bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lip - tooth relationships during smiling and speech: an evaluation of different malocclusion types
Authors: Rashed Roozbeh , Heravi Farzin
Published: December 2023

Background

Few studies have focused on the impact of malocclusion on lip – tooth relationships during smiling and speech.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of different malocclusions on lip – tooth relationships during smiling and speech, using video images.

Methods

One hundred and three subjects with Class I (N = 31), Class II division 1 (N = 26), Class II division 2 (N = 16) and Class III malocclusions (N = 30) were asked to repeat the same sentence and then smile in front of a video camera. Nine frames were extracted from each subject’s video clip: at rest, posed smile, unposed smile and during the pronunciation of the sounds: ‘che’, ‘fa’, ‘se’, ‘chee’, ‘tee’ and ‘mee’. On each frame, up to 10 parameters describing the lip – tooth relationships were measured.

Results

In all frames, there were no statistically significant differences in the upper central incisor display ratios among the malocclusion groups (p > 0.05). The buccal corridor ratio in the posed and unposed smiles did not differ significantly among the malocclusions (p > 0.05). The most frequently visible last maxillary tooth was the first premolar in the posed smile, and the second premolar in the unposed smile. In each malocclusion group, the upper central incisor display ratio varied significantly among the nine frames and the buccal corridor ratio during the unposed smile was less than the ratio during the posed smile; although this was only significant in the Class II division 2 subjects. The smile arc was similar in all malocclusions.

Conclusions

In each malocclusion the upper central incisor display ratio varied significantly among the nine frames. In each group, the buccal corridor ratio during the unposed smile was less than that during the posed smile, but only the Class II division 2 group was significantly different. The smile arc did not differ among the malocclusions.
Cephalometric analysis of Malay children with and without unilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: Ebin Lillybia Emily , Zam Norzakiah Mohamed Zam , Othman Siti Adibah
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate the craniofacial morphology of Malay children with repaired UCLP and compare the data with non-cleft Malay children.

Methods

Twenty Malay children with repaired UCLP (12 boys, 8 girls; Mean age: 10.5 years) and 20 normal Malay children (8 boys, 12 girls; Mean age: 9.72 years) were recruited from the Combined Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic and the Department of Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Malaysia. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken with the head orientated parallel to the floor. Thirty-one linear and angular variables were measured on the lateral cephalometric radiographs with Dolphin Imaging Software Version 10.0 (Dolphin Imaging, Chatsworth, CA, USA). The data were analysed with the Mann-Whitney U test and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

In the UCLP group, the girls had deeper overbites than the boys (p = 0.011), and in the Control group the girls had a significantly more acute cranial base angle (NSBa, p = 0.017) and a less protrusive lower lip (LL-E line, p = 0.21). The data for the boys and girls were combined. Subjects in the UCLP group had a more acute cranial base angle, shorter and more retruded maxillae and were more skeletal III than the subjects in the Control group. In the UCLP group, the upper and lower incisors were less proclined than in the Control group, the interincisal angle was more obtuse and the overjet reduced by 6 mm. There were no significant facial height differences. The nasolabial angle (Col-Sn-UL) was significantly more obtuse and the upper lip relative to the E line more retrusive in the UCLP group. There was no significant difference between the groups in facial heights or the maxillo-mandibular planes angle.

Conclusion

Malay children with repaired UCLP have small, retrusive maxillae. The mandible in this group of children was of normal size and position, relative to the cranial base. Pressure from the repaired upper lip may be responsible for the retruded maxillae, retroclined incisors and obtuse nasolabial angle.
Shear bond strengths of buccal tubes
Authors: Purmal Kathiravan , Sukumaran Prema
Published: December 2023

Aims

To investigate the shear bond strengths of buccal tubes and to determine the sites of failure.

Method

Four orthodontic buccal tubes were selected: A, American Orthodontics; B, 3M Unitek - small base; C, 3M Unitek - large base; D, Hangzhou Dentop. Twenty buccal tubes from each group were bonded to the buccal surfaces of lower right first molars with the same light-cured composite resin. The buccal tubes were debonded with a universal testing machine and the data analysed. The amount of adhesive remaining on the teeth after debonding was classified with the modified adhesive remnant index (ARI).

Results

The groups ranked from the highest to lowest bond strength (MPa) were: B, A, D and C. The bond strengths of the buccal tubes, except Groups A and B, were significantly different (p < 0.05). The majority of the buccal tubes (63 per cent) had modified ARI scores of 1 and 2 and 25 per cent of the tubes had scores of 4 and 5. After debonding, no adhesive remained on 40 per cent of the teeth in Groups B and D.

Conclusions

The shear bond strengths of the buccal tubes fell below the value considered to be clinically acceptable. There were no differences between the shear bond strengths of the buccal tubes with photoetched and microetched bases. The buccal tubes with the largest base failed prematurely, possibly because the unsupported bonding pad flexed during debonding.
Non-surgical treatment of mandibular deviation: a case report
Authors: Jamilian Abdolreza , Showkatbakhsh Rahman
Published: December 2023

Background

Mandibular deviation due to premature contact of teeth in crossbite may be associated with facial asymmetry.

Aim

To describe the non-surgical treatment of mandibular deviation associated with a marked facial asymmetry.

Methods

A 13.5 year-old girl presented with a unilateral posterior crossbite, noticeable facial asymmetry, anterior crossbite and displacement of the mandible on closure. She had no history of head injury or significant medical problems and her parents rejected surgical correction. A removable appliance was used to correct the crossbite followed by fixed appliances to complete treatment.

Results

Treatment resulted in a marked improvement in facial symmetry and elimination of the mandibular displacement.

Conclusions

Early correction of a functional deviation associated with a unilateral facial asymmetry may avoid the need for surgery.
Quantification of flowability and hydrophilicity of elastomeric impression materials.
Authors: Dudas Csaba , Bardocz-Veres Zsuzsanna , Metz Balázs-Zoltán , Opra Róbert , Dudas Mária Henrietta , Kerekes-Mathe Bernadette
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Flowability and hydrophilicity are essential properties of accurate impressions and casts. Aim of study: This study aimed to quantify these characteristics of elastomeric impression materials. Material and Methods: A total number of eight impression materials, including vinyl polysiloxane (PVS), polyether (PE), and condensation silicone (CS) were thoroughly investigated in this study. The flowability of elastomers was proven with the shark fin test (SFT), and the hydrophilicity was determined with contact angle (CA) measurements. Results: The shark fins’ (SF) of VPSs presented 11.57 mm (SD 3.49), while the PE 11.37 mm (SD 5.06) and CS 8.1 mm average values. Some of the products showed better flowability. Based on 128 measured CAs, the examined polyethers had the lowest CAs which indicate good hydrophilicity. Conclusions: A good performance of an impression material in one of the involved tests (SFT and CA) does not mean a similar result in the other analysis. All investigated impression materials could be considered hydrophilic as their CA was lower than 90°. The SFTs of light-bodied VPSs and PEs suggest reliable use of them in dental practice.
Comparison of three immunoassays for detection of anti-toxoplasma IgM antibodies in pregnant women
Authors: Laze Blerta
Published: December 2023

Aim of investigation

Comparison of an electrochemiluminescence technique (ECL, applied in Cobas 6000 instrument), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, applied in CHORUS instrument) and an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA, applied in MINI-VIDAS instrument) for early diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women. Medical diagnosis is required to determine the most sensitive techniques to diagnose this pathogen, in the framework of which is developed this scientific work. This is very important due to the multiple fetal infections during pregnancy.

Methods

ECL, ELISA and ELFA techniques are used to detect anti-toxoplasma IgM antibodies in pregnant women, during the first trimester of pregnancy. 200 samples were analyzed with each technique and sensitivity and specificity are evaluated for each of them.

Results

ECL technique has resulted in higher sensitivity (100%) and specificity (99.3%), while ELISA technique has resulted in lower sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (97.3%).

Conclusion

Analysis of the results confirmed the usefulness of ECL technique for an early diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infections in pregnant women. Anyway, for diagnostic purposes, the results should always be assessed in conjuction with the patient’s medical history and other clinical examinations.
Comparative Study of K-NN, Naive Bayes and SVM for Face Expression Classification Techniques
Authors: Shtino Viola Bakiasi , Muça Markela
Published: December 2023

Classification is a data mining technique used to predict group membership for data instances within a given dataset. Classification is considered as an example of supervised learning as training data associated with class labels is given as input. This comparative study focuses on the application of K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN), Naive Bayes, and Support Vector Machines (SVM) classification techniques in the context of face expression recognition. The study aims to evaluate and compare the performance of these techniques in accurately classifying facial expressions, their advantages and disadvantages.

Facial expression recognition is an important area in computer vision and emotion analysis. It involves identifying and classifying different facial expressions such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise and disgust. Accurate classification of facial expressions is crucial for various applications, including human-computer interaction, affective computing and psychological research.

K-NN is a non-parametric algorithm that classifies data based on the majority class of its K-nearest neighbors. Naive Bayes is a probabilistic algorithm that makes classification decisions based on the Bayes theorem and assumes independence between features. SVM is a machine learning algorithm that constructs a hyperplane to separate different classes of data.

Dataset such as Affectnet is used to conduct the study including labeled facial expression images. Three algorithms are tested on this dataset to evaluate their performance in correctly classifying facial expressions. Performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score are used to assess the classification performance of each technique. Software used for conducting the experiments is Python.
Public Good Agricultural Practices Certification Schemes in Chosen EU Countries
Authors: Pink Małgorzata , Grochola Katarzyna , Gorczyca Anna
Published: December 2023

In line with the Farm to Fork strategy and the European Green Deal plan for creating a sustainable food system, the European Commission has set goals for 2030: reducing the use of pesticides and the risks associated with their use by 50%, the use of fertilizers by at least 20%, the sale of antimicrobials used in animal husbandry and aquaculture by 50% and 25% of agricultural land used for organic farming. Implementation of these assumptions requires institutional support and providing farmers with a specific framework. Certification Schemes (CSs) in agriculture are one way to achieve these goals. The number of CSs that support the strategy in the EU member states is 170 intra-EU and 198 including associated countries. Together with Organic farming, the CSs on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) seem to be particularly important in reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers. The aim of the article is to present selected issues related to CSs implementing the strategy of reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers. These include the well-known Organic farming, but also the public, national level CS "Haute Valeur Environnementale" (France), CS "Sistema di Qualità Nazionale di Produzione Integrata per le Produzioni Agricole" (Italy) and CS "Integrowana Produkcja" (Poland), implementing GAP.
Accounting for Overcounting Induced by 222Rn Contamination in 14C Measurements Performed with Liquid Scintillation Counting
Authors: Jędrzejowski Maksymilian , Michczyńska Danuta J. , Michczyński Adam , Kłusek Marzena , Tudyka Konrad
Published: December 2023

This research paper introduces a methodology for estimating overcounting resulting from uranium series radionuclides, with a specific focus on 222Rn contamination. The method is demonstrated using the Quantulus 1220TM spectrometer. Exponential fitting is employed for the calculations, utilizing a custom algorithm developed in MATLAB® R2022b. The proposed method allows for the determination of the sample count rate correction, F14C and radiocarbon age without the need for additional chemical treatment or specialized electronics during liquid scintillation counting (LSC) measurements with the Quantulus 1220TM spectrometer. However, the method does have certain limitations. It requires a significant number of cycles and extended measurement time per cycle, but it can be applied to samples with significant 222Rn contamination that require rapid 14C analysis.
Land use classification system in Bangladesh: Inconsistencies, their planning implications, and the way forward
Authors: Faria Meher Afjun , Tonmoy Md. Efti Manna , Haque Afsana
Published: December 2023

A unified land use classification system with mutually exclusive definitions of each land use category helps to avoid inconsistencies in the planning process and, most importantly, ensures effective implementation of development control tools. In Bangladesh, the planning authorities prepare land use plans by independently deciding the land use classes. This study aims to explore the nature of inconsistencies in the land use classification systems followed by different planning institutions in Bangladesh and understand their corresponding consequences. To conduct the study, land use plans prepared by different planning institutions have been collected. Based on descriptive analysis, the study shows that the types of land use classes in land use plans change over time, between administrative units, and in different parts of the country. Even authorities are not consistent in maintaining a classification system in their subsequent plans. Moreover, the plans retain ambiguous definitions of land use classes. The classification and definitions of the land use classes are not well linked with different national acts, rules, and policies relating to environmental and natural conservation, which makes it difficult to control development and protect natural, environmental, and cultural resources. This study has the potential to help us understand the importance of a unified land use classification system. Utilizing concept hierarchy, the study has also developed a system for land use classification in Bangladesh that will assist in future research, planning, and policymaking.
Landulfo Alves’ Trajectory as an Agronomist and Federal Intervener in Bahia: State Investments in Agriculture and Education (1938-1942)
Authors: Araújo Fernanda Simões Braga
Published: December 2023

Landulfo Alves was an agronomist who was educated in the USA and became a politician, having served as federal intervener in Bahia from 1938 to 1942, in the context of the Estado Novo, and later as senator of the Republic from 1951 to 1954. His investments in agriculture and education left important legacies for scientific activities in Bahia. Despite these achievements, historians may not have fully grasped his importance in the development of Bahia, especially in science. Seeking to fill this void, this paper addresses questions which have received little exploration in historiography: how did his education motivate his initiation into the public sphere and influence his political choices? What were his investments in the state? Was he an isolated case, or was he in line with the development policies of his time? As a result, we hope that this work will provide new historiographical approaches to Landulfo Alves’ contributions to science and higher education in Bahia.
Unexpected corneal reflection phenomenon alters smartphone 3D image-based models of the eye
Authors: Kurilová Veronika , Bemberáková Dominika , Kocián Matúš , Šterbák Daniel , Knapčok Tomáš , Palkovič Miriam , Hančák Samuel , Pavlovičová Jarmila , Oravec Miloš , Thurzo Andrej , Kolář Petr , Majtánová Nora
Published: December 2023

Reconstruction of a 3D eye model by photogrammetry from a smartphone video could be prospectively used in self-diagnosis, screening and telemedicine monitoring of diseases of the front part of the eye and its surroundings. The main use could be found in the treatment of diseases of the curvature and surface of the cornea and in follow-up after some refractive procedures. In our work, we create 3D image-based models of the eye after scanning the face with a smartphone. An unexpected phenomenon appeared during the reconstruction of the transparent cornea – a crater-like depression was formed at the place where nearby objects reflected on the cornea, which corresponds to the first Purkinje image, the so-called glint. We thus encountered complications that may arise when modelling transparent living structures from a video taken in a normal environment, which will need to be solved if we want to create such 3D models of the eye using this method for medical purposes. Another 3D reconstruction approach or additional algorithms must be considered as a future work.
Tangible digital storytelling and phygital reality: benefits for inclusion and cooperation in young children
Authors: Pasqualotto Angela , Filosofi Fabio
Published: December 2023

Modern technology progresses at an incredibly fast pace. With personal computers, mobile phones, tablets, and the Internet, technology is used in all spheres, affecting our daily lives greatly. Educational games are also taking advantage of the technological process, for example, many useful apps are available for children. Gaming and educational opportunities have expanded because of the development of tablets and smartphones. Teachers have the opportunity to combine physical and electronic objects when creating education materials, so they are not confined to the use of traditional physical objects. Storytelling remains one of the oldest teaching methods for children: the development of technology has given impetus to the creation of tangible digital storytelling, which combines programs with physical objects, creating a single field for learning. Creating stories in which a child can interact with his/her peers has also provided new opportunities for inclusion and cooperation in young children. Indeed, the increased use of speakers, videos, pictures, and other tools that can help to quickly create and easily adapt objects for children with various backgrounds has fostered inclusive teaching. This paper will consider the evolution of the storytelling practice, focusing specifically on tangible digital storytelling and its benefits in young children.
Methodological-didactic teacher education in Italian secondary school and competence assessment1
Authors: Santis Cristiana De , Carruba Maria Concetta , Martiniello Lucia
Published: December 2023

The paper aims to reflect on the training of teachers in Italian lower and upper secondary schools by presenting the training activities carried out by the Pegaso Telematic University in the provision of the training course foreseen by Ministerial Decree 180/2022. The first training activities focused on the training of the course tutors, while the second focused on the feedback given to the teachers who followed the course, following the development of the competence assessment. The aim of this paper is to reflect on the replicability of the training actions presented and the lines of research that open up.
Possibilities of Implementing Augmented Reality in Railway Freight Transport
Authors: Bulková Zdenka
Published: December 2023

The analysis of technological procedures in transport and logistics with the aim of innovating the usual procedures is an ongoing process, not only in the present. The development of information technology in recent decades has created new opportunities for innovative procedures, but the innovations themselves do not take place as quickly as the development allows. There are many reasons for this, from the point of view of operational safety to the relevance of technological progress to rail transport. Based on the analysis of technological processes in rail freight transport at the Žilina - Teplička marshalling yard and the characteristics of Augmented Reality, the aim is to assess the possibilities of implementing Augmented Reality technology in the conditions of the processing procedures of sets of vehicles of the destination train in freight transport. The implementation options will be evaluated based on their feasibility in three variants. The implementation of augmented reality must always represent a simplification, acceleration, or cost reduction of the usual technological procedures.
Penggunaan Media Software PowerPoint Dalam Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar
Authors: Aditya Nabila , Ramadani Ika , Nabillah Winna , Nasution Alfi Rahman
Published: December 2023

Kajian ini merupakan kajian penelitian dan pengembangan produksi media berupa media pembelajaran berbasis teknologi, khususnya media PowerPoint untuk Siswa. Penelitian ini dirancang untuk memenuhi kebutuhan sekolah, meningkatkan minat, dan memproduksi media PowerPoint untuk siswa yang memenuhi syarat. Ada 3 langkah utama yang harus dilakukan dalam pengembangan media PowerPoint yaitu pertama, penelitian pendahuluan untuk mengetahui kebutuhan primer dan pentingnya media. Kedua, penyusunan draf produk dimulai dari tahap pembuatan desain PowerPoint, verifikasi materi dan verifikasi media. Ketiga adalah uji coba produk untuk Siswa.Hasil penelitian ini berupa media pembelajaran berbasis teknologi, khususnya PowerPoint yang berisi materi pendidikan, telah divalidasi dan dinyatakan layak oleh ahli media, ahli materi. Selain melihat seberapa dikenal para ahli, juga bergantung pada apakah media power point dapat menarik minat siswa untuk menggunakan teknologi dalam pembelajaran.
Using Intercultural Sensitivity to Predict Culturally Responsive Classroom Management Self-Efficacy among Preservice Teachers
Authors: Estepp Christopher , Beasley Jennifer , Burgin Stephen , Johnson Donald
Published: December 2023

As student diversity increases, it is imperative that Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) prepare preservice teachers to manage these classrooms. Educators are expected to possess the skillset, experience, and confidence necessary to engage diverse students from varying cultural backgrounds. Thus, intercultural sensitivity is an important affective trait for teachers, however, the connection between intercultural sensitivity and self-efficacy for culturally responsive classroom management has not been well documented in the preservice teacher literature. In this study, one mid-southern university examined the relationship between preservice teachers’ perceptions of their intercultural sensitivity and their self-efficacy for tasks related to culturally responsive classroom management. Findings indicated that preservice teachers are confident in their ability to manage classrooms in a culturally responsive manner and that intercultural sensitivity significantly predicted and explained about a third of variance in culturally responsive classroom management self-efficacy. While EPPs could consider requiring coursework in cultural diversity and classroom management, the results of this study indicated that coursework alone was not enough to improve preservice teachers’ self-efficacy.
Emergent Design Thinking, Rigorous Research, and Perseverance: Comments from a Keynote Address
Authors: Hitchcock John
Published: December 2023

This invited article is a follow-up to the 2022 keynote address given to the Midwestern Education Research Association. This article reviews national, contemporary challenges to conducting applied education research. It also reviews broad principles that might help one continue to conduct high-quality research, namely: embracing emergent design thinking, flexibility, and perseverance.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/mwer/vol35/iss2/5/
Authors: Barnett Clyde
Published: December 2023

A review of the book Student Agency in the Classroom: Honoring Student Voice in the Curriculum by Margaret Vaughn.
Beware of the “Moving Target” – Uninvolved Limb Strength Increases to Exceed Preoperative Values During Rehabilitation After ACL Reconstruction in Male Professional and Recreational Athletes
Authors: Barbosa Olivia , Kotsifaki Roula , Whiteley Rodney , King Enda , Korakakis Vasileios
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE: To describe the changes in quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength in the uninvolved limb of male professional and recreational athletes during rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and compare to preoperative strength values.

DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study.

METHODS: During rehabilitation, 665 participants who underwent unilateral ACLR performed a strength test preoperatively and every 6 weeks after surgery for up to 9 months. Isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings strength of the uninvolved limb were measured at an angular velocity of 60°/s and normalized to body weight (N·m/kg).

RESULTS: Quadriceps and hamstrings strength of the uninvolved limb gradually increased during rehabilitation until 6 months post-ACLR, and plateaued thereafter. Postoperative quadriceps’ strength significantly exceeded preoperative values by 3 months for professional (2.99 N·m/kg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.93, 3.04; P = .007) and by 6 months for recreational athletes (2.77 N·m/kg; 95% CI: 2.71, 2.83; P<.001), and hamstrings exceeded presurgery levels by 4.5 months (1.71 N·m/kg; 95% CI: 1.67, 1.74; P<.001 and 1.43 N·m/kg; 95% CI: 1.40, 1.46; P = .002, professional and recreational athletes respectively).

CONCLUSION: In male professional and recreational athletes, uninvolved limb quadriceps and hamstrings strength gradually improved after ACLR, until 6 months after surgery. The uninvolved limb’s strength may present as a “moving target” that requires consistent monitoring during rehabilitation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(4):258-266. Epub 14 December 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11961
Contribuições da educação física para o desenvolvimento motor de alunos dos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental
Authors: Santana Bianca Pâmela , Vilanova-Campelo Regina Célia
Published: December 2023

Objetivo: Examinar e sintetizar o conhecimento da literatura sobre as contribuições das aulas de Educação Física para o processo de desenvolvimento motor em alunos dos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa, na qual as buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados Periódico CAPES, Scielo, BVS e Lilacs, utilizando na estratégia de busca descritores e termos ligados ao desenvolvimento motor. Foram identificados 1685 artigos, e após aplicar os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, restaram 9 artigos para a análise. Resultados: Dos artigos selecionados, 7 apresentaram bons resultados em relação ao nível de desenvolvimento motor, expondo que as crianças que participavam das aulas de educação física escolar apresentaram bons níveis em equilíbrio, motricidade fina, motricidade grossa, esquema corporal, noção espaço-temporal e coordenação motora geral, apresentando, portanto, um bom nível de desenvolvimento motor para a faixa etária. Considerações finais: Esta revisão demonstra que participar das aulas de educação física escolar, desde que estas sejam bem planejadas, podem contribuir para manter bons níveis nas habilidades motoras, uma vez que, as crianças avaliadas nos estudos incluídos na revisão foram classificadas com um nível de desenvolvimento motor normal para sua faixa etária.
A deep dive into chickenpox epidemiology and outbreaks: A retrospective study in a tribal-dominated district of Western India
Authors: Khan Vikram , Sanghai Ankush Ashokkumar , Zala D. B. , Babariya Manjula J. , Das V. K.
Published: December 2023

Objectives:

This retrospective observational study conducted in the district of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Western India, over the past 9 years aimed to comprehensively investigate the epidemiology of chickenpox. The objectives were to analyze demographic and clinical characteristics, examine temporal trends, identify outbreak locations, assess outbreak intensity and duration, determine laboratory-confirmed cases, and provide insights for public health interventions.

Materials and Methods:

The study employed a retrospective approach, gathering data on chickenpox cases in the region. Demographic information, clinical profiles, and outbreak details were analyzed. Temporal variations and seasonal trends were assessed. Laboratory confirmation was achieved through serology and molecular methods. Locations of outbreaks were identified, and their characteristics were evaluated.

Results:

The study revealed that the 6–10 age groups were most vulnerable, with mild-to-moderate symptoms predominantly observed. Significant variations in cases occurred year round, with peaks between November and February. Out of 25 recorded outbreaks and three early warning signals, Aganwadis, play schools, and schools were common outbreak locations. Most outbreaks were low intensity, and laboratory confirmation identified Clade-1 Varicella-Zoster virus as the causative agent.

Conclusion:

These findings provide essential insights for public health officials. Identifying the vulnerable age group and high-risk locations allows for targeted vaccination campaigns. Moreover, the study underscores the need for continuous monitoring and surveillance to detect outbreaks early and mitigate their spread effectively, emphasizing the importance of proactive prevention and control measures for chickenpox in the region.
Geological studies of natural bitumen occurences in sedimentary and intrusive rocks of the Mesozoic age on the Franz Joseph Land archipelago during the research expedition in 2022
Authors:   RN-Shelf-Arctic LLC, Bogoyavlenskaya O.V. , Malishev N.A. ,   Rosneft Oil Company, Makhova O.S. ,   Arctic Science Center LLC, Komissarov D.K. ,   Rosneft Oil Company, Verzhbitsky V.E. ,   Rosneft Oil Company, Vasileva I.S. ,   Arctic Science Center LLC, Borodulin A.A. ,   Rosneft Oil Company, Kolubakin A.A. ,   RN-Exploration LLC, Ulyanov G.V. ,   RN-Shelf-Arctic LLC, Obmetko V.V. ,   Rosneft Oil Company, Boldyrev M.L. ,   Arctic Science Center LLC, Ugryumov A.S. ,   Arctic Science Center LLC, Danilkin S.M. ,   Arctic Science Center LLC, Ershova V.B. ,   Arctic Science Center LLC, Rogov M.A. ,   Arctic Science Center LLC, Stavitskaya V.N. ,   Arctic Science Center LLC, Shein V.A. ,   Arctic Science Center LLC, Shmanyak A.V. ,   A.P. Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute, Sobolev P.O. ,   A.P. Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute
Published: December 2023

The paper presents information on geological studies on the islands of the Franz Josef Land archipelago (FJL) in the Arctic Ocean as part of comprehensive scientific expedition on board of the Mikhail Somov research ship in August 2022, and the first results of studying natural bitumen occurrences in Mesozoic igneous rocks. During the research on four islands of the archipelago, 77 samples were selected, including 25 samples of presumable bitumen occurrences, as well as 4 coal samples and 5 mudstone ones from potential Triassic and Jurassic oil and gas source strata.
Study of geomagnetic activity impact on functioning of railway automatics in Russian Arctic
Authors:   Schmidt Institute of Physics of the Earth of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yagova N.V. , Rozenberg I.N. ,   Russian University of Transport, Gvishiani A.D. ,   Geophysical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Sakharov Y.A. ,   Polar Geophysical Institute of the Kola Scientific Center of RAS, Garanin S.L. ,   Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry of Russian Academу of Sciences, Voronin V.A. ,   Research and project Institute of railway transport informatics, automatics and communication systems, Pilipenko V.A. ,   Schmidt Institute of Physics of the Earth of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dubchak I.A. ,   Research and project Institute of railway transport informatics, automatics and communication systems
Published: December 2023

The authors study the possible influence of geomagnetic activity of railway automatics in the Russian Arctic. For the analysis they use the indices of global and regional geomagnetic activity along with the archive of failures on the Northern section of the Oktyabrskaya railway in 2001—2006. The geomagnetic activity is found to be higher for days with failures than for days without the ones. This effect manifests itself in different types of geomagnetic disturbances, including magnetic storms, characterized by the storm index Dst, auroral activations, quantified in AE and EI indices, as well as in local index WY indicating spectral power of geomagnetic variations in milliHerz frequency range. The maximum differences for days with and without failures are obtained for index values averaged over 2—4 days. At the same time, the researchers have found no significant differences between failures for which a cause not related to geomagnetic disturbance is a priori indicated, and those for which such a cause is not identified.
A hybrid model based on an artificial neural network with a long chain of short-term memory elements and a discrete wavelet transform for predicting surface methane content in the Arctic area
Authors:   Institute of Industrial Ecology, Ural Branch of the RAS, Buevich A.G. , Sergeev A.P. ,   Institute of Industrial Ecology, Ural Branch of the RAS, Shichkin A.V. ,   Institute of Industrial Ecology, Ural Branch of the RAS, Baglaeva E.M. ,   Institute of Industrial Ecology, Ural Branch of the RAS, Subbotina I.E. ,   Institute of Industrial Ecology, Ural Branch of the RAS, Butorova A.S. ,   Institute of Industrial Ecology, Ural Branch of the RAS
Published: December 2023

The study of the dynamics of greenhouse gases in the Arctic regions of the planet is becoming increasingly important. Such studies are especially relevant due to the climate change observed in this region. The paper propose a hybrid model that combines wavelet transformation of the original data and an artificial neural network with a long chain of short-term memory (LSTM) elements to predict changes in the surface methane concentration in the Arctic latitudes. The methane concentration time series via a discrete wavelet transform was decomposed into four components — one approximating and three detailing ones. These components were used to train the LSTM network. The forecast was calculated as the sum of forecasts for each of the components. Three predictive models were built. In the first, the LSTM network was trained in a non-linear autoregressive mode. The second one was a combination of discrete wavelet transform with LSTM neural network. An additional model based on a non-linear autoregressive neural network (NAR) was also used for comparison. The work is based on data from environmental monitoring of greenhouse gases on Bely Island, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area of Russia. The initial data for building the proposed model were obtained within July-August 2017. The accuracy of the forecast was assessed using several indicators. The hybrid model based on LSTM showed the best accuracy.
Polemical article on the study results “An approach to the analysis of hydrometeorological conditions that determine the delay in response to marine oil spills in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation”
Authors:   St. Petersburg Scientific Research Center for Ecological Safety of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Donchenko V.K. , Gusev A.V. ,   Marchuk Institute of Numerical Mathematics of RAS, Ivanchin A.A. ,   Central Marine Research and Design Institute, Mansurov M.N. ,   KNTC for the Development of Offshore Oil and Gas Resources OP Gazprom VNIIGAZ MO, Zatsepa S.N. ,   N. N. Zubov’s State Oceanographic Institute, Ivchenko A.A. ,   N. N. Zubov’s State Oceanographic Institute, Knizhnikov А.Y. ,   -, Solbakov V.V. ,   Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control” of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Blinovskaya Y.Y. ,   Far Eastern Federal University
Published: December 2023

The paper presents a critical analysis of the methodological approach proposed in the article: “Approach to the analysis of hydrometeorological conditions that determine the delay in the response to marine oil spills in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation” (published in the 3rd Issue of the Journal). The approach predicts likely delays in implementing technical operations to eliminate oil spills, depending on hydrometeorological and geographical conditions in the area of emergency in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation on example of marine areas along the Northern Sea Route.
ETIKA JURNALISTIK PENGGUNAAN CLICKBAIT OLEH VODCAST DEDDY CORBUZIER DALAM MENGEMAS ISU SEKSUALITAS
Authors: Putri Mastura Ferla , Utami Dewi , Lukitowati Suci
Published: December 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui etika jurnalistik penggunaan clickbait oleh vodcast Deddy Corbuzier dalam mengemas isu seksualitas. Adapun penelitian ini dilakukan melalui pendekatan kualitatif jenis deskriptif dengan mengidentifikasi penggunaan clickbait berdasarkan tipe konsep clickbait menurut Biyani, Tsioutsiouliktis, dan Blackmer (2016). Tipe tersebut terdiri dari exaggeration, teasing, inflammatory, formatting, graphic, bait and switch, ambiguous dan wrong. Lebih dari itu, penelitian ini juga mengidentifikasi dimensi seksualitas menurut Argyo Demartoto (2010). Dalam menganalisis praktik clickbait yang mengindikasikan adanya pelanggaran etika jurnalistik digunakan konsep etika jurnalistik yang tertuang pada buku The Elements of Journalism oleh Bill Kovach dan Tom Rosenstiel (2007). Dari sepuluh elemen jurnalisme, terdapat lima elemen yang paling berkaitan erat dan menjadi pembahasan pokok penelitian, di antaranya: pertama, berkewajiban pada kebenaran, kedua, loyalitas pertama kepada warga, ketiga disiplin verifikasi, keempat, berupaya membuat informasi menarik dan relevan, terakhir, mampu menjaga informasi yang dibuat secara komprehensif dan proposional. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa praktik clickbait yang dijalankan oleh #CloseTheDoor Corbuzier Podcast terbukti mencederai sejumlah elemen etika jurnalistik. Hal ini dibuktikan berdasarkan hasil observasi serta wawancara bersama informan penelitian.
Cultivation, Phytochemical screening and Antimicrobial analysis of caterpillar mushroom Cordyceps militaris and fruiting body
Authors: Gupta Aanchal , Sharma Chandra Kant , Sharma Monika
Published: December 2023

The fungus Cordyceps militaris comes under the family cordyciptiaceae and class ascomycetes. In ancient time it was used in Chinese and Tibetan medicines for lungs and kidney diseases but with the change in era, more researches were conducted on it. This study was designed for the cultivation of Cordyceps militaris (C.M.) mushroom on brown rice media as the measure component and evaluation of its quantitative, qualitative and free radical scavenging activity of the methanolic extract. To know the bioactive compounds, preliminary phytochemical analysis was done which states that methanolic extract of Cordyceps contains protein, phenol, alkaloids, tannin, flavonoids, coumarins, polysaccharides and carbohydrates. The quantitative analysis of methanolic extract was quantified using determination of total phenol and total flavonoids using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and Aluminium calorimetric assay method respectively. Phyto- compounds were depicted through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas chromatography- mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) while the free radical scavenging activity was determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, hydrogen peroxide assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and reducing power assay. Highest phenolic and flavonoid contents were depicted in CM100%meth while CM100%meth. showed highest free radical scavenging activity. The assessment of extract for antimicrobial activity was done with well diffusion method against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria revealing that aqueous and methanolic extract are more effective against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli.
Salicylic acid improving physiological and phytochemical changes in Stevia rebaudiana under salt stress and estimating steviol glycoside by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Dhankot Zahabiya , Sanghvi Gaurav
Published: December 2023

Almost every area of plant development is negatively impacted by stress. Salicylic acid (SA), when supplied exogenously, has been demonstrated to be a regulatory hormone that may mitigate the harmful effects of salt stress. Diabetics, hypertensive and health-conscious people substitute Stevia rebaudiana for sugar. Salinity is the global problem directly affecting the quality and quantity of stevia. Each group received 100 mM NaCl treatment for seven days followed by 0.1 mM, 0.2 mM and 0.05 mM SA treatment. Salt stress reduces the amount of chlorophyll (P<0.001) and the antioxidant capacity (P<0.001) which is restored by SA treatment. Salt stress increased proline (P<0.001), MDA (P<0.001) and other antioxidant enzymes (P<0.001), with the exception of catalase (P<0.05). Furthermore, salt stress has a negative impact on stevioside production which SA assisted in improving. Salt stress hampered the biology and phytochemistry of Stevia. SA restored antioxidants, chlorophyll, proline and phytochemicals. SA also helped to improve the steviol production in salt stress which is significantly lower in normal plants. Method developed to estimate steviol level can also be helpful to different industries involved in stevia products.
Differentiating the yield of chemical reactions using parameters in first-order kinetic equations to identify elementary steps that control the reactivity from complicated reaction path networks
Authors: Harabuchi Yu , Yokoyama Tomohiko , Matsuoka Wataru , Oki Taihei , Iwata Satoru , Maeda Satoshi
Published: December 2023

The yield of a chemical reaction is obtained by solving the rate equation. This study introduces an approach for differentiating the yields using the parameters of the rate equation, which is expressed as a first-order linear differential equation. The yield derivative for a specific pair of reactant and product is derived by mathematically expressing the rate constant matrix contraction method, which is a simple kinetic analysis method. The parameters of the rate equation are the Gibbs energies of the intermediates and transition states in the reaction path network used to formulate the rate equation. Thus, the differentiating yield allows the numerical evaluation of the contribution of energy variation to the yield for each intermediate and transition state in the reaction path network. In other words, a comparison of these values automatically extracts the factors affecting the yield from a complicated reaction path network consisting of numerous reaction paths and intermediates. This study verifies the behavior of the proposed approach through numerical experiments on the reaction path networks of a model system and the Rh-catalyzed hydroformylation reaction. Moreover, the possibility of using this approach for designing organometallic catalyst ligands is discussed.
Reservoir Computing with Colloidal Mixtures of ZnO and Proteinoids
Authors: Fortulan Raphael , Raeisi Kheirabadi Noushin , Mougkogiannis Panagiotis , Chiolerio Alessandro , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: December 2023

Liquid computers use incompressible fluids for computational processes. Here we present experimental laboratory prototypes of liquid computers using colloids composed of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and microspheres containing thermal proteins (proteinoids). The choice of proteinoids is based on their distinctive neuron-like electrical behaviour and their similarity to protocells. In addition, ZnO nanoparticles are chosen for their non-trivial electrical properties. Our research demonstrates the successful extraction of 2-, 4- and 8-bit logic functions in ZnO proteinoid colloids. Our analysis shows that each material has a distinct set of logic functions, and that the complexity of the expressions is directly related to each material present in a mixture. These findings provide a basis for the development of future hybris liquid devices capable of general purpose computing.
Enhancing Surface Activity in MoTe2 Monolayers through P-Block Doping: A Comprehensive DFT Investigation
Authors: Florjan Dominik , Szary Maciej
Published: December 2023

Molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2), a member of the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), has recently garnered significant attention in the fast growing fields of two-dimensional electronics. However, despite its advantages, the intrinsic properties of MoTe2, like the low chemical activity of its basal plane, also resulted in several technological challenges. To overcome these limitations, several methods have been explored, with single atom doping emerging as a particularly promising approach. In this study, we employed density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the influence of single atom impurities on the chemical activity of MoTe2. A total of 22 dopants were selected from the p-block of the periodic table, ranging from boron to bismuth. Specifically, we examined the adsorption of oxygen molecules (O2) on the doped structures to assess their impact on layer chemical activity. Our findings revealed that doping was energetically favorable for all investigated atoms, and it had a significant effect on surface activity. Notably, doping with dopants from groups 13-15, especially those with low atomic number, results in significant increased adsorption strength, leading to weakening of the molecular bonding in O2 by up 5.72 eV, hinting at the potential use as catalyst. Additionally, we identified certain molecules, primarily from group 17, with a remarkably high adsorption energy to charge transfer ratio. This leads to excellent sensing characteristics, where the response to adsorption in their carrier concentration is increased 100-fold over the pristine MoTe2, while sensor recovery is estimated between 0.01 and 2 s. In summary, our investigation demonstrated that doping MoTe2 with p-block elements is a viable approach to chemical alteration of its surface activity, paving the way for various applications.