bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Surface Water and Ocean Topography Mission (SWOT) Prior Lake Database (PLD): Lake mask and operational auxiliaries
Authors: Wang Jida , Pottier Claire , Cazals Cécile , Battude Marjorie , Sheng Yongwei , Song Chunqiao , Sikder Md Safat , Yang Xiao , Ke Linghong , Gosset Marielle , Oliveira Rafael Reis Alencar , Grippa Manuela , Girard Félix , Allen George H , Biancamaria Sylvain , Smith Laurence , Crétaux Jean-François , Pavelsky Tamlin M
Published: December 2023

Lakes are the most prevalent and predominant water repositories on land
surface. A primary objective of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography
(SWOT) satellite mission is to monitor the surface water elevation,
area, and storage change in Earth’s lakes. To meet this objective, prior
information of global lakes, such as locations and benchmark extents, is
required to organize SWOT’s KaRIn observations over time for computing
lake storage variation. Here, we present the SWOT mission Prior Lake
Database (PLD) to fulfill this requirement. This paper emphasizes the
development of the “operational PLD”, which consists of (1) a
high-resolution mask of ~6 million lakes and reservoirs
with a minimum area of 1 ha, and (2) multiple operational auxiliaries to
assist the lake mask in generating SWOT’s standard vector lake products.
We built the prior lake mask by harmonizing the UCLA Circa-2015 Global
Lake Dataset and several state-of-the-art reservoir databases.
Operational auxiliaries were produced from multi-theme geospatial data
to provide information necessary to embody the PLD function, including
lake catchments and influence areas, ice phenology, relationship with
SWOT-visible rivers, and spatiotemporal coverage by SWOT overpasses.
Globally, over three quarters of the prior lakes are smaller than 10 ha.
Nearly 96% of the lakes, constituting over half of the global lake
area, are fully observed at least once per orbit cycle. The PLD will be
recursively improved during the mission period and serves as a critical
framework for organizing, processing, and interpreting SWOT observations
over lacustrine environments with fundamental significance to lake
system science.
The Influence of Growth Faults on Submarine Canyons Development in the Niger Delta
Authors: Ujowundu ThankGod , Delhaye-Prat Vincent , Aigbe Abimbola , Sr. Totalenergies
Published: December 2023

This study explores geomorphology within canyons using 3D seismic
imaging. It reveals crucial insights that underscore the relationship
between growth faults, slope instability, and canyon development. The
structural settings of canyons, often conforming to established
patterns, come to light as integral components of the study. An
important observation was made: the gradient, a first-order factor,
exerts significant control over both canyon initiation and propagation.
Furthermore, the distribution of growth faults, a major catalyst for
slope instability, holds an indirect yet profound link to sediment
routing within canyons and the ancient geography of the region. These
findings not only enhance our understanding of canyon evolution but also
play a crucial role in interpreting reservoir distribution, marking them
as invaluable assets in some geological exploration and reservoir
management.
Birthweight correlates to pubo-femoral distances and α angles in hip ultrasound of newborns at 6 weeks of age: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tirta Maria , Hellfritzsch Michel Bach , Maimburg Rikke Damkjær , Henriksen Mads , Lapitskaya Natallia , Kold Søren , Møller-Madsen Bjarne , Rahbek Ole , Husum Hans-Christen
Published: December 2023

Background and purpose: There is inconsistency in the literature regarding the relationship between increased birthweight and risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). We aimed to investigate the correlation between birthweight and pubo-femoral distance (PFD), as well as Graf’s α angle in newborns undergoing hip ultrasound examination at 6 weeks of age.Patients and methods: Basic newborn characteristics and ultrasound measurements were retrospectively collected during a 1-year study period. We excluded multiple births, newborns born at less than 37 gestational weeks, and incomplete information. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation of birthweight and PFD, and, second, birthweight and α angles including a stratified regression analysis investigating the potential effect modification of sex.Results: 707 newborns (1,414 hips) were included. Mean birthweight was significantly higher for male newborns (P < 0.001). Increased birthweight was positively correlated to PFD values (crude coefficient 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10–0.32) and the correlation was still present after adjusting for sex, family history, and breech presentation (adjusted coefficient 0.18, CI 0.07–0.29). The stratified α angle model for the males was significant for both the crude coefficient (–0.73, CI –1.28 to –0.19) and the adjusted (–0.59, CI –1.15 to –0.03), and also for the females (crude coefficient –1.14, CI –1.98 to –0.31 and adjusted coefficient –1.15, CI –1.99 to –0.31).Conclusion: We found that increased birthweight positively correlated to PFD, and negatively correlated to α angle, but this was not of clinical significance.
The analgesic efficacy of pectoral nerve block for breast augmentation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Yang Hailin , Wang Hao , Wang Qi
Published: December 2023

Background: Many patients suffered from serious pain after breast augmentation, but the analgesic efficacy of pectoral nerve block for these patients was not well established. Thus, this meta-analysis was intended to study the analgesic efficacy of pectoral nerve block for breast augmentation.
Methods: Several databases including PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases were searched, and we included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the analgesic efficacy of pectoral nerve block for breast augmentation.
Results: Six RCTs were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. Compared with control intervention for breast augmentation, pectoral nerve block could significantly reduce pain scores at 1 h (mean difference [MD] = −2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −3.71 to −0.85; P = 0.002), 2 h (MD = −3.08; 95% CI = −3.95 to −2.20; P < 0.00001), 4 h (MD = −2.95; 95% CI = −3.32 to −2.58; P < 0.00001), 6–8 h (MD = −2.68; 95% CI = −3.24 to −2.11; P < 0.00001), 24 h (MD = −2.04; 95% CI = −2.41 to −1.67; P < 0.00001), the number of analgesic requirement (odd ratio [OR] = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.45; P = 0.0001), and the incidence of nausea (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.54; P = 0.001) and vomiting (OR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.39; P = 0.0001). 
Conclusions: Pectoral nerve block may be effective for pain relief after breast augmentation.
Remarks on Tarski’s Nominalism
Authors: Nagase Daniel
Published: December 2023

In this article, I will offer some remarks about Tarski’s nominalism. First, I will show that, even though it was mainly developed in private conversation and lectures, Tarski did try to develop a rigorous nominalistic theory, which shows that the issue was of some importance to him. In particular, I show how Tarski’s formulation is based on the idea of a humanly understandable language and show how he tried to develop this idea throughout his career. Unfortunately, even though his formulation is interesting, it seems to face an insurmountable obstacle, which I examine in detail in the article. Finally, I offer some remarks about what went wrong with Tarski’s nominalist program.
Viranomaisten velvollisuus ja mahdollisuudet oikaista virheellistä tietoa
Authors: Koistinen Pekka , Sommarberg Silvia , Sederholm Teija
Published: December 2023

Artikkelissamme selvitämme, millainen velvollisuus ja millaiset mahdollisuudet viranomaisilla on oikaista virheellistä tietoa. Perustelemme lisäksi, miksi virheellisen tiedon oikaiseminen on merkityksellistä viranomaistoiminnassa ja millaisia käytännön mahdollisuuksia oikaisemiseen on olemassa. Tutkimuksessamme käytämme käsitettä virheellinen tieto kuvaamaan harhaanjohtavaksi tiedoksi tarkoitettua tietoa sekä informaatiovaikuttamisen tuloksena syntynyttä tietoa.
Suomessa viranomaisilla on lainsäädäntöön perustuva velvollisuus jakaa oikea-aikaista ja luotettavaa tietoa, virheellisen tiedon leviämisen estämiseksi. Tutkimusaineiston perusteella viranomaisilla on haasteita tunnistaa virheellinen tieto ja muodostaa yhteinen tilannekuva informaatioympäristöstä organisaatioiden välillä. Lainsäädäntö ei Suomessa merkittävästi rajoita virheellisen tiedon levittämistä muutoin kuin lainvastaisen sisällön osalta. Siitä huolimatta virheellisen tiedon oikaiseminen on välttämätöntä viranomaisten uskottavuuden ja luottamuksen ylläpitämiseksi muuttuvassa informaatioympäristössä. Keräsimme tutkimusaineiston eri puolilla Suomea järjestetyillä turvallisuuskahviloilla. Tutkimusaineisto analysoitiin induktiivisella sisällönanalyysillä.
From TENOR to TEIC: The English Teacher’s Final “Say-So” in Reformulating Education Policies
Authors: Ypsilanti Angeliki , Karras Ioannis
Published: December 2023

In Greece, the English language classroom in State school education is often identified as a Teaching English for No Obvious Reasons (TENOR) situation because the non-official status of the English language, in conjunction with the lack of exam-oriented motivation, disallows the possibility of a widely recognized proof of language ability. On top of that, the English teacher receives conflicting signals from the ongoing processes of transforming the national curriculum and is faced with the constant challenge of providing motivation. This paper launches the adoption of new methodological approaches for paralleling the establishment of effective oversight mechanisms regarding educational policy. To this end, the English language teacher at a Greek General Lyceum, based on the results of the Needs Analysis (NA) survey she conducted at the beginning of the school year, took on the challenge of acting as a mediator of change. More specifically, using her training in the New Curricula organized by the Greek Institute of Educational Policy (IEP), she explored how the “knowledge processes” of the proposed Learning-by-Design framework can benefit the cultivation of an intercultural mindset in students. In assuming the role of “knowledge creator” and “knowledge purveyor,” the English teacher has created implications for Teaching English for Intercultural Communication (TEIC) as an alternative to TENOR.
Pseudoterranova sp. y Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae) en peces de importancia comercial en río gaira, sierra nevada de Santa Marta (snsm), caribe Colombiano
Authors: Blanco-Cervantes Carlos , Blanco-Cervantes German
Published: December 2023

Durante el periodo de aguas altas se procesó un total de 23 peces adquiridos a pescadores artesanales en la desembocadura del río Gaira de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), Colombia con el objetivo de analizar la presencia de Contracaecum sp. y Pseudoterranova sp., y su capacidad de producir zoonosis. A los hospederos se les revisó la cavidad abdominal, la superficie de las vísceras y la vejiga natatoria en busca de helmintos. La identificación de estos se basó en la descripción de las características morfológicas observadas a través de microscopia óptica. Para caracterizar la infección de cada especie de parásito se calcularon los parámetros ecológicos como la prevalencia (P), la intensidad media de infección (IM) y la tasa de infestación parasitaria. Con el fin de determinar si existía asociación entre la longitud total y el peso, y entre el peso y la tasa de infestación parasitaria, se aplicó una ANOVA de Friedman posterior a una Tukey. Los peces procesados arrojaron valores promedios (± desviación estándar) de longitud total de 19,6±30 cm, y peso de 50,33±22,50 g, de los cuales 21 estaban parasitados por nematodos anisakidos, para un porcentaje de infección del 91,3%. Las características morfológicas permitieron la identificación de Contracaecum sp y Pseudoterranova sp. La prevalencia parasitaria para individuos analizados fue del 94,83 %, y todos los nemátodos fueron hallados en intestinos, mesenterio, espina dorsal y en algunas ocasiones adheridos a los testículos en machos. La intensidad parasitaria fue de 36,78±57,70 parásitos/pez. La tasa de infestación fue leve en un 85,19%, moderada en un 7,4% y severa en 3,7%. Se mostró diferencias estadísticas significativas entre la LT y el peso, así como entre el peso y la intensidad media.
Students’ Problems in Writing Academic Article: A Case Study in Academic Writing Class
Authors: Maharani Ramanda , Hakiki Shabrina Shalihatinisa , Safitri Suci
Published: December 2023

This research was conducted to find students’ problems in writing academic articles. The participants were 36 students in Academic Writing Class. The authors used a questionnaire and an interview to gain the data. The results of this study were explained by descriptive analysis. The data shows that students experience problems while writing an article. The main problems are lack of knowledge (organization, vocabulary, and grammar) and motivation. Furthermore, students also experience anxiety during the article-writing process.
Leading higher education transformation: The role of student affairs
Authors: January Chanaaz
Published: December 2023

Student affairs practitioners and researchers are well positioned to contribute holistically tostudent success and as such could play a strategic role in the transformation of higher education.The aim of this article is to illustrate that a key strategic objective of student affairs is to contributesignificantly towards student success. This article reports on a study (January, 2021) entitled ‘Towardsa qualitative framework for blending equity and excellence in transforming South African highereducation transformation to achieve development’ in which the promotion of student success isviewed as central to institutional transformation. The purpose of the study was to contribute to amore comprehensive qualitative framework for higher education transformation in South Africa byreconciling notions of ‘equity and excellence’. Interviews were conducted with sixteen leaders in thefield of higher education in South Africa. Thereafter, interview data were triangulated with strategicdocuments of various entities concerned with higher education transformation. The theoreticalframework encapsulated the human capital and human capability theories and argues further fora reconciliation of these theories to promote social justice and human well-being. The study usedgrounded theory methods to analyse and present the comprehensive qualitative framework. Thestudy found that student success was the most critical factor driving institutional transformation. Inaddition, four other interrelated elements were presented as the core elements of a comprehensiveframework. Based on these findings, this article explores the implications for student affairs further,using unpublished input gathered by the author through reflective conversations with stakeholdersat the University of Cape Town. In this regard the notion of a set of student learning imperatives(graduate attributes) becomes relevant to the discussion when student affairs practitioners andresearchers collaborate with faculties and departments on strategic projects.
Self-efficacy assessment in chemistry learning: Development and validation using confirmatory factor analysis
Authors:   Masters of Chemistry Education, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Muhariyansah Jajang , Sutrisno Hari , Naqsyahbandi Fajar
Published: December 2023

Learner self-efficacy is the confidence of a learner to determine how he feels, thinks, motivates and behaves. The purpose of this study was to analyze the instrument of self-efficacy assessment of students in the Aliyah madrasah in Musi Rawas Prov. South Sumatra. The total of respondents to testing this instrument was 234 students. This study uses Second Order Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to determine the validity and reliability of Likert scale instruments regarding students' self-efficacy in chemistry learning. The sampling technique used is proportionate Stratified Random Sampling. The research results show that the instrument developed has good construct validity as seen from the loading factor value > 0.50. The construct reliability test using CR and AVE values also showed acceptable results so it was declared suitable for use in data collection to measure self-efficacy in learning chemistry. It is hoped that teachers can measure student self-efficacy using this instrument. It is expected that teachers can measure students' self-efficacy using this instrument.
RANCANG BANGUN INSTRUMEN USG MINI UNTUK PRA-DIAGNOSIS GLUKOMA BERBASIS IMAGE PROCESSING
Authors: Prasetyanto Wisnu Adi , Wulandari Sariayu
Published: December 2023

Glaukoma adalah gangguan penglihatan yang menyebabkan kerusakan pada saraf mata dan kehilangan lapang pandang progresif. Kebutaan akibat glaukoma menjadi penyebab utama kebutaan di seluruh dunia, kedua setelah katarak. Penurunan tekanan intraokular adalah langkah utama dalam perawatan glaukoma untuk mencegah kebutaan dan perkembangan tingkat lanjut. Faktor risiko utama glaukoma meliputi usia, latar belakang genetik, dan peningkatan tekanan intraokular. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan alat deteksi glaukoma berbasis Ultrasonografi menggunakan Arduino. Metode pengolahan data mencakup Momen Invariant, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), dan Fuzzy C-Means (FCM). Data sampel diperoleh dari 12 pasien dengan glaukoma dan 12 mata normal, masing-masing diambil 8 kali pengulangan. Hasil dari metode ini memiliki akurasi sebesar 80,21% dalam membedakan mata normal dan glaukoma berdasarkan data citra yang diambil. Dengan alat deteksi glaukoma berbasis Ultrasonografi ini, diharapkan dapat memfasilitasi deteksi dini penyakit glaukoma dan mencegah perkembangan lebih lanjut yang dapat menyebabkan kebutaan. Penggunaan teknologi kecerdasan buatan dan pemrosesan citra membuktikan bahwa metode pengolahan data dengan Momen Invariant, PCA, dan FCM dapat memberikan hasil analisis citra yang efektif dan akurat dalam mendeteksi glaukoma.Kata kunci: Glaukoma, Ultrasonografi, Momen Invariant, Principal Component Analysis and Fuzzy C-Means.
RANCANG BANGUN GENERATOR MAGNET PERMANEN FLUKSI AKSIAL SINGLE STATOR SINGLE ROTOR
Authors: Yuhendri Muldi , Doni Dona , Ikhfa Anne Fadia
Published: December 2023

Permanent magnet synchronous generator is one type of generator that is widely used for small-scale power generation, because it can be operated at low speed, so it does not require a gearbox in its operation. This paper proposes the manufacture of a low speed axial flux permanent magnet synchronous generator that can be used for small-scale electric power generation. The generator is designed in the form of a single stator single rotor. The generator stator is designed using fiberglass as the holder for the nine coils, while the rotor is designed in a disc shape using aluminum as the holder for the Neodymium N52 permanent magnet. The generator design was validated through Finite Element Analysis simulation using solidwork and tested through experiments using an induction motor as the driving force. Tests were carried out with varying air gaps and rotational speeds. The experimental results show that the generator can produce a voltage of 15.4 Volts when the generator is rotated at a speed of 500 rpm. The generator can also produce a maximum power of 400 Watts with an air gap of 2 mm
Exploratory Factor Analysis for Mathematics Identity among Secondary School Students
Authors:   Mathematical Sciences Studies, College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, Perak, Malaysia, Md Said Junaida , Raja Maamor Shah Raja Lailatul Zuraida ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Perak, Malaysia, Yunus Riyan Hidayat ,   Department of Science and Technical Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia, Jamian Nurul Husna ,   Mathematical Sciences Studies, College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, Perak, Malaysia
Published: December 2023

Currently, there is not widely accepted or universally recognized measure that captures a singular identity for mathematics due to inconsistent measurement methods used in research on this topic The problematic nature of students' relationship with mathematics has prompted researchers to examine the issue through the perspective of identity. This research examined the alignment between the items on the adapted questionnaire related to mathematics identity load on the theorized sub-constructs by conducting instrument validation. Cluster sampling method was employed in this study, involving 213 participants. A questionnaire comprising 19 items was administered to secondary school students. Then, the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was utilized to categorize the different components present in the questionnaire. Additionally, Cronbach's Alpha was calculated to assess the internal validity and reliability of the questionnaire, ensuring the consistency and accuracy of the instrument. The study revealed that there are three main dimensions which are mathematics recognition, mathematics learning performance and competence, and mathematics career interest that can be classified by 13 items. The result led to formulate a new set of questionnaires. The new set of questionnaires will be distributed for further research to proceed on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
Biografia do Brasil: história social e individualismo psicologizante
Authors: Flores Wilson
Published: December 2023

O presente artigo analisa o livro Brasil: uma biografia, escrito por Lilia Schwarcz e Heloisa Starling. A obra propõe realizar um estudo histórico, social e político do Brasil, buscando inserir-se na tradição das grandes sínteses dedicadas a pensar o país construídas entre os anos 1930 e 1990. No entanto, diferentemente destas que trabalhavam com noções como formação, evolução, sentido, o livro de Schwarcz e Starling propõe pensar o país recorrendo à biografia. A proposta, que pode soar inusitada, é coerente com uma tendência editorial de sucesso que consiste em construir biografias sobre praticamente qualquer assunto. Esse alargamento do escopo do que pode ser biografado configura uma forma de narração que combina perspectiva histórica e visada psicologizante que, empregada para pensar o arco histórico do processo social de um país, esvazia o conteúdo potencialmente problematizador e político inerente ao tema que a reflexão põe em cena. A incapacidade de pensar a história social a partir de suas condicionantes materiais, históricas, culturais, como se procura discutir, relaciona-se com a racionalidade neoliberal que, ao se apresentar como referência incontornável de toda a experiência coletiva e individual, configura-se como um tipo específico de totalitarismo.
The impact of socioeconomic variables on financial inclusion in Asian countries: A comparative study, 2010–2022
Authors: Anwar Anas Iswanto , Sabbar Sabbar Dahham , Saifulloh Nur Imam , Umar Hasan Basri , Amar Muhammad Yunus , Aswan Andi
Published: December 2023

The financial inclusion program in Asia has begun to be carried out intensively, focusing on increasing public access, especially for people who have yet to enjoy banking services. This makes financial inclusion one of the development focuses in the financial sector in various countries, especially in the Asian region. This study compares the financial inclusion level and socioeconomic variables’ influence on financial inclusion in Asian countries in 2010–2022. To compare the level of financial inclusion in several Asian countries, the Index of Financial Inclusion (IFI) analysis method was used, while to examine the relationship between socioeconomic variables on financial inclusion, the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method was used with an estimation technique, in the Fixed Effects Model approach. The results of this study indicate that, in general, financial inclusion in several Asian countries is mainly influenced by the usability dimension. In addition, only the variable GDP per capita is partially influential. While other variables, namely, the unemployment rate and population in rural areas, significantly influence the financial inclusion index.
Linear Preserves of BP-quasi invertible elements in JB*-algebras
Authors: Tahlawi Haifa
Published: December 2023

In this note, we study one of the main outcomes of the Russo-Dye Theorem of JB*-algebra: a linear operator that preserves Brown-Pedersen-quasi invertible elements between two JB*-algebras is characterized by a Jordan ∗-homomorphism. Earlier, in C*-setting of algebras, Russo and Dye gave a characterization of any linear operator that maps unitary elements into unitary elements; namely a Jordan ∗-homomorphism. Special sorts of linear preservers between C*-algebras and between JB*-triples were introduced by Burgos et al. As a result, if G is a linear operator between two JB*-algebras having non-empty sets of extreme points of the closed unit sphere that preserves extreme points, then there exists a Jordan ∗-homomorphism Φ which also preserves extreme points and characterizes the linear operator G. We also explore the connection between linear operators that strongly preserve Brown-Pedersen-quasi nvertible elements between two JB*-triples and the λ-property of both JB*-triples. Other geometric properties, such as extremally richness and the Bade property of two JB*-algebras or triples under linear preservers, are to be elaborated on in forthcoming research.
El acontecer de la luz al través del cristal: Esencia de un paisaje auténtico
Authors: Campos Amelia
Published: December 2023

Sala de Exposiciones Facultad de Bellas Artes. Universidad de Málaga 22 / 11/2018 —21 / 12 / 2018
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) in Dog’s Hair as a Sign of Oxidative Stress – Preliminary Study
Authors: Boić Nikolina , Hackenberger Kutuzović Branimir , Hackenberger Kutuzović Davorka
Published: December 2023

Various endogenous and exogenous factors influence the occurrence of oxidative stress in all organisms, as well as in dogs. An increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and the occurrence of oxidative stress can lead to changes in the structure of proteins, lipids, and DNA. The level of oxidative stress can be determined by measuring the end products of lipid peroxidation known as reactive substances of thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) of which malondialdehyde (MDA) is the most important. The concentration of MDA can be easily measured in various tissues and body excretions, but also by a non-invasive method of hair sampling. In this research, we have collected dog hair in grooming saloons, fluorometrically measured TBARS levels and compared the obtained values with factors such as breed, sex, age, passive smoking, sterilization, and season. No significant difference between sterilized and non-sterilized dogs was observed. The intensity of lipid peroxidation differed between the sexes, dog breeds, status of smoking by owner and exposure to UV radiation.
The effects of systemic stress on orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Gameiro Gustavo Hauber , Nouer Darcy Flávio , Pereira-Neto João Sarmento , Urtado Marília Bertoldo , Novaes Pedro Duarte , de Castro Margaret , Arruda Veiga Maria Cecília Ferraz
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To determine if systemic stress affects the biological reactions occurring during orthodontic tooth movement.

Methods

Four groups of male 10 week-old Wistar rats were used. Group A animals (N=10) were restrained for one hour per day for 40 days; Group B animals (N=10) were restrained for one hour per day for three days; Group C (N=10) and Group D (N=8) animals were unrestrained. The upper left first molars in the rats in Groups A (long-term stress), B (short-term stress) and C (control) were moved mesially during the last 14 days of the experiment. The animals in Group D (N=8) were used for body weight and hormonal dosage comparisons only. They were not subjected to any stress and did not have appliances fitted. All animals were killed at 18 weeks of age and blood collected for measurement of plasma corticosterone. Tooth movement was measured with an electronic caliper. The right and left hemi-maxillae of five rats from each group were removed and the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive cells, defined as osteoclasts, adjacent to the mesial roots of the upper first molars counted. The contralateral side in each animal served as the control (split-mouth design).

Results

Corticosterone levels were significantly higher in the stressed groups (Groups A and B) than in the control group (Group C). Tooth movement was significantly greater in Group A (long-term stress) compared with Group B (short-term stress) and Group C (control), which did not differ from each other. There were significantly more osteoclasts in the long-term stress group than in the short-term stress and control groups.

Conclusion

Persistent systemic stress increases bone resorption during orthodontic tooth movement. Systemic stress may affect the rate of tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.
Shear bond strengths of molar tubes bonded with different adhesives
Authors: Chapman J. Luke , Coreil Mark N. , Armbruster Paul C. , Du Joanna X.
Published: December 2023

Aims

This study determined which molar base retentive designs produced the greatest shear bond strength (SBS) to human molars when using different adhesives.

Methods

One hundred and fifty extracted human molars were divided into 15 groups of 10. The tested molar tube bases included two stainless steel experimental base designs, a titanium single mesh 80 gauge base, a stainless steel double mesh 150 gauge under 80 gauge base and a stainless steel single mesh 80 gauge base. Each base was bonded with Transbond XT, Pad Lock and Light Bond. One primer, Assure, was used for all specimens. Bonded specimens were stored in water for 7 days and SBS was measured on an Instron testing machine with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. Two-way ANOVA were performed with post-hoc comparisons of the means to determine any statistical differences in SBS. The significance level was set at 5 per cent.

Results

The brackets, adhesives and combinations of brackets and adhesives used had a significant effect on SBS (Bracket: p < 0.001; Adhesive: p = 0.020; Interaction: p = 0.005). Mean SBS differed significantly for the adhesives: Light Bond, Pad Lock and Transbond (p < 0.001, p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). In general, the stainless steel single mesh 80 gauge base and Light Bond adhesive produced the greatest SBS.

Conclusion

The clinician’s choice of bracket and adhesive affect the SBS of bonded molar attachments.
The accuracy of a 3-D laser scanner for crown width measurements
Authors: Nouri Mahtab , Massudi Reza , Bagheban Alireza Akbarzadeh , Azimi Somayyeh , Fereidooni Farzad
Published: December 2023

Background

Virtual dental casts have been recently introduced to orthodontics. The problem of capturing the shapes of teeth on study casts may be complicated by the presence of undercut areas and deep grooves.

Aims

This study aimed to develop a 3-D laser scanner and associated software, and to evaluate the reproducibility and validity of mesio-distal crown width measurements based on slice distinction.

Methods

To evaluate reproducibility: a cube was scanned with readily available equipment and the digital measurements compared to caliper measurements of the cube; and the mesio-distal widths of artificial upper teeth were measured, set-up in a dental model, scanned, measured on the virtual study models and compared with the reference measurements. Custom software was used to capture and process the resulting images. To determine validity artificial teeth were measured with calipers, set-up in 20 different malocclusions, duplicated and scanned. The caliper measurements of groups of teeth (incisors, canines, premolars, molars) were compared with digital measurements of the same teeth. In the second method to determine validity, 10 dental casts were scanned and measured by two examiners and the mesio-distal widths compared with the reference values, and with each other.

Results

The digital measurements of the cube fell within 0.1 mm of the reference value. The absolute error in repeated measures of the dental model was 0.32 ± 0.25 mm. The overall correlation between 3-D images of the teeth and the reference values, using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), was 0.84. The most and least valid results for groups of teeth were the premolars and canines, respectively. The inter-observer ICC was 0.60, and each examiner’s ICC versus the reference values were 0.833 and 0.855.

Conclusions

The mesio-distal widths of teeth and groups of teeth can be reliably and validly measured on virtual study models using the scanner and software developed for this purpose. Inaccuracy in the canine region may be overcome by using a smaller rotational angle during scanning.
Bond failure in clinical practice
Authors: Ewing Mark
Published: December 2023

Background

It has been suggested that the small bonding pads and prominent profiles of self-ligating brackets may lead to high failure rates when compared with conventional edgewise brackets.

Aims

To compare the bond failure rates of a self-ligating bracket (Speed, Strite Industries, Cambridge, Canada) and a twin edgewise bracket (Mini-Diamond, Ormco, Orange, CA, USA) bonded with different adhesives (Sequence, Ormco, Orange, CA, USA; Transbond XT, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA); to compare the bond failure rates of a self-ligating bracket bonded with different adhesives (Enlight, Ormco, Orange, CA, USA; Lightbond, Reliance, Itasca, IL, USA); and to compare the bond failure rates of molar attachments (Speed, Strite Industries, Cambridge, Canada) using different adhesives (Enlight, Ormco, Orange, CA, USA; Lightbond, Reliance, Itasca, IL, USA; Sequence, Ormco, Orange, CA, USA; Transbond XT, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA).

Methods

This retrospective study covered 17 years. Study A (1991–99): Speed and Mini-Diamond brackets were bonded in both arches with either Sequence (Group 1) or Transbond-XT (Group 2) adhesives and the number of bond failures compared. Study B (2000–07): Speed brackets were bonded with either Lightbond (Group 3) or Enlight (Group 4) adhesives and the total number of bond failures (first-time and re-failures) compared. In Study C (1991–2007) Speed upper molar mini-brackets, upper molar tubes or ER brackets were used in the upper arch, and Speed lower buccal tubes were used in the lower arch. The failure rates of the molar attachments were compared.

Results

In Study A the failure rates with Sequence adhesive were: Speed 7.3 per cent, Mini-Diamond 11.9 per cent (p = 0.05). With Transbond XT adhesive the failure rates were: Speed 5.9 per cent, Mini-Diamond 6.4 per cent (p > 0.05). The teeth with the highest failure rates (central incisors and second premolars) were similar for both appliances. In Study B the failure rates were: Group 3 (Speed/Lightbond) 4.2 per cent; Group 4 (Speed/Enlight) 6.9 per cent; Group 3 vs Group 4, p = 0.05. In Study C the failure rate of Speed upper molar mini-brackets was markedly higher than the failure rates of the molar tubes.

Conclusions

The failure rates of the Speed brackets reduced over time, possibly because of improvements in the adhesives. The small bonding pads and prominent profiles of Speed brackets did not result in high failure rates.
Changes in shear bond strength of ceramic and stainless steel brackets with different visible light curing times and directions
Authors: Heravi Farzin , Bayani Shahin
Published: December 2023

Background

Selection of the appropriate curing time and light direction may enable the appropriate shear bond strength to be obtained and avoid enamel fracture during debonding.

Aims

To determine the effects of different curing times and light directions on the shear bond strengths of ceramic and stainless steel brackets.

Method

Ninety-two recently extracted, upper premolars were randomly assigned to six groups. Either stainless steel or ceramic brackets were bonded to the buccal surfaces of the teeth. Group 1, stainless steel brackets cured for 40 seconds from buccal surface; Group II, stainless steel brackets cured for 40 seconds from palatal surface; Group III, stainless steel brackets cured for 80 seconds from palatal surface; Group IV, ceramic brackets cured for 40 seconds from the buccal surface; Group V, ceramic brackets cured for 40 seconds from the palatal surface; Group VI, ceramic brackets cured for 80 seconds from the palatal surface. The shear bond strength was measured with a universal testing machine and the resin remaining after debonding scored with the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). The data were analysed with the one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Associations between the ARI and shear bond strength were determined with Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results

Group IV (ceramic brackets cured for 40 seconds from buccal surface) had the highest shear bond strength (21.26 MPa) and Group II (metal brackets cured for 40 seconds from palatal surface) had the lowest shear bond strength (6.95 MPa).There was no significant difference in ARI scores among the groups. The association between the ARI scores and bond strength values was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Curing from the buccal surface for 40 seconds gave unacceptably high shear bond strength values for both stainless steel and ceramic brackets. Lower shear bond strengths occurred when the light was directed from the palatal surface, but a shorter curing time is more likely to be preferred by clinicians. Future studies should investigate the possibility of reducing the curing time for both brackets.
Space planning sensitivity and specificity: Royal London Space Planning and Korkhaus Analyses
Authors: Dause Rania , Cobourne Martyn , McDonald Fraser
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To establish the sensitivity and specificity of the Korkhaus and Royal London Space Planning Analyses.

Methods

The sample consisted of 30 cases with two sets of study models and lateral cephalometric radiographs taken at least three years apart. These were then further subdivided into Class I (N = 10), Class II division 1 (N = 10) and Class II division 2 cases (N = 10). The Royal London Space Planning Analysis and the Korkhaus Analysis were applied on these cases at both times.

Results

Study model analysis: The Royal London Planning Analysis revealed that in Class I malocclusions, upper and lower arch crowding and spacing changed significantly with time. The total space required and tooth size reduction for the lower arch had also changed significantly. Additionally, in the Class II division 1 malocclusions, lower arch crowding and spacing, total space required and the need for tooth size reduction had significantly increased, while, in Class II division 2 malocclusions, a statistically significant increase was observed in the upper and lower arch crowding and spacing.

The Korkhaus Analysis showed that in Class I malocclusions a significant decrease was observed in the lower arch length and the lower anterior arch width. The upper posterior (inter-molar) arch width had significantly increased. In Class II division 1 malocclusions the lower right posterior space available had decreased significantly. The upper posterior arch width and the lower posterior arch width also significantly increased. In Class II division 2 malocclusions, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the lower anterior arch length. There were no significant changes in all angular and the two linear measurements for all classes.

Conclusions

The Royal London Space Planning Analysis and the Korkhause Analysis are clinically sensitive analyses. The Royal London Space Planning Analysis lacks specificity to be a robust model for treatment planning; modification may be required before this technique is accepted.
Incremental effects of facemask therapy associated with intermaxillary mechanics
Authors: Thiesen Guilherme , Fontes Juliana de Oliveira da Luz , Zastrow Michella Dinah , May Naudy Brodbeck
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To determine the dentofacial changes in children with skeletal Class III malocclusions treated with maxillary expansion, external maxillary protraction and intermaxillary traction.

Methods

Fifteen Class III patients in either the deciduous or the mixed dentition (Mean age: 7.6 years; SD: 1.9 years) were used. The children were treated with a modified Haas expander, a modified lingual arch, intermaxillary elastics and facemask for nine months. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken at the beginning of treatment (T1) and at 3-month intervals (T2, T3, T4).

Results

Most significant sagittal skeletal modifications occurred in the first three months of treatment. During the first three months of treatment the upper and lower incisors tipped lingually and the face height increased. Towards the end of treatment the upper incisors proclined and the upper lip became more protrusive.

Conclusion

The therapy corrected the horizontal skeletal and arch discrepancies and improved the positions of the lips.
Indirect bonding - do custom bases need a plastic conditioner? A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Miles Peter
Published: December 2023

Aim

To compare the clinical failure rates over six months of indirectly bonded brackets with and without methyl methacrylate monomer (MMM) conditioned custom bases.

Methods

Thirty-six consecutive patients satisfying the selection criteria were randomly assigned to two groups in a split-mouth study design. In Group 1, the maxillary right and mandibular left quadrants were indirectly bonded after the custom bases had been conditioned with MMM. The brackets bonded to the teeth in the contralateral quadrants were not conditioned. In Group 2, the custom bases on the brackets indirectly bonded to the teeth in the maxillary left and mandibular right quadrants were conditioned and the brackets in the contralateral quadrants were not conditioned. Over the 6-month observation period all loose brackets were recorded, and the data were compared with a Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

Results

Of the 828 brackets placed, six with the MMM conditioning came loose (1.4 per cent failed) compared with five in the Control group (1.2 per cent failed). The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.74).

Conclusion

These results indicate that conditioning custom bases with methyl methacrylate monomer is an unnecessary step when indirectly bonding brackets.
The effect of morphine on orthodontic tooth movement in rats
Authors: Akhoundi Mohammad S.A. , Dehpour Ahmad Reza , Rashidpour Mahsa , Alaeddini Mojgan , Kharazifard Mohammad Javad , Noroozi Hassan
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To investigate the effect of morphine as an exogenous opioid on orthodontic tooth movement. Naltrexone will be used as an opioid antagonist to confirm the results.

Methods

Forty rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. The first group received no injection; the second group received daily injections of morphine; the third group received daily naltrexone-morphine injections and the fourth group daily injections of naltrexone-normal saline. The left first maxillary molar in each rat was tipped mesially with a NiTi closed coil spring. The rats were sacrificed after 14 days and the maxillae fixed, sectioned serially and examined histologically.

Results

The greatest amount of tooth movement occurred in the Control group and the least amount of tooth movement in the Morphine group. Tooth movement in the Morphine group was significantly different from the other three groups (p < 0.05). The differences in tooth movement in the Control, Morphine-naltrexone and Naltrexone-saline groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No statistically significant histological differences were found.

Conclusions

Morphine reduced orthodontic tooth movement in rats. This effect was reversed by the opioid antagonist, naltrexone, which had no effect on tooth movement.
Regional Economic Environment: Insights from North Macedonia’s Agricultural Sector
Authors: Andreeski Cvetko , Petrevska Biljana
Published: December 2023

The role of agriculture in the broader development process is extensively explored, but with no particular focus on the direct and indirect linkages among factors considering the influence of the business environment on the regional economy. This study explores the managerial perception of agricultural companies in North Macedonia regarding the status, prospects, and challenges for agriculture within the regional economy when having cooperation with Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro. A comprehensive five-stage methodology was applied to assess the factors of influence underlying the pros and cons of agricultural development. These stages encompassed a literature review, the construction of a theoretical model, data collection, principal component analysis, and the application of structural equation modeling. Three direct and two indirect linkages are hypothesized for constructing a model that quantifies the impacts of the business environment essential for the regional economy. The highest significant threshold is found for the direct path of COVID-19, followed by a strong negative direct connection to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and a medium direct effect of governmental support. The latter indicated the Russia-Ukraine crisis and COVID-19 as having extremely strong indirect connections to the regional economy. So, supporting measures and activities of government is identified as the key issue for further growth and development of the agricultural sector in North Macedonia. The proposed model can be easily adopted and applied to other countries to screen and evaluate agricultural development. The study informs main policymakers on how to approach the challenges of the regional economy and to improve the country’s agricultural outlook.
Links Between Farm Size, Location and Productivity of Farms in the Czech Republic
Authors: Redlichová Radka , Svobodová Eliška , Blažková Ivana , Chmelíková Gabriela , Vinohradský Karel
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to examine the productivity of Czech farms with dependence on their size and natural conditions. The methodological approach is based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA), which enables to assess whether there are significant differences between groups of farms with different size and from different locations in terms of their productivity and profitability. We use data from the FADN CZ database for the period 2015–2020 and show that very large and large farms reach substantially higher productivity in all regions, whatever the natural conditions are. Results confirmed that farms in areas without natural constrains achieve statistically significantly higher levels of all productivity indicators in comparison with farms located in areas with natural constraints. The results also showed that the agricultural policy is decisive for functioning of small farms. The subsidies have a greater effect on smaller farms than on their larger counterparts.