forecasting the Quasi-stationary Front Rainstorm in Southeast China Using the Synthetically Multilevel Analog Forecast Technology

The authors use numerical model integral products in a third level forecast of synthetically multi-level analog forecast technology.This is one of the strongest points of this study,which also includes the re-ducing mean vacant-forecast rate method,which pos-sesses many advantages with regard to filtering the analog term.Moreover,the similitude degree between samples is assessed using a combination of meteorological elements,which works better than that described using a single element in earlier analog forecast studies.Based on these techniques,the authors apply the model output,air sounding,surface observation and weather map data from 1990 to 2002 to perform an analog experiment of the quasi-stationary front rainstorm.The most important re-sults are as follows:(1) The forecast successful index is 0.36,and was improved after the forecast model was re-vised.(2) The forecast precise rate (0.59) and the lost-forecast rate (0.33) are also better than those of other methods.(3) Based on the model output data,the syn-thetically multilevel analog forecast technology can pro-duce more accurate forecasts of a quasi-stationary front rainstorm.(4) Optimal analog elements reveal that trig-gering mechanisms are located in the lower troposphere while upper level systems are more important in main-taining the phase of the rainstorm.These variables should be first taken into account in operational forecasts of the quasi-stationary front rainstorm.(5) In addition,experi-ments reveal that the position of the key zone is mainly decided by the position of the system causing the heavy rainfall.

Development of an Auditory Rehabilitation Training Programme for Hearing Impaired Adults in Saudi Arabia

Hearing impairment is one of the most common sensory disabilities, affecting millions of people worldwide. The current management of acquired hearing impairment in adults is usually in the form of hearing aids. An auditory rehabilitation programme may or may not be provided although literature suggests that such programmes may enhance hearing aid benefits. This study was conducted in an Arabic-speaking country, specifically Saudi Arabia, and is the first to develop an auditory rehabilitation intervention programme in the Arabic language that focuses on working age adults who are new hearing aid users. Randomised intervention study design. Thirty-five participants with mild to severe acquired hearing loss （intervention group n = 18, control group n = 17）. Significant changes were found in the performance of the intervention group in the Minimal Audible Capabilities （MAC） test, a lip reading test and the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile （GHABP） questionnaire when compared with the control group. No significant difference was found in speech test scores between the two groups. A short individualised auditory rehabilitation intervention programme can yield a significant improvement in the performance of hearing impaired adults by enhancing the benefits of hearing aid use.