bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Disability on Early Childhood Development in 3 to 4-Year-Old Children in South Asian Countries: Evidence from Multiple Indicators Cluster Surveys
Authors: Khanam Shimlin Jahan , Alam Md Badsha , Kabir Md Awal , Khan Md. Nuruzzaman
Published: November 2023

Background
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritize optimal early childhood development (ECD) for all children, emphasizing the principle of leaving no one behind. Country-level initiatives to address ECD, particularly for children with disabilities, are evident due to their heightened risk of not achieving developmental milestones. Despite this focus, the association between disability and ECD remains largely unknown in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to investigate the impact of disability on ECD among 3 to 4-year-old children in South Asian countries.
Methods
Data from 56,841 children were analyzed, extracted from six rounds of Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys conducted in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan between 2017 and 2020. The outcome variable considered was the early childhood development index (ECDI) and its domains (physical, learning, emotional, and social well-being). Disability status and types of disability served as the main explanatory variables. The association between explanatory and outcome variables was determined using a multilevel logistic regression model, adjusting for potential covariates.
Results
Approximately 44% of children in South Asian countries were not developmentally on track, with prevalence increasing to 58-76% among children with disabilities. Children with disabilities exhibited significantly higher odds of not being developmentally on track across all domains compared to those without disabilities. Country-specific variations were evident, with Nepal consistently showing lower odds than Bangladesh and Pakistan. Likelihoods of poor ECDI and its domains were also observed across types of disability.
Conclusion
The findings emphasize that children with disabilities face challenges in achieving developmental milestones, indicating a long-term burden. This poses a risk to the achievement of SDGs related to inclusivity and early childhood development. Implementing inclusive education policies, especially in rural areas, and creating supportive environments for individuals with disabilities are crucial for addressing these challenges.
Cluster Forschungsdaten – Kooperative Forschungsservices in Österreich
Authors: Hartmann Simone , Hasani-Mavriqi Ilire , Neff Sabine
Published: November 2023

Der Cluster Forschungsdaten spielt eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Koordinierung des Zusammenspiels von Forschungsinformationssystemen, Forschungsdatenmanagement und digitalen Technologien/Infrastrukturen. Ein besonderer Fokus liegt dabei auf der Identifizierung von Synergien und Potenzialen für eine ressourcenoptimierte Zusammenarbeit zwischen den verschiedenen Forschungseinrichtungen des Landes. Darüber hinaus strebt der Cluster Forschungsdaten eine einheitliche Präsenz bei der Entwicklung und Zusammenführung von forschungsunterstützenden Services auf allen Ebenen des Forschungsdaten- und Forschungsinformations-Managements an. Dies gewährleistet eine effiziente und kohärente Gestaltung der Prozesse.
Zukunftsweisender Forschungssupport: Das Digitalisierungsprojekt RIS Synergy
Authors: Erat Vanessa , Hartmann Simone , Hicker Ulrike , Neff Sabine
Published: November 2023

Das Projekt RIS Synergy (2020–2024) verfolgt institutionsübergreifend wesentliche Aspekte digitaler Transformation: Im Teilprojekt Schnittstellen und Standards werden standardisierte Austauschmöglichkeiten für Systeme von Förderorganisationen, Forschungsstätten und der öffentlichen Verwaltung geschaffen. Das Teilprojekt Konzeptstudie Forschungsportal befasst sich mit Rahmenbedingungen und Anforderungen eines nationalen Forschungsportals. RIS Synergy schafft Entlastung und Sichtbarkeit für den Wissenschaftsbetrieb durch die Umsetzung von Standards, die Digitalisierung von Services sowie die Vernetzung von Expertise. Der vorliegende Artikel gibt Einblick in Herangehensweise und Best Practices aus dem Projekt.
Forschung im Fokus: Exzellenz sichtbar machen und Services bündeln
Authors: Erat Vanessa , Fürst Elena , Hicker Ulrike , Neff Sabine , Puttinger Jakob
Published: November 2023

Nationale Forschung genießt aktuell viel zu wenig Beachtung, obwohl Österreich sich im europäischen Umfeld als forschungsintensiver Standort mit exzellenten Forschenden positionieren möchte. Das Projekt RIS Synergy befasst sich mit Möglichkeiten, nationale Forschung und Forschungskompetenz mit effizienten und international anerkannten Maßnahmen einer breiten Öffentlichkeit zugänglich zu machen und Forschende untereinander zu vernetzen. Dabei stehen internationale Erfahrungen erfolgreicher Umsetzungen und Anforderungen verschiedenster Zielgruppen im Vordergrund.
Editorial
Authors: Cleveland-Innes Martha
Published: November 2023

This next Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology issue is published on the heels of the well-attended ICDE (International Council for Open and Distance Education) conference. The Conference’s overlapping topics and attendant researchers, well-known to this journal, remind us that our field is important, well-subscribed, growing, and changing. An excellent overview of this ICDE Conference and information about the state of education transformation in the current global context can be found here in recent blog posts by the well-known expert and author on the topic of education and technology, Dr. Tony Bates.
Learning and technology, the focus of research published by CJLT, is a microcosm in the much larger fields of open, distance, and digital education. Research spans all sectors: primary, secondary, post-secondary, higher education, and lifelong learning. Across issues and years, we seek to touch on the research, theory, and practice in these areas, particularly those where authors are in, or research topics are relevant to, Canada. Canadian researchers were well-represented at the recent ICDE conference, and a Canadian researcher received the conference’s best paper award!
Unveiling the anatomy of mode-coupling theory
Authors: Pihlajamaa Ilian , Debets Vincent E. , Laudicina Corentin C. L. , Janssen Liesbeth M. C.
Published: November 2023

The mode-coupling theory of the glass transition (MCT) has been at the forefront of fundamental glass research for decades, yet the theory’s underlying approximations remain obscure. Here we quantify and critically assess the effect of each MCT approximation separately. Using Brownian dynamics simulations, we compute the memory kernel predicted by MCT after each approximation in its derivation, and compare it with the exact one. We find that some often-criticized approximations are in fact very accurate, while the opposite is true for others, providing new guiding cues for further theory development.
Effect of Ukraine’s public debt management on its macroeconomic development: VAR modeling
Authors: Zhuravka Fedir , Razinkova Mila , Plakhotnik Olena , Grynko Tetiana , Nebaba Natalia
Published: November 2023

One of the tools of economic policy of any country is efficient public debt management, which influences and determines the dynamics of key macroeconomic indicators. The study aims to assess how public debt management affects Ukraine’s macroeconomic development. The analyzed period includes data of 2015–2021. Econometric modeling is used to establish the existence of causal relationships between the dynamics of public debt and changes in key macroeconomic indicators using the Granger causality test and VAR (Vector Autoregression) model. The obtained results demonstrate that during the study period, the strongest links existed between the public debt and GDP, debt servicing and Ukraine’s total state budget expenditures, public debt and consumer price index, real effective exchange rate index of the hryvnia to the US dollar, and political stability index. At the same time, the calculations proved that public debt does not have a significant impact on foreign direct investment and the level of imports of goods and services. The proposed model allows for forecasts for future periods and can be used in developing public debt management policy.
Empowerment of Ecotourism Village: Integration of Community Empowerment and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Method
Authors: Kamelia Lia , Sururie Ramdani Wahyu , Aziz Rohmanur , Martina Annisa
Published: November 2023

Empowering the community is an endeavor to prepare society for achieving progress, independence, and well-being within a sustainable social justice environment. Effective community empowerment must be tailored to the specific conditions of the target. Correspondingly, the objective of this program was to construct and empower an educational ecotourism village by implementing a hybrid method combining Sisdamas (Community Empowerment System) and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). This hybrid approach was expected to facilitate the identification of existing community assets and enhance synergy among stakeholders in creating an educational ecotourism village. Moreover, integrating these two methods could result in an effective, efficient, and sustainable coaching process. Cigugurgirang village possesses several assets that can be developed into an agricultural educational tourism area, including orange gardens, grape vineyards, and ornamental plant areas. They serve as the initial foundation for asset identification. The evaluation of the coaching process incorporated the Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework analysis, yielding a value of 10.16:1. Thus, every investment of 1 million rupiahs would generate a social value of 10.16 million rupiahs. In summary, the present community empowerment program had a multi-faceted impact, encompassing economic, educational, and social benefits. Its primary focus was establishing a sustainable and socially just environment, utilizing a combination of methods to maximize effectiveness. Furthermore, SROI analysis underscored the significant social value generated by the program's investments.
Normative Analysis of Unlawful Acts in the Context of Inhibition of the Certificate Name Reversal Process
Authors: Jatmiko Wisnu , Yuniarlin Prihati
Published: November 2023

This paper discusses illegal acts that hinder the process of turning over the certificate's name. An unlawful act can be categorized as an unlawful act if the act causes harm to other parties. There are two kinds of losses incurred by unlawful acts, namely material losses, and immaterial losses. With a normative approach, this article finds that an act is categorized as an act against the law if it meets the five elements of an unlawful act. Unlawful acts committed by the seller if based on the Cilacap District Court Decision number 25 / Pdt.G / 2017 / PNClp, namely the existence of an act (the act of buying and selling land), an unlawful act (reselling the object of sale and purchase and delaying the process of returning the name of the certificate), victim losses (immaterial losses), a causal relationship between the act and losses (defendants whose whereabouts are unknown),  the offender's fault (reselling the object of buying and selling land). Thus, the author agrees with the judge of the Cilacap District Court that the lawsuit over the dispute is an illegal act.Tulisan ini membahas tentang perbuatan melawan hukum yang timbul dalam menghambat proses balik nama sertifikat. Suatu perbuatan melanggar hukum dapat dikategorikan sebagai perbuatan melawan hukum apabila perbuatan tersebut menimbulkan kerugian bagi pihak lain. Ada dua macam kerugian yang ditimbulkan oleh perbuatan melawan hukum yaitu kerugian materiil dan kerugian immaterial. Dengan pendekatan normatif, artikel ini menemukan bahwa suatu perbuatan dikategorikan sebagai perbuatan melawan hukum jika memenuhi lima unsur perbuatan melawan hukum. Perbuatan melawan hukum yang dilakukan oleh penjual jika berdasarkan pada Putusan Pengadilan Negeri Cilacap nomor 25/Pdt.G/2017/PNClp yaitu adanya Suatu perbuatan (perbuatan jual beli tanah), perbuatan melawan hukum (menjual kembali objek jual beli dan menunda proses balik nama sertifikat), kerugian korban (kerugian immaterial), hubungan kausalitas antara perbuatan dengan kerugian (tergugat yang tidak diketahui keberadaanya), kesalahan pelaku (menjual kembali objek jual beli tanah). Dengan demikian, penulis sependapat dengan hakim Pengadilan Negeri Cilacap bahwa gugatan atas sengketa tersebut termasuk perbuatan melawan hukum
ECOLOGIA DOS SABERES
Authors: Tavares Nóbrega Juliana Janaina
Published: November 2023

Desde a modernidade, quando falamos em ciência, estamos nos referindo a um conhecimento pretensamente verdadeiro, objetivo e de método universal, que lhe é garantido cada vez mais pela separação dos saberes para especialistas. No entanto, o método científico, a divisão disciplinar do conhecimento e suas categorias que garantem validade de uma teoria, partem de um contexto, de uma perspectiva e, como tudo que é produto humano, não pode ser neutro e universal, tampouco, apolítico. A proposta de uma ecologia dos saberes nos remete a essa realidade plural do conhecimento e a necessidade de valorização de saberes que partem de várias perspectivas e lugares de fala. A escola, como espaço privilegiado de produção e “reprodução” de conhecimentos, deve ser pensada e vivida neste espaço amplo, social, científico e político dos saberes. Negar os diferentes elementos que compõem a educação escolar e restringi-la a uma única perspectiva, é também negar sua realidade. Assim, este ensaio busca refletir acerca deste diálogo de um saber pós-abissal na pesquisa e na educação num contexto de neoliberalismo. Como fundamento bibliográfico, autores como Boaventura de Sousa Santos (2007); Terry Shinn (2008), Ivani Fazenda (1994), Olga Pombo (2006), mas também Silvio Gallo (2019), Bernard Charlot (1983) e Libâneo (1984). Mais do que nunca, pensar a instituição escolar, espaço de construção de conhecimento, mas também de cidadania, como foco de pesquisa e compreensão das relações e ideologias nela presentes é algo fundamental para a manutenção não de um regime político democrático, mas de uma sociedade democrática.
Educação em Direitos Humanos frente à ascensão de elementos totalitários
Authors: Batista Farias Ana Santana , Novaes Thomaz de Menezes Antonio Basilio
Published: November 2023

O presente trabalho pretende analisar, a partir das reflexões político-filosóficas de Hannah Arendt, as dimensões formativas da educação em direitos humanos frente a ascensão de elementos totalitários, advindos da crise do mundo moderno, representada em grande medida pelo infortúnio legado pelos regimes totalitários ocorridos no século XX. Posteriormente, intenta-se emergir, segundo a perspectiva arendtiana, uma outra fundamentação da educação em direitos humanos, para além do arcabouço normativo, com a tarefa de compreendê-la como uma nova perspectiva, assecuratória de que a promessa vinculante da proteção da dignidade humana reside na responsabilidade de todos pelo mundo comum, alicerçado na pluralidade humana.
USO DAS TICS NO ENSINO DE HISTÓRIA
Authors: Oliveira de Melo Maria Margarida , Garcia Tulia Fernanda Meira , Sobrinho Djanni Martinho dos Santos , Garcia Tânia Cristina Meira
Published: November 2023

RESUMO

Este artigo tem como objetivo relatar uma experiência vivenciada durante o período da pandemia COVID-19 na Escola Estadual Santos Dumont, Parnamirim/RN, relacionando o Ensino de História e os desafios de utilização das ferramentas metodológicas educacionais que as TICs proporcionaram aos professores e alunos. Atualmente, o universo que abrange as tecnologias da informação ganha de forma acelerada o nosso dia a dia e no contexto do ensino as TICs tiveram seu despertar junto aos profissionais da educação de forma que utilizamos com mais intensidade os métodos tecnológicos em nossos planejamentos de aulas. As TICs são consideradas meios de ligar a escola aos avanços dos recursos tecnológicos, como por exemplo, a criação de softwares, das telecomunicações e a criação de pesquisa na área tecnológica que são fundamentais para o desenvolvimento da sociedade. As novas tecnologias proporcionam recursos didáticos inovadores que de certo atraem os alunos que vivenciam a era digital com bastante entusiasmo e interesse. O desafio pontual para efetivação da aplicabilidade das TICs na educação é o papel que o professor vai exercer, pois vemos ainda uma resistência por parte de alguns docentes em utilizar as TICs em suas aulas. O Ensino de historia vem associando as práticas ditas tradicionais de análises de fontes históricas e do livro didático com as TICs.
DEL SENICIDIO AL ÄTTESTUPA MODERNO: EL DISCURSO ALREDEDOR DE LA FE Y DE LA MUERTE
Authors: Souza Fábio Marques de , Souza Déborah Letícia Ferreira
Published: November 2023

Este estudio se centró en analizar las interacciones alrededor de la fe y la muerte en las redes sociales, específicamente en Instagram. Se utilizó la teoría del análisis del discurso de Mijaíl Bajtín como marco conceptual para examinar las interacciones en el entorno virtual de las redes sociales y comprender la importancia del lenguaje y del discurso en la construcción del sentido y la interacción humana. A través de una revisión bibliográfica que se apoyó en las obras de Bajtín (2004, 2017) y Philippe Ariès (1989), se recogieron datos de diferentes fuentes, como textos religiosos, literatura especializada y debates en línea, con el objetivo de explorar el discurso relacionado con la fe y la muerte. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue iniciar una conversación sobre los discursos sobre la muerte y la religión en la sociedad moderna, estableciendo analogías entre estos discursos y el mito presente en la mitología nórdica, específicamente en relación con el trato a los mayores y el senicidio. Además, se plantearon interrogantes sobre el uso de las redes sociales para ejercer el derecho a la libertad de expresión y promover la conciencia crítica alrededor de temas como el suicidio en personas mayores y la depresión. Este estudio resultó relevante debido a la necesidad de comprender cómo abordar y debatir estos temas en el entorno en línea y cómo afectan a la sociedad en general, permitiendo así comprender cómo nuestras creencias, valores y contexto social influyen en nuestra percepción y reflexión sobre la fe y la muerte.
Recent Updates on the Efficacy of Mitocans in Photo/Radio-Therapy for Targeting Metabolism in Chemo/Radio-Resistant Cancers: Nanotherapeutics
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Liu Junqi , YN Lakshmi Durga , Beeraka Narasimha M , Zhou Runze , Lu Pengwei , Song Ruixia , Sinelnikov Mikhail , Chen Kuo , Fan Ruitai , Zhao Di
Published: November 2023

Conventional therapeutic modalities against the cancers such as surgery, chemotherapy
(CT) and radiotherapy (RT) have limited efficacy due to drug resistance, and adverse effects. Recent
developments in nanoscience emphasized novel approaches to overcome the aforementioned
limitations and subsequently improve overall clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Photodynamic
therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and radiodynamic therapy (RDT) can be used as cancer
treatments due to their high selectivity, low drug resistance, and low toxicity. Mitocans are the
therapeutic molecules that can produce anti-cancer effects by modulating mitochondria functions
and they have significant implications in cancer therapy. Mitochondria- targeted therapy is a
promising strategy in cancer treatment as these organelles play a crucial function in the regulation
of apoptosis and metabolism in tumor cells and are more vulnerable to hyperthermia and oxidative
damage. The aim of this review is used to explore the targeting efficacy of mitocans in the
nanotherapeutic formulation when combined with therapies like PDT, PTT, RDT. We searched
several databases include Pubmed, relemed, scopus, google scholar, Embase and collected the related
information to the efficacy of mitocans in nanotherapeutics when combined with photo-radiotherapy
to target chemo/radio-resisant tumor cells. In this review, we vividly described research reports
pertinent to the selective delivery of chemotherapy molecules into specific sub-organelles
which can significantly improve the efficiency of cancer treatment by targeting tumor cell
metabolism. Furthermore, the rational design, functionalization and application of various mitochondrial
targeting units, including organic phosphine/sulfur salts, quaternary ammonium salts,
transition metal complexes, and mitochondria-targeted cancer therapy such as PDT, PTT, RDT,
and others were summarized. Mainly, the efficacy of these modalities against mtDNA and additional
nanotherapeutic strategies with photosensitizers, or radiotherapy to target mitochondrial
metabolism in tumor cells with chemo/radio-resistance were delineated. This review can benefit
nanotechnologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists to develop rational designs and application
of novel mitochondrial targeting drugs mainly to target metabolism in chemo/radio-resistant
cancer cells in cancer therapy.
Aberrant Expressions of PSMD14 in Tumor Tissue are the Potential
Prognostic Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Curative
Resection
Authors: Xiong Yi-Mei , Zhou Fang , Zhou Jia-Wen , Liu Fei , Zhou Si-Qi , Li Bo , Liu Zhong-Jian , Qin Yang
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high mortality rate, with curative
resection being the primary treatment. However, HCC patients have a large possibility of recurrence
within 5 years after curative resection.

Method:

Thus, identifying biomarkers to predict recurrence is crucial. In our study, we analyzed
data from CCLE, GEO, and TCGA, identifying eight oncogenes associated with HCC. Subsequently,
the expression of 8 genes was tested in 5 cases of tumor tissues and the adjacent non-tumor
tissues. Then ATP6AP1, PSMD14 and HSP90AB1 were selected to verify the expression in
63 cases of tumor tissues and the adjacent non-tumor tissues. The results showed that ATP6AP1,
PSMD14, HSP90AB1 were generally highly expressed in tumor tissues. A five-year follow-up of
the 63 clinical cases, combined with Kaplan-Meier Plotter's relapse-free survival (RFS) analysis,
found a significant correlation between PSMD14 expression and recurrence in HCC patients. Subsequently,
we analyzed the PSMD14 mutations and found that the PSMD14 gene mutations can
lead to a shorter disease-free survival time for HCC patients.

Results:

The results of enrichment analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes related
to PSMD14 are mainly enriched in the signal release pathway.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our research showed that PSMD14 might be related to recurrence in
HCC patients, and the expression of PSMD14 in tumor tissue might be a potential prognostic biomarker
after tumor resection in HCC patients.
WITHDRAWN: Long-time-released Transdermal Microneedle Delivery System
Authors: Tang Xiaofei , Qin Huaiying , Zhang Xiaoyun , Yang Haiyun , Yang Jianhua , Chen Ping , Jin Yinli , Yang Lu
Published: November 2023

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors of the journal "Current Drug Delivery",

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php.

BENTHAM SCIENCE DISCLAIMER:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously
submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been published elsewhere
must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting
the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the
authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript the authors agree that the copyright
of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
The Effect of 10% Sodium Ascorbate and Er: YAG Laser on the Microtensile Bond Strength of Composite Resin to Bleached Enamel
Authors: Zakavi Faramarz , Gholizade Sara , Etemadi Najme
Published: November 2023

Background:

There are various methods proposed to prevent the reduction of substrate micro tensile bond strength to bleached enamel. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two common methods, namely 10% sodium ascorbate and Er:YAG laser irradiation, in increasing the microtensile bond strength of composite resins to bleached enamel.

Methods:

In this in vitro study, 72 maxillary premolar teeth were divided into four equal groups: bleached control group, unbleached control group, treated with 10% sodium ascorbate, and Er:YAG laser-treated group (60 mJ, frequency = 10 Hz, and power of 0.6 W with a 400-µm diameter tip). The samples were cut by a CNC cutting machine for a microtensile bond strength test.

Results:

The Er:YAG laser group showed the highest mean bond strength (27.3 MPa), while the bleached control group had the lowest (15.06 Mpa). There was a significant difference between the bleached and unbleached control groups (P<0.001). Samples prepared with 10% sodium ascorbate and the Er:YAG group had higher tensile bond strength than the bleached control group (P<0.0001). Tensile bond strengths were not significantly different between the 10% sodium ascorbate and the Er:YAG laser preparation groups (P=0.361).

Conclusion:

The findings of this study indicate that the microtensile bond strength of composite resins to bleached enamel can be increased by 10% sodium ascorbate and Er:YAG laser irradiation.
Immunity Boosting Herbs For Fighting COVID-19
Authors: Sharma Prerna , Rani Nidhi , Sharma Vikas , Goel Nitin , Dhankhar Sanchit
Published: November 2023

Ever since the global outbreak of COVID-19, which is an infectious disease caused by
the novel SARS-CoV-2 (Novel Coronavirus (nCov-19), scientists and researchers across the
globe have been looking and searching for a cure that is quick, efficient and affordable. SARSCoV-
2 spread in 215 countries and territories around the globe with +15 million reported cases
and +670k deaths worldwide until July 24, 2020. Healthcare facilities across the globe are trying
to manage, control, and prevent the spread of this submicroscopic entity entering the macroscopic
cosmos. Patients infected with COVID-19 frequently present with a respiratory infection that
is similar to pneumonia and a cough. We do not yet have an effective vaccination to battle the
sickness; therefore, the only treatment option for patients is symptomatic therapy. In the meantime,
however, it could be useful to have a look at the most recent research on immuneenhancing
herbs and how they might be incorporated into daily life if the impact of nCov-19 on
an individual cannot be stopped entirely but can at least be mitigated.
Periodontal Disease Markers among Patients with Long COVID: A Case-control Study
Authors: Louisa Marie , Anggraini Wita , Putranto Ricky Anggara , Komala Olivia Nauli , De Angelis Nicola
Published: November 2023

Background:

Long-COVID affects approximately 32-87% of COVID-19 patients and causes persistent symptoms that last more than 4 weeks after initial infection. Long COVID is associated with a notable cytokine triad, namely IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Periodontal disease also involves proinflammatory cytokines production, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Consequently, long-COVID, which has an impact on proinflammatory cytokine release, could have an impact on periodontal status.

Objective:

This study aims to see whether long COVID affects periodontal status severity based on proinflammatory cytokines levels involved in both diseases, namely IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.

Methods:

Patients were divided into periodontitis or gingivitis patients and then were further divided into two groups, previous COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients (controls). Gingival sulcus fluids were obtained from each patient using paper points inserted in the patients’ sulcus, and ELISA tests were carried out to measure IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels.

Results:

Levene Test indicated that there were no substantial differences between IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (0.057, 0.135, and 0.341, respectively) in COVID-19 patients with gingivitis in comparison to the control group with gingivitis, with average IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels seen higher in the control group compared to COVID-19 patients. There were also no substantial differences between IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (1.00, 0.567, and 0.666, respectively) between COVID-19 patients with periodontitis and the control group with periodontitis. Although higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were found higher in COVID-19 patients in comparison to the control group.

Conclusion:

Levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in periodontitis patients with long COVID were higher than controls. But despite that, higher IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were not found in long COVID subjects with gingivitis, as well as IL-β levels in the periodontitis group. Further studies with more subjects are needed to determine the connection between these two diseases further.

Clinical Trial Registration No: The clinical trial registration of this research is 014/S3/KEPK/FKG/10/2021.
In vitro Antibacterial Effects of Curcumin-loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles inside the Dental Implant Fixture
Authors: Shirmohammadi Adileh , Balazadeh Yasaman , Negahdari Ramin , Dizaj Solmaz Maleki , Memar Mohammad Yousef
Published: November 2023

Background:

Infection in implants is a critical problem in the assemblies of two-piece implants.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to test in vitro antibacterial effects of curcumin-loaded silica nanoparticles inside the implant fixture.

Methods:

Forty-five implants in five groups were used for evaluation of the antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. The groups were curcumin-containing silica nanoparticles, curcumin-free silica nanoparticles, curcumin, distilled water (negative control), and chlorhexidine (positive control). The mentioned materials in each group were poured into the inner cavity of the implant and then the abutment was closed (torque of 35 Ncm). All implant-abutment sections were dipped in bacterial suspension and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. The inside of each implant was cultured on the surface of the culture plates.

Results:

The results showed that curcumin-containing silica nanoparticles affected all three bacterial species and the number of colonies in all three bacteria was significantly reduced. The nanoparticles showed antibacterial effects on S. aureus, E. coli and E. faecalis, which was statistically significant (p-value <0.05).

Conclusion:

The outcomes of this study showed that the curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles can be used inside the implant fixture for benefiting from their antimicrobial properties and further success of implant therapy.
Enhancing Periodontitis Treatment: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Locally Delivered Antibiotics as an Adjunctive Therapy
Authors: Abu-Ta'a Mahmoud , Bazzar Sally
Published: November 2023

Background:

Periodontitis is a prevalent and persistent infection that can significantly affect overall health. While scaling and root planing are effective treatments, they may not fully remove bacterial biofilms in difficult-to-reach areas, such as furcations and deep pockets. Therefore, numerous studies have demonstrated that supplementing mechanical debridement with locally delivered antibiotics can improve clinical outcomes.

Objective:

This study aims to review the effectiveness of different types of locally delivered antibiotics as adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing in treating periodontitis.

Methods:

Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar were utilized to obtain papers addressing locally delivered antibiotics in periodontitis patients, antibiotics in periodontitis, or antimicrobial agents in periodontitis up to February 1, 2023.

Results:

Treatment with locally delivered antibiotics led to notable improvements in clinical outcomes. These improvements encompassed reductions in probing depths, gingival inflammation, and bleeding on probing. Additionally, enhancements in clinical attachment level and periodontal pocket depth reduction were consistently observed in the included studies.

Conclusion:

Based on individual antimicrobial agent analyses, we are unable to determine which local antibiotic is the best. It is challenging to accurately assess the use of sustained or released local antimicrobials due to the unique features of each product. Local medication administration into the periodontal pocket could be an effective therapy adjunct to mechanical instruments.
A Preventive Strategy against Root Caries for the General Dentist: A Cross-sectional Clinical Study
Authors: Al-Harthy Nutayla , Qutieshat Abubaker , Petropoulou Polyxeni , Chopra Harneet , Ruiz Elena Figuero
Published: November 2023

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to look into the prevalence of root caries and gingival problems among patients attending a teaching dental hospital in the Sultanate of Oman, as well as to assess patients' knowledge and attitudes toward oral health and to develop a “prototype” preventive plan against root caries for general practice.

Methods:

A cross-sectional clinical study of patients attending patient clinics for routine procedures was conducted. For each patient examined, the participating clinical faculty members were to complete a two-part survey: a root surface chart and a periodontal chart. A questionnaire that sought to assess patients’ knowledge and attitudes was also conducted.

Results:

There was a high prevalence of gingival recession and root caries in the study population, which indicates that root caries are already a dental management issue. Patients who reported a family history of diabetes had significantly more root surface active lesions and were three times more likely to have a lesion compared to patients who did not. Despite their lack of knowledge about dental diseases and what would happen to their oral tissues as they aged, the majority of patients in this study are concerned about future carious attacks and would prefer to receive direct advice from their dentist.

Conclusion:

There is a need for a program to educate dentists about the shortcomings of the current approach to patient education and motivation and provide them with the necessary training to implement a successful root caries prevention strategy in their practises.
Conventional Border Molding versus Digital Impression on Complete Denture Impression: A Review
Authors: Mohamed Nusima , Yusof Hazira M. , Yacob Norlela , Hamid Nor Faharina Abdul
Published: November 2023

Background:

Definitive working impression of a complete denture requires proper border molding as part of impression techniques to capture the essential details of anatomical landmarks and the functional sulcus. In the era of digital dentistry, the digital impression using optical scanners may be an alternative to conventional techniques.

Objective:

This paper discusses the differences between conventional methods and digital impression in a complete denture covering its procedures, importance and relevance of border molding in both methods for a good working impression.

Methods:

The study reviewed papers from 2000 to 2022 in Medline and PubMed on border molding and complete denture working impression. Both methods were revised and contrasted to discuss the relevance and advantages of both approaches.

Results:

It is still controversial to conclude that digital impression is superior to the conventional method. Both methods have the strength to improve the quality of the impression taking procedure and complete denture quality of retention and stability. Digital impression gives more comfort and less post insertion adjustment. The conventional method still has good clinical outcomes in terms of retention and stability. Border molding should not be disregarded as part of the working impression procedure.

Conclusion:

The paper concludes that border molding and the conventional working impression technique are still relevant due to their comparable outcome compared to digital impression, as less cost and high skills are involved.
A Stochastic Mechanism for DNA Melting
Authors: Taneri Sencer
Published: November 2023

In Chapter 1, we have DNA as a kind of nucleic acid consisting of two strands which
are made up of two Watson-Crick base pairs: adenine-thymine (AT) and guanine-cytosine
(GC). There are three components of the total energy. These are the inharmonic stacking
interaction, hydrogen bond interaction and kinetic energy. Morse potential is used to mimic
the hydrogen bond interaction between bases on the opposite strands for the overlapping π electrons, when two neighboring bases move out of the stack. The AT pair has 2 hydrogen
bonds and the GC pair has 3 of them. The π electrons obey Bose - Einstein (BE) statistics,
and the overlapping of them results in quantum fluctuation. It will be shown that this can be
simplified into < Δy(t)Δy(t) >= 2DqΔt type fluctuation between the base pairs. Thus, a
metropolis algorithm can be developed for the total potential energy by superposing two
potential energy terms as well as including the quantum fluctuation in terms of random
displacement of the π electrons. So, one can calculate the melting temperature of base pairs.
A Theoretical Investigation on 10-12 Potential of Hydrogen-Hydrogen Covalent Bond
Authors: Taneri Sencer
Published: November 2023

In Appendix, we have an analytical investigation of the well-known 10-12 potential
of hydrogen-hydrogen covalent bond. In this research, we will make an elaboration of the well-known 6-12 Lennard-Jones potential in case of this type of bond. Though the results are
illustrated in many text books and literature, an analytical analysis of these potentials is missing
almost everywhere. The power laws are valid for small radial distances, which are calculated
to some extent. The internuclear separation as well as the binding energy of the hydrogen
molecule are evaluated with success.
Applied Biomathematics for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Protein Folding: Quantitative Simulations
Authors: Taneri Sencer
Published: November 2023

This monograph research presents research in applied biomathematics carried out by the author at the beginning of this millennium. Monte Carlo simulations have been widely used by computational biologists to understand stochastics of living systems in biological matter. This work demonstrates how Monte Carlo simulations can help us to understand the nucleic acid structure, biophysics and chemistry.

The author presents research on methods to understand aspects of the molecular dynamics of nucleic acids, DNA melting, evolutionary genetics, protein folding of Crambin and DNA vitrification. The book consists of five chapters and an appendix on the theoretical investigation on 10-12 potential of Hydrogen-Hydrogen covalent bond. Some of the previous research published in İnternational Journal of Modern Physics C and Modern Physics Letters B is extended for additional insight.

Readers will find simple computer algorithms for hard mathematical physics problems such as mesoscopic, fractals, percolation, Metropolis algorithm and Langevin dynamics - many of which are also crucial to understanding experimental results of computer-aided drug discovery and cryopreservation. The author has taken care to explain calculations in a clear manner. All simulations have been conducted using Fortran (f77).
influence of product quality and brand image on the decision to purchase non-subsidized NPK fertilizer in the agrosolution program of PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja
Authors: Budiman Arif , Widiyanti Marlina , Maulana Ahmad , Rosa Aslamia
Published: November 2023

This research aims to determine the influence of product quality and brand image on the purchasing decisions of non-subsidized NPK fertilizers in the of PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja’s agrosolution program. The population for this study consists of 100 respondents selected based on specific criteria. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicate that product quality and brand image positively and significantly impact purchasing decisions. Regarding product quality, improvements are recommended, particularly concerning the information on product packaging, which consumers perceive as insufficient. An evaluation of the packaging quality is necessary, as some consumers have complained about the packaging's inability to withstand an adequate lifespan. Despite PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja's positive efforts in environmental impact assessment (AMDAL) for the surrounding community, there is room for improvement in the allocation of CSR funds to ensure they are targeted towards those affected by the impact.
Graptopetalum irmasoniae (Crassulaceae), una especie nueva de Oaxaca, México, y lectotipificación de G. macdougallii
Authors: García-Mendoza Abisaí Josué , Sandoval Gutiérrez Daniel , López Santiago Abigail , Pérez Calix Emmanuel
Published: November 2023

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Graptopetalum es un género americano con 22 especies, que tiene su distribución principal en México. En una colección de plantas originarias del municipio San Juan Teita, distrito de Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, se localizó una nueva especie para la ciencia de este género. Se plantearon como objetivos describirla, ilustrarla y compararla morfológicamente con G. macdougallii, que se considera la especie más afín. Además, se presenta un mapa de la distribución de ambas y se propone un lectotipo para G. macdougallii.Métodos: A partir de colectas, revisión de literatura especializada y estudio de ejemplares de herbario en físico y virtuales, se propone una especie nueva de Graptopetalum. Se elaboró su descripción morfológica, una ilustración, un mapa de distribución y se comparó con la especie que presenta mayor semejanza. Se evalúo su estado de conservación de acuerdo con las categorías y criterios de la Lista Roja de la IUCN.Resultados clave: Se describe e ilustra Graptopetalum irmasoniae, especie del subgénero Graptopetalum, sección Graptopetalum, serie Stoloniferae. Muestra similitudes con G. macdougallii, de la que se diferencia por el diámetro mayor de la roseta, largo de los estolones, número, tamaño y forma de las hojas e inflorescencia, así como por el tamaño de los segmentos de la corola y el tipo de hábitat. La distribución limitada, bajo número poblacional y fragilidad del hábitat la ubican como especie en Peligro Crítico (CR). Se presenta el mapa de distribución de ambas especies y se lectotipifica a G. macdougallii.Conclusiones: Graptopetalum irmasoniae es una especie microendémica del estado Oaxaca, México, donde se desarrolla sobre afloramientos de yeso. Es la cuarta especie de la familia en México que se describe para este tipo de suelo y dada la fragilidad de su hábitat, requiere especial atención para conservarla en el corto plazo.
Stability Analysis of Autonomous Microgrid Operated at Constant-Frequency with the Consideration of Reactive Power Balance
Authors: Zhang Daming , Tang Xiuhui
Published: November 2023

Large-scale autonomous microgrids have potential application values as they can increase renewable energy penetration level without compromising the stability of the existing large power systems. Before their widespread implementation, critical issues like stability analysis etc need to be solved. This paper analyses the stability in an autonomous microgrid operated at constant frequency with the consideration of reactive power balance. Difference equations of reactive power for the grid-forming generator are constructed separately from those for the grid-supporting and grid-feeding generators while the difference equations of the real power for all the generators are the same. For the voltage source inverter with its current controlled by proportional resonant controller, at the fundamental frequency, its output current is disentangled from its terminal voltage and is controlled to trace its reference accurately, namely . Therefore, each inverter can be modelled as an equivalent current source and the equivalent circuits for d-component and q-component can be separated from each other. Then, the nodal equations in matrix form for the microgrid system can be established readily. With these, the system level state-space equations are built to study the distribution of eigenvalues. By choosing proper coefficients for real power and reactive power reference generations and controller’s parameters, one can make all the eigenvalues falling in the left-hand-side of the complex plane. Therefore, the system is stable. Such a research paves the way for systematically searching good sets of coefficients and controller’s parameters which make system operate safely away from unstable region with necessary margin.
Timing, Indicators, and Approaches to Digital Patient Experience Evaluation: Umbrella Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Tingting , Giunti Guido , Goossens Richard , Melles Marijke
Published: November 2023

Background

The increasing prevalence of DH applications has outpaced research and practice in digital health (DH) evaluations. Patient experience (PEx) was reported as one of the challenges facing the health system by the World Health Organization. To generate evidence on DH and promote the appropriate integration and use of technologies, a standard evaluation of PEx in DH is required.

Objective

This study aims to systematically identify evaluation timing considerations (ie, when to measure), evaluation indicators (ie, what to measure), and evaluation approaches (ie, how to measure) with regard to digital PEx. The overall aim of this study is to generate an evaluation guide for further improving digital PEx evaluation.

Methods

This is a 2-phase study parallel to our previous study. In phase 1, literature reviews related to PEx in DH were systematically searched from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Two independent raters conducted 2 rounds of paper screening, including title and abstract screening and full-text screening, and assessed the interrater reliability for 20% (round 1: 23/115 and round 2: 12/58) random samples using the Fleiss-Cohen coefficient (round 1: k1=0.88 and round 2: k2=0.80). When reaching interrater reliability (k>0.60), TW conducted the rest of the screening process, leaving any uncertainties for group discussions. Overall, 38% (45/119) of the articles were considered eligible for further thematic analysis. In phase 2, to check if there were any meaningful novel insights that would change our conclusions, we performed an updated literature search in which we collected 294 newly published reviews, of which 102 (34.7%) were identified as eligible articles. We considered them to have no important changes to our original results on the research objectives. Therefore, they were not integrated into the synthesis of this review and were used as supplementary materials.

Results

Our review highlights 5 typical evaluation objectives that serve 5 stakeholder groups separately. We identified a set of key evaluation timing considerations and classified them into 3 categories: intervention maturity stages, timing of the evaluation, and timing of data collection. Information on evaluation indicators of digital PEx was identified and summarized into 3 categories (intervention outputs, patient outcomes, and health care system impact), 9 themes, and 22 subthemes. A set of evaluation theories, common study designs, data collection methods and instruments, and data analysis approaches was captured, which can be used or adapted to evaluate digital PEx.

Conclusions

Our findings enabled us to generate an evaluation guide to help DH intervention researchers, designers, developers, and program evaluators evaluate digital PEx. Finally, we propose 6 directions for encouraging further digital PEx evaluation research and practice to address the challenge of poor PEx.