bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REDUCING SOCIAL INEQUALITIES IN HEALTH IN EUROPE
Authors: Mackenbach Johan P.
Published: February 2025

Reducing inequalities in health between socioeconomic groups within a country is one of the greatest challenges for public health, even in the highly developed welfare states of Europe. Recognizing this, several countries and the World Health Organization have set quantitative targets for reducing these inequalities. Since these targets were set, reports have appeared suggesting that inequalities in mortality have widened instead of narrowed. However, a systematic analysis of progress in reducing health inequalities has not been made. We therefore collected data from 11 European countries to assess whether there has been progress, and if so how much, in reducing inequalities in mortality in the period 1990-2010.

Our findings show that remarkable mortality declines have occurred in lower socioeconomic groups in most European countries, but that whether or not progress has occurred is very much dependent on the perspective chosen. Absolute declines in all-cause mortality were often larger in lower than in higher socioeconomic groups (with absolute inequalities narrowing as a result) among men, but not among women. However, relative declines in mortality were almost always smaller in lower than in higher socioeconomic groups (with relative inequalities widening as a result). Narrowing of absolute inequalities was mainly driven by ischemic heart disease, smoking-related causes (men only), and causes amenable to medical intervention, whereas setbacks with widening inequalities can be seen in many countries for alcohol-related causes.

Although, as these results show, recent trends in inequalities in mortality in Europe are more encouraging than commonly thought, they also raise important questions, such as whether the observed narrowing of inequalities in mortality can be interpreted as a beneficial effect of explicit policies, e.g. of national programs to reduce health inequalities. Unfortunately, the evidence suggests that that is not the case, and that wherever a narrowing has occurred this has been a side-effect of population-wide behavioural changes and improvements in prevention and treatment of conditions like cardiovascular disease.

Another, more fundamental question is whether in public health we should aim for reducing absolute or relative inequalities in mortality. Quantitative targets are usually ambiguous and do not specify whether relative or absolute inequalities should be reduced. Our findings show that since 1990 no country has achieved a reduction of relative inequalities in mortality, but that in terms of absolute inequalities some countries have even surpassed the 25% reduction target that the World Health Organization proposed. Should we be satisfied with reducing absolute inequalities in mortality, or keep striving for a reduction of relative inequalities as well?
IMPACT OF ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES ON ORAL HEALTH INEQUALITIES
Authors: Hakeberg Magnus
Published: February 2025

The scientific literature shows that there are several pathways in which different types of health services may affect general health and oral health. Moreover, different factors contribute to the use of health services, in particular dental care. National and local organizational issues concerning dental care are important, both with regard to caregiver and patient perspectives. The output of a series of factors has been clearly associated with inequity in oral health among children and adults within and between countries.

The presentation will include theoretical, conceptual aspects, and models of health services and access to dental care, but also empirical findings of how access to dental care can have serious impacts on oral health in different countries and different dental care settings, and how oral health inequalities may develop.
ORAL HEALTH INEQUALITY OF HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN IN IRAN
Authors: Tahani B. , Heidary A.S.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to assess the oral hygiene, dental caries and trauma status of 4-12 years old hearing impaired children in Iran.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all of the hearing impaired 4-6 years old children studying in the preschools under the supervision of the Welfare Organization and 6-12 years old children in schools under the supervision of the Education Organization were recruited. Informed consent was obtained from parents and the project got approval of the ethics committee in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Children were clinically examined by one examiner in their preschools and schools and Information about oral hygiene, dental caries and gingival status were recorded using gingival index (GI), oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-s) and DMFT. Trauma status was also recorded in data reported forms. Descriptive and analytical statistics including, T-test (for comparing DMFT by gender and the two age groups), Chi squared (for comparing the frequency of trauma between the two age groups) and Mann-Whitney (for comparing the GI and OHI-s in two age groups) were used. Linear regression analysis was also used to determine the DMFT predictive factors and their effect size.

Results: 137 children including 43 (31.4%) aged 4-6 years, 94(68.6%) 6-12 years including were examined. The means of dmft and the total DMFT were 3.4 ±4.1 and 3.8 ±4.4, respectively. 78(57.5%) had good oral hygiene; OHI-S. Only 15(10.9%) of children had normal gingiva using the GI index with a significant difference between the two age groups (p=0.012). 40(29.2%) of all children had a history of head and neck trauma including 22(51.2%) in age group of 4-6 and 18(19.1%) in age group of 6-12 years (p<0.001). Regression model revealed that the age of children (B-coefficient= -0.5, p=0.04), their level of impairment (complete hearing loss/moderate hearing loss, B-coefficient= 3.4, p<0.001) and the OHI-S (B-coefficient=1.2, p=0.03) were significantly predictors of DMFT.

Conclusions: Dental caries status of the children in our study was above the state and province means in the age group of 4-12 years and also their gingival health status was poor. The oral health status and behaviors were improved in older children. Improvement of oral health status of this special group children should be considered more by policy makers. Methods of funding: We express our gratitude to the chancellery of research in dental schoolof Isfahan university of medical sciences and administrative support and also department of education and training of province for administrative cooperation
THE PREVENTION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES IN KOSOVO PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
Authors: Begzati B.A. , Xhemajli-Latifi B. , Doberdoli D. , Begzati R.Aj. , Haliti F.
Published: February 2025

Aim: To test effectiveness over 2 years of Fluor protector S (7700 ppm fluoride) in the prevention of Early childhood caries (ECC) in Kosovo preschool children.

Method: 500 children aged 18-48 months were randomly selected at ten kindergartens in the capital Prishtina. The subjects were randomly divided into equal test and control groups. Fluor protector, was applied in the test group 4 times a year, over two years. The control group was examined similarly to the test group, plus advice given for daily oral hygiene. Exclusion criteria were: uncooperative children, children with special needs, etc. Dental status was recorded based on International caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) index. Examinations were carried out by one profesor, three specialist and a PhD candidate in from preventive dentistry. Diagnostic criteria was calibrated with inter- examiner reliability of kappa = 0.90 based on the examination of 25 children. Statistical tests included T-test or analysis of the variance (One Way ANOVA). This study was approved by the Ethical Board of the Medical Faculty of Kosova. All participants parents gave informed consent.

Results: The mean dmfs at base line in the test group was 1.4 teeth in the control group, 0.9 teeth. At the end of 2 years the mean dmfs for the test group was 5.3, and for the control group it was 10. The fluoride varnish had significantly reduced caries by 50%, compared with the control group. At the end of the study, there were 151 (69%) caries free children in the test group and 88 (42%) in the control group, with a significant difference between groups (p<0.001).

Conclusions: Early childhood caries with very high prevalence remains a serious medical and social problem, especially in countries where there is no national program of oral health, such as in Kosovo. Application of Fluor protector S, 4 times a year is effective in caries reduction. Fluor protector S application to newly erupted teeth accompanied by education and dietary measures may reduce the high prevalence of ECC.
CARIES PREVENTIVE EFFECT OF PROFLUORID ON FIRST PERMANENT MOLARS
Authors: Tserakhava T.N. , Melnikava E.I. , Tserakhava T.V.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of Profluorid varnish in preventing caries in permanent teeth in primary school children.

Methods: Nine-year-old children attending two schools in one district of Minsk, Belarus were randomized to the intervention group (fluoride varnish application after supervised tooth brushing) and the control group (supervised tooth brushing 2 times a year). Children in the intervention group (n=37) had Profluorid varnish (5% NaF) applications. Children from the control group (n=38) had the same series of contacts. Regional ethical approval, the Head teacher and parental agreement were obtained. The dental examination was performed using a dental chair at school. Interventions were undertaken by one dentist at six-monthly intervals during one year. DMFS index was recording by another dentist who was blind to the study groups. The dental caries increment was calculated by comparing baseline and follow-up data. Data was statistically analysed using the chi-square test, p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of children was 9.0±0.3 years. Each child had on average 12.2±0.1 permanent teeth. The mean DMFS was 1.07 in the intervention group and 1.26 in the control group (p>0.05). Carious lesions were diagnosed exclusively on the first permanent molars. The number of permanent teeth increased to 16.1 in the intervention group and to 17.6 in the control group after 1 year. The mean DMFS index was 1.41 in the intervention group and 1.87 in the control group. The differences were statistically significant (χ2 = 4.9; p<0.05). The DMFS increment was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group by an average of 0.27 surfaces per child, a prevented fraction of 44.4%.

Conclusions: The study results confirm the caries preventive effectiveness of Profluorid varnish on first permanent molars.
ORAL HABITS, DENTAL ABNORMALITIES AND SPEECH DISORDERS IN THE PRIMARY DENTITION
Authors: RÁcz N. , HadhÁzi Z.S. , PongrÁCZ I. , MÁth J. , Alberth M.
Published: February 2025

Previous studies have shown a strong correlation between orthodontic and speech disorders. Childhood oral habits may significantly influence the development and maintenance of these anomalies. As no Hungarian data has yet been published on the subject, our aim was to analyse the relationship between malocclusion, oral habits and associated speech disorders in the primary dentition.

Methods: The study group consisted of 271 children aged 4-7 who were recruited in connection with their annual kindergarten dental examination in the city of Debrecen. Parents were informed about the purpose and progress of the research. The study protocol was approved by the Committee of Ethics in Clinical Research of the University of Debrecen. The clinical examination consisted of dental and orthodontic screening according to WHO and the Angle orthodontic diagnostic system. Local orthodontic anomalies were also recorded. A speech therapist recorded articulation disturbances and oral parafunctional habits. Data presentation and statistical analysis were performed with SPSS statistical package. Chi-square test was used to analyse the qualitative data, correlations were evaluated by Pearson Correlation and Cluster Combine analysis. The level of significance was 0.05.

Results: An orthodontic anomaly was found in 11.8% (n = 32) of the children. The speech therapist found articulation disorders in more than one third of the cases (36.2%, n = 98) and 119 children (43.9%) were found to have existing parafunctions. Parafunction associated articulation disorders were significantly more common (p = 0.005) than articulation problems alone.

Conclusion: The frequent occurrence of parafunction and orthodontic disorders associated with speech disorders emphasize the importance of regular and complex (dental, orthodontic and speech) screening. Early diagnosis may help with effective treatment.
ORAL HEALTH DELIVERY IN URBAN AND RURAL PRIMARY HEALTH CENTERS, BANGALORE, INDIA
Authors: Iyer K. , Shivlingaswamy H. , Pathak M.
Published: February 2025

The study had multiple aims; 1) To assess infrastructure availability at primary health care centers for the management of patients with dental and maxillofacial complaints. 2) To assess reasons for the first point of contact for patients at primary health care centers with dental and maxillofacial complaints. 3) To assess the perception of medical officers at primary health care centers on oral and maxillofacial related treatment seeking behavior of patients visiting the center. Method: The structured questionnaire was subject to content validation (C.H.Lawshe-1975) and then the questionnaire was adopted, the details of primary health centers in Bangalore Urban District as well as Bangalore Rural District were collected from the District Health Officer and all the centers were visited by the investigators, The Informed Consent and response for self administered questionnaire was obtained from the medical officers. The Ethical clearance for the study was obtained from Institutional Review Board of The Oxford Dental College, Bangalore before commencing the study.

Results: Data was collected from all the seventy six (65 responded) primary health centers in Bangalore urban district and forty eight centers (30 responded) in the Bangalore rural district, about 65(61.7%) of the centers (urban and rural together) do not have a separate dental unit, 85(89.2%) of the medical/ dental officers responded that patients repeatedly seek symptomatic relief for dental and maxillofacial complaints, 73.8% of the centers do not maintain separate dental outpatient registers.

Conclusion: There is a need for integrating delivery of oral health care through primary health centers as 78.4% of primary health centers lacked sufficient infrastructure (separate dental unit, dental staff, outpatient registers) to cater the oral health needs of these patients, which are currently providing only symptomatic relief.
USER PERSPECTIVES ON THE PUBLIC DENTAL SERVICES IN BRAZIL
Authors: Bulgarelli A.F. , Baumgarten A. , Hilgert J. B. , Bulgarelli P. T. , Veiga R. S.
Published: February 2025

Brazil has a National Public Health System (SUS) which offers dental care to citizens. To assess dental care in SUS, the aim of the present study was to record service users perceptions.

Methods: A 2013 cross-sectional study based on data from 37,262 users (aged 18 years or more) of oral health services at primary care centers across Brazil. Public Health Centers participated in the survey under free will. At the participating centers, interviewers followed a random sample (refusal rate 20%) based in the waiting room. Each interviewer aimed to reach at least 4 users interviewed during the 5-hours-shift in the waiting room. The subject were interviewed by means of a national questionnaire from the National Primary Care Assessment Tool (PMAQ). Variables used in this descriptive study were qualified listening, resolution of problems, advice on oral health care, seen by the same dentist. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to calculate prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals of. The Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul ethics committee approved the study.

Results: 26,514 (71.1%) were female. Only 16346(56%) reported that the public dental service gave advice that solved their problems. Only 21706(58.2%) said that they were listened too when attended by the dentist. More positively, 27340(73.4%) reported they saw the same dentist over time. 7164(19.2%) reported that when they discontinued treatment the service contacted them to finish treatment.

Conclusions: The users perspective of the Brazilian Public health system reveals one far from a European primary health care system. Many improvements could be done in the Brazil public dental service. Seeing the same dentist over time and a good quality in the general assistance showed that efforts have being done to give SUS-users a good quality of oral health treatment in Primary Care.
EFFECTS OF CHLORHEXIDINE-FLUORIDE VARNISHES IN OCCLUSAL FISSURES OF PERMANENT MOLARS
Authors: LiptÃ K. L. , BÁrsony N. , Twetman S. , MadlÉna M.
Published: February 2025

randomly assigned to treatments with either chlorhexidine-fluoride varnish (CHXF, Cervitec F) or chlorhexidine-thymol varnish (CHX-T, Cervitec Plus) as active control. Three children had dropped out so the final results were based on 54 patients with 73 paired first and 8 paired second molars. The varnishes were topically applied at baseline and every 6th week throughout the 24-week study period. Endpoints were MS counts (CRT test) and occlusal LF readings (DIAGNOdent pen) were registered regularly during follow-up by a separate examiner. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software (version 23.0). Follow-up values were compared with baseline registrations with chi-square or the non- parametric Wilcoxon paired test. For comparison between the two treatment groups, chi-square or a t-test corrected for multiple comparisons was made. The level of significance was set to 5% (p<0.05).

Results: At baseline, >50% (54%) of the occlusal fissures harboured high MS counts (≥105 CFU) but an immediate significant decrease was found after treatment with both varnishes (p<0.05). After 24 weeks, less than 5% (CHX-F: 2%, CHX-T: 4%) exhibited high counts. There was no significant differences between the varnishes at any time point. The mean LF values were similar in both treatment groups at baseline [6.9 ±3.2 (mean ±S.D.)] but a significant reduction was scored in the CHX-F group after 12 and 24 weeks (5.3±2.3 and 3.8 ±2.1, respectively) (p<0.05). A similar reduction was found also in the CHX-T group after 24 weeks (4.6±2.5). No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: There were no significant differences between the CHX-F and CHX-T varnishes in terms of MS suppression. Both varnishes reduced the LF readings significantly compared with baseline but further long-term studies are needed to confirm their caries preventive effect. The study was partly supported by a grant from Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein who also supplied the dental varnishes, chair-side tests and clinical disposals.
FACTORS, KNOWLEDGE, USE AND PURCHASE OF SUPPLEMENTARY ORAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN TURKEY
Authors: Bermek G. , Bohur S. , Peker K.
Published: February 2025

Aim: Turkish oral care behaviors show less than one toothbrush and less than 110g toothpaste used per person per year (Dental Association 2014). Consumer reports show that 69% brush their teeth, 16% use floss and 9% use mouthrinse during selfcare. This study planned to test if sociodemographic factors were linked to oral health knowledge, hygiene practises and purchasing supplementary oral hygiene products.

Methods: A questionnaire on sociodemography, oral health perception, use of dental products for oral care, and dental knowledge was used through face-to-face interviews in three supermarkets in the Istanbul/Fatih Region with permission from the Faculty of Dentistry after the study was approved as a dissertation thesis. Sample size calculation estimated (n=t2pq/d2) that 384 responses were needed. Data were analysed by SPSS 18, using chi-square, Mann- Whitney, and Kruskal Wallis tests.

Results: 395 people 18-65 years of age completed the questionnaire. All participants knew about and 235 used at least one supplementary item (59%). The four most often reported were dental floss, tonque cleaner on a toothbrush, toothpick and mouth rinse without gender differences. Education affected knowledge. Participant’s knowledge on using supplementary products was associated with education and self rated oral health (p<0.05), while knowledge on the importance of using other dental products for removing plaque was related to gender, age, education, monthly income and self rated oral health (p<0.05). There were significant differences in the frequency of tooth brushing by gender, age, education, monthly income and self rated oral health. The use of floss was related to gender, age and education. The use of both fluoridated mouthwash and interdental brushing was associated with education. Increased brushing frequency and level of perceived oral health affected usage p<0.05. Brushing frequency was not associated with the reason for use of supplementary products which were; mouth cleanliness, periodontal health, brushing inadequacy when used alone . Advice from a dentist was the main factor to drive purchases in both genders and in all age groups. Education didn’t affect purchasing motive.

Conclusions: Efforts are needed to improve low oral health literacy and to promote self care behaviour in Turkey. Dentists may play an important role in enabling their patients to increase control over their oral health and promoting use of supplementery oral hygiene products additional to toothbrush and paste.
DENTAL STATUS OF SMOKERS BASED ON THE BACKGROUND PATHOLOGY OF INTERNAL ORGANS
Authors: Lukina G. , Ivannikova A. , Gasanova L. , Lukin A.
Published: February 2025

Methods: Over a three year period, the study recruited 82 patients of dental clinics in Moscow, who had gastrointestinal and/or respiratory diseases. They were both men and women aged 41 to 70 years average age of 60.1+ 0.9years. Patients were divided into groups: gastrointestinal disorders (Group 1 - 20 smokers, Group 2 - 22 non-smokers) and with respiratory diseases (Group 3 - 20 smokers, Group 4 - 20 non- smokers). The study was conducted with the permission of the Inter- University Ethical Committee of Moscow. The following oral assessments were made: OHI-S, DMFT, gingival bleeding: sialometry to assess the buffering capacity of saliva, microbiology assay of scrapings from the tongue. Results: As far as xerostomia was concerned in Group 1 this was found in 11 (55%), in Group 2 in 10 (45.5%), in Group 3 in 17 (89.5%) and in Group 4 in 15 (71.4%) of patients. Gingival bleeding was found as follows: in Group 1 in 18 (90%), in Group 2 in 16 (72.7%), in Group 3 in 19 (95%) and in Group 4 in 16 (80%). The mean (DMFT) was 22.7±0.8 in Group 1, 25.0±0.9 in Group 2, 21.0±0.5 in Group 3 and 20.4±0.5 in Group 4. The results for several other clinical findings, including salivation rates and microbiological assays are reported in the poster.

Conclusion: In the groups studied smokers appeared to have higher levels of oral disease. Further investigation with larger groups and statistical testing is required to confirm these findings. Smoking is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. It causes or is a contributory factor for many diseases including gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases.

Aim: This study aimed to compare the oral health status of smokers with gastrointestinal or respiratory disease with non-smokers who also had these diseases.
PRISONERS CARIES, PERIODONTAL STATUS AND ORAL HEALTH-RELATED HABITS
Authors: VainionpÄÄ R. , Laitala M.L. , Anttonen V.
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to examine oral health and oral health related habits among the prisoners in Pelso, Finland. Methods: Data collection was done September 2014 - February 2015. The study population comprised 100 prisoners: 89 males, 11 female, who had a clinical examination. Of the clinically examined prisoners, 50 were also interviewed( the mean age of respondents was 35 years) recording age, marital status, education and oral health- related habits such as brushing teeth, snacks and use of drugs and alcohol. Associations between the outcome and explanatory variables were analysed using cross tabulation; significance of differences between groups was tested using chi square test. The Ethical Committee of the Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District and Criminal Sanctions Agency approved the study.

Results: The mean DT was 5.0 (SD 5.1). In DMFT [16.6 (SD 8.9)] FT comprised 6.9 (SD 5.2) and MT 4.7 (SD 6.1). Half of the whole study population (52. 5%) had a CPI score of 2. Almost all n=47 (98%) reported brushing their teeth daily; of them less than half two times a day (40%). Two thirds (n=30, 60%) reported eating sweets every day, one third (n=17, 33%) drinking soft drinks and a majority (n=44, 88%) smoking, but only one in five (n=10, 20%) using snus. Almost two thirds (n=31, 62%) had used illicit drugs over the course of their life. Almost all (n=44, 88%) drank alcohol once a week or more often. No statistically significant differences were discovered between dental treatment need and explanatory factors.

Conclusions: Oral health- related habits among this group of prisoners can be considered harmful for the dentition.

This group is homogenous for poor oral health and harmful dental behaviours.
EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE: AWARENESS AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS IN HUNGARY
Authors: KÁrolyhÁzy K. , Fazekas J. , MÁrton K.
Published: February 2025

The Ebola (EVD) epidemic has claimed thousands of lives in Africa. Dentists may contact infected patients for the first time. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of EVD among dental students at the Semmelweis University, Budapest and in Hungary.

Method: A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 257 dental students (fourth and fifth year of the Dental Faculty of Budapest, and about half of the fourth and fifth year dental student population of Hungary) in May 2015 across five different courses: fifth-year Hungarian students (n=78), fifth-year English language students (n=27), fifth- year German language students (n=13) and fourth-year Hungarian students (n=85). Fourth-year English language course students (n=26) and fourth-year German language course students (n=28) formed one fourth year foreign language group (n=54). All the students were asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire of 11 questions about the signs and symptoms, investigations, management, and sequelae of the virus and the outbreak.

Results: 257 dental students completed the questionnaire; 118 by fifth-year- and the remaining 139 by fourth-year dental students. All of the submitted questionnaires were included in the analysis. Students of the fourth year Hungarian course achieved the highest overall score of 17.9 for all the questions, followed by the fifth year German course with an overall score of 14.8, which was significantly less compared with the fourth year Hungarian group (p<0.0001, Student’s t-test). The fifth year Hungarian course with a score of 13.7 was not statistically different from the fifth year Germans while the fourth year foreign language score of 11 was significantly lower compared to all the groups. Fifth year English course participants achieved the lowest overall score, gaining 10.2 of the attainable marks. Students scored less than 60% for 8 of the 11 questions, including recognition and subsequent management of EVD.

Conclusions: Our study showed that there is a general shortage of knowledge about important aspects of EVD among dental students, especially amongst English speaking fifth year students. These results suggest that dental schools need to act to better prepare students.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESS, KNOWLEDGE AND USAGE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS OF AZAD UNIVERSITY OF ISFAHAN, IRAN
Authors: Tayareei R. , Shekarchizadeh H. , Isfahanian V.
Published: February 2025

Dental informatics combines dentistry with information technology (IT) for the purpose of education, patient care and research. The aim was to determine access, knowledge and performance of IT among dental undergraduate students of Islamic Azad University of Isfahan.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used a stratified random sampling method to collect the data from 150 dental students via self-administered questionnaires in 2015. Validity (CVI=98%) and reliability (Kappa value>0.8) of the questionnaire was assessed prior to the study. Islamic Azad University of Isfahan Ethics Committee approved the study. Chi- square test, mann-whitney, spearman correlation coefficient and linear regression model served for statistical analyses.

Results: Among the students (response rate=100%), 86 (58.9%) were women. Only 2 (1.3%) students indicated that they had no access to a computer, and 6 (4%) students did not have a personal email. A majority of students reported using a computer at home (140; 94%) and had access to the internet at home (129; 86%). Around 70% of the students reported their access to a computer and internet as good. Dental students had used the internet mostly for personal activities rather than academic reasons. The main obstacle to internet usage was time barrier due to the slow internet speed. Mean knowledge score of dental students was 11(SD 1.7; range 7-14). However, most of them were not familiar with any general (114; 78.6%) and professional dental websites (106; 72.6%). Most dental students (130; 87.8%) had used social networks but just a few (15; 10.3%) had checked their emails on a daily basis. A large number of students judged themselves competent in Microsoft Word (130; 86.6%) and Microsoft PowerPoint (126; 84%) and most acquired such skills through personal experience (119; 79.3% students). Professional use of IT was low. Less than 13% had used professional dental websites or had downloaded educated materials on a daily basis. Students with higher knowledge of IT and those who had reported more general IT usage, showed higher level of professional usage (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Dental students access to computer and internet was good. Most of them however weren’t familiar with general and professional dental websites, and their professional usage was low.
A SURVEY OF REGISTRATION COSTS OF EUROPEAN UNION DENTISTS - INTERIM RESULTS
Authors: Sinclair E.*. , Shah S. , Grolleau Fedcar C. , Eaton K.A.
Published: February 2025

In 2004/2005 a survey of Competent Authorities (Registration organisations) involved with dentistry in the European Union (EU) was performed. A follow up survey, performed by the Federation of European Dental Competent Authorities and Regulators Bodies (FEDCAR) and the Council of European Chief Dental Officers (CECDO) commenced in 2015. The aim of this survey was to ascertain the current costs of initial registration for a dentist and of annual (retention) fees thereafter, and to compare them with those reported in 2005.

Methods: The same questionnaire as used in the previous survey was employed. It included questions on initial and ongoing registration fees for dentists and dental specialists. Gross National Income (GNI) (formerly GNP) per capita data were obtained from the World Bank and the fees were then calculated as a percentage of GNI and compared with those in 2004/2005. We report interim results on registration costs.

Results: In 2004/2005, 25 EU Member States (EUMS) responded to the survey. To date 17 EU Member States have responded to the current survey, of which 17 provided data on fees. In 6 (EUMS) no initial registration fee is charged. In those where one is charged, the range was from €3.70 in the Czech Republic to €1142 in the United Kingdom. In the 17 EUMS National GNI ranged from € 67,366 in Luxembourg to €21,109 in Hungary. Initial registration fees as a percentage of GNP ranged from 3% in the UK to 0.02% in the Czech Republic. Annual retention fees were charged in 12 EUMS and ranged from €1142 in the UK to €35 in Malta. Fees for registration as specialists were charged in 8 of the 17 EUMS.

Conclusions: The interim results from 17 EUMS and those from the previous survey indicate that there are wide variations in the practice of charging or not charging initial and retention registration fees to general dentists and dental specialists and in the cost of these fees EUMS.
TWO METHODS OF CONSCIOUS SEDATION IN CHILDREN (ENTONOX AND MIDAZOLAM) – EVALUATION
Authors: Vasakova J. , Matouskova J. , Drahos M. , Navarova L. , Broukal Z.
Published: February 2025

The aim of study was to compare coping in children with two methods of conscious sedation - inhalation nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture (N) and oral midazolam; a mixture of IV solution with syrup (M).

Methods: Parental informed consent was obtained for every sedation. Subjects were recruited from child patients referred to the Paediatric Dentistry Department, School of Dental Medicine. Inclusion criteria were ASA I, II, no medical contraindications for N or M, intake of food and liquids limitation related to sedation (N or M). Frankl behaviour rating scale (F) was recorded during an initial visit and after sedation (Outcome of Sedation Scale used for difference in F scores - OSS), presence of amnesia after sedation, type of procedure (restorations or extractions), dental status using dmft/DMFT, pain evaluation using Wong Baker Faces scale (W). Parents were asked to complete a short questionnaire after sedation. Wilcoxon sign-ranked test (p=0.05) was used to compare study groups.

Results: Altogether 129 children (66 M, mean age 5.07, 63 N, mean age 6.63) participated in the study. Satisfaction with sedation did not differ between sedation types (p = 0.60). F increased after both sedation methods. OSS for M = 0.4, N = 0.8. 61 (92.6%) parents were satisfied with the course of the sedation in M group and 60 (95.7%) parents in N group. The relationship to the dentist was changed after N (p = 0.05). There was no change in relationship to the cariogenic food N (p = 0.77), M (p = 0.86) and toothbrushing N (p = 0.48), M (p = 0.19). Reasons for sedations were not dependent on sedation type p = 0.17. Pain score was higher in M (3.6) than in N (1.8). Amnesia depended on OSS p = 0.02. 58 (91.3%) parents who would choose the same type of sedation if indicated were in N group and 49 (74.1%) in M group.

Conclusions: There were significant differences in childrens behaviour when using these two sedation methods and in a case of inhalation nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture, there was a change of relationship to the dentist. Further the presence of amnesia was associated with changes in the behaviour scale, not with the sedation method.
THE ASSOCIATION SOCIAL DENTAL BUS (ASBD): A DENTAL EMERGENCY AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE
Authors: Veille-Finet A. , Maximin V. , Samakh P.
Published: February 2025

Aims: 29% of the French population is no longer able to seek treatment. It is in this context that the Social Bus Dental Association was created, on 15th October 1996, to participate, promote and facilitate access to dental care for the poorest, including the provision of of emergency care, to those not enjoying the opportunities to use the health national care system, by commissioning and operating a mobile dental clinic.

Methods: A dental practice was designed in an « Iveco » van respecting all the rules of hygiene and administration. It is itinerant and there are 9 sessions per week, held at charitable institutions. The Bus is operated in Paris by a team of 35 voluntary dentists, with a coordinator in charge of leading and managing the association, a driver / multi assistant moving the bus and providing operational maintenance and a dental / social assistant directing patients to the various services to obtain care and treatment.

Results: In 2015, a total of 320 sessions were held in the bus, 2061 patient consultations took place including screening / orientation of about 455 patients. The patients treated in the bus are generally young (73% of patients are under 40 years old) and predominantly male (79% men to 21% women). The treatments performed by voluntary dentists are mainly divided between conservative care, endodontic and periodontal treatment and extractions or oral surgery.

Conclusion: With a modern and functional mobile unit and with a motivated team of voluntary dentists providing over 300 sessions per year, the bus has a dual role of providing dental emergency care and addressing social inequalities. It is also provides a friendly welcome, bringing immediate pain relief and creating the opportunity for social rehabilitation through oral rehabilitation. Acknowledgement of sources of funding: Financial partners over the years are numerous. We thank in particular the National Order of Dental Surgeons, the Regional Agency of Health and the city of Paris
Dynamic Modeling of Passenger Car Units for Roundabouts: A Novel Genetic Algorithm Optimization-Based Approach
Authors: Ameen Tazim , Ahmad Abdullah
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces a novel genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization model for estimating passenger car units (PCUs) at roundabouts using occupancy time, addressing limitations in the existing methods that overlook traffic heterogeneity. The GA-based model achieved dynamic PCU values with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 3%–6% and a maximum error of 9%–10%, ensuring model simplicity and adaptability through the bias–variance trade-off technique. By estimating PCU values for different vehicle classes and analyzing roundabout geometry and traffic parameters, the model demonstrated high prediction accuracy with R-squared values between 0.995 and 0.998. Overfitting and underfitting were addressed by splitting data into training and testing sets and monitoring MAE changes. The model precision, reliability, and robustness were validated using multiple performance metrics. Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis and single-input single-output analysis assessed the relative importance of input parameters.
Urban Rail Transit Fare Reconciliation Method Using Multi-Source Data
Authors: Liu Jiajun , Ma Zhenliang , Wen Longhui , Zhang Ning , Qian Zhendong
Published: February 2025

Revenue reconciliation is an important problem in allocating the fare revenues to different lines and operators in urban rail transit systems. This paper proposes a data-driven fusion method for fare reconciliation in public transport using mobile signal, smart card, and train operation data. It makes the best use of the complementary advantages of two of these data sources in inferring the passenger travel paths within the metro system (mobile signal data) and journey time distributions of origin–destination (OD) pairs (smart card data). We propose a nonlinear programming optimization model to adjust the inferred path fractions from mobile data by minimizing the theoretically derived and truly observed OD journey time distributions. Case studies using both synthetic data and real-world data to validate the model performance for the metro system in Nanjing, China. The results show that the proposed information fusion model can well approximate the true path fractions and the observed OD journey time distributions. The model is robust against the biased model inputs, such as the priori path journey time distribution, with a relative path fraction estimation error of 3% for the biased standard deviation level up to 30%. In addition, the model performs consistently better than the current fare reconciliation practices using mobile signal data in estimating OD path fractions.
Deep Learning Network Model for Road Pavement Damage Detection Based on YOLOv8s-GES
Authors: Wang Niannian , Gao Ziqiao , Fang Hongyuan , Hu Haobang , Li Bin , Wang Cuixia
Published: February 2025

Road pavement damage poses significant risks to driving comfort and safety. It can also contribute to traffic accidents, ultimately leading to losses in life and property. Accurate detection of road pavement damage is, therefore, crucial for maintaining road safety and upkeep. This paper introduces a novel methodology for detecting road pavement damage, which is based on an enhanced YOLOv8 network. We implemented three pivotal enhancements: first, we substituted the backbone network with GhostNetv2, significantly reducing the model’s parameter count while bolstering its feature extraction capabilities. Second, we integrated the efficient multi-scale attention (EMA) mechanism, which strengthened the model’s generalization ability, thereby indirectly enhancing the robustness of its feature extraction. Last, we transitioned from Complete Intersection over Union (CIoU) loss to SCYLLA Intersection over Union (SIoU) loss, aiming to elevate the flexibility and precision of the bounding box loss function. Additionally, we curated the RDD2022 data set to create the RDDYGES data set, which served as the foundation for training, testing, and validating our model. The culmination of these strategies led to the development of the YOLOv8s-GES model, specifically tailored for the detection of road pavement damage. Through evaluation, YOLOv8s-GES achieved a precision of 83.6%, recall of 70.5%, an F1 score of 76.5%, and mAP of 73.7%, with a model size of 7.29M. A comparative analysis revealed the superiority of YOLOv8s-GES over existing models, demonstrating its balanced trade-off between model size, detection speed, and detection accuracy, thereby establishing a strong foundation for further research in this domain.
The asymmetry of war support: Evidence from private donations to Ukraine
Authors: Ragauskas Rimvydas
Published: February 2025

The prevailing rationalist approach portrays war as a gradual process of information disclosure, where cost–benefit calculations can influence strategy, outcomes and internal support for conflict. This research advances our understanding of how battlefield dynamics influence public support for war by analyzing tangible indicators of support—private donations to Ukraine. Analysis reveals a striking asymmetric pattern: heightened Russian attacks reduce donations by up to 18%, while Ukrainian offensive operations show no meaningful effect on donor behavior. Disclosed asymmetry presents an intriguing theoretical puzzle that challenges conventional rationalist approaches.
Enhanced Circadian Phase Tracking: A 5-h DLMO Sampling Protocol Using Wearable Data
Authors: Lim Dongju , Choi Su Jung , Song Yun Min , Park Hea Ree , Joo Eun Yeon , Kim Jae Kyoung
Published: February 2025

Circadian medicine aims to leverage the body’s internal clock to develop safer and more effective therapeutics. Traditionally, biological time has been estimated using dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), a method that requires collecting saliva samples over a long period under controlled conditions, to ensure the observation of DLMO, making it time-consuming and labor-intensive. While some studies have mitigated this by reducing the length of the sampling window, they significantly failed to identify the DLMO for shift workers. In this study, we present a framework that reduces the DLMO experiment time for shift workers to just 5 h. This approach combines sleep-wake pattern data from wearable devices with a mathematical model to predict DLMO prospectively. Based on this prediction, we define a targeted 5-h sampling window, from 3 h before to 2 h after the estimated DLMO. Testing this framework with 19 shift workers, we successfully identified the DLMO for all participants, whereas traditional methods failed for more than 40% of participants. This approach significantly reduces the experiment time required for measuring the DLMO of shift workers from 24 h to 5 h, simplifying the circadian phase measurements for shift workers.
CAR/CSTR Practice Guideline on CT Screening for Lung Cancer
Authors: Taylor Jana Lyn , Adams Scott J. , Dennie Carole , Lim Robert , McInnis Micheal , Manos Daria
Published: February 2025

Lung cancer is the second-most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in Canada. The updated CAR/CSTR Practice Guideline on CT Screening for Lung Cancer reflects advancements in evidence since the 2016 guideline, including findings from the NELSON trial and preliminary data from multiple provincial lung cancer screening programs, and aims to support Canadian diagnostic imaging departments in implementing organized lung cancer screening programs. The guideline emphasizes screening with the use of low-dose CT (LDCT) to reduce lung cancer mortality in appropriately selected individuals with increased risk of lung cancer, using eligibility criteria based on risk prediction models such as the PLCOm2012. It outlines training requirements for radiologists, standardized CT and reporting protocols, quality assurance measures, and the integration of AI tools for nodule risk stratification. The document also highlights emerging areas for investigation, including the potential for biennial screening and equitable access to programs across Canada.
Study on bionic design of brake drum surface morphology and its anti-wear mechanism
Authors: Zhang Shuai , An Xiaobo , Zheng Jingyang , Liu He , Yang Haiyang , Zhou Ti
Published: February 2025

To explore the anti-wear mechanism of drum brakes and improve their wear resistance, this paper investigates the wear performance of brake drums and friction pads and proposes a biomimetic surface design method for brake drums. Biomimetic brake drum samples with point, striped and grid-shaped surface unit structures are designed, and contact stress and wear mechanical models between the brake drum surface units and friction pads are established. The influence mechanism of different unit shapes on the contact stress and wear of friction pads is analysed theoretically. Semi-metallic, organic non-asbestos (NAO), and ceramic friction pad samples are tested in reciprocating wear tests against the three biomimetic brake drums. The effect of surface unit shapes on the contact stress is simulated using Abaqus software. The study examines the impact of surface unit shape, arrangement, spacing, height, angle and friction pad material on the wear resistance of the biomimetic brake drums. Striped and grid-shaped biomimetic brake drums are produced and tested in thermal fatigue bench tests with semi-metallic friction pads to verify the influence of unit shape parameters on the wear and fatigue performance of the brake drums. The wear test results show that the biomimetic brake drums have significantly better wear resistance than untreated brake drums. The thermal fatigue bench test results show that the grid-shaped biomimetic brake drum’s fatigue life increases by 38%, and self-wear is reduced by 62%. When the vehicle speed is 60 km/h, the braking torque of the striped brake drum increases by 5%, and the braking torque of the grid brake drum increases by 9.5%. Both the braking performance and wear resistance of the brake drum are improved.