bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical marker levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid of completely edentulous patients with two implant-supported mandibular overdentures before and 6 months after loading: Prospective clinical trial
Authors: Alpaslan Yaylı Nazlı Zeynep , Ayhan Alkan Eylem
Published: January 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the levels of biochemical markers detected in the peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) before and 6 months after loading in completely edentulous patients with two implant-supported mandibular overdentures and to correlate them with clinical parameters.

Methodology: Two implants were applied to the mandibular canine region of the 20 completely edentulous and systemically healthy patients (11 females, 9 males) with conventional 2-stage surgery. PICF samples of the participants were collected before and 6 months after prosthetic loading, and clinical parameters—including modified plaque index (MPI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and keratinized gingival width (KGW)—were recorded. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were examined in PICF samples via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The SPSS package program was used to statistically analyze the data.

Results: The average age of the participants was 57.05 ± 9.82 years. Although a decrease was observed in all clinical parameters after prosthetic loading compared to baseline levels, this decrease was not considered statistically significant (p>0.05). PICF volume showed a statistically significant decrease from baseline to 6 months (p<0.05). The decreases observed at 6th month values in all of the biochemical markers examined were not found to be statistically significant, similar to the clinical parameters (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, the PICF marker levels and clinical parameters determined following osseointegration and 6 months after prosthetic loading are similar. This suggests that the studied sample has prosthetic restorations that contribute positively to the tissue maturation process and apply ideal forces to the tissue. More comprehensive studies are recommended to understand the tissue healing process after implant treatment.

 

How to cite this article: Ayhan Alkan E, Yaylı Alpaslan NZ. Biochemical marker levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid of completely edentulous patients with two implant-supported mandibular overdentures before and 6 months after loading: Prospective clinical trial. Int Dent Res 2021;11(Suppl.1):160-6. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.suppl1.24

 

Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.
Evaluation of the surface properties of modified Ni-Ti arch wires
Authors: Yılmaz Hakkı , Bilgiç Zortuk Fundagül , Özyılmaz Ali Tuncay
Published: January 2022

Aim: Materials used in orthodontic treatment can cause corrosion and metal ion release to the mouth. This study was aimed to examine the changes in the friction coefficients and corrosion resistance of the modified Ni-Ti arch wires.

Methodology: Our sample consisted of 16 Ni-Ti arch wires (0.016 × 0.022 inches). Coating bathes involving Ni-Ti, Ni-Ti-Mo, and Ni-Ti-Cr were prepared for arch wires coating. New surfaces were analyzed by SEM, and the crystallographic structure was determined by X-rays. The friction coefficient of the coated wires was determined by nanoindentation. Artificial saliva was prepared as a corrosive condition. Impedance measurements were performed with an electrochemical analyzer. The AC impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed after four hours, seven, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days.

Results: All groups were more resistant than the control group (-447 mV) [group 1 (-388 mV), group 2 (-328 mV), group 3 (-327 mV), group 4 (-427 mV), group 5 (-395 mV), group 6 (-366 mV), and group 7 (-380 mV)]. Friction coefficients of group 5 (0.252) and group 6 (0.265) were observed to be lower than those of the control group (0.288).

Conclusion: In the results of our study, it was shown that the surface properties of Ni-Ti wires could be electrochemically improved. The coated wires (group 5 and group 6) had a remarkable corrosion resistance and reduced friction. The protocols that we used should help provide better-quality surfaces.

 

How to cite this article: Özyılmaz AT, Bilgiç Zortuk F, Yılmaz H. Evaluation of the surface properties of modified ni-ti arch wires. Int Dent Res 2021;11(Suppl.1):167-176. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.suppl1.25

 

Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.
Comparative evaluation of the color stability of universal composites
Authors: Gürses Merve , Çobanoğlu Nevin , Abdulateef Omar Faez
Published: January 2022

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the color stability of different universal composites and to evaluate the effects of keeping them in water for 1 week before coloring.

Methodology: Filtek Ultimate (FU), Estelite Ʃ Quick (EQ), and Ceram X One (CX) composites were used. The specimens were kept in the dark, dry environment for 24 hours, then polished, and each composite group was divided into 3 groups: the control, the group that was kept in water for 1 week before coloring and coloring (n=7). The samples in the control group were kept in distilled water for 3 weeks. Samples in the coloring group were colored with coffee for 2 weeks (C), and the samples in the last group were kept in water for 1 week and then stained with coffee for 2 weeks (W+C) (n=7). Color measurements for all samples were taken twice, once before and once after the coloring period. The color changes of the samples were measured using the ∆E* parameter, which was calculated with before and after measurements. 

Results: For all composite resins, the ΔE values of the samples in the W+C and C groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. When the composites were compared with each other, the differences between the ΔE values of the composites in the control, W+C, and C groups were not statistically significant. For FU and ESQ, at the end of the coloration period, there were no statistically significant differences between the W+C and C groups. However, for CX, the color change of the samples in the W+C group was significantly higher than that in  the C group.

Conclusion: Storage in distilled water for 1 week before staining did not reduce the color change values of the samples. Thus, after composite restorations are performed, there is no need to advise patients to avoid staining foods, especially in the first week after restoration.

 

How to cite this article: Abdulateef OF, Çobanoğlu N, Gürses M. Comparative evaluation of the color stability of universal composites. Int Dent Res 2021;11(Suppl.1):234-7.

https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.suppl1.34

 

Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.
Current approach to bone augmentation with allogeneic cortical graft: A case report
Authors: Yılmaz Utku Nezih , Eriş Derkuş Fatma
Published: January 2022

Aim: Today, dental implant applications have become the most preferred option in the treatment of tooth deficiencies. Long-term successful results in dental implant applications depend largely on the volume and quality of the hard and soft tissues in the relevant region. Insufficient soft tissues and alveolar crest resorption complicate implant applications. Grafts and additional surgical procedures are required to compensate for resorption and to provide bone augmentation. Shell technique, one of the augmentation methods used in the treatment of alveolar bone defects, is an important procedure for guided bone regeneration. The purpose of this case report is to describe the treatment of vertical and horizontal bone loss with the Shell technique using allogeneic cortical grafts.

Methodology: A 58-year-old female patient without any systemic disease was admitted to our clinic with the complaint of tooth loss in the right posterior mandibular region. In the intraoral and radiological examinations, it was determined that the bone volume in the relevant region was not sufficient for dental implant. Two-stage surgical treatment was planned for the patient. First, vertical and horizontal bone defects were augmented with allogeneic cortical graft application under local anesthesia. After the healing process, dental implants were placed in the sufficient volume of the alveolar bone and the patient's treatment was completed.

Conclusion: Allogeneic grafts in the treatment of alveolar crest defects; it is a good alternative to autogenous bone grafts,there is no need for a second surgical field and the resulting reduction in morbidity.

 

How to cite this article: Eriş Derkuş F, Yılmaz UN. Current approach to bone augmentation with allogeneic cortical graft: A case report. Int Dent Res 2021;11(Suppl.1):299-302.

https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.suppl1.44

 

 

Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.
Long-term follow-up in lower right second premolar tooth with a dental follicle but no tooth bud: A case report
Authors: Sukurica Yusuf , Çakır Asu
Published: January 2022

Aim: The patient was followed up in consultation with the orthodontist, and after a long-term follow-up, it was found that the dental germ developed, but the position of the tooth was horizontal. When the follow-ups were continued, it was observed that the position of the tooth also improved, and it progressed smoothly along the tooth eruption path.

Methodology: In the panoramic radiography of an 8-year-old male patient who applied to the clinic complaining about the left upper first primary molar tooth, the right lower permanent second premolar tooth follicle developed, but there was no tooth development in the follicle.

Results: When follicle formation is observed, only following the patients without directing them to orthodontic treatment, which is expensive and difficult, positively affects their dental structure. Following patients without affecting their lives can be significant.

Conclusion: We emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up when follicle formation was observed. We predicted that this situation was caused by the disconnection in the interaction of transcription factors and signals in the tooth development stage.

 

How to cite this article: Sukurica Y, Çakır A. Long-term follow-up in lower right second premolar tooth with a dental follicle but no tooth bud: A case report. Int Dent Res 2021;11(Suppl.1):312-5. https://doi.org/10.5577/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.suppl1.47

 

Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.
Letters from Russia: impact of imaginary contact, epistolary contact, and narrative on intergroup attitudes of adolescents
Authors: Ziółkowska Patrycja
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Prejudices might negatively influence the well-being of people they concern and often lead to discrimination. Hence, it’s important to search for effective ways to improve intergroup attitudes and implement them during education. One of the most effective known methods is intergroup contact. However, as it’s not always possible to implement, it’s important to search for more accessible methods. The article proposes a new form of reducing prejudices, i.e. a letter of contact with fictitious outgroup members. In such interaction, people receive a letter and are asked for a reply. The method is based on two concepts of improving attitudes: imaginary contact and narrative about positive intergroup interaction.
Its effectiveness in improving attitudes was experimentally tested and compared to a typical imaginary contact task.
Method: Participants were 179 high school students. They were divided into three experimental conditions: replying to a letter from an outgroup member; replying to a similar letter from an ingroup member; imagining interaction with an ingroup member. After the manipulation, participants completed an intergroup attitudes questionnaire.
Results: What had an impact on intergroup attitudes was the perceived pleasure of the task, while the type of manipulation had no effects.
Conclusions: Results suggest that in manipulations based on imaginary contact or narration, responses are probably influenced not by imaging interaction with an outgroup member, but by the positive character of the task, which probably has an impact on attitudes by priming a good
mood. This calls into question the effectiveness of methods of imaginary contact and narrative about the contact. They probably temporarily affect mood but have no influence on prejudice.
Efficacy of foot-ankle orthosis on balance for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: An observational study
Authors: Bahar-Özdemir Yeliz , Ünal-Ulutatar Çağrı , Karali-Bingül Duygu , Karadağ-Saygı Evrim
Published: January 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) on the balance and gait and to compare the effects of hinged AFOs with solid AFOs on balance in patients with cerebral palsy (CP).

Patients and methods: Between January 2015 and January 2016, 19 hemiplegic children with CP (11 males, 8 females; mean age: 9.5±2.2 years; range, 6 to 15 years) and 23 sex- and age-matched controls (8 males, 15 females; mean age: 10±1.6 years; range, 6 to 13 years) were included in this study. All patients were using either solid or hinged AFO. Hemiplegic patients were attended to specific tests with orthoses and barefoot. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST) were used for functional evaluation. The quantitative balance was evaluated using the device-assisted balance tests, Limits of Stability (LOS), Walk Across (WA), and Sit to Stand (STS) tests.

Results: The control group had a better functional balance than the CP group (p<0.001 for PBS and p<0.001 for FTSST) and the CP group with AFO had a better balance than the barefoot (p=0.001 for PBS and p=0.009 for FTSST). Children with CP also showed a higher sway velocity in STS (p<0.001) than the control group. In patients with AFO, a decrease in the sway velocity in STS (p=0.037) and an increase in directional control in LOS (p=0.044) were observed, compared to barefoot.

Conclusion: The AFO use offers a significant contribution to the functional balance in CP. Prescribing AFOs are usually required in ambulatory CP patients in combined with a well-designed standard physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy combined with therapeutic neuroscience education versus physiotherapy alone for patients with chronic low back pain: A pilot, randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Gül Hatice , Erel Suat , Füsun Toraman Naciye
Published: January 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of therapeutic neuroscience education (TNE) combined with physiotherapy on pain, kinesiophobia, endurance, and disability in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients.

Patients and methods: Between November 2016 and December 2017, a total of 31 patients with CLBP (5 males, 26 females; mean age: 42.3±10.8 years; range, 20 to 58 years) were randomly allocated to receive physiotherapy combined with TNE (experimental group, EG, n=16) and physiotherapy alone (control group, CG, n=15). All participants received physiotherapy consisting of five sessions per week for a total of three weeks. In addition to physiotherapy, the EG received TNE sessions consisting of two sessions per week for a total of three weeks. The primary outcomes were pain intensity as assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and kinesiophobia by Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), while and the secondary outcomes were trunk muscle endurance as assessed by the partial curl-up test (trunk flexor endurance [TFE]) and modified Sorensen test (trunk extensor endurance [TEE]) and disability by Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ).

Results: All patients completed the study. The median VAS, TSK, TFE, TEE, and RMDQ scores for the EG significantly improved after three weeks, while there was only significant improvement in the VAS, TSK, and RMDQ scores in the CG. The TSK decreased more in the EG than in the CG. The significant difference was evident in TSK and TFE in favor of the EG (p<0.05).

Conclusion: These results suggest that the combination of TNE with physiotherapy can improve kinesiophobia and trunk flexor muscle endurance of patients with CLBP in the short-term.
Evaluation of balance, fall risk, and related factors in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Sarıhan Köksal , Uzkeser Hülya , Erdal Akın
Published: January 2022

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether fibromyalgia patients had a higher fall risk compared to healthy individuals and to identify its relationship, if there was an increase, with clinical features.

Patients and methods: Between March 2018 and September 2018, a total of 50 consecutive female patients with fibromyalgia (median age: 35 years; interquantile range [IQR], 27 to 40 years) and 50 healthy female volunteers (median age: 30 years; IQR, 23 to 40 years) were included in the study. Pain was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), life quality with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), balance functions with the Berg Balance Test (BBT), and the risk of falls with a posturography device. Disease activity of fibromyalgia patients was evaluated with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).

Results: The mean fall risk index of the fibromyalgia patients was 45%. The fall risk index was significantly higher (p=0.010) and the BBT scores were significantly lower in the patient group (p<0.001). There was a significant difference in terms of fall risk between the control group and drug-free fibromyalgia patients; however, no significant difference was found between the balance scores of the two groups. In the fibromyalgia group, a weak positive relationship was determined between the fall risk index and the social isolation subscale of the NHP.

Conclusion: Our study results showed an increased risk of loss of balance and falls in fibromyalgia patients, compared to healthy individuals. This fall risk increase was also detected in fibromyalgia patients who did not use drugs. These findings suggest a possible relationship between social isolation and an increased risk of falls.
Comparison of platelet-rich plasma and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis: A prospective, randomized-controlled study
Authors: Şahbaz Tuğba , Medin Ceylan Cansın , Çiğdem Karacay Başak , Damla Korkmaz Merve , Dıracoğlu Demirhan
Published: January 2022

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness or comparative therapeutic superiority of exercise, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on pain, grip strength and functional activities in chronic lateral epicondylitis (LE).

Patients and methods: Between January 2016 and February 2017, a total of 74 patients (14 males, 60 females; mean age; 49.7±7.6 years, range, 26 to 60 years) with chronic LE were included in this prospective, randomized-controlled study. All patients received stretching and eccentric strengthening exercises for three months. The patients were divided into three groups. The first group (Exercises group, n=24) was given home exercises. The second group (ESWT+Exercises group, n=25) received one session of ESWT added once a week for three weeks. The third group (PRP+Exercises group, n=25) received one session of PRP in addition to the exercise program. All patients were evaluated for pain by Visual Analog Scale (VAS), for functionality by Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), handgrip strength by a dynamometer, and extensor tendon thickness by ultrasonography (USG) at baseline and at one, two, three, and six months.

Results: A significant improvement was found in the VAS, DASH, PRTEE, handgrip strength values at six months compared to between in all groups (p<0.001). Extensor tendon thickness as assessed by USG indicated no significant difference (p>0.05). Regarding the VAS activity levels, there was a significant difference in the PRP+Exercises group compared to the Exercises group at six months of follow-up (p<0.001). The decrease in the DASH scores during six-month follow-up was significantly higher in the PRP+Exercises group compared to the Exercises group (p=0.004). For the PRTEE scores at six months, the PRP+Exercises group showed a statistically significant improvement than both Exercises (p<0.001) and ESWT+Exercises (p=0.007) groups.

Conclusion: In the treatment of chronic LE, PRP combined with exercise seems to be superior to exercise or ESWT in terms of pain and functionality in chronic LE patients.
Efficacy of peloidotherapy in unilateral plantar fasciitis: A pilot study
Authors: Karaarslan Fatih , Ordahan Banu
Published: January 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of peloidotherapy on pain, functional status, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with unilateral plantar fasciitis (PF).

Patients and methods: This prospective, observational pilot study included a total of 80 patients (13 males, 67 females; mean age: 47.7±9.9 years; range, 28 to 68 years) with a diagnosis of unilateral PF between April 2018 and October 2018. The patients were divided into two equal groups. The study group (n=40) received peloidotherapy (five days per week for two weeks, total of 10 sessions) + Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretching exercises (self-stretching for two weeks twice per day for 30 sec, 10 repeats) + heel cup treatment. The control group (n=40) received Achilles tendon and plantar fascia stretching exercises + heel cup treatment. The patients were evaluated before and after treatment using the Visual Analog Scale-pain (VAS-pain), Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS), and Heel Tenderness Index (HTI).

Results: The study group showed statistically significant improvements for all parameters after treatment compared to baseline (p<0.05). Control group showed statistically significant improvements in the VAS-pain, HTI, and FAOS-QoL subscales after treatment compared to baseline (p<0.05). The study group had a better improvement in the VAS-pain, FAOS-pain, and FAOS-work daily life subscales than the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: These results indicate that peloidotherapy may be effective in reducing pain and improving functional status and QoL for patients with unilateral PF.
Comparison of ankylosing spondylitis patients with and without fibromyalgia syndrome according to the disease activation scores and response to treatment
Authors: Durmaz Yunus , İlhanlı İlker
Published: January 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to compare the AS patients with and without FM according to the disease activity, clinical and laboratory findings, and response to treatment.

Patients and methods: Between September 2016 and September 2020, a total of 511 patients (312 males, 119 females; mean age: 43.0±11.2 years; range, 18 to 77 years) who were diagnosed with AS were retrospectively analyzed. Age, sex, disease duration, disease onset age, and extra-articular findings were recorded. Medical treatments used by the patients for the treatment of AS and FM were noted. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), human leukocyte antigen-B27 (HLA-B27) status, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) with ESR (ASDAS-ESR) and ASDAS-CRP values were recorded.

Results: The frequency of FM in AS patients was 23.2%. Totally, 75.4% of the FM patients were female. The HLA-B27 positivity, extra-articular involvement frequency, disease duration, and acute phase reactants levels were similar between AS patients with and without FM (p=0.118, p=0.154, p=0.829, p=0.113, and p=0.763, respectively). The AS patients with FM had lower rates of achieving remission or low disease activity, compared to those without FM. The mean of all three disease activity scores between these two groups was also higher in the AS patients with FM (p<0.001). The rate of use of biological therapy was significantly higher in the AS patients with FM than those without FM (p=0.037).

Conclusion: Since the treatment plan of AS is made based on the disease activity scores, unnecessary biological therapy may be initiated for patients or the biological therapies they use may be switched unnecessarily. Therefore, it should be kept in mind that FM may present with AS in patients who do not respond to treatment clinically, and this may be misinterpreted as treatment unresponsiveness.
Staphylococcus aureus costochondritis and chest wall abscess in a COVID-19 patient treated with tocilizumab
Authors: Ergenç İlkay , Şanal Toprak Canan , Odabaşı Zekaver
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide pandemic, causing a global health threat. Up to 15% of the confirmed cases develop severe disease, requiring hospitalization or intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor antagonist, is a promising treatment of severe pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in the course of COVID-19. We report a suppurative costochondritis and chest wall abscess in a severe COVID-19 patient treated with tocilizumab.
Integration Policies and Public Perceptions of Immigrants in Europe
Authors: Gregurović Margareta
Published: January 2022

National mechanisms of migrant integration into the host society and the wider social context in which migration occurs may affect the construction of public attitudes towards migrants regardless of their origin or status. By combining the data of two international studies: the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) and the European Social Survey (ESS), this paper examines national policies regarding migrant integration and the public perception of migrants in the host society in selected European countries. This analysis highlights especially the shifts in public attitudes as possible consequences of the 2015/2016 European “migration crisis”. The data from 27 European countries that participated in the last waves of both MIPEX2020 and ESS2018 were analysed according to the four-dimensional MIPEX categorisation: 1) Comprehensive integration, 2) Equality on paper, 3) Temporary integration, and 4) Immigration without integration (Integration denied). These categories of states’ migration policies were then combined with the public perceptions of immigrants examined by the ESS. Multilevel regression models demonstrated that the respondents from countries with well-developed integration policies express a more positive attitude towards immigrants and acknowledge their contribution to all areas of the host society. A higher proportion of non-EU-27 immigrants in the country correlates with a more negative perception of immigrants’ impact on the host country. Even though the MIPEX score does not reflect clearly the shift in migration policies affected by the European “migration crisis”, it could be considered a stable, though relatively weak predictor of anti-immigrant prejudice. In conclusion, this study's findings suggest that better-developed policies of political participation and immigrant inclusion foster more positive attitudes towards immigrants.
Assessing Socioeconomic Inequality in Self-Rated Health in Four ex-Yugoslav Countries
Authors: Jurković Luka
Published: January 2022

There has been a growing academic interest in explaining the well-established association between socioeconomic status and health. Among the various proposed mechanisms and pathways, social capital has been recognised as a potentially important antecedent of socioeconomic inequalities in health. However, these interrelationships remain relatively unexplored within the countries of former Yugoslavia. Therefore, this article aims to fill the gap in the literature by exploring the role of individual-level social capital in the relationship between socioeconomic status and self-rated health in four ex-Yugoslav countries. The present study is based on the data from the ninth round of the European Social Survey (2018). The author analysed the data of participants aged 25 and over from Croatia (N = 1534), Montenegro (N = 1002), Serbia (N = 1720) and Slovenia (N = 1149). In order to test the target associations, sequential multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. The results show that occupational social class and several social capital indicators are associated with self-rated health, although independently of each other. Across all countries, unskilled and skilled manual workers and long-term unemployed individuals were more likely to report poor health compared to non-manual workers, with the exception of Montenegrin skilled manual workers and the long-term unemployed participants from Slovenia. Moreover, despite some cross-country differences in the relationship between individual levels of social capital and self-rated health, social participation was associated with self-rated health across all countries. These findings highlight the importance of encouraging social participation within these countries, which can lead to health benefits through behavioural and psychosocial mechanisms.
Schwartz’s Human Values and the Care for Nature in Croatia and Five Other Central European Countries Based on ESS Data from Round 4 (2008) and Round 9 (2018)
Authors: Šimac Bruno , Trako Poljak Tijana , Ivanović Vladimir
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the care for nature in Croatia based on the European Social Survey (ESS) data from Round 4 (2008) and Round 9 (2018) over time and cross-nationally, in comparison with five other Central European (CE) countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia). We correlate the item about the care for nature with Schwartz’s Human Values Scale (HVS), as adapted for the ESS, to investigate whether values as defined by Schwartz serve as good predictors of the care for nature in selected CE countries. We also look at the correlation with respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics. Our analysis reveals that, while there are similarities regarding environmental attitudes and values among CE countries, there are also some individual differences. Croatia shows the strongest increase in the support for the care for nature over the 10-year period, and both Croatia and Slovenia score the highest on the care for nature in 2018. Poland, Slovakia and Czech Republic show an overall stagnation in the results, while Hungary exhibits a significant decrease between 2008 and 2018. Our research in CE countries confirms that Schwartz’s HVS can be predictive of pro-environmentalism. However, while the findings for the higher-order value of Self-transcendence are in line with existing literature, the result suggesting that Conservatism is also a moderately good predictor of the care for nature is somewhat surprising. We posit that the reason could lie in the difference between collectivist vs. individualist value types, which provides a new dimension for the interpretation of environmental attitudes in these countries.
The Autonomic Nervous System, Sex Differences, and Chronobiology under General Anesthesia in In Vivo Experiments Involving Rats
Authors: Svorc Jr Pavol , Svorc Pavol
Published: January 2022

The aim was to evaluate the current state of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity under general anesthesia using heart rate variability (HRV) in dependence on the light-dark (LD) cycle in healthy, sexually mature, spontaneously breathing, zoletil-anesthetized (30 mg/kg) Wistar rats of both sexes after a 4-week adaptation to an LD cycle (12 h:12 h). The animals were divided into four experimental groups according to sex and light period (n = 20 each). RR interval duration, spectral power at very-low-frequency (VLF), low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF), total spectral power of HRV, and the LF/HF ratio were analyzed. Sympathetic and baroreceptor activity was decreased, and parasympathetic activity was increased in both sexes and in both light periods. Regarding sex differences, HRV was significantly lower in females versus males in the light period. In the dark period, females exhibited higher HRV than males. Regarding LD differences, in females, HRV was lower in the light versus the dark period, unlike males, in which HRV was higher in the dark versus the light period of the rat regimen day. Sex differences in the activity of the ANS were apparent in rats, persisted under general anesthesia, and were dependent on the LD cycle.
Electrophysiology and Auditory Training
Authors: Dominici Sanfins Milaine , Donadon Caroline , Henryk Skarzynski Piotr , Francisca Colella-Santos Maria
Published: January 2022

Electrophysiology is an objective evaluation method that allows investigating the responses of the central auditory nervous system arising from the capture of neuronal responses through surface electrodes. In addition to the possibility of investigating and diagnosing different pathologies, electrophysiology proves to be an effective and effective instrument in monitoring auditory intervention programs. Auditory rehabilitation programs is based on the premise of neuroplasticity that derives from a capacity for neuronal change due to intense sound stimulation, specific and directed to the patient’s needs. Throughout this chapter, current studies that correlate electrophysiology with auditory training programs in different clinical populations will be presented, such as: hearing in typically developed individuals, hearing and school difficulties, hearing and CAPD, hearing and otitis media, hearing and hearing loss, and hearing and voice. Electrophysiological tests are important objective measures in predicting the gains to be expected from auditory training programs.
Scale Invariant Turbulence and Gibbs Free Energy in the Atmosphere
Authors: F. Tuck Adrian
Published: January 2022

A method of calculating the Gibbs Free Energy (Exergy) for the Earth’s atmosphere using statistical multifractality — scale invariance - is described, and examples given of its application to the stratosphere, including a methodology for extension to aerosol particles. The role of organic molecules in determining the radiative transfer characteristics of aerosols is pointed out. These methods are discussed in the context of the atmosphere as an open system far from chemical and physical equilibrium, and used to urge caution in deploying “solar radiation management”.
Analyses of Open Security Issues for Smart Home and Sensor Network Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Tae (Steve) Kim Jung
Published: January 2022

A lot of communication are developed and advanced with different and heterogeneous communication techniques by integration of wireless and wire connection. Conventional technology is mainly focus on information technology based on computer techniques in the field of industry, manufacture and automation fields. It consists of individual skill and technique. As new technologies are developed and enhanced with conventional techniques, a lot of new application is emerged and merged with previous mechanism and skills. The representative application is internet of things services and applications. Internet of things is breakthrough technologies and one of the innovation industries which are called 4 generation industry revolution. Many different types of object and devices are embedded in sensor node. They are inter-connected with optimized open system interconnection protocol over internet, wireless and wire medium. Most of communication is fully inter-connected with conventional techniques at point to point and end to application in general. Most of information in internet of things is weak against attack. This may induce vulnerable features to unauthorized and outside attacker over internet protocol, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and so forth. As high and low efficient equipment are merged into heterogeneous infrastructure, IoT communication surroundings has become more complex, Due to limited resources in IoT such as small memory, low power and computing power, IoT devices are vulnerable and disclosed with security problems. In this chapter, we analyzed security challenges and threats based on smart home network under IoT service.
Considerations regarding a new settlement typology in Serbia
Authors: Pantić Marijana
Published: January 2022

A division between urban and rural settlements/areas has been traditionally applied in statistical reporting worldwide. The reports applying these terms have been used to create and implement development policies and measures. However, international policies such as those featured by the European Union (EU), as well as national policies, also recognize, define and render transitional types of settlements. The Program of Implementation of the Spatial Plan of the Republic of Serbia (2010) called for a new definition of the term "settlement" determined by new criteria for a settlement typology by the end of 2015. Except for theoretical contributions, this task has not been completed yet. At the same time, a trichotomous settlement typology has been recommended to Serbia by the EU as a result of the accession process. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze and discuss a new settlement categorization, taking into account considerations on the number of categories, number of variables, choice of variables and territorial level for data collection. These aspects are empirically tested on a data set collected through the Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) in Serbia. The data are analyzed using two approaches: descriptive and cluster analysis. A parallel with other countries and theoretical recommendations is drawn in the discussion, based on which some recommendations are presented.
Urban integration - MIA Dorćol, Belgrade
Authors: Gnjato Milka
Published: January 2022

The effort to recreate the continuity of values in the existing context, both in terms of architecture and always inextricably linked to it and in the cultural sense, is realized through honesty. Honesty actually means achieving a relationship between the functional and tectonic system of the object itself and its appearance through an understanding of the spatial-semantic multidimensionality of the context. The semantic, dialogical and dualistic principles of contextualization, which ultimately has the true three-dimensionality of the facade itself, and which arose from the system and function of the building, established the identity and value continuity of architectural heritage, created during the industrialization of Belgrade and Serbia.
Occurrence of oxidative stress in sheep during different pregnancy periods
Authors: Tashla Tamer , Ćosić Milivoje , Kurćubić Vladimir , Prodanović Radivoj , Puvača Nikola
Published: January 2022

The objective of this paper was to evaluate oxidative stress during different pregnancy stages in Lohi sheep reared in Libya. Investigations were carried out on Lohi sheep between 1.5 and 5 years of age. A total of 40 sheep were sub-grouped into various stages of pregnancy along with non-pregnant controls as follows: non-pregnant (n=10), early pregnancy (n=10), mid pregnancy (n=10), and late pregnancy (n=10). Blood samples were collected from pregnant sheep and preserved at -20°C and further used for evaluating the concentrations of total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and paraoxonase (PON-1). In pregnant sheep, TAS, TOS, MDA, SOD, CAT, and PON-1 values were significantly (P < 0.05) different. TOS and MDA increased from non-pregnant ewes to early, mid and late stages of pregnancy whereas TAS, SOD, CAT, and PON-1 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the progression of pregnancy. The study suggests that the use of oxidant and antioxidant markers along with the blood metabolic profile should be the recommended procedure for monitoring health status during pregnancy to evade reduced productive performance and economic losses.
Stabilized sewage sludge: Sanitary aspects and potential for conversion to biosolids
Authors: Jovičić-Petrović Jelena , Mijačić Anđelka , Lalević Blažo , Kljujev Igor , Karličić Vera , Raičević Vera
Published: January 2022

The improvement of wastewater treatment techniques is of crucial importance for effluent quality, but it also results in an increased amount of waste sludge. Dehydrated sludge contains organic matter and nutrients, and therefore it can be used in agriculture and bioremediation, but it is considered a potential source of environmental pollution. As the sludge analyzed in the research does not contain impermissible levels of organic and inorganic pollutants, the aim of the research was to examine microbiological, particularly sanitary, aspects and potential for its further use. Microbial diversity was determined by the standard serial dilution technique and selective media, and sanitary quality indicators (total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.) were determined by the MPN method. The abundance of fungi, actinomycetes, and bacteria (ammonifiers, spore-forming bacteria and Pseudomonas spp.) indicate possibilities for further use of the sludge. The chemical analysis included the following parameters: total nitrogen (N), phosphorus in the form of P2O5 (available P), organic carbon (C), C/N ratio, pH, and water content. The chemical composition indicates the potential of sewage sludge to be used as a soil fertilizer, but its C/N ratio is not adequate to enable successful conversion to biosolids by the composting process. The obtained results indicate a significant level of microbiological contamination, which was most pronounced in the centre of the stabilized sludge pile. The research showed the necessity to conduct further studies on the microbial diversity and sanitary aspects of sewage sludge for proper waste sludge management.
Modeling the relationship between the characteristics of agricultural holdings and the presence of organic farming
Authors: Roljević-Nikolić Svetlana , Knežević Desimir , Paraušić Vesna
Published: January 2022

Organic farming is a fast growing market segment in the global food industry. Ecological and health benefits of organic farming are frequently emphasized. In addition, we have recently witnessed the promotion of its role in the development of rural areas by means of creating jobs and strengthening ties with local economies. This paper analyzes the relationship between the presence of organic farming and the main characteristics of agricultural holdings in the case of European Union countries. The objective is to identify factors which have a significant relationship with the organic farming sector and which can affect its future development. The results have shown that large farms are dominant in farm land management in the EU, which is related to the fact that there is a significant correlation between the availability of agricultural areas and the economic value of farms (r = 0.881**). There is a positive and significant correlation between the economic value of a holding and the number of livestock units on the farm (r = 0.940**), which indicates that animal husbandry has strong economic potential. When it comes to the relationships between the structural and economic indicators of agricultural holdings and the presence of organic farming, the results have shown that the number of organic producers is positively and significantly correlated with the available agricultural areas (r = 0.675**), and a strongly positively correlated with the economic value of farms (r = 0.810**). The areas under organic farming are also directly correlated with the utilized agricultural area (r = 0.836**), as well as with the number of livestock units (r = 0.793**), but they are slightly negatively correlated with livestock density (r = -0.211). Therefore, high livestock density can be a limiting factor for the further intensive growth of organic farming areas, considering the significant impact of animal husbandry on the environment.
Characterisation of indigenous apple accessions with respect to polymorphism of ACS1 and ACO1 genes
Authors: Marić Slađana , Glišić Ivana , Milošević Nebojša , Radičević Sanja , Đorđević Milena , Vujović Tatjana
Published: January 2022

Ethylene is the simplest signalling molecule with a hormone-like function that plays a major role in many developmental processes, including ripening of climacteric apple fruit. The allelic polymorphisms of ACS1 and ACO1 genes, encoding for ACC synthase and ACC oxidase, which catalyse the last two steps in the ethylene biochemical pathway, were analysed in nineteen indigenous apple accessions grown in individual growers' orchards in the regions of central and southwestern Serbia. A polymorphism was detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the ACS1 gene and the additional enzymatic digestion of the PCR product with BamH1 and RsaI for the ACO1 gene. The ACS1-1 and ACS1-2 alleles of the ACS1 gene, as well as the a and c alleles of the ACO1 gene were identified. The polymorphisms observed upon PCRs and digestion with restriction enzymes were generated in two genotypes for both genes, i.e. the ACS1 gene - ACS1-1/1 and ACS1-1/2, and the ACO1 gene - aa and ac. Out of nineteen apple accessions, sixteen were homozygous for the allele ACS1-1 and three were heterozygous (ACS1-1/2); regarding the ACO1 genotype, fourteen were homozygous for the allele a and five were heterozygous (ac allelic constitution). The molecular survey in the current study provides an increase in the number of apple accessions with potential to be used as parents in breeding programmes, aiming to obtain high quality cultivars that retain fruit texture during long storage. Therefore, the heterozygous accessions for the ACS1 gene - 'J-LuN/1', 'Kraljica' and 'Šumatovka', may have an important position in future breeding programmes.
Evaluating land cover types from Landsat TM using SAGA GIS for vegetation mapping based on ISODATA and K-means clustering
Authors: Lemenkova Polina
Published: January 2022

The paper presents the cartographic processing of the Landsat TM image by the two unsupervised classification methods of SAGA GIS: ISODATA and K-means clustering. The approaches were tested and compared for land cover type mapping. Vegetation areas were detected and separated from other land cover types in the study area of southwestern Iceland. The number of clusters was set to ten classes. The processing of the satellite image by SAGA GIS was achieved using Imagery Classification tools in the Geoprocessing menu of SAGA GIS. Unsupervised classification performed effectively in the unlabeled pixels for the land cover types using machine learning in GIS. Following an iterative approach of clustering, the pixels were grouped in each step of the algorithm and the clusters were reassigned as centroids. The paper contributes to the technical development of the application of machine learning in cartography by demonstrating the effectiveness of SAGA GIS in remote sensing data processing applied for vegetation and environmental mapping.