bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Science-Technology-Society (STS) approach on students’ learning outcomes in science education: Evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Acut Dharel , Antonio Ronilo
Published: July 2023

Scientific literacy development significantly impacts real-world outcomes, leading to scrutiny of instructional approaches for global reform in science education. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the Science-Technology-Society (STS) approach in improving students' scientific learning outcomes. A quantitative research design, using meta-analysis guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, was used to determine the effect sizes of previous studies on the STS approach's effectiveness in science learning and teaching. The study analyzed 16 effect sizes from 14 empirical studies from January 2017 to September 2022 using Harzing's Publish or Perish application and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Results showed that the STS approach significantly and positively impacts students' learning outcomes (g = 1.882), particularly psychomotor skills, affective domain, and cognitive skills. Moderator analysis showed that STS is an effective teaching strategy that yields similar positive results regardless of the assessed learning outcomes. The findings demonstrated that the STS approach facilitates students' development of scientific knowledge, skills, and mindset to innovate for real-world problems. These findings provided empirical information that are essential for learning analytics applications in predicting learners' performance and diagnosing instructional practices. Implications for future research and practice, as well as addressing publication bias, are highlighted in order to maximize the benefits of the STS approach in science education.
Reconciliatory Pedagogies
Authors: Keith Erin , Keeley Krista LaRue
Published: July 2023

Two Canadian settler teachers explore the intention and iterative, enduring process of reconciliation in high school classrooms through storytelling of their own lived experiences. They respectfully ‘call-in' other settler teachers who may feel paralyzed for fear of appropriation and the heaviness of this reconciliatory work. Weaving in how the 5Rs have guided the two teachers' journeys toward incorporating Indigenous pedagogies into their praxis and suggesting how these principles could support other settler educators who are beginning their decolonization journey, an Interwoven Living Framework that illuminates their learning ‘from' is developed. The framework is grounded in actionizing the 5Rs through the critical work of listening to, learning from, working, and walking with First Peoples. Using narratives, the teachers story their “walk” inspired by the words of an Indigenous student from their class, Poppy. They share a place to begin towards truly understanding how to become an entrusted Indigenous ally-to-be and how to actionize this collective work in high school landscapes.
A Portrait of Grammar Knowledge in Practice
Authors: Howerton-Fox Amanda , Falk Jodi L. , Kretschmer Robert
Published: July 2023

The underrepresentation of authentic classroom grammar teaching in teacher education leads to teacher candidates being introduced to “pedagogical options in grammar teaching without being able to illustrate when, how, and why teachers in real classrooms draw upon these options” (Borg, 1999b, p. 160). Integrating portraits of classroom language teaching into teacher education programs can help ameliorate that problem. This chapter shares one such portrait, drawn from interview and observation data collected from high-quality teachers in a Swedish bilingual school for the deaf. A portrait of the way in which Christel applies her “Knowledge of Learners,” an important component of teacher language awareness (TLA) is presented, organized around observed classroom vignettes during which she focuses on the grammatical structure of both signed and spoken languages. Suggestions are then offered for how such portraits might be integrated into the curriculum of teacher preparation programs to better prepare teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing.
Using Comprehensive Observational Data to Improve Reading Instruction
Authors: Luft Pamela
Published: July 2023

Reading assessment of deaf and hard-of-hearing students is difficult in that many typical curriculum-based and standardized assessments presume spoken English fluency. This affects not only the test items but also the numerical scores that can result in instructional decisions that are unfairly penalizing. In contract, miscue analysis provides a systematic analysis of an individual's reading performance that is flexible across languages and dialects in identifying skills and needs across the range of skilled and struggling readers. This chapter presents two DHH students' miscue scores, representing communication preferences for listening and spoken English, and American Sign Language. Readers will analyze these data through guided questions to develop insights and understandings about each reader's reading strengths and needs. This highly accurate and detailed analysis is the type that can lead teachers and researchers to better identify the nature of DHH students' reading challenges and provide the instruction that appropriately addresses their needs.
Assessing DHH Students
Authors: Neild Raschelle
Published: July 2023

Schools have been tasked with ensuring students eventually become active participants in society, and with this responsibility comes increased accountability. Curriculum-based measurement (CBM) serves as an assessment tool that measures mastery of basic skills and is an efficient means for monitoring short-term and long-term progress. A significant amount of research indicates CBM procedures have been used in the content areas reading, mathematics, and writing, and demonstrates, when used correctly to inform instruction, student achievement improves. This chapter incorporates information related to using CBM with deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) learners, the characteristics of CBM, and the process for using CBM to guide instruction centered around a case study of a novice deaf education teacher's ability to use CBM over the course of her second semester.
Incorporating Technologies to Achieve Active Learning in Large Engineering Classrooms
Authors: Marghescu Cristina , Negroiu Rodica
Published: July 2023

This chapter discusses how the way instruction was delivered during the pandemic has influenced or changed the way teaching takes place today and what conclusions can be drawn regarding student preferences for both online/offline/blended instruction and activities delivered during instruction. Another reason for adapting the way instruction takes place is to implement the direction set by Education 4.0 and the OECD Future of Education and Skills 2030 and to find educational techniques that can achieve the skills needed in the changing labour market. This chapter also discusses the benefits of using different technologies and different types of activities to achieve active learning in lectures. A case study of a broad-based course is presented in which teaching methods were adapted by transferring the knowledge acquired in recent years and adapting the course to the current format of face-to-face teaching as well as online teaching.
Building Bridges Through Science Diplomacy in the Mediterranean
Authors: Moussaoui Mohamed , Rachid Ali
Published: July 2023

This chapter will explore the various aspects of science diplomacy in the Mediterranean region, with a particular focus on the merging of political frameworks to strengthen it. The chapter will begin with an overview of science diplomacy in general and its importance in the Mediterranean region. It will then delve into the political frameworks that exist in the region and how they can be merged to create a more robust science diplomacy framework. This will involve examining key actors such as the European Union and its Southern Mediterranean neighbourhood. The chapter will then discuss the challenges that the Mediterranean region faces in achieving a successful science diplomacy framework. Finally, the chapter will look at the emerging programs for science diplomacy in the Mediterranean and their potential to enhance scientific collaboration and promote regional stability. Overall, the chapter will provide a comprehensive overview of science diplomacy, its challenges, and its potential for promoting cooperation and stability in the Mediterranean region.
The Role of the School Unit Leader in the Inclusion of Students With Disabilities
Authors: Katsarou Dimitra , Zerva Irini K. , Mantsos Evangelos , Stamatis Panagiotis J.
Published: July 2023

Inclusive education aims at fully accepting the different abilities of children, responding to teachers in all their learning needs, and treating them equally, without discrimination. Inequalities within schools, especially for students with disabilities, are now a daily challenge for education leaders. Leadership training and education programs should be designed to promote socially just leaders in education, who are called upon to create appropriate learning spaces in which all children can learn. Special education emerges as the most delicate and difficult issue that education leaders must deal with. Providing equal opportunities to all students, even those in need of special education, can and should be primarily a moral concern of leadership. School leadership is the means by which inclusive education is developed. The aim of this chapter is to highlight all the necessary steps to improve inclusion in schools.
A Study on the Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development Goals in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Thakur Anusha
Published: July 2023

The 2030 agenda scripts an important milestone for worldwide cooperation wherein different variables overlay that which is otherwise difficult to address. The sustainable development goals are thereby considered to be the revitalization of ideas of global expansion, a definition of a politically aware horizon, with the objectives of both quantitative and qualitative evolution. The concept also comprises of a new diplomatic negotiation structure which has been updated as per the latest requirements of multilateral negotiations by the UN diplomacy. From a technical point of sight, the forthcoming scenario of the Asia-Pacific region will entail a digital economy braced by green industry ecosystem and the leading ICT solutions for innovation. Effective implementation of strategies, models, and goals are thereby expected to address the gap and cater to the complete transformation of the nations. This chapter emphasizes the need for digital transformation and sustainable goals, along with the different trends, and impacts of SDG's in the Asia Pacific region.
Usability Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence for Image Recognition Features in Online Shopping Applications Using the UTAUT Method
Authors: Restuputri Dian Palupi , Masudin Ilyas , Andini Anggie Putri , Handayani Dwi Iryaning , Setiawan Meddy
Published: July 2023

This study has the purpose of measuring the usability level of the image recognition feature on the Shopee and Lazada applications using the UTAUT method to measure the usability level. The variables used in this study are performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, usability expectancy, and use behavior. Meanwhile, four moderate variables were involved: age, gender, experience, and voluntariness of use. This study performs structural equation modeling (SEM) using partial least square (PLS) to investigate the relationship between variables. Based on the R-square value, it can be concluded that the UTAUT method is better at evaluating the usability of the image recognition feature in Lazada than in the Shopee application. The reason is the R-square value of the dependent variable usability expectancy in the Lazada application has the highest R-square value of 0.957. This result means that the BI variable can be explained by the independent variables performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence of 95.7%.
Growth and Environment
Authors: Banerjee Subhanil , Koner Souren , Dutta Jinty
Published: July 2023

The 1972 Stockholm convention initiated the debate over whether economic growth and environmental degradation are complementary or substitute. In 1983, the Brundtland commission began incorporating environmental considerations into conventional economics. Almost at the same time, the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis gained popularity and behind the veil of the EKC hypothesis the developed countries started putting pressure on the developing and least developed countries to be pro-growth even at the cost of the environment so that they come at par of the developed nations. In this background, the present chapter considers 41 Asian countries over five years spanning from 2015 to 2019. It has taken per capita emission of CO2 (metric-ton) as the dependent variable and growth of per capita income along with access to electricity as the independent variable. The result indicates that there is no statistically significant impact of per capita income growth on the emission of per capita CO2 and the EKC hypothesis does not hold for the Asian continent.
Twinning the Green Transition and Digitalization on the Islamic Philanthropy Institutions
Authors: Musari Khairunnisa
Published: July 2023

Islamic philanthropic institutions are now working towards a green transition. Digital technology plays an important role as an enabler. Through literature studies, field studies, interviews, and using nethnography, this chapter explains two things: (1) Describes green transition practices by Islamic philanthropic institutions in Indonesia; (2) Describes the extent to which the institution is utilizing digital technology in a green transition. By taking case studies on three institutions that have worked in the Green Eligible Sector, this chapter provides an overview of their twin green transition and digitalization. Islamic philanthropic institutions have done green crowdfunding through digital green branding, digital green promotion, digital green marketing, digital green fundraising, and digital green payments for supporting their green transition programs. By partnerships with deep technology providers, they can expand into green production and processing areas. Through the Islamic Quadruple Helix, the institutions can transform into a digitally-enabled society.
Influence of Multiple Factors on Organizational Happiness in Educational Institutions
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Hamid Rawiyah bt Abd , Hamid Siti Norasyikin Abdul , Munir Shazia Kanwal
Published: July 2023

The main objective of the study is to investigate the influence of perceived organizational support, organizational environment, national culture, organizational socialization, psychological capital, and organizational commitment on the organizational happiness of public schools in Punjab, Pakistan. The data from 376 responses were analyzed using SmartPLS to draw the study results. The study findings revealed that the positive relationship between organizational climate, organizational commitment, organizational socialization, perceived organizational support, and organizational happiness. On the other hand, organizational commitment found a mediatory role between the organizational climate, perceived organizational support, psychological capital, and organizational happiness. The findings of the study are useful for policymakers and the management of public schools in Pakistan.
Vocational Training Course Preferences Among Sikkimese Youth
Authors: Saha Saibal Kumar , Rai Monita , Jha Ajeya
Published: July 2023

Unemployment is one of the major issues in modern times. High unemployment rates affect a country's economic growth, mental wellbeing of an individual and his/her family members, and create unrest in society. Vocational training is one of the most crucial elements in the competitive and developing world. Through the provision of real-world experience, vocational training aids in developing skills. This study aims to highlight the aspirations of the people of Sikkim concerning vocational training and find its challenges and hindrances. With the help of a structured questionnaire, responses were taken from the youth of Sikkim, India and their perception about opting for different vocational training courses were taken. Upon analyzing the data, it was found that males are more inclined towards cooking and baking classes, repair of mobiles, laptops and other electronic accessories, and repair of bikes and automobiles. Females, on the other hand, wanted to focus on makeup and beautician courses, jewelry design, floriculture, and towards repair of mobile and computers.
Measuring the Effects of Pressure on Consumer Impulse Buying Intention in Online Group Buying
Authors: Xu Yin , Dzever Sam , Zhao Guoqin
Published: July 2023

Group buying organizations (GBO) have recently stepped up their well-established practice of employing super-low prices combined with limited product and service supply in a short transaction time span as a means of exerting pressure on consumers. The purpose of this research is to 1) identify and define three types of pressure that are triggered by online group-buying (OGB) promotions, 2) examine the effects of these three types of pressure on consumers' impulse buying behavior, and 3) investigate and produce knowledge about the mediating role of emotion in the relationship between pressure and impulse buying intention (IBI) of consumers. By integrating stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model and consumer impulse buying literature seen from the perspectives of marketing and enterprise information systems respectively, this research has identified three types of pressure (i.e., time pressure, quantity pressure, and price pressure) that influence the impulse buying behavior (IBB) of consumers regarding OGB. The research then examines the mediating role of emotion with reference to pleasure and arousal level. The results of a large-scale online survey combined with an analysis of a structural equation model demonstrate that the above-mentioned three types of pressure have different effects on IBI of consumers. Moreover, the research finds that this is achieved through different mediating mechanisms. Based on the results of the analysis, the authors have made some suggestions that marketers can utilize in developing effective OGB strategies. This research also provides the basis for enterprise information systems (EIS) to develop technologies that will allow organizations to better serve the needs of their OGB customers.
Exploring the Challenges in Developing and Managing Digital Agility Among Sri Lankan Family Business Owners During the Economic Crisis Situation
Authors: Jayawardena Nirma Sadamali , Chavali Kavita , Dewasiri Narayanage Jayantha , Perera Charitha Harshani , Koswatte Isuru , Pereira Vijay , Gupta Manish , Mardani Abbas
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the ongoing post-pandemic challenges in developing and managing digital agility among Sri Lankan family business owners. This study used a mono-method qualitative approach to identify the management strategies using the self-determination theory and social exchange theory to cope with digital agility among Sri Lankan family business owners. Authors interviewed 25 family business owners in Sri Lanka and assessed the findings using the NVivo software. A total of five thematic findings have been identified as challenges in developing and managing digital agility among Sri Lankan Family Business owners. According to this study, digital capability plays a significant role in supporting top management to apply ambidextrous leadership during turbulent times. Findings contributes to the family business owners in Sri Lanka to identify proper strategies in overcoming the challenges associated with developing and managing digital agility of family business firms.
An Investigation into Teachers’ Understanding of Student Discipline in Public Secondary Schools in Oyo State
Authors: Shobayo M. A. , Ajayi O. S. , Ajero J. I.
Published: July 2023

The study investigated teachers’ understanding of student discipline in public secondary schools in Oyo State, Nigeria. It examined the public secondary school teachers’ knowledge of student discipline in the 21st century. It further determined the appropriateness of strategies adopted by teachers in enforcing discipline in schools and as well examined the challenges facing the enforcement of discipline in public secondary schools. The study adopted a survey design. The population of the study comprised all the public secondary school teachers in the Oyo central senatorial district of the state. The sample size comprised 200 senior secondary school teachers selected across public schools in the Oyo East Local Government Area of the state using a simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire titled Discipline Knowledge and Strategies Assessment Questionnaire (DKSAQ) was used to collect data for the study. Percentage, mean, standard deviation, and ranking were used to analyse the data. The results showed that public secondary school teachers had incomplete knowledge about student discipline in the 21st century. The results showed that secondary school teachers adopted both appropriate and non-appropriate discipline strategies. Students’ unfriendly home environments, parents’ inability to provide basic needs, and fear of reprisal from students or their gangs were some of the identified factors militating against the enforcement of discipline in schools. The study, therefore, concludes that public secondary school teachers’ knowledge of school discipline in the 21st century is inadequate and recommends that modalities through which teachers can have access to new knowledge and skills be put in place by their employers.
Investigating the Creativity Skills of University Students with Hearing and Visual Impairments in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Uyanne Elizabeth O. , Ifinju Isaac O.
Published: July 2023

Creativity skills are imperative for university students with hearing impairment and visual impairment for survival in the academic domain. Adopting the Five Creative Disposition Model, the study investigated the creativity skills of university students with hearing and visual impairment in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The descriptive survey design was adopted and the study targeted university students with hearing impairment and visual impairment in Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria. All 31 students with hearing impairment as well as all 13 students with visual impairment were selected for the study using a purposive sampling technique. The findings of the study revealed that students with visual impairment were high in all five creative dispositions, and also, students with hearing impairment were high in four creative dispositions except for inquisitive skills. The study recommends the use of assistive technology such as screen readers, magnification software, Braille displays, hearing aids, and cochlear implants, which could significantly enhance the learning experience of students with hearing and visual impairments. Providing access to these assistive technologies can help students participate fully in the classroom and achieve academic success.
Integrating Air Assets for Augmenting Surveillance Capabilities of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard
Authors: Wanasinghe H. W. N. , Wijethunga M. A. D. C. K.
Published: July 2023

Law enforcement at sea is of prime importance for an Island nation. At present Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) satisfies its aerial demands through Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) under various limitations causing a gap between the demand and supply of aerial surveillance requirements. Hence this exploratory qualitative study has followed a deductive approach, interpretivism philosophy, and grounded theory strategy to realize the objectives of determining the present status of the SLCG surveillance mechanism, determining how the air assets could be effectively integrated into the SLCG surveillance mechanism, and to study the impact of integrating air assets into the SLCG surveillance mechanism. A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis resulted in strengths as already enacted act, experienced crew, and intention of authorities to integrate air assets into SLCG. Weaknesses were found to be a lack of naval assets, manpower, and the absence of air assets. Opportunities are the possible training opportunities, collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy and SLAF, obtaining air assets through mutual cooperation, and leeway of integrating into a common maritime policy. Changing dynamics of non-traditional security threats, and geo-political implications due to inadequate presence and inadequate budget were identified as threats in SWOT analysis. Based on the outcome of the SWOT analysis, researchers came up with five recommendations such as formulating a framework for integrating air assets into SLCG, formulating a doctrine and Standard Operating Procedure for maritime-air operations of SLCG, developing a dialogue with SLAF for mutual cooperation and secondment of air and ground crew required for SLCG air operations, pursue diplomatic means for obtaining air assets and related training and finally conducting joint and multinational training and operations with local and international stakeholders. Therefore, strengthening SLCG capabilities and capacities by integrating air assets through a feasible framework in meeting its future operational demand is essential.
Analytical study of ion-acoustic soliton in single temperature nonisothermal electron
Authors: Chattopadhyay S.
Published: July 2023

In presence of warm negative ion, propagation of ion-acoustic solitary waves has been investigated analytically in a plasma consisting of warm positive ion, warm positron and single-temperature non-isothermal electron. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of compressive solitary waves are discussed critically along with the calculation of phase velocity, kinetic energy (K.E) and force (F) found out in this paper by this new analytical method. Some important general observations and Theorems related with this problem are highlighted that supports the results of previous authors. The Sagdeev potential function ψ(𝜙) [= - L(𝑢𝛼 )] against ϕ depicted graphically under the variation of different plasma parameters is the most important and interesting situations by this analytical method.
The Effect of Open Innovation on Firm Performance: Research Gaps
Authors: Dilrukshi M. G. M. , Wickramasinghe C. N.
Published: July 2023

Open innovation can be considered as the critical branch of innovation management. It is an emerging field of research that is important for achieving sustainable competitive advantages through enhancing firm performance. This study aims to identify the research gaps in the effect of open innovation and firm performance based on the systematic literature review process. Depending on the systematic approach current study expects to find out research gaps and it targets to develop a conceptual framework to minimize the identified research gaps in the effect of open innovation and firm performance for future empirical investigations. An extensive literature review was implemented to achieve the research objectives through the adaptation of the desk research strategy. The systematic literature review process explored the effect of open innovation and firm performance was not entirely positive. Further, it discovered the three research gaps between open innovation and firm performance mainly. A conceptual framework was developed to minimize the identified research gaps by identifying a new variable to the established relationship. The literature survey and logical arguments provide a solid foundation to build up the conceptual framework. It was proposed to be tested empirically in the research context of listed companies in Sri Lanka by future researchers.
Stress distribution in endodontically treated single-rooted premolars restored with everstick post and sharonlay: A finite element analysis
Authors: Bhavsar Bhavika A. , Patnaik Tulika , Sharma Pranjely , Vijo Mary , Abdulla Ashfaque , Hussain Anju S.
Published: July 2023

Background:

The objective of the study is to compare stress distribution in a tooth restored with everstick post and sharonlay by means of three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D-FEA).

Materials and Methods:

An experimental original study was carried out in which two 3D-FEA models were constructed: (1) tooth restored with everstick post and metal ceramic crown and (2) tooth restored with sharonlay. The material properties were assigned and a force of 100N, 200N, 300N, and 400N was applied to the centric stop of the occlusal surface in centric occlusion at a 45° inclination in a linguolabial direction to the long axis of the tooth. Analysis was run and the stress distribution pattern was studied. As all stress distribution analysis was performed with the Ansys 11.0 software (Inventor AutoCAD 2010; Autodesk) program, the significance of P value or tests for statistical analysis was considered.

Results:

Sharonlay showed more total deformation, larger stress, and strain concentration than that of everstick post.

Conclusion:

Tooth restored with sharonlay showed greater chances of deformation than everstick post. It also showed maximum strain concentration near the apical portion of the remaining tooth structure and more stress in the cervical third of the postsystem than everstick post.
Evaluation and comparison of antifungal effect of voriconazole with nystatin on candida species derived from neoplastic patients undergoing maxillofacial radiotherapy
Authors: Khozeimeh Faezeh , Nezhad Zahra Golestan , Dehghan Parvin , Tabesh Adel , Kheirkhah Mahnaz , Jamshidi Mina , Chermahini Ahmad Amiri , Sadeghalbanaei Leila , Golestannejad Zahra
Published: July 2023

Background:

Radiotherapy is a common treatment for head-and-neck malignancies and causes complications such as oral candidiasis and the change of oral Candida species from albicans to nonalbicans. Voriconazole has acceptable antifungal effect. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the antifungal effect of nystatin with voriconazole on these species.

Materials and Methods:

The samples used in this in vitro study were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism from patients before and 2 weeks after head-and-neck radiotherapy in Seyed Al-Shohada Hospital. The antifungal effect of nystatin and voriconazole was determined by microdilution method and measurement of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration, and the results were analyzed by Mann–Whitney analysis.

Results:

The results showed that all species before and after radiotherapy showed 100% sensitivity to nystatin. Prior to radiotherapy, 57.1% of albicans species isolated were in the sensitive range (MIC ≤1) and 42.9% were in the dose-dependent range (MIC = 2) to voriconazole. After radiotherapy, 58.3% of albicans species were in the sensitive range and 41.7% of these species were in the dose-dependent range to voriconazole.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study showed that before radiotherapy, all species were sensitive to nystatin, while a percentage of albicans and nonalbicans were resistant to voriconazole. In the 2nd week of radiotherapy similar to prior to radiotherapy, all species isolated from patients were sensitive to nystatin, while a percentage of albicans and nonalbicans were resistant to voriconazole.
Effect of hydrogen peroxide and its combination with nano-hydroxyapatite or nano-bioactive glass on the enamel demineralization and tooth color: An in vitro study
Authors: Kheradmand Elham , Daneshkazemi Alirea , Davari Abdolrahim , Kave Maede , Ghanbarnejad Solmaz
Published: July 2023

Background:

Patient demand for esthetic dental treatments is increasing, and among different techniques, tooth bleaching is a popular procedure for smile improvement. There is a controversy over the demineralizing effect of hydrogen peroxide (HP) containing bleaching agents on tooth enamel. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HP and its combinations with hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioactive glass (BG) on enamel demineralization and tooth color changes.

Materials and Methods:

Three groups of 20 teeth were used. Bleaching regimens included HP alone, HP + HA, and HP + BG. Bleaching was repeated at six periods of 15 min. Energy dispersive spectrometry was performed to evaluate calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, and fluoride content of superficial enamel before and after bleaching. Tooth color was evaluated by spectrophotometer before and after bleaching and ΔE values were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 17.

Results:

Ca and P content was increased significantly in group HP + BG (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ΔE values between the three groups (P > 0.05).(p value = 0.34).

Conclusion:

Addition of BG to HP can increase superficial enamel mineral content after bleaching and has no effect on tooth color changes in comparison to HP alone.
The effect of fabrication methods (conventional, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing milling, three-dimensional printing) and material type on the fracture strength of provisional restorations
Authors: AhmadAbadi Monireh Nili , Goharifar Akram , Mahabadi Meysam
Published: July 2023

Background:

Fracture is the most common reason for the failure of provisional restorations. This study aimed to assess the effects of the fabrication method (conventional, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing [CAD/CAM] milling, three-dimensional [3D] printing) and material type on the fracture strength of provisional restorations.

Materials and Methods:

In this in vitro study, 60 provisional restorations were made through the conventional (Tempron and Master Dent), CAD/CAM milling (Ceramill and breCAM.HIPC) and 3D Printing (3D Max Temp) methods based on a scanned master model. The provisional restorations were designed by the CAD unit and fabricated with milling or 3D printing. Then, an index was made based on the CAD/CAM milling specimen and used for fabricating manual provisional restorations. To assess the fracture resistance, a standard force was applied by a universal testing machine until the fracture occurred. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's test were used to compare the groups (α = 0.05).

Results:

The mean fracture strength was significantly different among the five groups (P < 0.001), being significantly higher in the breCAM.HIPC group (P < 0.001), followed by the Tempron group (P < 0.05). However, the three other groups were not significantly different (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Despite the statistical superiority of some bis-acrylics over methacrylate resins, the results are material specific rather than category specific. Besides, the material type and properties might be more determined than the manufacturing method.
Dietary and Sleep Quality Association in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Mortazavi Mojgan , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein , Seirafian Shiva , Motamedifard Reyhane , Hosseini Mohsen
Published: July 2023

Background:

Poor sleep quality is a common issue among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who undergo dialysis. Nutritional habits are associated with sleep hygiene in patients undergoing dialysis. The objective of this study was to examine the potential correlation between nutritional status and sleep quality in individuals receiving hemodialysis treatment.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 160 hemodialysis patients. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to measure food intake in participants. The Persian-validated version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality. Patients were classified as poor or good sleepers with a PSQI score of <5 and >5, respectively.

Results:

Eighty-four percent of hemodialysis patients had bad sleep hygiene. There was a significant association between sleep quality and educational status and age (P < 0.001). Poor sleepers were older (61.65 years versus 51.12) and less educated (31.1% versus 4%). However, there was no significant difference in the intake of micro- and macronutrients between poor and good sleepers (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The results of this study suggest that sleep quality has no significant relationship with nutrient intake in hemodialysis patients. Demographic factors, such as age and educational status, have played a more effective role than nutritional factors in patients' sleep quality.
The Association of Demographic Characteristics with the Rate of Weight Loss and Changes in Nutritional Factors (Albumin, Vitamin D3, Ferritin) one Year after One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass
Authors: Sayadishahraki Masoud , Salehi Atefe
Published: July 2023

Background:

The effect of bariatric surgery on weight loss (WL) of patients with severe obesity is an established finding. However, some studies have shown that other factors such as demographic characteristics can also be involved in the extent of success and relapse of obesity. Thus, this study was performed to determine the association of demographic characteristics with the rate of weight loss and changes in nutritional factors one year after one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB).

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 121 patients undergoing OAGB were investigated. Patients' body mass index (BMI), nutritional factors (including levels of albumin, vitamin D3, and serum ferritin), and demographic characteristics were measured one year after the surgery.

Results:

The BMI one year after surgery was significantly lower than before surgery (47.12 ± 5.08 kg/m2 vs. 29.42 ± 3.86 kg/m2; P value <0.001). WL was 37.37 ± 6.70%. In addition, the serum level of vitamin D3 one year after surgery with the mean of 44.54 ± 17.25 was significantly higher than its level before surgery with the mean of 38.13 ± 14.42 (P value <0.001). WL in less than 50 years old and married patients was significantly higher than WL in over 50 years old and single patients (P value <0.05). Moreover, the decrease in serum ferritin level with the mean of 1.90 ± 0.56 ng/ml in women was significantly higher than its decrease with the mean of 3.02 ± 0.94 ng/ml in men (P value = 0.003).

Conclusion:

Some demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and marital status seem to affect the rate of weight loss or ferritin level one year after OAGB.
On Bernstein type quantitative estimates for Ornstein non-inequalities
Authors: Kazaniecki Krystian , Wojciechowski Michal
Published: July 2023

For the sequence of multi-indices

\{\alpha_j\}_{j=1}^m

and

\beta

, we study the inequality

\lVert D^{\beta} f \rVert_{L_1(\mathbb{T}^d)} \leq K_N \sum_{j= 1}^{m} \lVert D^{\alpha_j}f \rVert_{L_1(\mathbb{T}^d)},

where

f

is a trigonometric polynomial of degree at most

N

on the

d

-dimensional torus. Assuming some natural geometric property of the set

\{\alpha_j\}\cup\{\beta\}

, we show that

K_{N}\geq C (\ln N)^{\phi},

where

\phi<1

depends only on the set

\{ \alpha_j \}\cup\{\beta\}

.
Structure of the spectrum of a nonselfadjoint Dirac operator
Authors: Makin Alexander Sergeevich
Published: July 2023

For the Dirac operator with two-point boundary conditions and an arbitrary complex-valued $L_2$-integrable potential $V(x)$ the spectral problem is considered. Necessary and sufficient conditions on an entire function to be the characteristic function of such a boundary value problem are obtained. Necessary and sufficient conditions on the spectrum of the above operator are established in the case when the boundary conditions are regular.
Bibliography: 16 titles.
Jordan property for groups of bimeromorphic automorphisms of compact Kähler threefolds
Authors: Golota Alexey Sergeevich
Published: July 2023

Let $X$ be a nonuniruled compact Kähler space of dimension $3$. We show that the group of bimeromorphic automorphisms of $X$ is Jordan. More generally, the same result holds for any compact Kähler space admitting a quasi-minimal model.
Bibliography: 29 titles.
Задачи Колмогорова об уравнениях для стационарных и переходных вероятностей диффузионных процессов
Authors: Bogachev Vladimir Igorevich , Rockner Michael , Shaposhnikov Stanislav Valer'evich
Published: July 2023

В статье дан обзор нескольких направлений исследований, связанных с работами А. Н. Колмогорова о параболических и эллиптических уравнениях Фоккера-Планка-Колмогорова для переходных и стационарных вероятностей диффузионных процессов. Приведены основные результаты о существовании решений, единственности, свойствах плотностей решений. Упомянуты открытые вопросы в этой области.
О выборе значимых признаков, основанном на теории информации
Authors: Bulinski Alexander Vadimovich
Published: July 2023

Показано, что широко применяемые субоптимальные алгоритмы выбора значимых факторов, основанные на понятиях теории информации, необязательно идентифицируют набор (в определенном смысле) значимых факторов, влияющих на изучаемый случайный отклик. Это можно рассматривать как отражение явления эпистаза, известного в генетике, когда отдельные факторы оказывают малое влияние на повышение риска сложного заболевания, а их определенные комбинации могут обеспечивать существенное воздействие. Демонстрируется, что подобный эффект проявляется и при выводах, использующих статистические оценки взаимной информации.
Neural stem cells for Parkinson’s disease management: Challenges, nanobased support, and prospects
Authors: Oz Tuba , Kaushik Ajeet , Kujawska Małgorzata
Published: July 2023

Acute pancreatitis (AP) often leads to a high incidence of cardiac injury, posing significant challenges in the treatment of severe AP and contributing to increased mortality rates. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) release bioactive molecules that participate in various inflammatory diseases. Similarly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by MSCs have garnered extensive attention due to their comparable anti-inflammatory effects to MSCs and their potential to avoid risks associated with cell transplantation. Recently, the therapeutic potential of MSCs-EVs in various inflammatory diseases, including sepsis and AP, has gained increasing recognition. Although preclinical research on the utilization of MSCs-EVs in AP-induced cardiac injury is limited, several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of MSCs-EVs in regulating inflammation and immunity in sepsis-induced cardiac injury and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, clinical studies have been conducted on the therapeutic application of MSCs-EVs for some other diseases, wherein the contents of these EVs could be deliberately modified through prior modulation of MSCs. Consequently, we hypothesize that MSCs-EVs hold promise as a potential therapy for AP-induced cardiac injury. This paper aims to discuss this topic. However, additional research is essential to comprehensively elucidate the underlying mechanisms of MSCs-EVs in treating AP-induced cardiac injury, as well as to ascertain their safety and efficacy.
Changes in the Regulation of Crypto Exchanges in Lithuania And Estonia
Authors: Bočánek Marek
Published: July 2023

This article consults new regulations in Estonia and Lithuania where significant amendments have been adopted for the establishment and approval of crypto exchange services' providers. While Estonia has adopted an important amendment to the regulation of providers of crypto exchange services and of crypto wallet services, Lithuania has adopted a completely new regulation that has never been part of its legal system in any aspect. Despite these amendments, it's expectable that these regulations will have only temporary effect by the adoption of Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA), now only at the stage of working paper.
The Power of Justin Trudeau’s Media Image: The Ascension and Demise of a Media-Star Politician
Authors: Soroka Tomasz
Published: July 2023

The article explores the evolution of media image of Canada’s prime minister, Justin Trudeau. In particular it takes interest in how Trudeau’s impactful use of traditional and social online media helped popularize and convey his positive portrayal to wider audiences, which at peak of Trudeau’s popularity amounted to a phenomenon called ‘Trudeaumania’. The article evaluates the effects and political implications of Trudeau’s media activity on his political career and posture, but also on the global reputation of Canada.
Procesy wdrażania pracowników w Polsce w obowiązki zawodowe i kulturę organizacyjną w warunkach pracy zdalnej na przykładzie sektora prywatnego. Badania własne z użyciem indywidualnych wywiadów pogłębionych
Authors: Pratt Oskar
Published: July 2023

Celem artykułu jest opis procesów wdrażania pracowników w Polsce w obowiązki zawodowe i kulturę organizacyjną w warunkach pracy zdalnej. Na potrzeby artykułu przeprowadzono badanie z użyciem indywidualnych wywiadów pogłębionych na grupie menedżerów i pracowników działu personalnego średniej polskiej firmy. Na podstawie zebranych danych i w oparciu o pojęcia zmiany instytucjonalnej i kultury organizacyjnej stwierdzono, że badana organizacja wykształciła skuteczne procesy wdrożenia zawodowego, dążąc do zachowania norm wynikających z cech jej kultury organizacyjnej. Jednocześnie nie znalazła nowych sposobów wdrożenia społecznego, przez co zachwianiu uległa realizacja rytuałów i wartości organizacji.

Processes of onboarding employees in Poland to professional responsibilities and organizational culture under remote working conditions on the example of the private sector. Own study with the use of individual in-depth interviews

The purpose of the article is to describe the processes of onboarding employees in Poland into professional responsibilities and organizational culture in the conditions of remote working. For the article, an own study was conducted using individual in-depth interviews on a group of line managers and Human Resources staff of a medium-sized Polish company. Based on collected data and relying on the concepts of institutional change and organizational culture, it was concluded that the analyzed organization developed effective processes of professional onboarding, striving to maintain norms of its organizational culture. At the same time, it did not find new ways of conducting social onboarding, thus the realization of rituals and values related to the character of the organization was disturbed.
Wolność wypowiedzi a ochrona pomników i miejsc pamięci (art. 261 k.k.). Glosa do wyroku Sądu Rejonowego we Włocławku z 25 lutego 2021 r., II K 1789/20
Authors: Kulesza Jan
Published: July 2023

In the referenced case, the defendants were charged with insulting the monument of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, located in Kopernik Square in Włocławek, Poland, by gluing an offensive poster thereto. The poster resembled an obituary, and its content contained vulgar words. It also contained references to civil disobedience. The defendants' action resulted from the judgment of the Constitutional Tribunal which abolished one of the conditions for the legality of the abortion. The court, finding that the conditions for using this institution had been met, conditionally discontinued the criminal proceedings against the accused for a probationary period of one year. The court's balancing of the need to protect the freedom of expression of the accused and the worship of the person commemorated on the monument and the feelings of people for whom this figure has a symbolic meaning should be assessed as correct, based on the judgment of the ECtHR in the case of Handzhiyski v. Bulgaria of April 6, 2021.