bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio-Temporal Variation in Landforms and Surface Urban Heat Island in Riverine Megacity
Authors: Gorai Namita , Bandyopadhyay Jatisankar , Halder Bijay , Ahmed Minhaz Farid , Molla Altaf Hossain , Lei Thomas M. T.
Published: April 2024

Rapid urbanization and changing climatic procedures can activate the present surface urban heat island (SUHI) effect. An SUHI was considered by temperature alterations among urban and rural surroundings. The urban zones were frequently warmer than the rural regions because of population pressure, urbanization, vegetation insufficiency, industrialization, and transportation systems. This investigation analyses the Surface-UHI (SUHI) influence in Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), India. Growing land surface temperature (LST) may cause an SUHI and impact ecological conditions in urban regions. The urban thermal field variation index (UTFVI) served as a qualitative and quantitative barrier to the SUHI susceptibility. The maximum likelihood approach was used in conjunction with supervised classification techniques to identify variations in land use and land cover (LULC) over a chosen year. The outcomes designated a reduction of around 1354.86 Ha, 653.31 Ha, 2286.9 Ha, and 434.16 Ha for vegetation, bare land, grassland, and water bodies, correspondingly. Temporarily, from the years 1991–2021, the built-up area increased by 4729.23 Ha. The highest LST increased by around 7.72 °C, while the lowest LST increased by around 5.81 °C from 1991 to 2021. The vegetation index and LST showed a negative link, according to the correlation analyses; however, the built-up index showed an experimentally measured positive correlation. This inquiry will compel the administration, urban planners, and stakeholders to observe humanistic activities and thus confirm sustainable urban expansion.
Lightweight Design of Vibration Control Devices for Offshore Substations Based on Inerters
Authors: Wang Yanfeng , Xu Chenghao , Yu Mengze , Huang Zhicong
Published: April 2024

Offshore substations are important sustainable power infrastructures subjected to strong vibrations induced by complex environmental excitations such as wind, waves, and currents. To protect the structures and expensive facilities, lightweight vibration control devices are highly desirable in offshore substations. With a high-performance energy dissipation device, the inerter, the conventional Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) is upgraded for lightweight vibration control. The optimal parametric design and performance evaluation of single- and double-tuned vibration control devices is performed based on the H-norm criteria. The corresponding equivalent mass ratios of both single- and double-tuned vibration control devices are summarized and formulated in a systematical manner. Finally, the presented optimal design formulas, equivalent mass ratios, and control performances are validated by vibration control analyses on a practical offshore substation. The results show that inerter-based vibration control devices can be effectively equivalent to a TMD, with the equivalent mass ratio. The double-tuned inerter-based device could save 25% mass compared to a TMD. With a Tuned Mass Damper Inerter (TMDI), the responsibility for the mass could be shared with dual-end connected inerters. Meanwhile, the Tuned Viscous Mass Damper (TVMD) completely replaces the mass block with an inerter, which has a superior lightweight vibration control performance.
China’s Sustainable Energy Transition Path to Low-Carbon Renewable Infrastructure Manufacturing under Green Trade Barriers
Authors: Tang Jing , Xiao Xiao , Han Mengqi , Shan Rui , Gu Dungang , Hu Tingting , Li Guanghui , Rao Pinhua , Zhang Nan , Lu Jiaqi
Published: April 2024

Facing green trade barriers from developed nations, particularly the EU, based on product carbon footprints, China’s renewable energy industries confront significant challenges in transitioning towards sustainability and low carbon emissions. This study delves into the carbon footprint of China’s renewable infrastructure, evaluating wind turbines, photovoltaic (PV) panels, and lithium batteries across varied decarbonization scenarios, emphasizing both production and international trade transportation. The initial findings for 2022 indicate baseline carbon footprints of 990,701 kg CO2-eq/MW for wind turbines, 2994.97 kg CO2-eq/kWp for PV panels, and 67.53 kg CO2-eq/kWh for batteries. Projections for 2050 suggest that decarbonization advancements could slash these footprints by up to 36.1% for wind turbines, 76.7% for PV panels, and 72.5% for batteries, closely mirroring the EU’s 2050 low-carbon benchmarks. Considerable carbon footprints from both domestic and international transportation have been quantified, underscoring the importance of logistic decarbonization. Based on these results, it is concluded that China’s steadfast commitment to a sustainable and climate-ambitious development path can provide globally competitive, low-carbon renewable infrastructure after 2030. The study advocates for a collaborative approach to product decarbonization across international trade, as opposed to erecting barriers, to effectively contribute to global climate objectives.
Sustainability: An Ethical Challenge: The Overexploitation of the Planet as an Exemplary Case
Authors: Carlsen Lars
Published: April 2024

Earth Overshoot Day is used as an exemplary case to suggest actions to obtain better compliance between the ecological footprints and biocapacities of the world’s regions. This study was based on the Global Footprint Network’s free public data on Earth Overshoot Day. The analyses of the data applied a partial ordering methodology in combination with the so-called Philosophy Model, leading to a joint ranking of the regions based on the simultaneous inclusion of ecological footprint data and data on biocapacities. The ranking was topped by South America, whereas North America and the Middle East/Central Asia were at the bottom of the list. Biocapacity was found to be the most important ranking indicator. Thus, doubling the biocapacity for each region would, on a global scale, lead to a population reserve of approx. 1.5 billion, whereas a halving of the individual ecological footprint would still lead to a population deficit of approximately 1 billion. The footprints and the biocapacities are composed of six and five sub-indicators, respectively, and the carbon footprint together with the built-up land footprint is the most important sub-indicator. To comply with the corresponding available biocapacity, significant reductions in the carbon footprint are needed, close to 50% for high-income countries. The ethical issues, as well as their interconnection with the Sustainable Development Goals, were discussed, with a focus on carbon footprints and well-being, as well as educating women, as illustrative cases.
Innovative Solar Dryer for Sustainable Aloe Vera Gel Preservation in Colombia
Authors: Ariza Oscar , Casallas Ingrid , Fajardo Arturo
Published: April 2024

Aloe Barbadensis Miller, commonly known as Aloe vera, has been widely used in different applications, such as medicinal treatments and cosmetic products. However, its transportation and handling present challenges due to oxidation and property loss caused by direct environmental exposure. A strategy to mitigate these effects is dehydration, where different industrial-scale methods such as freeze-drying, spraying, refractory windows, and convective drying can be applied. Despite their effectiveness, those dehydration techniques are both energetically and economically costly. Solar drying technology offers a cost-effective, lower-energy alternative addressing sustainability, socioeconomic, scientific progress, and integrated sustainable development challenges. Nevertheless, solar drying through direct sunlight exposure has been minimally explored for drying high-water-content products like Aloe vera, potentially due to the inherent challenges of drying under uncontrolled environmental conditions. In response, this paper introduces a methodology for pre-treating and pre-drying Aloe vera gel using a low-cost solar dryer prototype, achieving up to 50% water activity reduction in experimental tests under uncontrolled conditions in Colombia, South America. The proposed prototype features a drying cabinet with energy autonomy and forced convection. The experimental evaluation compares the quality of pre-dried Aloe vera gel with freeze-dried samples, demonstrating comparable attributes under favorable environmental conditions. The results demonstrate the feasibility of pre-drying Aloe vera gel within 13 to 48 h, with a maximum drying rate of 0.38 g/min. During this process, water activity decreased from an initial value of 0.975 to a final value ranging between 0.472 and 0.748. Furthermore, the quality of the dehydrated gel was assessed through color analysis, comparing it with a freeze-dried sample. Subsequent color analysis of the freeze-dried samples revealed minor changes in product quality compared to those dried using the proposed solar drying method. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solar dryer in pre-dehydrating Aloe vera gel, yielding characteristics similar to those achieved through conventional methods.
Systematic Characterization of Cow Manure Biochar and Its Effect on Salicornia herbacea L. Growth
Authors: Shin Hyokyeong , Chun Danbi , Cho Ick-Rae , Hanif Md. Abu , Kang Sung-Soo , Kwac Lee Ku , Kim Hong Gun , Kim Young Soon
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the potential of biochar as a sustainable material for waste utilization and carbon sequestration in soil. Biochar was prepared from cow manure (CM) and applied to the soil. Biochar was processed by subjecting CM to various temperature ranges (400 [CMB400], 550 [CMB550], and 700 °C [CMB700]) under nitrogen gas (allowed to flow to restrict oxygen), with residence time set to 3 h. The characteristics of the biochar produced at each temperature were analyzed. The experiment was conducted for approximately 15 weeks with the laboratory temperature maintained between 24 and 26 °C. The growth rate of plants was obtained by measuring their length weekly, starting 4 weeks after crop establishment. CMB550 exhibited the highest specific surface area (117.57 m2 g−1) and well-distributed pore size; therefore, it was mixed with the soil at a specific ratio and put in pots for the planting of Salicornia herbacea L. (glasswort) in the laboratory. The results demonstrated that adding biochar to soil increased plant growth and that the biochar could store organic carbon. In addition, an investigation of heavy metals demonstrated that samples with biochar had lower heavy metal concentrations in glasswort than those without because of the potential of biochar to adsorb heavy metals. By interacting with heavy metal ions in soil solution, the reactive sites and functional groups on the surface of biochar immobilize them and lessen their potentially detrimental effects on plant growth. Overall, biochar has the potential to be a valuable resource for waste management and environmental improvement.
Assessing Consumer Behavior in Sustainable Product Markets: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach with Partial Least Squares Analysis
Authors: Islam Qamrul , Ali Khan Syed Md Faisal
Published: April 2024

The present research investigates the determinants that impact the decision-making process about sustainable purchasing. The study’s conceptual framework encompasses customer attitudes, values, beliefs, environmental awareness, perceived environmental impact, price and value, and product attributes. The study aims to comprehend the inclination toward environmentally friendly purchases and the elements that promote their behavior. The study employs quantitative techniques using SEM-PLS, a robust approach for formulating hypotheses and performing mediation and moderation analysis, to comprehend the dynamics of green purchase behavior. The web survey conducted from 30 October 2023 to 16 December 2023 forms the basis of the data analysis. Throughout this period, 744 responses were collected in total. The study’s findings establish correlations between characteristics and the propensity of individuals to buy environmentally friendly products. Personal attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control are factors that are associated with variables that impact the relationship between customer attitudes and the intention to buy environmentally friendly products. The study significantly contributes to domain marketing by establishing a new concept called “sustainable product evaluation”. This concept includes factors such as perceived environmental values and beliefs, perceived environmental impact, and product features. Incorporating a new variable improves the comprehension of the factors that influence environmentally conscious decision-making among Saudi Arabian consumers. While the majority of our sample was university students, we want to understand sustainable consumption behavior. The results may not reflect the general population. Due to this constraint, we advise diligence when interpreting the results in light of public attitudes and experiences.
Approaches for Sampling and Sample Preparation for Microplastic Analysis in Laundry Effluents
Authors: Vojnović Branka , Mihovilović Petra , Dimitrov Nino
Published: April 2024

The continuous growth in the production, unsustainable use, and disposal of plastics in recent decades has led to the emergence of a new type of pollutant, microplastics (MPs). In this article, the focus is on the form of MPs, which are produced by the fragmentation of textile fibres during washing processes. The problems associated with the characterisation and quantification of MPs in this type of sample are related to the wide range of concentrations, forms, and degree of degradation as well as physico-chemical and biological properties. Although the basic principles for the analysis of microplastics present in the environmental samples are known, there is the lack of standardised methods for the analysis of MPs in laundry effluents and domestic washing. Therefore, the continuous development of sophisticated analytical techniques and methodologies is required for the reliable collection and isolation, quantification, and characterisation of one of the most challenging analytes. The aim of this review is to outline the key steps of MPs analysis in laundry effluents and domestic washing, focusing on those steps that are underestimated in the current literature: sampling and sample preparation for analysis. Precisely these analytical steps, which can become the main source of analytical measurement system errors, ensure the quality of the analysis. This paper emphasises the importance of monitoring background contamination and presents guidelines to ensure quality control specifically for this type of analyte.
Exploring the Nexus of Perceived Organizational CSR Engagement, Job Satisfaction, Organizational Pride, and Involvement in CSR Activities: Evidence from an Emerging Economy
Authors: Slijepčević Milica , Popović Šević Nevenka , Krstić Jelena , Rajić Tamara , Ranković Milan
Published: April 2024

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming omnipresent in contemporary business environments given the growing awareness of the social role of business entities and their contribution to sustainable development. The research was conducted in order to explore the relationships between the perceived organizational engagement in CSR, job satisfaction due to CSR, organizational pride, and employees’ involvement in the company’s CSR activities. The research was conducted on a sample of employees in the life insurance department of a leading insurance company in Serbia, using a structured web questionnaire. Data analysis was performed on a sample of 138 respondents. Data were processed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), given the relatively small size of the sample, asymmetric data distribution, and the complexity of the relations. The study results point to a more influential role of CSR engagement in fostering organizational pride, compared to job satisfaction, with the latter as the most influential determinant of organizational involvement.
Unveiling the Drivers of Chinese Tourists’ Visit Intentions Regarding Malaysia
Authors: Jiang Xiaocong , Mohamed Ahmad Edwin bin , Affifudin Amirul Husni bin
Published: April 2024

In 2023, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia had not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, unlike those from some regions where tourism numbers have normalized. The lack of established research methodologies complicates the determination of whether negative news reports contribute to reduced visit intentions among these tourists. Through semi-structured interviews with a total of 69 individuals, including tourists who have visited, those who planned to visit but canceled, and local industry professionals, and using thematic analysis, this study identified ten primary factors diminishing Chinese tourists’ visit intentions regarding Malaysia. Notably, the findings suggest that the main reasons are not primarily associated with negative media coverage. The research indicates that improvements in multilingual services, targeted marketing strategies, effective use of Chinese social media platforms, promotion of local culture, addressing inaccuracies in religious and cultural guidance, and reducing regional disparities in infrastructure could enhance the visit intentions of Chinese tourists regarding Malaysia. This study not only offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the factors influencing visitation intentions but also provides an effective methodology for assessing the impact of unforeseen events on tourist behavior. It further proposes practical strategies to enhance the recovery of tourist arrivals.
Comparison of Closed and Open Surgical Technique for Second to Fifth Metacarpal Shaft Fractures: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study in a Dutch City Population
Authors: Quax Marcel Libertus Johannes , Kielman Maarten , Meylaerts Sven Albert , Greeven Alexander Pieter Antony
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to assess surgical treatment in metacarpal shaft fractures of the second to fifth ray to determine the functional outcomes and complications in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF). This was a retrospective study that included patients with metacarpal shaft fractures of the second to fifth rays who were treated surgically between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2019. Functional outcomes were scored using the QuickDASH and Eq5D score. A total of 231 treated patients were included. Single fractures were seen in 180 patients, and multiple fractures in 51 patients. ORIF was applied in 141 patients and CRIF in 90 patients. The functional outcomes were not significantly different between the groups. Complications were found in 41 (29%) of the ORIF patients and 15 (17%) of the CRIF patients. The functional outcomes after single or multiple metacarpal shaft fractures were similar in the ORIF and CRIF patients. ORIF showed significantly more complications, such as functional impairment and infections and a higher reoperation rate. In conclusion, CRIF is as safe as ORIF for the surgical treatment of metacarpal shaft fractures in terms of its functional outcome and slightly preferable due to its lower complication rate.
The General Solution to a Classical Matrix Equation AXB = C over the Dual Split Quaternion Algebra
Authors: Si Kai-Wen , Wang Qing-Wen
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we investigate the necessary and sufficient conditions for solving a dual split quaternion matrix equation AXB = C, and present the general solution expression when the solvability conditions are met. As an application, we delve into the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a Hermitian solution to this equation by using a newly defined real representation method. Furthermore, we obtain the solutions for the dual split quaternion matrix equations AX = C and XB = C. Finally, we provide a numerical example to demonstrate the findings of this paper.
Generalized Neuromorphism and Artificial Intelligence: Dynamics in Memory Space
Authors: Mikki Said
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces a multidisciplinary conceptual perspective encompassing artificial intelligence (AI), artificial general intelligence (AGI), and cybernetics, framed within what we call the formalism of generalized neuromorphism. Drawing from recent advancements in computing, such as neuromorphic computing and spiking neural networks, as well as principles from the theory of open dynamical systems and stochastic classical and quantum dynamics, this formalism is tailored to model generic networks comprising abstract processing events. A pivotal aspect of our approach is the incorporation of the memory space and the intrinsic non-Markovian nature of the abstract generalized neuromorphic system. We envision future computations taking place within an expanded space (memory space) and leveraging memory states. Positioned at a high abstract level, generalized neuromorphism facilitates multidisciplinary applications across various approaches within the AI community.
Overexpressing the cpr1953 Orphan Histidine Kinase Gene in the Absence of cpr1954 Orphan Histidine Kinase Gene Expression, or Vice Versa, Is Sufficient to Obtain Significant Sporulation and Strong Production of Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin or Spo0A by Clostridium perfringens Type F Strain SM101
Authors: Mehdizadeh Gohari Iman , Gonzales Jessica L. , Uzal Francisco A. , McClane Bruce A.
Published: April 2024

The CPR1953 and CPR1954 orphan histidine kinases profoundly affect sporulation initiation and Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) production by C. perfringens type F strain SM101, whether cultured in vitro (modified Duncan–Strong sporulation medium (MDS)) or ex vivo (mouse small intestinal contents (MIC)). To help distinguish whether CPR1953 and CPR1954 act independently or in a stepwise manner to initiate sporulation and CPE production, cpr1953 and cpr1954 null mutants of SM101 were transformed with plasmids carrying the cpr1954 or cpr1953 genes, respectively, causing overexpression of cpr1954 in the absence of cpr1953 expression and vice versa. RT-PCR confirmed that, compared to SM101, the cpr1953 mutant transformed with a plasmid encoding cpr1954 expressed cpr1954 at higher levels while the cpr1954 mutant transformed with a plasmid encoding cpr1953 expressed higher levels of cpr1953. Both overexpressing strains showed near wild-type levels of sporulation, CPE toxin production, and Spo0A production in MDS or MIC. These findings suggest that CPR1953 and CPR1954 do not function together in a step-wise manner, e.g., as a novel phosphorelay. Instead, it appears that, at natural expression levels, the independent kinase activities of both CPR1953 and CPR1954 are necessary for obtaining sufficient Spo0A production and phosphorylation to initiate sporulation and CPE production.
Transport Accessibility of Urban Districts in Megapolis: Insights from Moscow
Authors: Petrova Tatiana , Grunin Andrey
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: As global urbanization accelerates, effective mobility in metropolitan areas becomes crucial. City transportation systems, often congested, have diverse transit modes and numerous access points. Our study focuses on the transportation accessibility of the various districts within Moscow, a city with a population of over 12 million and covering approximately 900 square kilometers. (2) Methods: The city was divided into 2 km-by-2 km squares, and we used both personal and public transportation data. This allowed us to analyze spatiotemporal mobility patterns, calculating travel times and distances between these defined centroids. Our assessment not only considered transportation to key hubs, such as major train stations, airports, and the city center, but also weighed the integral interconnectedness of individual districts. Various time frames, including morning and evening peak hours and quieter weekend periods, were used. (3) Results: The study pinpointed the most and least convenient districts for various transit options across the city. Our findings underscore the intricacies of daily commuting patterns in Moscow, highlighting bottlenecks and areas for potential infrastructure enhancement. (4) Conclusions: Using Moscow’s case, we demonstrated the methodology to better understand and improve strategic urban planning and intelligent mobility solutions, aiming to bolster transportation accessibility.
Favipiravir Treatment Prolongs Survival in a Lethal BALB/c Mouse Model of Ebinur Lake Virus Infection
Authors: Geng Jingke , Ren Nanjie , Yang Cihan , Wang Fei , Huang Doudou , Rodriguez Sergio , Yuan Zhiming , Xia Han
Published: April 2024

Orthobunyavirus is the largest and most diverse genus in the family Peribunyaviridae. Orthobunyaviruses are widely distributed globally and pose threats to human and animal health. Ebinur Lake virus (EBIV) is a newly classified Orthobunyavirus detected in China, Russia, and Kenya. This study explored the antiviral effects of two broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, favipiravir and ribavirin, in a BALB/c mouse model. Favipiravir significantly improved the clinical symptoms of infected mice, reduced viral titer and RNA copies in serum, and extended overall survival. The median survival times of mice in the vehicle- and favipiravir-treated groups were 5 and 7 days, respectively. Favipiravir significantly reduced virus titers 10- to 100-fold in sera at all three time points compared to vehicle-treated mice. And favipiravir treatment effectively reduced the virus copies by approximately 10-fold across the three time points, relative to vehicle-treated mice. The findings expand the antiviral spectrum of favipiravir for orthobunyaviruses in vivo.
Validation and Suitability Assessment of Multiplex Mesoscale Discovery Immunogenicity Assay for Establishing Serological Signatures Using Vaccinated, Non-Vaccinated and Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Infected Cases
Authors: Shengule Sushant , Alai Shweta , Bhandare Sachin , Patil Sumant , Gautam Manish , Mangaonkar Bhushan , Gupta Sumit , Shaligram Umesh , Gairola Sunil
Published: April 2024

Antibody responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are multi-targeted and variable over time. Multiplex quantitative serological assays are needed to provide accurate and robust seropositivity data for the establishment of serological signatures during vaccination and or infection. We describe here the validation and evaluation of an electro-chemiluminescence (ECL)-based Mesoscale Discovery assay (MSD) for estimation of total and functional IgG relative to SARS-CoV-2 spike, nucleocapsid and receptor binding (RBD) proteins in human serum samples to establish serological signatures of SARS-CoV-2 natural infection and breakthrough cases. The 9-PLEX assay was validated as per ICH, EMA, and US FDA guidelines using a panel of sera samples, including the NIBSC/WHO reference panel (20/268). The assay demonstrated high specificity and selectivity in inhibition assays, wherein the homologous inhibition was more than 85% and heterologous inhibition was below 10%. The assay also met predetermined acceptance criteria for precision (CV < 20%), accuracy (70–130%) and dilutional linearity. The method’s applicability to serological signatures was demonstrated using sera samples (n = 45) representing vaccinated, infected and breakthrough cases. The method was able to establish distinct serological signatures and thus provide a potential tool for seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during vaccination or infection.
A Multi-Approach Analysis for Monitoring Wave Energy Driven by Coastal Extremes
Authors: Matar Reine , Abcha Nizar , Abroug Iskander , Lecoq Nicolas , Turki Emma-Imen
Published: April 2024

This research investigates the behavior and frequency evolution of extreme waves in coastal areas through a combination of physical modeling, spectral analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. Laboratory experiments were conducted in a wave flume, deploying various wave spectra, including JONSWAP (γ = 7), JONSWAP (γ = 3.3), and Pierson–Moskowitz, using the dispersive focusing technique, covering a broad range of wave amplitudes. Wave characteristics were monitored using fifty-one gauges at distances between 4 m and 14 m from the wave generator, employing power spectral density (PSD) analysis to investigate wave energy subtleties. A spectral approach of discrete wavelets identified frequency components. The energy of the dominant frequency components, d5 and d4, representing the peak frequency (fp = 0.75 Hz) and its first harmonic (2fp = 1.5 Hz), respectively, exhibited a significant decrease in energy, while others increased, revealing potential correlations with zones of higher energy dissipation. This study underscores the repeatable and precise nature of results, demonstrating the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) machine learning algorithm’s accuracy in predicting the energy of frequency components. The finding emphasizes the importance of a multi-approach analysis for effectively monitoring energy in extreme coastal waves.
Pathogenetic strategies for addressing periodontal morphological and functional disorders in plaque-induced gingivitis
Authors: Agafonova I. S. , Ermolyev S. N. , Aivazova R. A. , Shimanskiy Sh. L. , Atrushkevich V. G.
Published: April 2024

Relevance. Plaque-induced gingivitis represents the initial phase of periodontal diseases and a significant medical and social challenge within global healthcare frameworks, particularly prevalent among younger people.

Demographics. This prevalence arises from its multifactorial etiology, complex developmental mechanisms, and notable pathogenetic features, most evidently microcirculatory disruptions leading to tissue hypoxia. Addressing these pathological conditions requires the development of novel diagnostic methodologies and therapeutic interventions to prevent further complications.

Materials and methods. The study encompassed 54 subjects with an average age of 22.5 ± 1.7 years. The control group included 34 participants (GroupI), and the comparison group 20 participants (Group II). Group II received vacuum laser therapy in conjunction with Mexidol-based dressings, noted for their antihypoxant and antioxidant properties.

Results. Evaluations conducted post-treatment indicated enhancements in both arterial and venous capillary functions. Amid the antioxidant and antihypoxant treatment regimen, capillary diameters were reduced to match those observed in the control group.

Conclusion. Regimen implemented in this study was clinically and functionally effective in a combined treatment protocol involving vacuum laser therapy on periodontal tissues of plaque-induced gingivitis patients. This regimen is recommendable as a corrective measure for microcirculatory disturbances within the scope of managing inflammatory periodontal diseases.
Changing how ‘rural’ is understood in health professional education
Authors: Adams Margaret , Yen Margaret
Published: April 2024

Purpose: For students enrolled in tertiary education courses, learning to work rurally is mainly reliant on placement experiences. An international scoping review (Adams 2023) found that rural placement and other learning experiences are seldom supported by published evidence or evaluative research related to rural theory, specific curricula content, pedagogy or assessment. The implications of the scoping review findings are discussed using relevant theoretical perspectives. This argument aims to raise awareness amongst health professional educators of opportunities and outcomes that may support confident, capable, autonomous work in broader scopes of practice through specific, structured rural content in health professional curricula.
Findings: Once theoretical foundations of rural education are established, structured evaluation of educational design and advancement of the scholarship of learning and teaching can occur.
Research implications: Extension of research into educational practice in rural contexts can contribute to rural health professional retention and improved health outcomes for rural populations.
Originality/value: This paper highlights a novel approach to rural health professional education for rural practice beyond standardised curricula delivered in rural contexts.
Limitations: The lack of published research does not mean that rural curricula and pedagogy do not exist in health professional curricula. Instead, it highlights that rural health education rarely includes analysis/evaluation of health programme content.
[1] The terms ‘rural’, ‘remote’ and ‘regional’ are often poorly differentiated and used interchangeably in the literature. ‘Rural’ is used throughout this document, although the authors wish to acknowledge the considerable differences between the practice contexts.
Verfassungs- und Gesetzesvorschriften über die Sprachenregelung im rumänischen Staat während der Zwischenkriegszeit
Authors:   Rechtswissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Alexandru
Ioan Cuza Iași, Balan Marius
Published: April 2024

Language regulations in interwar Romania were affected by the antinomy between their political and legal (especially constitutional) architecture, devised along Western models, and the concrete political circumstances, in a polity whose aims were defined by the ethno-cultural and linguistic character of national community supportive of the state. The perception of the alterity of the new ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities—now accounting for a significant part of the total population—occurred through the lens of two conceptual paradigms, both of them ultimately striving to promote uniformity. On the one hand, the “nation state” character of interwar Romania entailed, at least implicitly, an advancement of the economic, social and professional status of the nation supportive of the state, to the disadvantage of the national minorities. The identity claims of the latter may well be accepted, but in exchange for relinquishing the right to participate in decision-making on major political issues, concerning the state as a whole. On the other hand, the state-centered legal thinking in constitutional and administrative law—adopted under French influence—was an instrument well-suited for promoting and achieving the desired cultural uniformity. Nevertheless, the discrepancy between the Western legal and political paradigm identifying the state with the (political) nation—which formally coined the Versailles Treaty system—and the Central-European (mainly Austrian) pattern of thought, more sensitive to linguistic diversity, was discernable also at the level of the minority treaties.
The Political and Historical Identity of the North African Mediterranean Region: A Case Study: Tunisia
Authors:   Parliament
of Montenegro—Parliamentary Institute, Blagojević Jelisaveta , Premović Marijan ,   University of Montenegro
Published: April 2024

The paper outlines the importance of historical identity in the Southern Mediterranean region
through a case study of Tunisia. It explores Tunisia’s political development up until the fall of the
Ben Ali regime in January 2011, and its influence on the post-Arab spring period of constitutionalism of the new democratic government system. The theoretical framework of this paper involves
a strategic approach to transition, emphasizing the influence of the historical relationship between
religion (Islam) and politics on the role of the Islamic party in transition. The influence of the
historical relationship between the military and politics on the role of the military in transition is
also evaluated. These transition actors are chosen for a deeper investigation because of their historically negative image in Arab societies. In line with all available data, this article shows that the
pre-independence ‘twin tolerations’ between the State and religious citizens as well as the civilian
control over the military positively influenced Tunisia’s contemporary democratic development.
Post-independence Bourguiba’s ‘state-controlled Islam’ and Ben Ali’s ‘zero tolerance’ towards Islamists, somewhat paradoxically, contributed to the reaffirmation of Tunisian Islamic values and
Ennahda’s concept of Muslim democracy. The political and economically marginalized position of
the military determined its promotional role in the democratic transition. Applying the single case
study as comparison method developed by Landman and Linz-Stepan, we came to the conclusion
that, due to the positive role of Ennahda and the military, Tunisia achieved a successful democratic
transition even though its democracy is not yet fully consolidated.
Sufficiency of residual alveolar bone in terms of regions, age and gender in patients who underwent CBCT evaluation
Authors: Orhan Zeynep Dilan , Ciğerim Levent , Talmaç Ayşe Gül Öner , Mızrak Yusuf Rodi , Ciğerim Saadet Çınarsoy , Kahraman Nazlı Hilal
Published: April 2024

Background: Alveolar bone resorption may complicate dental implantation of the edentulous area. The quantity of residual bone depends on the region, and it is uncertain which region may present more difficulties before implantation. In this study, the alveolar bones of patients who had cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) before dental implantation were examined, and residual bone was evaluated based on age, gender, and the location of the missing tooth. Methods: In this observational study, the patients with CBCT were divided into two age groups: 18 to 35 and 36 and older. Also, the edentulous regions were divided into incisor, premolar, and molar regions. Radiographic measurements were performed with a cross-sectional aspect in the single-tooth deficiency regions of the patients; bone height and width measurements were made. Results: This study included 164 CBCT scans from individuals (99 females and 65 males). There was no statistically significant difference between the bone heights and between bone widths at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th mm according to age or gender (P>0.05). Bone height in the incisor tooth region (ITR) and bone width at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th mm in the molar tooth region (MTR) were significantly larger (P<0.01). Conclusion: This study revealed that the bone width at the 1st mm of the ITR was insufficient for dental implant placement and that horizontal bone augmentation was needed.
DMFT index of patients in the COVID-19 normalization period in Turkey
Authors: Ersöz Bilge , Oktay Elif Aybala , Aydın Numan , Karaoğlanoğlu Serpil
Published: April 2024

Background: During the 2019-nCoV pandemic, many health institutions stopped providing services, thus causing disruptions in the health system. This study aimed to examine the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index of individuals during the post-pandemic normalization period. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 640 adult patients aged more than 18 years, who applied to Health Science University Gulhane Faculty of Dentistry for dental treatment between July 20, 2021, and December 31, 2021. The information forms were filled by the dentist of the patients during their first examination, which included the demographic data of the patients (age, sex, educational status, occupation, and income status), oral hygiene habits of the patients (patients’ frequency of tooth brushing, floss use, and mouthwash use) and frequency of going to the dentist. In addition, the patients were examined by the same dentist using only mirrors and probes, and their DMFT index data (number of decayed, missing and filled teeth) were recorded. The data obtained from the study were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (P<0.05). Results: The mean age of the individuals participating in this study was 40.94±22.89 years, and the DMFT index was 10.38±5.47. When the DMFT index was examined according to age ranges, the lowest DMFT index was in the 18–30 years (6.15±3.5) (P<0.05). The group that used daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash showed the lowest DMFT ratio of 6.56±3.75. Conclusion: This study showed that the group that used tooth brushing, flossing, and mouthwash had the lowest DMFT index when health services were disrupted, such as during the pandemic period.
Evaluation of dental anomaly prevalence and types by cone beam computed tomography in a subgroup of Turkish population
Authors: Şendişçi Gök Rümeysa , Tercanlı Alkış Hümeyra
Published: April 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the frequency and variation of dental malformations in a subgroup of the Turkish population. Methods: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images taken for various reasons were scanned retrospectively. The presence of dental anomaly, type of dental anomaly, subtype of dental anomaly, occurrence of pathology due to the dental anomaly, and type of pathology were recorded. Dental anomalies were divided into five subgroups, including anomalies in shape, number, structure, position, and size. Data analysis was performed with SPSS, and statistical significance was defined as a P value below 0.05. Results: The study utilized a dataset of 1942 images for analysis. Four hundred thirty-five dental anomalies were detected in 414 patients (21.3%), with at least one dental anomaly in each patient. The most common anomaly type was position anomalies (n=271, 62.3%), and the least observed anomaly type was structural anomalies (n=3, 0.7%). The most common dental anomaly subtype was impacted teeth (n=214, 49.2%), and the least common were odontodysplasia, fusion/gemination, and accessory root (n=1, 0.2%). Pathology due to dental anomaly was detected in 26 patients (6%), and the most common pathology was cystic lesion formation (n=13, 3%). Conclusion: The prevalence and types of dental anomalies may differ between and within populations. The prevalence of dental anomaly was 21.3% in this study, and the most common type was position anomaly.
Effect of oral hygiene education to mothers on stomatitis induced by chemical therapy in cancer children: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Roozbeh Behzad , Rouzbeh Parinaz , Pourmovahed Zahra
Published: April 2024

Background: Stomatitis is considered as one of the most important acute complications of chemical therapy. Due to the problems and complications of stomatitis, it is very important to prevent it during chemotherapy. This study explored the effect of oral hygiene education to mothers on stomatitis induced by chemical therapy in cancer children. Methods: The present quasi-experimental research was conducted on 69 mothers with cancer children undergoing chemotherapy hospitalized in a pediatric oncology ward. The mothers were randomly assigned into case and control groups. Oral hygiene pedagogy was delivered face to face. The severity of stomatitis was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) checklist once on day 1 of chemotherapy and then on days 7 and 14 after chemotherapy in both groups. The gleaned Data were statistically analyzed using t test, Mann-Whitney test, and χ2 test. Results: The mean degree of stomatitis on the seventh and fourteenth days after chemotherapy was 0.71±0.52 and 0.32±0.63 in the experimental group and 1.46±0.61 and 2.74±0.92 in the control group, respectively. A significant difference existed between the intensity of stomatitis after education to mothers in the two groups (P=0.001). Conclusion: Oral hygiene education to mothers exerted an effect on the severity of stomatitis induced by chemical therapy in cancer children and reduced it on days 7 and 14 after chemotherapy. It is necessary for nurses to control oral hygiene status of these children and the severity of stomatitis every day.
Challenges Faced by Counsellors in Inclusive Education
Authors: Caroline Jeba Sorna P.
Published: April 2024

Counselling is an important aspect not only in the regular classroom structure but has its significance in Inclusive Education. An inclusive and a diverse environment can drastically improve the wellbeing of students. Traditional methods deal with students of learning difficulties or disabilities by separating them into small groups and teaching them away from their main classmates. This would definitely create an idea that they are different and lower their confidence. Inclusive education gives an opportunity to these students by allowing them to mingle and be part of the mainstream classroom. This paper throws light on the significance of counselling in Inclusive Education, Problems faced by a counsellor in schools, intervention programmes for students with special needs and the challenges the school counsellor might face in future.
MUSIC AND THE FLOW STATE
Authors:   „George Enescu” National University of Arts, Iași, România, Iușcă Dorina Geta
Published: April 2024

The flow state is the mental state in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. Flow is characterized by the complete absorption in what one does, and a resulting transformation in one's sense of time. Flow is the melting together of action and consciousness; the state of finding a balance between a skill and how challenging that task is. It requires a high level of concentration and a task that matches one's skill set. Music and flow go hand in hand, as a growing body of research demonstrate that many musical activities such as music performance, music composition and music education tend to elicit high levels of flow. The present study aims to review the latest findings associated to the link between music and flow and to show the importance of this optimal state in creating excellence in music.
THE VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLE, EXPRESSIVENESS, AND VIRTUOSITY IN LUIGI BASSI'S CONCERT FANTASIA ON THEMES FROM RIGOLETTO
Authors:   “George  Enescu”  National  University  of  Arts, Iaşi,  România, Albu Doru , Hojbotă Zaharia ,   “George  Enescu”  National  University  of  Arts, Iaşi,  România
Published: April 2024

This scientific paper presents and highlights the musicality and virtuosity that Luigi Bassi perfected with the help of the variational principle, using themes of a unique expressiveness from the opera Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi. The work is addressed to clarinetists with a well-developed technique and a qualitative and homogeneous sonority throughout the clarinet's ambitus. In the present scientific and interpretive approach, we propose to decode and present elements of structure, diverse instrumental techniques, and ways of interpreting the themes and variations, that coincide with the composer's desire. We will highlight the instrumental technique problems, proposals to optimize (solve) them, and ways to highlight sound colors, depending on the message the performer conveys. We believe that this study can be of real use both to teaching staff and students in the didactic activity, but also to the valuable instrumentalists involved in the interpretative activity, bearing in mind that the work has a very high degree of difficulty.
THE ROMANIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH CHORAL CREATION OF CLASSICAL-ROMANTIC INFLUENCE
Authors:   “George  Enescu”  National  University  of  Arts, Iaşi,  România, Dumitriu George
Published: April 2024

The liturgical singing of the Romanian Orthodox Church is monodic, of the Byzantine tradition. From the 19th century, under the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church, multiple voices choral singing penetrates the Romanian worship establishments. The beginnings were timid, isolated, from private initiatives and sometimes encountering the hostility of conservative ecclesiastical traditionalism. After 1959, the introduction of choral singing in the United Romanian Principalities was to be facilitated by state legislation. Choral singing would be used predominantly for the office of the Holy Liturgy. In finding a choral style suitable for the orthodox liturgical ceremonial, three main stylistic directions were outlined, among which the classical-romantic influence created a generous and varied repertoire.