bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yli ajan ja paikan
Authors: Kuuluvainen Venla , Virtanen Ira , Isotalus Pekka
Published: December 2023

Artikkelissa osoitamme, miksi medioidun vuorovaikutuksen perinteiset näkökulmat ovat riittämättömiä nopeasti kehittyvän viestintäteknologian ja sen käyttötapojen tarkastelussa ja pyrimme löytämään uusia näkökulmia aiheeseen. Argumentoimme, että interpersonaalisen viestinnän näkökulmasta uudessa ja arkipäiväistyvässä viestintäteknologiassa merkityksellisiksi nousevat kaksi elementtiä: kanava muuttuu paikaksi ja viestinnän suhdetason merkitys kasvaa. Uusi viestintäteknologia, kuten immersiivinen virtuaaliympäristö, hämärtää katsojan ja katsottavan rooleja tuomalla molemmat osaksi jaettua virtuaalista ympäristöä. Kohtaaminen jaetussa ympäristössä puolestaan vahvistaa osapuolten kokemusta vuorovaikutuksesta tai vuorovaikutussuhteesta toisen kanssa. Lopuksi tarkastelemme sitä, millaiset elementit nousevat merkityksellisiksi tulevaisuuden medioiduissa ja virtuaalisissa vuorovaikutuspaikoissa. Artikkeli perustuu kirjoittajien tutkimuslöydöksiin vuorovaikutuksesta immersiivisissä virtuaaliympäristöissä ja videopuheluissa.
Australian Health Services Management Courses: A discussion on syllabus
Authors: Yen Margaret , Anderson Judith
Published: December 2023

Objective: The aim of this research was to understand core knowledge areas offered by Masters courses in health services management in Australian universities.
Design: A Google search identified relevant Masters’ degrees in health services management. Course syllabus was then extracted from each university’s website. Common core subjects were then collated and compared.
Setting: Data for this study was collected from Australian university websites.Main outcome measures: Findings were compared with those presented in a similar study conducted in 2013. Interpretation was also informed by an appraisal of key issues that characterise the current context of health care in Australia.
Results: Masters’ degrees in health services management were offered by 18 universities. Common core subjects included management, evaluation, evidence, health system, governance, law and human resource management. A comparison with an earlier study conducted by Ritchie and Yen [1] found an increase in the following subjects: health system, quality management, health economics, policy and research, and a decrease in health information, epidemiology and resourcing. New knowledge areas included leadership, planning and project management, change management, and strategy.
Conclusions: This paper presents a discussion on knowledge areas that comprise syllabus in masters level health services management education nationally. Key findings revealed differences between courses and the responsiveness of core syllabus to the current health care environment. The emergence of leadership, planning and project management was unsurprising while an absence of subjects that gave explicit reference to First Nations peoples was a notable finding.
Kahramanmaraş İlindeki Küçükbaş Hayvan Üreticilerinin Memnuniyet Durumunu Etkileyen Faktörlerin Belirlenmesi
Authors: ÇETİNKAYA Semiha , AKBAY Cuma , GÜNEŞ Abdurrahman
Published: December 2023

Küçükbaş hayvancılık, et ve süt üretimi ile insan beslenmesine katkı sunmaktadır. Bunun yanı sıra deri, yün, yapağı ve kıl üretimi ile birçok sektöre katma değer sağlamaktadır. Çeşitli sektörlere olan katkısı düşünüldüğünde üreticilerin küçükbaş hayvancılıktan memnuniyetini irdelemeye yönelik çalışmalar önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışmada üreticilerin küçükbaş hayvancılıktan memnuniyetini etkileyen sosyo-demografik özelliklerin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda Kahramanmaraş ili Onikişubat ilçesinde bulunan 100 küçükbaş hayvan üreticisi ile yüz yüze anket çalışması yapılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde tanımlayıcı istatistikler kullanılmıştır. Üreticilerin küçükbaş hayvancılıktan memnuniyet durumunu etkileyen faktörlerin belirlenmesi amacıyla Binary Logit regresyon analizinden yararlanılmıştır. Sonuçlar, üreticilerin yaklaşık üçte ikisinin (%63) küçükbaş hayvancılık yapmaktan memnun olduğunu göstermektedir. Binary Logit regresyon analizi sonucunda orta yaş grubu (40-50 yaş arası olan üreticiler), yüksek yaş grubu (≥51 olan üreticiler), aylık gelir, hanede hayvancılık yapan birey sayısı, küçükbaş hayvancılık yapma tecrübesi, sosyal güvence durumu ve işletme kaydı tutma durumunun küçükbaş hayvancılık yapmaktan memnun olma olasılığını etkilediği belirlenmiştir. Analiz sonucunda üreticilerin eğitim durumu ile küçükbaş hayvancılıktan memnun olma olasılığı arasında anlamlı bir ilişki gözlenememiştir. Türkiye, küçükbaş hayvan varlığında önde gelen ülkelerden biri olmasına rağmen hayvan başı verimde istenilen düzeyde değildir. Üreticilerin küçükbaş hayvancılıktan memnun olmaları, küçükbaş hayvancılık sektörünün gelişimi için önemlidir. Ayrıca bu çalışmanın, küçükbaş hayvancılık politikalarının düzenlenmesinde ve geliştirilmesinde politika yapıcılara yol gösterici nitelikte olacağı düşünülmektedir.
THE CREATION OF THE AFRICAN CRIMINAL COURT: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES OF AN ALTERNATIVE JUSTICE TO THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT / LA CREATION DE LA COUR PENALE AFRICAINE : DEFIS ET PERSPECTIVES D’UNE JUSTICE ALTERNATIVE A LA COUR PENALE INTERNATIONALE
Authors: BONDO Nickson Museka , FAUSTIN Mwilambwe Kalombola
Published: December 2023

The creation of the future African Criminal Court (ACC) was envisaged by the African Union (AU) as the African states’ collective response to the "politicization" of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Eight years following its signature, the Maloba Protocol has never obtained the fifteen ratifications required to spearhead the operationalisation of the ACC. This article attempts to address two fundamental questions: - what are the challenges hindering the creation of the CCA? - and how effective will the CCA be in trying Africans for crimes they have committed on their own soil? It reveals, on the one hand obstacles that hinder the implementation of the Malabo protocol; and on the other hand, challenges that could hamper the CCA's effectiveness as soon as it becomes operational.
EUROPEAN UNION ENERGY POLICY ON THE EXTERNAL MARKET: TOOLS AND OPPORTUNITIES. CASE STUDY: EU’S ENERGY RELATIONS WITH THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO
Authors: TATOMIR Mihai
Published: December 2023

Energy-related issues occupy a central place on the political agenda of the European Union, so it is no wonder that several studies in the field of international relations focus on this EU policy. However, most of them tend to follow the subject from the perspective of the Union's need to cover its energy deficit by identifying new sources of supply, neglecting the issue of promoting sustainable development at the level of its foreign policy. Starting from these considerations, the present study aims to analyse the energy cooperation between the Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, following the instruments through which European officials try to boost renewable energy projects. The research will also highlight the opportunities in terms of achieving the foreign policy objective previously exposed, within the bilateral dynamics between the two actors. In order to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the subject, the research will be conducted based on Robert Keohane theories regarding cooperation and international institutions.
GOOD GOVERNANCE AND CULTURE OF PEACE IN DEMOCRACY: QUESTION OF METHOD / BONNE GOUVERNANCE ET CULTURE DE LA PAIX DANS LA DEMOCRATIE : QUESTION DE METHODE
Authors: MUNGALA JUNIOR Misi
Published: December 2023

Today, like never before, humanity is developing a fear of self-destruction. After the development of atomic weapons, the current nuclear weapon, although considered a weapon of deterrence, threatens the world with an apocalypse from which it could not recover. Faced with this situation, after the second war, the ultimate question nagging people's minds is the following: what weapon would be used in the next war? As a result, saving humanity from the catastrophe that is looming on the horizon requires recourse to the founding values of good governance and the culture of peace. Despite the old European democracy and the emerging African democracies, we still wonder about the trajectories to take to combine peace in a world which, more and more, is heading towards its extinction. With the current Russian-Ukrainian conflicts, introducing a war at the doorstep of Europe, as well as the putsches recorded in Africa, with the establishment of military juntas, the case of Mali in 2020 and 2021, of Guinea in 2021, of Niger and Burkina Faso in 2022, of Gabon in 2023, also the increase in the authoritarian regime in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Rwanda, without forgetting the establishment of the ghost state in the Central African Republic, etc. there is reason to question the idealistic and realistic aims of democratic values. History has made democracy not only a system of management of public affairs par excellence, but also a way of living and a way of being. Founded on the values of freedom and tolerance, democratization requires our appropriate resolution to expose a systematic method that can lead to the construction of a culture dedicated to dialogue and the peaceful management of conflicts. Democratization, through the combination of good governance and the culture of peace, constitutes a process which requires a method bringing together both a part linked to the form, relating to the political and institutional organization, and a part linked to the substance, relating to the behavior of political actors.
GAZA WAR: FROM IDENTITY POLITICS TO POLARIZATION IN THE WESTERN FOREIGN POLICY
Authors: BONTEA George Horațiu
Published: December 2023

One of the trickiest conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa has reopened as a result of the October 7 terrorist strikes. Open discussions were however halted by Hamas' unilateral strike, even though the two-state solution appeared increasingly likely with the Palestinian Authority serving as the future structural restructuring of #FreePalestine. The situation in the Gaza Strip caused a great deal of divisiveness in western public opinion in addition to internal conflicts and tensions. So, the purpose of this paper was to provide a poststructuralist analysis of the dominant academic viewpoints on the state of affairs between Israel and Palestine. The relationship between identity and foreign policy is examined in this study by utilising the primary methodological instruments of reflectivist international relations theory, including intertextuality, genealogy, discourse analysis, and deconstruction. They study both epistemological and ontological aspects because of the theoretical framework, and the narratives of "us and them" were and continue to be important components in the history and current circumstances of the Gaza Strip. The findings provide context for the significance of Hamas' rhetoric and the monopoly of power, as well as outlining the identitarian divide between Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
THE CRISES IN POST-WAR EDUCATION IN CLUJ
Authors: CHICINAȘ Nicoleta
Published: December 2023

This article aims to analyse the education system in the city of Cluj during the post-war period, after World War 2, with a close focus on the period of time between 1944 and 1948. It's a period characterized by a series of successive crises resulting from political decisions. These decisions affected all levels of education, all ethnic and religious groups in the region, as well as the political opponents to the newly established communist regime of the Romanian Communist Party, primarily represented by these three political parties: the National Peasants' Party, the National Liberal Party, and the Socialist Party. Throughout the research into education within this time period, a combination of methods were used, including historical, comparative and statistical methods, and the sources used refer to both official and unofficial archived documents, contemporary press, and edited documents.
Image networks and practice analysis of larger data corpora. An approach to cluster and recontextualize visual practice in social media
Authors: Reißmann Wolfgang , Siemon Miriam , Kinoshita Moe
Published: December 2023

This paper reports a methodological exploration combining image network analysis and standardized practice analysis on social media data. Through applying the open source software Memespector to access the Clarifai API, the potential of an easy-at-hand image tagging tool as an instrument to manage larger data corpora is explored. Using the example of the German-speaking Twitter hashtag #systemrelevant, we relate image clusters to the results of standardized practice analysis of posts that contain images. The proposed method is intended for research that attempts to carve out the co-constituting of public discourse in social media by different groups of actors. The approach systematically differentiates the contributions of societal groups such as journalism, civil society, or private individuals, and the embedding of their tweets in selected anchoring practices and further modalities of participation. Altogether, the multistep analytical process offers a possible approach to process larger image corpora, while maintaining a sensitivity for the practice-theoretical demand of (re)contextualizing image use.
Two novel potent perfluorophenylhydrazone derivatives, 1-((4-bromothiophen-2-yl)methylene)-2-(perfluorophenyl) hydrazine, and 1-((4-bromo-5-methylthiophen-2-yl)methylene)-2-(perfluorophenyl)hydrazine as multi-target compounds to combat Alzheimer disease and their crystal, molecular, and electronic properties
Authors: Sivý Július , Bortňák Dušan , Végh Daniel , Rakovský Erik
Published: December 2023

Two potent novel perfluorophenylhydrazone derivatives are presented as multi-target compounds to combat Alzheimer disease C11H4BrF5N2S, 1-((4-bromothiophen-2-yl)methylene)-2-(perfluorophenyl) hydrazine, (I) and C12H6BrF5N2S, 1-((4-bromo-5-methylthiophen-2-yl)methylene)-2-(perfluorophenyl) hydrazine, (II), which can potentially be improved by further design. Their multi-target structures and features have been combined as potential AD therapeutics. Crystals (I), and (II), are molecules with two rings and a hydrazone part as a centre of the molecule. The compounds have been synthesised and characterised by elemental spectroscopic (1H-NMR) analysis. Crystal structures of the solid phase were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. Both compounds crystallise in the monoclinic space group with Z = 4 and Z = 2 molecules per unit-cell. Compound (I) crystallises as a racemate in the centrosymmetric space group and compound (II) crystallises as a non-racemate in the non-centrosymmetric space group. Their “absolute configuration and conformation for bond values” were derived from the anomalous dispersion (rmad) for (II). Crystal structures revealed diverse non-covalent interactions such as intra- and inter-hydrogen bonding, π-ring…π-ring, C—H…π-ring. The expected stereochemistry of hydrazones atoms C7, N2 and N1 were confirmed for (I) and (II). Both molecules show “boat conformation” like a 6-membered ring. Results of single crystal studies were reproduced with the help of Hirshfeld surface study and Gaussian software.
Extraction of biologically active compounds from Aronia melanocarpa: Comparison of techniques and multiple response optimization
Authors: Medveďová Katarína , Nahliková Lenka , Strižincová Petra , Dubaj Tibor , Kreps František
Published: December 2023

The presented paper deals with the selection of most efficient extraction method for obtaining biologically active compounds (mainly antioxidants) from the black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruits. Two conventional methods (maceration and Soxhlet extraction) as well as a more recent accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) were employed. The extracts were evaluated by means of their overall yield, antioxidant activity (TEAC assay), total phenolic content (TPC), ascorbic acid (AA), and malic acid (MA) content. Both Soxhlet extraction and ASE led to the highest overall yields (42 %) of the extract; however, in terms of TEAC and TPC, the extracts obtained by ASE were usually superior. The highest TEAC value (227.7 mg TE/g) as well as the highest TPC (67.9 mg GAE/g) were obtained by ASE using 40 % (v/v) ethanol at 140 °C after 30 min. The ASE method was further analyzed using a 23-factorial design where the effect of temperature (40—140 °C), extraction time (5—30 min), and solvent composition (40—96 % ethanol) was investigated. While temperature and solvent composition significantly affected the extract properties, the effect of extraction time was small or even insignificant. The regression model obtained from ANOVA was further used for multiresponse optimization of ASE conditions using the global desirability function as a criterion for overall extract quality.
Mechanical Properties of Titanium Grade 1 After Laser Shock Wave Treatment
Authors: Hutsaylyuk Volodymyr , Wachowski Marcin , Kovalyuk Bogdan , Mocharskyi Vitalii , Sitkar Oksana , Śnieżek Lucjan , Zygmuntowicz Justyna
Published: December 2023

In the presented work the impact of a laser shock wave on the mechanical properties of a Titanium Grade 1 was investigated. Based on a series of experimental studies related to the impact of the laser shock wave on the tested material, the impact of the given treatment on the structure and mechanical properties was assessed. The influence of the environment on the distribution of plasma temperature and pressure in the material during the implementation of the laser shock wave was analyzed. The effect of the laser treatment on the structure and micromechanical properties was initially estimated on the basis of the analysis of experimental results in the form of static strength test of samples after laser treatment. A slight increase in material strength was detected with a minimal decrease in ductility. In order to comprehensively understand the observed phenomenon, a number of fractographic tests were performed, especially the analysis of the porosity of the fracture surfaces. A decrease in the porosity of the material after impact laser treatment was observed as a result of local plastic deformation.
In Vitro Evaluation of Corn Silk Extract as a Potential Alternative Therapy for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Liberty P. , Putra I. B. , Jusuf N. K. , Sari M. I.
Published: December 2023

Aim

To determine the effectivity of corn silk extract in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans.

Materials and Methods

Corn silk used in this study was Zea mays L. var. indurata and was collected from Desa Suka Makmur, Deli Serdang, Sumatera Utara Province, Indonesia. Tested C. albicans is C. albicans from VVC patients, obtained from the Microbiology Laboratory of Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Preparation of this study included corn silk extraction by maceration method with 96% ethanol, followed by dilution with 10% DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) into concentrations of 75%, 50%, 25%, and 12.5%. Well diffusion method was used to detect growth inhibition of C. albicans and agar dilution was used to determine MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) and MFC (Minimum Fungicidal Concentration) of corn silk extract. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis analysis.

Results

From this study, corn silk extract of all concentrations showed an inhibitory effect against C. albicans. The mean diameter of inhibition zones for each concentration respectively from highest to lowest concentration were 27.4875 ± 0.3838 mm, 26.7250 ± 0.2533 mm, 25.7250 ± 0.2598 mm, and 24.9375 ± 0.2462 mm. Kruskal-Wallis analysis showed significant results (p-value 0.001). MIC and MFC were 1.5625% and 6.25%, respectively.

Conclusions

Corn silk extract of concentrations 75%, 50%, 25%, and 12,5% have antifungal activity against C. albicans. The higher the concentration of corn silk extract, the higher the efficacy in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans.
Treatment of a severe Class III skeletal discrepancy at an appropriate age
Authors: Marshall Ken
Published: December 2023

The 13-year-old female patient presented for correction of a severe Class III malocclusion with a Class III skeletal pattern. This was considered an appropriate age for treatment as earlier treatment may have been subject to relapse because significant facial growth may have occurred after treatment, and because treatment at a later age may have required orthognathic surgery. Initially, maxillary expansion was provided to widen the maxilla and to free the circummaxillary sutures. Maxillary protraction headgear was worn to perform sagittal skeletal improvement. Fixed orthodontic appliances were placed to align the dentition and Class III elastics were used to improve intercuspation and stability.

Patient cooperation was crucial for success. The skeletal changes provided rewards that included significantly improved facial and dental appearance, while avoiding orthognathic surgery.
A new bracket system: Control 21™Part II: Tooth movement
Authors: Goldschmied Felix
Published: December 2023

The Control 21™ bracket system has several attributes that overcome many of the friction, binding, notching and management problems encountered with other bracket systems. The combination of a freely-moving slide in a base connected by an elastomer provides the basis for the new concept of a “bracket engine”: a source of low magnitude forces able to release friction and binding forces. The “bracket engine” is continually energised by functional forces that open or close the bracket slot. The bracket’s inherent elasticity reduces the severity of high forces that can damage periodontal tissue. This new concept of an active, dynamic bracket system will require a paradigm shift in thinking away from the current concept of the bracket as a passive participant in tooth movement. The mechanisms that create these attributes are explained and some potential developments are noted.
Overbite correction and sagittal changes: late mixed-dentition treatment effects
Authors: Woods Michael
Published: December 2023

This study involved the assessment of preand post-treatment lateral cephalograms from 182 late mixed-dentition patients with Class I and Class II malocclusions, with or without crowding, selected before treatment commenced. It was designed specifically to determine whether antero-posterior mandibular dento-alveolar and skeletal changes occurring with growth and one particular late mixed-dentition treatment approach are influenced in any way by the required amount of incisal overbite correction to be achieved with treatment. Significantly greater forward movements were found at both point B and pogonion in non-headgear patients in whom very deep overbites had been reduced, when compared with patients with less required incisal overbite reduction. This finding would seem to have provided further quantitative evidence to support the concept of unlocking of dento-alveolar structures with early reduction of very deep incisal overbites in appropriate patients. The suggestion was therefore made that the bite-opening in such deep-bite patients should be undertaken at least as early as this late mixed-dentition stage in order to provide an improved environment for the mandibular dento-alveolus as the mandible itself moves forward with normal growth.
Profile of orthodontic services provided in private practice by general practitioners and specialist orthodontists for an insured population
Authors: Sivaneswaran Shanti , Ali Darendeliler M.
Published: December 2023

In Australia, the proportion, volume and type of orthodontic care provided by general practitioners and orthodontists are largely unknown. The overall objective of this study was to create a profile of orthodontic services provided by general practitioners and orthodontists for a cohort of insured patients using private practices in New South Wales, Australia, from 1st January 1992 to 31st December 1995. Data were derived from claims records submitted by members of a health insurance fund for rebates for fees paid to private practitioners for orthodontic services they received during the study period. Distribution of the volume and type of service provided by general practitioners and orthodontists was compared using the Chi-squared test. Statistical significance was taken at the 5 per cent level. Orthodontic services were provided predominantly by orthodontists (80%). Fixed orthodontic treatment was provided almost exclusively (91%) by orthodontists. The majority of removable appliance services was provided by general practitioners. Orthodontists provided more orthodontic services in the capital city and other metropolitan areas, whereas general practitioners provided more orthodontic services in rural areas. Orthodontists provided more services to members in the highest socio-economic group, whereas general practitioners provided more services to members in the lowest socioeconomic group.
Lower incisor changes on basal bone and in relation to the lower face: combined growth and treatment effects in the late mixed-dentition
Authors: Woods Michael
Published: December 2023

This study was designed to determine and compare the ranges of combined growth and late mixed-dentition treatment changes in the positions of the lower incisors, either on basal bone or in relation to the APog line. While there was considerable individual variation, movements of the lower incisors in relation to APog were found to be related more to changes in the angulation of the APog line itself, than to the movements of the incisors on the basal bone. In individual cases in which considerable forward movement had occurred at pogonion and in which deep anterior over-bites had been reduced, it was often found that the lower incisors had moved forward considerably in relation to the APog line without necessarily having moved forward at all on the underlying basal bone. It was concluded therefore that, in such cases, lower incisor movements on basal bone may actually occur in the opposite direction to those in relation to the APog line because of the complex interaction of changes occurring in the vertical and horizontal positions of both point A and pogonion. In these cases, it seems possible for the lower dentoalveolus to be passively carried forward with growth of the underlying basal bone, once any deep overbite has been reduced.
Cephalometric norms for the Chinese: a compilation of existing data
Authors: Moate S. J. , Darendeliler M. A.
Published: December 2023

The intention of this paper is to compile Chinese cephalometric norms for a more objective orthodontic diagnosis of Chinese patients so that their orthodontic treatment may be better planned. Studies on cephalometric norms of Chinese and subjects of Chinese descent were reviewed. Some important studies were available only in the Chinese journals and they were especially procured and translated for this purpose. A normal range of anteroposterior apical base differences, concomitant interincisal inclinations and locations, were derived from different Chinese groups and were tabulated. The differences between Chinese and Caucasian norms are discussed. A distinctive craniofacial and dental pattern of the people of Chinese origin was found and is reflected in the cephalometric measurements. Compared with Caucasian norms, Chinese norms have skeletal, dental and soft-tissue variations. The Chinese have a shorter cranial base and a larger ANB. The Chinese dentition demonstrates greater bimaxillary-alveolar protrusion, with a decreased interincisal angle. The Chinese soft-tissue profile shows a less prominent nose, with a less obtuse nasolabial angle, and more protrusive lips.
Frictional resistance to sliding archwires with repeated displacement
Authors: Liew C.F. , Brockhurst P. , Freer T.J.
Published: December 2023

Frictional resistance between a length of stainless steel archwire and a single bracket was calculated, and the effects of cyclical displacement forces on frictional resistance were tested. With the application of repeated displacement forces to the archwire, the force required to slide the wire through the bracket was substantially reduced. The percentage reduction in the force required to slide the wire was dependent on the size of the displacement force applied to the archwire. Frictional resistance in the mouth may not be satisfactorily reflected by steady mode laboratory models. The clinical implications for different types of orthodontic brackets remain unresolved.
Facio-lingual width of the alveolar base
Authors: Wonglamsam Prapart , Manosudprasit Montien , Godfrey Keith
Published: December 2023

Importance is attached to assessment of anterior facio-lingual maxillary and mandibular apical base widths in determining limits to incisor root movements. There is absence of similar assessment of facio-lingual base widths for premolars and molars. The aims of this paper are two-fold: to determine the strength of associations between the facio-lingual widths of the anterior and buccal alveolar apical bases, and to determine if an association might exist between the posterior alveolar base width and specific lateral cephalometric measurements. Comparative measurements were made on 40 adult Thai skulls and their companion mandibles using lateral cephalometric radiographs, linear tomography, and direct measurements of the dento-alveolar and basal structures. Wide variation was found in facio-lingual widths of the alveolar bases. No significant correlations were found between the facio-lingual widths of the anterior and posterior alveolar bases in the maxillae and mandible. Significant inverse correlations were found between the alveolar base widths at the mandibular incisors and the FP-MP and PP-MP angles, and between maxillary incisor base widths and the gonial angle. Importantly, no cephalometric indicators were found to predict posterior alveolar base widths. There is a need to continue to search for assessment indicators.
Cervical vertebral maturation as a predictor of the adolescent growth spurt
Authors: Grave Keith , Townsend Grant
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the application of an improved version of the Cervical Vertebral Maturation (CVM) method in a group of indigenous Australians and to relate the ossification events to the timing of peak growth in both stature and the mandible. Data were obtained from longitudinal records of 74 Australian Aboriginal children living at Yuendumu Settlement in the Northern Territory of Australia. CVM stages were limited to particular growth periods: in a large percentage of subjects stage 1 occurred in the pre-peak period of growth, stages 2 and 3 in the peak period, and stages 4 and 5 in the post-peak period. Our findings were similar to those reported in other ethnic groups, suggesting that they can be applied more generally in orthodontic practice to assess a child’s growth activity. In the majority of boys, CVM stage 2 would appear to be a good time to commence an orthopaedic phase of treatment, whereas in girls, results would support an earlier more cautious approach, sometime before stage 2 is reached. Peak growth occurs between stages 2 and 3 and timing is extremely important to maximize the effects of growth in the treatment process.
Comparison of radiation levels from computed tomography and conventional dental radiographs
Authors: Ngan Daniel C.S. , Kharbanda Om P. , Geenty Joseph P. , Ali Darendeliler M.
Published: December 2023

Background: With the increasing use of computed tomography (CT) in oral diagnosis and treatment planning, concern has been expressed about the high levels of radiation used, and the associated risks.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the radiation doses of facial CT scans with the radiation doses taking a lateral cephalometric radiograph, a panoramic radiograph (OPG), an occlusal film, and an intra-oral periapical radiograph. Methods: An Alderson-Rando anthropomorphic phantom head was used for the analysis. Thirty-six lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed in the phantom head in locations representing radiosensitive sites. Standard facial CT scans and conventional radiographs (lateral cephalometric, OPG, maxillary occlusal, intra-oral periapical) were then taken of the phantom head.

Results: The following radiation doses were measured: maxillo-mandibular CT scan, 2.1 mSv; maxillary CT scan, 1.40 mSv; mandibular CT scan, 1.32 mSv; lateral cephalometric radiograph, 0.005 mSv; OPG, 0.010 mSv; maxillary occlusal, 0.007 mSv; intra-oral periapical radiograph, 0.005 mSv.

Conclusions: CT scans produce significantly more ionising radiation than conventional radiographs. This factor should be taken into account when considering a CT scan as an alternative to a survey with conventional radiographs. While CT scans offer many advantages over conventional radiography the high radiation dose to patients, and the cost of this procedure should be considered.
An investigation of maxillary and mandibular morphology in different overjet groups
Authors: Baydaş Bülent , Yavuz İbrahim , Dagsuyu İlhan Metin , Bölükbaşi Berrin , Ceylan İsmail
Published: December 2023

Background: It has been suggested that overjet may be related to the form of the maxilla and mandible.

Aims: The aims of this study were to compare the gender differences in the maxillary and mandibular morphology in different overjet groups, and to determine the associations between overjet and craniofacial morphology in the same subjects. Methods: The material consisted of lateral cephalometric radiographs of 80 untreated subjects (40 boys, 40 girls), aged 13 to 15 years, selected from records held in the Orthodontic Department, Atatürk University. The subjects were divided into four overjet groups. Thirteen linear, one angular, and three area measurements were used to assess maxillary and mandibular form in the male and female subjects.

Results: The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the maxillary anterior and posterior dentoalveolar heights (MxAABH, MxPABH), effective mandibular length (Cd-Gn), corpus length (Go-Gn), and ramus width (RW) between the overjet groups. In 15 out of 17 measurements the males were significantly larger than the females. There were no gender differences in antegonial notch depth (AND) and the gonial angle. Furthermore, significant negative correlations were found between overjet and Cd-Gn, and between overjet and Go-Gn in the girls. Significant positive correlations were found between overjet and MxAABH, and overjet and RW in the boys.

Conclusions: Evaluation of the maxillary dentoalveolar heights and some mandibular parameters, such as Cd-Gn, Go-Gn and RW, in different overjet patterns may be useful in the analysis of the malocclusion, and prediction of treatment success.
Orthodontic treatment need of Nigerian outpatients assessed with the Dental Aesthetic Index
Authors: Onyeaso Chukwudi O.
Published: December 2023

Background: When limited resources are available for orthodontic treatment, it is important that those with the greatest need receive treatment.

Aims: The aims of this study were to determine the orthodontic treatment needs of Nigerian children and young adults attending a University Hospital as outpatients, and to determine if a relationship exists between social class and orthodontic treatment need.

Methods: Of 148 consecutive patients attending a hospital department for orthodontic treatment, 136 were children and young adults (67 males, 69 females) between 6 and 18 years of age. These subjects were assessed with the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), and classified into two social classes with the Standard Occupational Classification.

Results: Almost 30 per cent of the children and young adults presenting for treatment had “no/little” need of orthodontic treatment, 20 per cent had DAI scores between 26 and 30 indicating that treatment was “elective”, 15 per cent had a “desirable” need for treatment, and 35 per cent had a “mandatory” need for treatment. There was a significant association (p < 0.05) between treatment need and social class: more subjects from the lower social classes (semi-skilled and unskilled occupations) needed orthodontic treatment than subjects from the higher social classes (professional, managerial, and skilled occupations). Conclusion: The study has shown that not all outpatients presenting/referred for orthodontic treatment “need” treatment. Patients from the semi-skilled and unskilled occupations were more likely to need orthodontic treatment than patients from the professional, managerial and skilled occupations.
Using Tuff and Limestone Sand to Minimize Water Consumption of Pavement Construction in Arid Regions
Authors: Mammeri Abdelhamid , Lallam Mostefa , Guellati Salah Eddine , Shamsaei Mohsen
Published: December 2023

Soil compaction is a significant parameter for road construction projects. Since materials and soil compaction play important roles in the stability and durability of roads. This study focuses on the importance of the problems related to water resources in arid regions, considering both the economy and the population in these areas. For this reason, the local materials in Bechar (Algeria) were used to enhance the road construction process. Hence, using the combination of tuff and limestone sand (LS) materials to minimize the amount of water for the road construction compaction is investigated. Different combinations, including 100% tuff, 80% tuff and 20% limestone sand, 70% tuff and 30% limestone sand, and 60% tuff and 40% limestone sand, were evaluated with the Proctor and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. The test results showed that using 60% tuff and 40% limestone sand resulted in the minimum water content of 10.5% compared to other combinations of tuff and limestone sand of this study, and it will be beneficial in arid regions where there is a water shortage. Three different percentages of lime (1%,2%, and 3%) were also added to the optimum mixture. However, the results showed that adding this material has no significant mechanical effects.
New records of Cecidomyiidae and other Sciaroidea (Diptera) from Slovakia
Authors: Sikora Tomáš , Sopuch Kryštof , Ševčík Jan
Published: December 2023

In this contribution, we present the first records of species from the families Cecidomyiidae, Keroplatidae, Mycetophilidae, and Sciaridae from Slovakia. A total of 45 species were identified, of which 44 species are new to Slovakia—29 in Cecidomyiidae, 3 in Keroplatidae, 8 in Mycetophilidae, and 4 in Sciaridae. New records for central Europe are as follows, Campylomyza nigroliminata Mamaev, 1998, Gynapteromyia brevipalpis (Mamaev, 1964), Arctepidosis jamalensis Mamaev, 1990, Asynapta magdalini Panelius, 1965, Camptomyia oldhammeri Jaschhof & Jaschhof 2019, Glemparon sagittifer Jaschhof, 2013, Neurepidosis hybrida Jaschhof & Jaschhof, 2019, Paratetraneuromyia nobilis (Felt, 1913), Porricondyla leacheana (Walker, 1856), Pseudepidosis lunaris Mamaev, 1966, Stackelbergiella rickebasta Jaschhof, 2013, Tetraneuromyia discrepans Jaschhof & Jaschhof 2019, T. moldaviensis (Spungis, 1987), and Sciophila minuta Zaitzev, 1982.
Climate change as a factor enhancing the invasiveness of alien species
Authors: Solarz Wojciech , Najberek Kamil , Tokarska-Guzik Barbara , Pietrzyk-Kaszyńska Agata
Published: December 2023

Climate is one of the key factors governing the biological invasions of alien species, thus its change may have significant consequences for the scale of this process. We analyzed the predicted influence of climate change on the invasiveness of alien species in Poland and identified species susceptible to climate change. A total of 60 species of alien plants and 58 animals were assessed through an expert elicitation process. For 79 species climate change was assessed as the factor enhancing the likelihood of introduction, establishment, spread and/or impact in the future. Currently, the majority of these species are not widespread in Poland, and this list includes species totally absent, or present only in cultivation and captivity. Climate change will increase the number of high-risk invasive alien species (IAS) from 38 to 63. Species originating in warmer parts of the world are most susceptible to climate change. The majority of the high-risk IAS are regulated under the EU and Polish legislature. However, no restrictions have been imposed on some of the high-risk IAS. Since climate change will further increase their invasiveness, implementation of legal provisions towards these species is recommended.
Biophysical and anthropogenic factors affecting human and Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) conflict in Sumatran tropical rain forest, Indonesia
Authors: Samsuri  , Zaitunah Anita , Ashari Riyan Hari , Kuswanda Wanda
Published: December 2023

Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) is a critically endangered species that must be conserved. One of the locations where it is found is Dolok Sipirok Natural Reserve. The threat to this species arises from land use of agriculture and accessibility to the area, resulting in human-orangutan conflict. Identification of conflict areas is necessary. Information on the contributing factors to conflicts between humans and orangutans is also important. This research analyzed the relationship between spatial characteristics with conflict location. The factors including distance to the forest boundary, road, and the river, slope, altitude, and land cover were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Rank Spearman correlation coefficient was. The results showed that distance to farmland and altitude were the main factors affecting the conflict, while the weakest factor was distance from the road. Arse Nauli village was the place where most conflicts occurred. The most robust relationship with conflict was altitude.
The effect of osmotic stress, lighting spectrum and temperature on growth and gene expression related to anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) in vitro
Authors: Vinskienė Jurgita , Bendokas Vidmantas , Stanys Vidmantas , Sasnauskas Audrius , Rugienius Rytis
Published: December 2023

The goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of light, temperature, sucrose and PEG on the growth of Fragaria vesca in vitro and the expression of regulatory Myb10, WD40 and enzyme-coding genes CHI, CHS, DFR, EGL, F3H and UFGT, which are essential for anthocyanin biosynthesis. We observed plants’ response to osmotic stress, the decrease in growth and microshoot weight. A change in the expression of the investigated genes was evident under the suboptimal concentration of sucrose. The addition of PEG to the medium caused a decrease in microshoot weight and gene expression. Blue + red lights of the LED lighting system significantly affected microshoot growth in vitro. Red and blue + red + UV lights slightly reduced microshoot weight and caused a reddish colour of petioles, which indicate increased anthocyanin synthesis. Moreover, most of the studied genes’ expression tended to increase when shoots were exposed to blue, blue + red and blue + red + UV lights. A temperature of 15°C (vs 22°C) significantly reduced the mean fresh weight of microshoots while increasing CHI and CHS gene expression and decreasing WD40 gene expression. Exposure to a higher temperature (30°C) induced the vitrification of microshoots, although the fresh weight did not differ from that of the control. Gene expression also depended on the duration of exposure. In the case of CHS, gene expression remained the same or increased after exposure for 1 week and then decreased after exposure for 4 weeks.
Short-term duration of diabetic retinopathy as a predictor for development of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Duan Jiayu , Liu Dongwei , Zhao Zihao , Liang Lulu , Pan Shaokang , Tian Fei , Yu Pei , Li Guangpu , Liu Zhangsuo
Published: December 2023

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a risk factor for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Whether the duration, especially the short-term duration, of DR is associated with the development and progression of DKD remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study and two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis were conducted. Kidney disease was defined by the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). DR was diagnosed by an expert ophthalmologist by using a digital fundus camera. Binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed. A restricted cubic spline was utilized to detect nonlinear associations. Summary statistics for DR- and DKD-associated single-nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) were extracted from the FinnGen and the UK Biobank consortia.

Results

A total of 2674 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and type 2 diabetic kidney disease (T2DKD) were included. The prevalence and mean duration of DR increased with elevation of ACR and decline in eGFR. Renal function was significantly reduced in patients with DR in the fifth year of life. Binary and ordinal logistic regression showed that each 1-year increase in DR duration was associated with a 19% risk increase in the development of DKD, 16% in the elevation of ACR, and 21% in the decline of renal function. MR estimates indicated that DR was causally associated with DKD development, with an odds ratio of 2.89.

Conclusions

DR and the duration of DR were independent risk factors for the development and progression of DKD. The short-term duration of DR may be associated with DKD development. DR had a statistically significant effect on DKD.
Reducing Error Rate in Property Tax Declaration Forms through Simplification and Highlighting Instructions
Authors: Sloboda Matúš , Šmeringaiová Monika , Pavlovský Patrik
Published: December 2023

The paper is mixed-method research on reducing administrative burden and, more specifically, the learning costs of filling out a property tax declaration form. It presents the development process of a guidebook, which simplified the instructions and experimentally tested the effectiveness of the guidebook in lowering the error rate. Young Slovak adults (N=43) were divided into two groups; the treatment group worked with the guidebook, and the control group used the official instructions the Ministry of Finance provided. The guidebook aimed to decrease learning costs using behavioural support (simplification, highlighting, examples, and the like). The results suggest that the guidebook helps significantly decrease the number of errors compared to the complex instructions the Ministry of Finance provided. However, while the guidebook is very effective in reducing errors in simple tasks, it may not be sufficient help for more complex tasks such as mathematical calculations. Therefore, simplified instructions must go hand-in-hand with interventions such as pre-populating of forms.