bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Gingival Recession after Flap Surgery in Patients with Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis with Horizontal or Vertical Bone Loss
Authors: Bilichodmath Shivaprasad , K Geetha , Nazrine Sayana , Janardhanan Nimmi
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND The sites with deeper periodontal pockets showed greater postoperative gingival recession. The purpose of this study was to correlate the gingival recession following the periodontal flap surgery with the amount of bone loss at the treated site and to propose a prediction chart of post -operative gingival recession based on certain clinical parameters. METHODS A total of 120 sites in patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis were treated with flap surgery. Clinical parameters such as probing pocket depth (PPD), recession depth (RD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months post-surgery. The extent of bone loss in the surgical site was measured in digital radiographs (RVG) at baseline. The prediction chart for post-operative recession depth was prop osed based on the amount of bone loss in surgical site and the clinical parameters. RESULTS The difference in mean PPD, CAL and gingival recession depth from baseline to 1 month, 3 month and 6 months was statistically significant. Out of 120 sites, 38 sites with the bone loss of 3-5 mm showed increase in gingival recession from baseline (0.89 mm ± 0.924 mm) to 6 months (1.47 mm ± 0.979) post-surgery. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean gingival recession was increased from baseline (1.46 mm ± 1.58 mm) to 1 month (2.80 mm ±1.54 m), 3 months (2.93 mm ± 1.465 mm) and 6 months (2.98 mm ± 1.49 mm) after surgery in 54 sites with the bone loss of 5-10 mm. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In our study, it was concluded that gingival recession following flap surgery correlates with the bone loss at the surgical site and sites with greater bone loss showed increased postoperative recession. KEY WORDS Chronic Periodontitis, Aggressive Periodontitis, Flap Surgery, Gingival Recession, Bone Loss, Prediction.
A Comparative Study to Assess the Advantages of Preservation of Posterior Ligamentous Complex in Decompressive Surgeries for Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis
Authors: Pillai Suresh Sivadasan , K. Asif Hassan
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND In this study we wanted to test hypothesis that posterior ligament complex preserving decompression has advantages over conventional decompression surgeries for the treatment of lumbar canal stenosis, assess clinical and functional outcome following decompression surgeries whether preservation has advantages over routine decompression and use radiological parameters pre operatively and post operatively to evaluate whether there is adjacent segment degeneration following decompression surgeries for canal stenosis. METHODS This is a prospective study conducted among in-patient and outpatient follow ups of the Department of Orthopaedics of MIMS Hospital, Calicut, over a period of 22 months from February 2017 to November 2018. RESULTS The mean age of patients included in the study in PLC preserved group was 58.68 ± 11.3 years and in PLC non-preserved group, it was 62.75 ± 11.18 years. There was a slight female predominance in PLC preserved group (60 %) and in PLC non preserved group male to female ratio was 1:1 At 1 year follow up both the groups of patients had significant relief of symptoms and had improved functional outcome. At 1 year follow up ODI and VAS score were better in PLC preserved group compared with PLC not preserved group. There was adjacent segment disc height improvement in both the groups, and was maintained in the PLC preserved group while during the final follow up there was slight reduction in the mean disc height in PLC not preserved group. Intervertebral disc angle and total lumbar lordosis in both the groups were comparable during 1 year follow up. Adjacent segment slip was not noted in both the groups. Adjacent segment degeneration was not detected in both the groups. CONCLUSIONS Lumbar decompressive surgeries with both PLC preserving and non-preserving surgeries can provide significant relief of symptoms to the patient. PLC preserving surgeries provide better functional outcome during the 1 year follow up period. Similarly residual pain was also less in the PLC preserved group. Adjacent segment degeneration was not detected in both the groups during the one year follow up. KEY WORDS Posterior Ligamentous Complex, Decompressive Surgeries, Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis
Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease in Connective Tissue Disorders Among the Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in South Kerala - A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: R. Parvathy , Balagopal Kiran
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND Dry eye diseases (DED) tend to be more seen in patients with auto immune disease. This study was an attempt to assess the prevalence of DED among the patients who were diagnosed and confirmed cases of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), SLE and Primary Sjogren’s syndrome (Primary SS). Objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of Dry eye disease among the study participants and determine its severity in connective tissue disorders. METHODS This was a cross sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in the South Kerala. The study period was six months. 30 study participants were enrolled for the study who fulfilled the selection criteria. The study participants were evaluated for DED by Schirmer’s test, Tear break up time and ocular surface staining. Data collected was entered in Microsoft Excel and descriptive data was expressed as frequencies and percentage. RESULTS The overall prevalence of the Dry eye disease was found to be 54%. The prevalence was significantly higher in patients with Primary SS which accounted for 70% followed by patients with RA; which accounted for 52. Dry eye disease was seen only in 40 % of the study participants diagnosed with SLE. Similarly, the severity of Dry eye disease was found higher in patients with Primary SS; where about 35 % had severe to very severe disease. 22 % of the study participants with RA had severe to very severe dry eye disease. There was no severe or very severe dry eye disease in the study participants who had SLE. CONCLUSIONS The overall prevalence of Dry eye disease in patients with autoimmune disease was found to be significantly higher especially in patients who were diagnosed to have Primary SS and RA. There is a need for early diagnosis of dry eye disease in such patients which can improve the cure rate, reduce the complications of the disease and reduce the visual morbidity. KEY WORDS Dry Eye Disease, Primary sjogrens Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, SLE
Aesthetic Considerations in Implant Therapy - A Review
Authors: Uppal Ridhima , Sheokand Vidushi , Bhardwaj Amit , Varghese Chinnu Mary , Sehrawat Harender
Published: February 2022

The success of dental implant depends on its integration with the surrounding tissue and this is influenced by various factors, like implant material, amount of bone and its quality and the implant loading condition. The peri-implant tissue is comprised of the soft (mucosa) and hard (bone) tissues. Absolute contact between the peri-implant bone and the implant surface is another factor essential for the success of any implant system. The direct structural and functional connection between ordered living bone and the surface of a load-carrying implant is defined as ''Osseointegration''. The bone undergoes remodelling so as to maintain bone strength and mineral homeostasis. The preservation of biological seal, the anatomy and quality of bone where implant needs to be positioned, implant macrostructure are some of the factors that dictate the integration of the implant to the hard tissue. In addition, the gingival morphology also plays an important role in determining the final aesthetic outcome. Gingival morphology is described in terms of gingival phenotype or gingival biotype. ‘‘Gingival phenotype’’ is a term that addresses to the variations in the thickness and width of the keratinized tissuewhereas ''Gingival biotype'' depicts the thickness of the gingiva in the facio-palatal / faciolingual dimension.Inadequate gingival thickness is a major reason for periodontal attachment loss and marginal tissue recession in a patient, directly contributing to the periodontal disease progression. The peri-implant soft tissue consists of a junctional epithelium (JE) and the connective tissue but owing to the biologic differences between the peri-implant and periodontal tissues, the periimplant tissues are more vulnerable to mucosal inflammation and bone loss. The health of the peri–implant tissues play an important role in the long-term outcome of dental implants. The preservation and reconstruction of soft tissue around dental implants is an important aspect of dental implantology. Restoring the function, aesthetics and harmony of dentition is the primary intention of implantology. This is achieved with a sound crestal bone stability and healthy peri-implant soft tissue. Other factors like abutment material and its connection to the implant, the neck design also affects the peri-implant soft tissue integrity. This review discusses the various factors that directly and indirectly influence the aesthetic outcomes following a dental implant placement. KEY WORDS Aesthetics, Peri-Implant Tissue, Osseointegration, Platform Switching
Persistent Hypotony Post Vitrectomies - A Case Report
Authors: Dasrilsyah Aina Malindri , Naffi Ainal Adlin , Catherine Bastion Mae-Lynn
Published: February 2022

Hypotony is defined as low intraocular pressure (IOP) which leads to functional and structural changes of the eye, mainly optic nerve, choroid and retina in the posterior pole. There are two types of hypotony which are clinical and statistical hypotony. “Statistical hypotony” refers to IOP which is less than 6.5 mmHg, more than 3 standard deviations below the mean IOP, 1 whereas, “Clinical hypotony” refers to IOP that is low enough to result in loss of vision and it can be caused by structural changes such as astigmatism, corneal oedema, cystoid macular oedema or maculopathy.2 Hypotony maculopathy is characterised by chorioretinal folds, acute optic nerve head oedema and tortuous retinal veins.3 The aetiologies can be due to either increased outflow of aqueous humour, for example in surgical wound leak, over filtrating bleb and cyclodialysis cleft or reduced aqueous humour production, for example in inflammatory conditions.4,5 The risk factors are male gender, young age, myopia, primary glaucoma filtering surgery, especially with the usage of antifibrotic agents, multiple ocular surgeries, vitrectomy and elevated preoperative intraocular pressure.6,7,8 In the present report, we describe a case of a middle-aged gentleman with a background of high myopia who underwent multiple ocular surgeries and presented with postoperative persistent clinical hypotony
Hemosuccus Pancreaticus in a Child - A Case Report
Authors: Ambati Vijayalakshmi , Palle Sreelekha , Peddolla Prathyusha
Published: February 2022

Pleural effusions in acute pancreatitis are usually small, occasionally bloody, characterized by high amylase, protein levels.1 Majority of pleural effusions secondary to pancreatitis are left-sided (68 %) or bilateral (22 %) and only 10 % are right sided. Hemosuccus pancreaticus (HP) is caused by rupture of aneurysm of a peripancreatic vessel into pancreatic duct or pancreatic pseudocyst in the context of pancreatitis. HP is the least frequent cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (1 / 1500), but can lead to potentially life threatening2 massive gastrointestinal bleeding. Hemosuccus pancreaticus is defined as bleeding from the ampulla of Vater via pancreatic duct. It is due to a bleeding source in the pancreas, pancreatic duct, or structures adjacent to the pancreas, like the gastroduodenal and splenic artery. The most common cause is a pseudoaneurysm of peripancreatic arteries due to acute or chronic pancreatitis.3,4 Other rare causes are trauma,5 rupture of a true aneurysm,6 pancreatic tumours,7 arteriovenous (AV) malformations,8 endoscopic ultrasoundguided fine needle aspiration from pancreatic cyst9 etc.
Cavernous Haemangioma of the Tongue - A Rare Case Report
Authors: Chawla Sakshi , Tripathi Vidit , Jain Meenakshi , Jain Yogesh
Published: February 2022

Vascular anomalies include a wide range of tumours & malformations. Among vascular anomalies, haemangioma is the most common. Haemangioma is considered as a hamartomatous lesion, & half of these have a predilection for the head & neck region but are rarely seen in the oral cavity. Haemangiomas are developmental vascular abnormalities. They are considered hamartomas rather than true neoplasms. More than 50 % of these lesions occur in the head & neck region mainly in the face, lips & oral mucosa. The tongue is rarely involved. We are reporting the case of haemangioma of the tongue of a male child, discussing the diagnostic aspects & treatment modalities of such a lesion & emphasizing the role of CECT and Doppler Angiography especially in our case & the short-term management in case of a complication such as in our case. The diagnosis of haemangioma of the tongue can be a little tricky as it sometimes does not present as a bluish lesion or a typical vascular swelling, so taking a biopsy in such cases may land up into complications such as tongue bite resulting in swelling of the tongue. A Colour Doppler Ultrasonography is an ideal first investigation in such cases but often not a very feasible option for the patients. Hemangioma (Greek: Haima-blood; angeion-vessel; oma-tumour) is defined as a tumour of the dilated blood vessels. They are the most common vascular tumours of infancy & childhood.1,2 Haemangiomas are of 2 types – capillary & cavernous. They appear in the first month of life & are characterized by a rapid proliferative phase & slow involution, to near spontaneous resolution. Nearly 60-70 % of the lesions are found in the head & neck.3 Haemangiomas can also be described according to the vessel involved or flow type like arterial or arteriovenous type (high flow) or capillary or venous type (slow flow).4 We report a rare case of cavernous haemangioma of the tongue of a 3-year-old boy followed by a tongue bite.
A Rare Presentation of Orbital Cellulitis in a Child with Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Authors: Ramamoorthy Divya , Saqqaf Syed Athhar , Jhamb Aditi , Taksande Amar
Published: February 2022

Sturge - Weber Syndrome (SWS) is an uncommon neuro-oculocutaneous disorder. It is, also known as encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis, which is characterized by angiomas involving the face, choroid, and leptomeninges. Vascular malformation in conjunctiva, choroid, episclera, retina leading to glaucoma is the common ocular manifestation. It is one of the phakomatoses and is often associated with ocular problem, seizures, intellectual disability, and angioma. Here we report a child who has orbital cellulitis of the left eye in a SWS patient. Rare disorder like SWS, is a congenital neurocutaneous disorder. It is characterised classically by facial capillary haemangioma that is the port wine stain (PWS), which involves the face, forehead and/or scalp along with a choroidal angioma and a venous angioma of the leptomeninges. The incidence of SWS is 1 in 20,000 - 50,000 live births. The systemic implications of SWS are vast and include ophthalmic manifestations, dermatologic, neurologic, and oral manifestations. 1-3 Here, we are presenting a rare case of Sturge - Weber Syndrome in an eight-year-old male child who presented with orbital cellulitis of the left eye.
Marchas y contramarchas de la educación técnica durante el tercer gobierno peronista (1973-1976)
Authors: D'Ascanio Gabriela Andrea
Published: February 2022

Este artículo reconstruye los avatares de la educación técnica nacional entre 1973 y 1976. Se analizan los discursos y proyectos de reformas del sistema educativo y las acciones del Consejo Nacional de Educación Técnica (CONET). Se desarrolla la hipótesis de que, pese a que la presidencia del CONET estuvo a cargo del mismo funcionario durante todo el período, pueden advertirse dos momentos diferenciados. Durante la gestión de Taiana como ministro de Educación hubo especial interés en vincular la educación y el trabajo, en desarrollar innovaciones institucionales e introducir cambios en la estructura curricular del nivel medio técnico. Luego de la muerte del Presidente Perón, y de la sustitución de este funcionario, las preocupaciones por el control y la disciplina concentraron la atención, limitando el alcance de los proyectos transformadores relacionados con la oferta educativa del CONET. La base empírica del texto está compuesta por documentación oficial y fuentes periodísticas.
Literatura pedagógica e escolarização da infância: os bons moldes de ensino da “caixa de utensílios ”
Authors: Fernandes Hercília Maria
Published: February 2022

Falar de literatura pedagógica pressupõe considerar uma racionalidade orientada em saberes objetivados, que conquistaram sua excelência na e pela escrita. Essa literatura, no Brasil, se ligou ao modelo de formação docente da “caixa de utensílios”, vinculado à pedagogia moderna e introduzido em São Paulo, no final do século dezenove. Nessa linha de entendimento, objetiva-se refletir os modos de educar e ensinar da caixa de utensílios. Modelo esse difundido, em grande medida, por contribuição da Revista do Jardim da Infância (1896-1897), da Escola Normal Caetano de Campos. Sendo uma pesquisa histórica, a metodologia articula a análise de fontes documentais à historiografia. Como considerações finais, os modos de ensinar e educar são concebidos enquanto dispositivos de uma forma e um modo escolar de socialização da infância, de conformidade aos moldes da pedagogia do Kindergarten.
A autoformação do escritor fora e contra a escola portuguesa: Teixeira de Pascoaes e a sublimação do génio, do Livro de memórias (1928) a Uma fábula (1952)
Authors: Paz Ana Luísa Fernandes
Published: February 2022

A discussão que neste artigo se procura instaurar em torno da figura mítica do poeta Teixeira de Pascoaes (1877-1952), escritor que lidera em Portugal o movimento literário do saudosismo e que ainda hoje se conhece por via dos manuais escolares, prende-se com as teses culturais que sucessivamente perpassam na sua obra sobre a autoformação do artista. Muito em particular nos seus escritos autobiográficos, Livro de memórias (1928) e Uma fábula (1952), este último apenas publicado em 1978, Teixeira de Pascoaes descreve uma escolarização incapaz de assegurar um processo de ensino-aprendizagem para a escrita literária, em particular a disciplina de Língua Portuguesa. Descreve a sua trajetória como um ‘calvário escolar’, que apenas conseguiu combater graças à própria vida literária da sua casa, o Solar de Pascoaes, num confronto direto entre cultura familiar, cultura escolar e uma série de atributos do próprio génio artístico (destino, infância prodigiosa, talento).
Relationship between Quality Control and Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Wulan Shinta , Azizah Fahril
Published: February 2022

The use of Total Quality Management (TQM) in a company or organization is one of the actions taken by a company or organization to achieve customer satisfaction. This is usually done by the company by adding quality to the internal company. If the internal can be well, it is expected that the external will also be good. In its aim Total Quality Management (TQM) has a long term, Total Quality Management (TQM) focuses on quality, based on the participation of all its members. Total Quality Management (TQM) uses effective strategies, data and communication to integrate quality discipline into the culture and activities of the company. The basic philosophy of Total Quality Management (TQM) is as an effect of customer satisfaction, a company or organization can experience success. Total Quality Management (TQM) can be widely used in manufacturing, education, government and service industries. So Total Quality Management (TQM) is used by companies to improve internal company in customer satisfaction.
Analysis of Profitability, Assets Structure, Liquidity, and Sales Growth on Capital Structure
Authors: Baihaqi Muhammad Akbar , Muhfiatun Muhfiatun
Published: February 2022

This study aims to examine and analyze the effect of Profitability, Asset Structure, Liquidity, and Sales Growth on Capital Structure in BUMN companies listed on the IDX in 2015-2018. This research is quantitative in nature which aims to test the previously established hypotheses. The population in this study amounted to 20 companies with the sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Hypothesis testing is done by using the Classical Assumption Test using the variables ROA, CR, TAN, and Sales Growth. The results showed that profitability had a significant negative effect on capital structure. Meanwhile, the Asset Structure has a positive and significant effect on the Capital Structure. Liquidity also has a significant negative effect on the capital structure. And the last is Sales Growth has no effect on Capital Structure.
The research profile of Professor Izabela Prokop. Iubilaei causa laudatio
Authors: Surdyk Augustyn
Published: February 2022

The article is a tribute to Prof. Izabela Prokop, on her seventieth birthday. Its aim is to outline her academic biography, indicate numerousresearch interests and emphasise and appreciate her scholarly, didactic as well as organisational activity and impressive achievements.
Metrological traceability and clinical traceability of laboratory results – the role of commutability in External Quality Assurance
Authors: Jones Graham R.D. , Delatour Vincent , Badrick Tony
Published: February 2022

The role of an External Quality Assurance (EQA) program is generally seen as providing a service to routine laboratories that their analytical performance is satisfactory and stimulating corrective action in the event of poor results. It is recognised that an ideal EQA program uses materials that are commutable with patient samples and have values assigned by higher-order reference methods. Despite this, most routine EQA programs use materials without verified commutability and use consensus means (based on either peer group or all laboratories) as target values. We propose an ongoing role for EQA programs using non-commutable materials and consensus targets to support the measurement services of routine laboratories. This is provided the relevant comparators supplied by the laboratory, e.g. reference intervals and clinical decision points, are based on the same or equivalent measurement system as is used by the laboratory. Materials without verified commutability often have certain practical advantages, which may include the range of analyte concentrations, verified stability, replicate samples and, significantly, lower costs. Laboratories using such programs need to be aware of the limitations, especially comparing results from different measurement systems. However, we also recognise that as well as individual laboratories, data from EQA programs informs manufacturers, professional organisations, clinical guideline writers and other medical bodies For consideration beyond an individual laboratory, proper assessment of differences between measurement systems (results harmonization) and demonstration of correct implementation of metrological traceability (methods trueness) become vital, and for that purpose, commutability of EQA materials and traceability of target values are required.
Generalized de Bruijn graphs
Authors: Malyshev Fedor M.
Published: February 2022

We study the graphs of transitions between states of nonautonomous automata that provide, with independent equiprobable input signs, an equiprobable distribution on the set of all states in the minimum possible number of cycles, as is the case of the de Bruijn graphs corresponding to shift registers. It is proved that in the case of a binary input alphabet, there are at least 12r−33 pairwise nonisomorphic directed graphs with 2
r
vertices that have this property. All graphs of this type with 8 and 9 vertices are found.
Effect of CuO nanoparticle additive on optical, photocatalytic and surface properties of TiO2 mesoporous nanoparticles
Authors: Ahmadi Maryam , Koozegar Kaleji Behzad
Published: February 2022

In this study, composite nanoparticles of TiO2–CuO (TC) were synthesized using the sol–gel method. Tetra butylorthotitanate and copper (II) nitrate trihydrate were used as precursors to titanium dioxide and copper oxide, respectively. Ethanol was used as a solvent. Dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the nanoparticles. The synthesized photocatalytic nanoparticles were used to degrade methylene blue dye solution as a model of organic pollutant under UV and visible light irradiation. The TC sample calcined at 550 °C has the highest photocatalytic percentage under visible light (33.14 %) and the best photocatalytic activity at 650 °C under ultraviolet light (40 %). The pure TiO2 sample has an adsorption edge of 365 nm with a band gap energy of 3.39 eV and the mesoporous TiO2–CuO sample with an absorption edge wavelength of 375 nm has a band gap energy of 3.30 eV at 350 °C. According to the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study, Ti was predominantly chemically present as Ti 4+. Cu was found to be a cation with a capacity of two (Cu 2+).
Extracting network based attack narratives through use of the cyber kill chain: A replication study
Authors: Weathersby Aaron , Washington Mark
Published: February 2022

The defense of a computer network requires defenders to both understand when an attack is taking place and understand the larger strategic goals of their attackers. In this paper we explore this topic through the replication of a prior study “Extracting Attack Narratives from Traffic Datasets” by Mireles et al. [Athanasiades, N., et al., Intrusion detection testing and benchmarking methodologies, in First IEEE International Workshop on Information Assurance. 2003, IEEE: Darmstadt, Germany]. In their original research Mireles et al. proposed a framework linking a particular cyber-attack model (the Mandiant Life Cycle Model) and identification of individual attack signatures into a process as to provide a higher-level insight of an attacker in what they termed as attack narratives. In our study we both replicate the original authors work while also moving the research forward by integrating many of the suggestions Mireles et al. provided that would have improved their study. Through our analysis, we confirm the concept that attack narratives can provide additional insight beyond the review of individual cyber-attacks. We also built upon one of their suggested areas by exploring their framework through the lens of Lockheed Martin Cyber Kill Chain. While we found the concept to be novel and potentially useful, we found challenges replicating the clarity Mireles et al. described. In our research we identify the need for additional research into describing additional components of an attack narrative including the nonlinear nature of cyber-attacks and issues of identity and attribution.
Assessment of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of quercetin–rutin blend (SophorOx™) – an invitro cell based assay
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Devanand , Roza James Martin
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Quercetin & Rutin, are bioactive compounds that are widely used for various therapeutic properties. There’s been growing interest in the biological activities of these polyphenols belonging to the class of flavonoids known to have various health benefits. Quercetin is now popularly recognized as a phytochemical remedy for a plethora of disease groups such as metabolic syndrome (more specifically diabetes), obesity/weight management and mood disorders. Due to its unique chemical structure, the most prominent property of Quercetin is probably its antioxidant capability. It acts as a free radical scavenger to form resonance-stabilized phenoxyl radicals. Certain in
vitro studies have also shown quercetin to have anti-viral, anti-carcinogenic and platelet aggregation properties. Rutin has also been shown to exert diverse biological effects such as anti-tumor activities, reduction of inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial activities. The current study was designed to further confirm the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property of a Quercetin–Rutin blend (SophorOx™).

Methods

The analysis was performed in a cell-based assay using RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. SophorOx™ was screened for cytotoxicity using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) to obtain optimum concentrations for experimental assays. SophorOx™ was measured for pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α & IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Additionally, ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels in RAW cells were estimated using a cell-permeant reagent 2′7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA).

Results

SophorOx™ at 10 µM concentration, exhibited an anti-inflammatory property with significant inhibitory levels of TNF-α (∼28.25%) and IL-6 (∼32.25%). SophorOx™ at similar concentrations reduced nitric oxide levels to 70.55% in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Raw 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS exhibited a significant increase in intracellular ROS and this was significantly reduced (78.2% reduction) at lower concentrations (0.3 µM) of SophorOx™.

Conclusions

The anti-inflammatory effects of SophorOx™ were investigated in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Data suggests, that SophorOx™ reduced levels of nitric oxide, intracellular ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α & IL-6) at low concentrations without affecting the viability of RAW cells. Present invitro trial suggests that SophorOx™ is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent and displays a prominent ability to block mediators of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Sensing performance of Au–Ag bimetal coated planar waveguide having polyaniline polymer film for biosensing applications
Authors: Yadav Dharamjeet , Kumar Rajendra , Kumar Sushil , Sharma Gaurav , Yadav Gulab Chand , Singh Vivek
Published: February 2022

Bimetal clad planar waveguide having polyaniline polymer as a guiding layer is proposed and studied for biosensing applications. The dispersion relation and reflectivity of the proposed sensor is obtained using transfer matrix method. The sensing performance and stability of proposed waveguide-based sensor is optimized using different volume fraction of Ag–Au bimetal. The volume fraction 1 represents pure Ag metal coating waveguide that shows maximum sensing performance in our all considered cases. In this case, maximum obtain sensitivity, detection accuracy and quality parameter is 74.140, 11.199 and 559.970°/RIU respectively, at the cover refractive index 1.410. Since, resonance angle and full width at half maxima of resonance peak decreases with increase of Ag metal percentage in Ag–Au bimetal therefore the presence of Au metal decreases the sensing performance of the sensor. Hence, a small volume fraction of Au metal is recommended for higher sensitivity with stability.
Transitional care management in patients with auto-inflammatory diseases: experience of cooperation of a paediatric and adult centre
Authors: Soscia Francesca , Sicignano Ludovico Luca , Verrecchia Elena , Ardenti Morini Francesca , Massaro Maria Grazia , Civitelli Fortunata Sabrina , Ferrari Federica , Rigante Donato , Cortis Elisabetta , Manna Raffaele
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Auto-inflammatory Diseases (AIDs) are a group of diseases with a strong genetic component, inducing an inappropriate activation of innate immunity. The patients with pediatric onset will face the transitional care (TC) from a pediatrician to an adult care setting, during the critical phase of the adolescence. That implies a risk of failure and drop out, due to the different approach of pediatrician compared to the adult doctor. To describe the model of TC for AIDs from a paediatric to adult centre of two hospitals in Rome, and to pointing out the different steps emerged from specific experiences.

Methods

In November 2020, a Board of paediatricians and internists discussed their experience to identify “hot topics” for a successful management of TC.

Results

The Board agreed on the optimal time for the transition (12–18 years). Specific elements to be considered are the reached level of emotional and intellectual maturity, and the clinical stability of the disease.

Conclusions

The TC of patients with chronic AIDs, requires a strong cooperation to define the adequate follow-up, and to guarantee the compliance to the treatment. This model allows us to investigate AIDs complex cases, requiring a long period of observations.
Impoliteness in Twitter diplomacy: offence giving and taking in Middle East diplomatic crises
Authors: Altahmazi Thulfiqar Hussein M.
Published: February 2022

Drawing on linguistic impoliteness, this paper examines offence giving and taking in Twitter Diplomacy in the Middle East, explicating how Twitter affordances shape the context in which offence can be employed strategically in diplomatic communication. The dataset includes all the tweets posted by the Iranian Foreign Minister over a period of 10 years (totaling 659 tweets). The argument expounded in this paper is based on two assumptions. First, impoliteness notions can be effective in analyzing and theorizing diplomatic Tweeting in the times of crisis. Second, diplomatic offence can be employed to manage conflicts and legitimize foreign policies. The results show that diplomatic offence is characteristically explicit, which is vital to index the offender’s disaffiliation from the target’s values. Offence giving is used to present self-image through attacking the adversary’s identity or values, whereas offence taking is utilized to moralize international politics through foregrounding the adversary’s moral idiosyncrasies or legal violations. In effect, diplomatic offence is used to do impression management that aims at gaining moral capital. Twitter affordances allow the affective and moral stances associated with offence giving and taking to be publicized to online and offline audience, encouraging them to align with the producer’s values and political standing.
Constant upper bounds on the matrix exponential norm
Authors: Nechepurenko Yuri M. , Zasko Grigory V.
Published: February 2022

This work is devoted to the constant (time-independent) upper bounds on the function ∥ exp(tA)∥2wheret⩾ 0 andAis a square matrix whose eigenvalues have negative real parts. Along with some constant upper bounds obtained from known time-dependent exponential upper bounds based on the solutions of Lyapunov equations, a new constant upper bound is proposed that has significant advantages. A detailed comparison of all these constant upper bounds is carried out using 2 × 2 matrices and matrices of medium size from the well-known NEP collection.
The “empirical vocation” of the semiotics of Umberto Eco in his works on the media and mass communication
Authors: Traini Stefano
Published: February 2022

In this article, I attempt to set out and discuss the main trajectories of Umberto Eco’s thinking on the media and mass communication, based on a review of the author’s writings on these subjects. What emerges from the study is Eco’s attention to the public and to forms of reception; his attention to the relationship between media communication and reality, which involves investigating the concept of “truth” in an area such as that of mass communication; his cross-media view of information, seen from a pluralistic and polyphonic viewpoint; the ethical tension that is always present in Eco’s work; his unfailing propensity for teaching. What emerges above all is the way in which the theoretical and practical tools used by Eco were developed in the context of reflections on the media and mass communication: an indication that alongside its “philosophical vocation,” Eco’s semiotics was always characterized also by an essential “empirical vocation.”
Shear bond strength of three different fixed retainers: Stainless steel wires versus fiber reinforced composite (An in Vitro study)
Authors: Mudhir Anees
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives: Long term preservation of lingual retainer after active orthodontic treatment is mandatory in oral cavity to prevent teeth relapse to its original place before treatment which is documented in orthodontics and considered as a success factor of lingual bonded retainers. This in vitro study is conducted to evaluate and compare the bond strength (shear bond strength) of three different fixed lingual retainers using a specific retainer composite and fracture modes of different retainer’s wire/adhesive combination. Methods: One‐hundred twenty extracted human upper premolar teeth (60 pairs) were divided into three groups(40 for each group) bonded with three different types of retainer wires (db Straight‐8strand flattened nickel free braided wire 0.028 x 0.008 inches UK, 3M 0.0175; multi‐stranded wire and Speed korean orthodontic fiber reinforced splint (2 mm x 200 mm ‐ FS‐2) which were bonded to the lingual surface of the teeth as fixed retainers by specific adhesives (Transbond LR, 3M). The specimens were debonded using a Universal Instron machine to measure shear bond strength. The site of failure was recorded for each specimen was calculated. Statistical analyses were provided using one‐way analysis of variance with inter‐group comparison using the least significant difference. Results: There was a statistically high significant difference among all three retainers groups (p < 0.001); db Straight‐8 braid flat soft wire debonding force was (130±29.6N), followed by Speed fiber reinforced splint group (107.5±18.9 N), whereas the minimum was observed 3M Unitek coxial multi strand wire group(76±27.6 N).The site of failure was pre‐ dominantly at the wire composite interface except in FRC was in enamel/composite inter‐ face. Conclusion: db straight‐8 wire delivered higher shear bond strength, followed by fiber rein‐ forced splint retainer group, whereas 3M multi‐strand wire had the least shear bond strength.
Causes of visiting mixed dentition children dental clinic: A retrospective study.
Authors:   College of Dentistry-Hawler Medical University, Ibrahim Heran , Al‐Qazzaz Rwa , Kanan Mahmoud
Published: February 2022

Background and objective: Pediatric dentistry provides primary and comprehensive thera‐ peutic and preventive oral health care for infants, children through adolescence including special health care and encompasses skills for treating conditions and diseases specific to growing individuals apply to the altering stages of dental, physical and psychological devel‐ opment. The patient’s initial comments to the dentists and/or other oral health care staff members help in establishing a differential diagnosis. Recording and identification of chief complaints are also considered the cornerstone for formulating a logical treatment plan. The objective of this study to explore the common chief complaints of mixed dentition pa‐ tients seeking treatment in the pediatric teaching polyclinic in college of dentistry in Hawler medical university. Materials and method: Two hundred and sixty five records were considered, four domains: age, sex, chief complaint and the treatment delivered were noted. The sample was divided into two age groups (6‐8 and 9‐11 respectively). The reasons for their visit were divided into the following five groups: general checkup, esthetic reasons, pain, missing/multiple teeth and emergency visit. While the type of the treatment delivered was divided into: Preventive treatment, conservative treatment, pulp therapy and surgical treatment. The statitical analysis was drawn by using statistical software SPSS (Statistical package for the social science) version 23 program was used to perform the statistical analysis. Results: relating the chief complaint to the sex, the P value is less than 0.05 so there is a significant association between them and there was statistically significant association exist between the chief complaint and the age of the patients. Beside that a Significant result proven (P value<0.05), that shows that there is association between the chief complaint and the type of treatment delivered. Conclusion: Mixed dentition patient mostly seek dental treatment only when acute disturb‐ ing symptoms is evident.
Prevalence of dental caries among different stage students in College of Dentistry, Hawler Medical University.
Authors:   College of Dentistry-Hawler Medical University, Abdul‐Jabbar Mahmood , Mohammad Blend , Mohammad Mansour
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives: Dental caries considered as one of the most prevalent diseases affecting teeth. Many organizations are trying to prevent this disease in a variety of ways. The first responsible person professionally for oral health education is the dentist. In order to educate others, one should apply these measures by himself. The aim is to measure the prevalence of dental caries among different stage students, in college of Dentistry/Hawler Medical University. Then relate the prevalence with their academic knowledge of dental caries prevention and to know if males or females have more dental caries, in academically educated dental students about dental caries prevention. Methods: 148 were collected, and the DMFT index scored for them. From which 62 of them were males and 86 females. Peak participation was in the first stage. Females were dominant in participation in all the stages without exception. The female to male ratio was 1.39:1 in the total of all stage participants. Results: The results appeared not significant, with no association between dental caries and academic education of dental caries prevention (p=0.703). There was some difference between the stages, but it was not coincident with having oral health education or not. Conclusion: Academic information has little effect on increasing or decreasing dental caries rates.
Ruins, Ruination, and Counter-Memory in Kurdish Women’s Art
Authors: Özgen Asli
Published: February 2022

This article focuses on the contemporary visual art practices by Kurdish female artists as strategies of counter-memory. The Kurdish community in Turkey has been facing ongoing violence, with its (cultural) heritage, memory, and archives constantly under threat. In this article, I use the archaeological metaphors of “ruins” and “ruination” by Ann Laura Stoler to examine the destruction, and discuss a selection of contemporary artworks by Kurdish women artists who represent such forces of destruction symbolically to build a counter-archive. Consulting research from other disciplines to explain the colonial dynamics in the region, I trace the decolonial feminist discourse within the Kurdish women’s movement. Finally, I explain how the female body and the city are recurrent themes in these artworks to challenge the colonialist, heteronormative, and nationalistic paradigms. Such artistic expressions of ruination, I argue, animate politics, disturb common sense, and mobilize counter-memory, one that is decolonial and feminist.
A Pedagogy of Reparations
Authors: Iyer Usha
Published: February 2022

This essay mobilizes decolonial theory and praxis, in dialog with other related approaches, to propose the framework of a pedagogy of reparations that aims to bear witness to and address the epistemic violence enacted by the hegemonic Euro-American film and media studies canon and curriculum. Spanning conceptual interrogations of the relationships of capital, white supremacy, and the academy, as well as pedagogical and administrative decisions around course offerings, breadth requirements, selection of “foundational” texts, design of theory and methods courses, the essay calls for a collaborative discussion of strategies for repair that may foster the possibility of a genuinely intersectional, decolonial, global imagination for film and media studies. A reparative pedagogy recognizes the relationship between epistemic violence and state violence, and embraces proliferation, relationality, and mutability as key strategies to keep our curricula from being re-colonized into the logics of canon- and empire-building.
Digging Up the Future
Authors: Marcantonio Carla
Published: February 2022

What do feminists, kitchens, and Spain’s ongoing historical trauma have to do with each other? In an Almodóvar film, well, everything. Pedro Almodóvar has been making genre-, gender-, and boundary-pushing cinema for forty-two years—nearly the entire post-Franco period—during which time he has released an impressive twenty-two (and a half) feature films. Yet, it is only now, with Madres paralelas (Parallel Mothers, 2021), that the director directly tackles the most painful remnant of Spain’s history, one that continues to fuel present-day divisions: the mass graves that hold the bodies of those disappeared by the Franco regime and the efforts to exhume and identify the bodies such that their family members may give them a proper resting place. Focusing on Parallel Mothers, Carla Marcantonio offers a survey of Almodóvar’s engagement with history and memory, as well as feminism and kitchens, over the course of his long career.
Study on vibro-acoustic characteristics of bamboo-based angklung instrument
Authors: Hamdan Sinin , Rahman Md Rezaur , Abidin Ana Sakura Zainal , Musib Ahmad Fauzi
Published: February 2022

The frequency (or pitch) content of bamboo angklung musical instruments was analyzed. The pitch of the rattle tubes was determined via a Pico oscilloscope recording both the time and frequency spectrum. Fast Fourier transform analysis identified the fundamentals and overtones of the individual tubes, which were compared with the calculated theoretical resonance frequency. The pitch, due to the coupling effects of two rattle tubes, slightly varied from the pitch of the individual rattle tubes. Although both rattle tubes (played simultaneously) displayed the fundamental frequencies in both tubes, the individual tubes played separately did not produce the exact frequency obtained from both tubes played simultaneously. The spectrum of both tubes produced sound output from the individual tube, which is shown by two prominent peaks, corresponding to the pitch of the individual tube. Although the long and short tube show an individual fundamental frequency of 528 Hz and 1095 Hz, respectively, for C5 tube (when played separately), the coupling of both tubes produced the first and second peaks (when played simultaneously) at 546 Hz and 1093 Hz. Due to the disparity of the fundamental frequency, the inner diameter and length of the tube was utilized for the theoretical resonance frequency calculation.
Wood pallet performance analysis with palletized drums in distribution and warehousing
Authors: Valverde Mary Paz Alvarez , Horvath Laszlo , Bouldin John
Published: February 2022

As an integral part of the supply chain, wooden pallets are produced in large quantities, with 849 million new and recycled wooden pallets being manufactured annually in the industry. Pallets are currently designed using a uniformly distributed load to determine the load capacity. This highly generalized approach often leads to overdesign and increased material utilization. Due to a phenomenon called load bridging, when discrete packages such as corrugated boxes or industrial drums are shipped on a pallet, the weight of the load tends to distribute unevenly. This can lead to an increased load capacity for the pallet. Industrial drums are commonly used to transport large amounts of liquids and chemicals; however, their load bridging effect has not been previously researched. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 55-gallon drums on the pressure distribution and deflection of stringer class wooden pallets using multiple support conditions and pallet designs. Results of the study indicated that loading pallets with drums significantly reduces the deflection of the pallet in all support conditions when compared to a uniformly distributed load. It was also observed that plastic and metal drums distributed their load to the pallets differently, which resulted in significantly different load bridging effects for each drum type.