bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian primary school children’s learning: A systematic review through a psycho-social lens
Authors: Trotta Eugenio , Serio Gianluigi , Monacis Lucia , Carlucci Leonardo , Marinelli Chiara Valeria , Petito Annamaria , Celia Giovanna , Bonvino Aurora , Calvio Antonella , Stallone Roberta , Esposito Ciro , Fantinelli Stefania , Sulla Francesco , Di Fuccio Raffaele , Salvatore Gianpaolo , Quarto Tiziana , Palladino Paola
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected many areas and contexts of today’s society, including school and family. Several studies focused on the worldwide effects of school closures on students’ learning outcomes, context, and well-being. However, the data emerging from these studies are often inconsistent and fragmentary, highlighting the need of a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon. This need is especially urgent for the countries with the most severe school closure, like Italy. This systematic review aims to collect the opinions of parents, teachers, and students on: other dimensions of Italian primary school students affected by school closures, beyond academic performance; hypothetical agreement between the opinions of parents, teachers, and students regarding the different effects of school closures on Italian primary school students; possible differences between the effects of school closures on Italian primary school students and the students in other countries. Our search was conducted using PRISMA 2020 guidelines on Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, and EBSCOHost. The results obtained from 34 articles revealed a strong concern on the part of all stakeholders involved in learning during the pandemic, with evident negative effects for Italian school students. The constraint on distance learning led to a drastic change in everyone’s routine, and a negative emotional change on the part of young students. Parents and teachers generally considered distance learning to be ineffective for the education of their children and students; they encountered technical-practical difficulties in the use of electronic devices for participation in school activities; overall learning deficits on the part of students, especially in mathematics, as confirmed by INVALSI results were also found. The investigation reveals a condition of shared emotional and academic performance difficulty, and a further challenging circumstance for students previously at risk of marginalization. Further research in this field is paramount to identify new and adequate recovery strategies.
The role of hesitancy and infrastructure in the equity and efficiency of COVID-19 vaccine administration
Authors: Chicoine Noah , Schnipper Noah , Griffin Jacqueline
Published: June 2024

After the first COVID-19 vaccines received emergency use authorization from the U.S. FDA in December 2020, U.S. states employed vaccine eligibility and administration plans (VEAPs) that determined when subgroups of residents would become eligible to receive the vaccine while the vaccine supply was still limited. During the implementation of these plans, public concern grew over whether the VEAPs and vaccine allocations from the federal government were resulting in an equitable and efficient vaccine distribution. In this study, we collected data on five states’ VEAPs, federal vaccine allocations, vaccine administration, and vaccine hesitancy to assess the equity of vaccine access and vaccine administration efficiency that manifested during the campaign. Our results suggest that residents in states which opened eligibility to the vaccine sooner had more competition among residents to receive the vaccine than occurred in other states. Regardless of states’ VEAPs, there was a consistent inefficiency in vaccine administration among all five states that could be attributed to both state and federal infrastructure deficits. A closer examination revealed a misalignment between federal vaccine allocations and the total eligible population in the states throughout the campaign, even when accounting for hesitancy. We conclude that in order to maximize the efficiency of future mass-vaccination campaigns, the federal and state governments should design adaptable allocation policies and eligibility plans that better match the true, real-time supply and demand for vaccines by accounting for vaccine hesitancy and manufacturing capacity. Further, we discuss the challenges of implementing such strategies.
Waving through a window: Agricultural research faculty perspectives on science communication challenges
Authors: Greig Jamie Alexander , Rampold Shelli , Paskewitz Emily , Ruth Taylor
Published: June 2024

This qualitative study explores agriculture research faculty’s challenges with participating in Science Communication. To explore the challenges shared by faculty, we utilized the proposed Faculty Science Communication Engagement Framework, which identifies three dimensions that may cause challenges for faculty Science Communication work: personal, professional, and institutional. During interviews with 11 research faculty, we identified Science Communication challenges within these dimensions. Participant challenges within the personal dimension include allocation of time, the learning curve, audience familiarity, and mass-media concern. Professional dimension challenges were “it’s not my job” and disciplinary norms, while challenges within the institutional dimension included a lack of support and resources. Across these dimensions, faculty challenges revolved around the time required to invest in Science Communication activities, the needed resources (personnel, technology, and financial), the value placed on efforts by their academic institution, and the lack of knowledge regarding Science Communication techniques and audience. These findings are described through rich data, and practical recommendations are provided for fostering future Science Communication engagement and interest among faculty. These include Science Communication training focused on specific content areas, hands-on training and support with Science Communication technologies, including Extension and non-Extension faculty in training sessions, creating structured and strategically implemented shared Science Communication resources at the institutional level, including Science Communication efforts in university strategic planning, and awarding and recognizing faculty who utilize Science Communication successfully.
Multi-source heterogeneous blockchain data quality assessment model for enterprise business activities
Authors: Zhang Haolin , Zhang Ran , Li Su , Du Likuan , Song Baoyan , Ji Wanting , Wang Junlu
Published: June 2024

Blockchain-based applications are becoming more and more widespread in business operations. In view of the shortcomings of existing enterprise blockchain evaluation methods, this paper proposes a multi-source heterogeneous blockchain data quality evaluation model for enterprise business activities, so as to achieve efficient evaluation of business activity information consistency, credibility and value. This paper proposes a multi-source heterogeneous blockchain data quality assessment method for enterprise business activities, aiming at the problems that most of the data in enterprise business activities come from different data sources, information representation is inconsistent, information ambiguity between the same block chain is serious, and it is difficult to evaluate the consistency, credibility and value of information. The method firstly proposes an entity information representation method based on the Representation learning for fusing entity category information (CEKGRL) model, which introduces the triad structure of related entities in blockchain, then associates them with enterprise business activity categories, and carries out similarity calculation through contextual information to achieve blockchain information consistency assessment. After that, a trustworthiness characterization method is proposed based on information sources, information comments, and information contents, to obtain the trustworthiness assessment of the business. Finally, based on the information trustworthiness characterization, a value assessment method is introduced to assess the total value of business activity information in the blockchain, and a blockchain quality assessment model is constructed. The experimental results show that the proposed model has great advantages over existing methods in assessing inter-block consistency, intra-block activity information trustworthiness and the value of blockchain.
Changes in motor behavior and lumbar motoneuron morphology following repeated chlorpyrifos exposure in rats
Authors: Romer Shannon H. , Miller Kaitlyn M. , Sonner Martha J. , Ethridge Victoria T. , Gargas Nathan M. , Rohan Joyce G.
Published: June 2024

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide associated with numerous health effects including motor performance decrements. While many studies have focused on the health effects following acute chlorpyrifos poisonings, almost no studies have examined the effects on motoneurons following occupational-like exposures. The main objective of this study was to examine the broad effects of repeated occupational-like chlorpyrifos exposures on spinal motoneuron soma size relative to motor activity. To execute our objective, adult rats were exposed to chlorpyrifos via oral gavage once a day, five days a week for two weeks. Chlorpyrifos exposure effects were assessed either three days or two months following the last exposure. Three days following the last repeated chlorpyrifos exposure, there were transient effects in open-field motor activity and plasma cholinesterase activity levels. Two months following the chlorpyrifos exposures, there were delayed effects in sensorimotor gating, pro-inflammatory cytokines and spinal lumbar motoneuron soma morphology. Overall, these results offer support that subacute repeated occupational-like chlorpyrifos exposures have both short-term and longer-term effects in motor activity, inflammation, and central nervous system mechanisms.
Phantomless calibration of CT scans for hip fracture risk prediction in silico: Comparison with phantom-based calibration
Authors: Szyszko Julia A. , Aldieri Alessandra , La Mattina Antonino A. , Viceconti Marco
Published: June 2024

Finite element models built from quantitative computed tomography images rely on element-wise mapping of material properties starting from Hounsfield Units (HU), which can be converted into mineral densities upon calibration. While calibration is preferably carried out by scanning a phantom with known-density components, conducting phantom-based calibration may not always be possible. In such cases, a phantomless procedure, where the scanned subject’s tissues are used as a phantom, is an interesting alternative. The aim of this study was to compare a phantom-based and a phantomless calibration method on 41 postmenopausal women. The proposed phantomless calibration utilized air, adipose, and muscle tissues, with reference equivalent mineral density values of -797, -95, and 38 mg/cm3, extracted from a previously performed phantom-based calibration. A 9-slice volume of interest (VOI) centred between the femoral head and knee rotation centres was chosen. Reference HU values for air, adipose, and muscle tissues were extracted by identifying HU distribution peaks within the VOI, and patient-specific calibration was performed using linear regression. Comparison of FE models calibrated with the two methods showed average relative differences of 1.99% for Young’s modulus1.30% for tensile and 1.34% for compressive principal strains. Excellent correlations (R2 > 0.99) were identified for superficial maximum tensile and minimum compressive strains. Maximum normalised root mean square relative error (RMSRE) values settled at 4.02% for Young’s modulus, 2.99% for tensile, and 3.22% for compressive principal strains, respectively. The good agreement found between the two methods supports the adoption of the proposed methodology when phantomless calibration is needed.
May DNA analyses be biased by hidden oxidative damage? Voltammetric study of temperature and oxidation stress effect
Authors: Szczepaniak Oskar , Ligaj Marta
Published: June 2024

The analysis of nucleic acids is one of the fundamental parts of modern molecular biology and molecular diagnostics. The information collected predominantly depends on the condition of the genetic material. All potential damage induced by oxidative stress may affect the final results of the analysis of genetic material obtained using commonly used techniques such as polymerase chain reaction or sequencing. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of high temperature and pH on DNA structure in the context of the occurrence of oxidative damage, using square-wave voltammetry and two independent research protocols. We resulted in visible oxidation damage registered in acidic conditions after the thermal denaturation process (pH 4.7) with changes in the intensity of guanine and adenine signals. However, using phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) for DNA denaturation negatively affected the DNA structure, but without any oxidized derivatives present. This leads to the conclusion that oxidation occurring in the DNA melting process results in the formation of various derivatives of nucleobases, both electrochemically active and inactive. These derivatives may distort the results of molecular tests due to the possibility of forming complementary bonds with various nucleobases. For example, 8-oxoguanine can form pairs with both cytosine and adenine.
God Is Samoan: Dialogues between Culture and Theology in the Pacific, Matt Tomlinson (2020)
Authors: Prior Martin
Published: June 2024

Review of: God Is Samoan: Dialogues between Culture and Theology in the Pacific, Matt Tomlinson (2020)

Honolulu, HI: University of Hawai‘i Press, 182 pp.,

ISBN 978 0 82488 097 2 (hbk), US$80
Financial Development is Supply-Leading or Demand-following? Empirical Investigation on EU Countries
Authors: Said Yasmeen , Hammam Rasha
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the complex relationship between economic growth and financial development in 14 European nations from 2002 to 2020. This study compares supply-leading versus demand-following financial evolution assumptions using panel co-integration analysis and vector error correction models. To fully understand financial progress, the research integrates multiple variables. A complex and intricate link is shown by empirical evidence. Short-term supply-leading features include GDP to stock market capitalization and private sector credit. However, monetary liability growth follows demand. The long-term relationship between economic growth and private-sector loans is negative. This study shows that the causal relationship depends on the financial development index used. Additionally, the study distinguishes between transitory changes and lasting equilibrium connections. The study also found a dynamic association between financial development and economic growth as an economy matures. The supply-leading concept states that supply drives the stock market in early development. However, as the economy grows, a demand-following pattern arises, supporting the contradiction. This study offers a deep knowledge of the complex relationship between financial development and economic growth in Europe. The research uses powerful econometric tools and financial development indicators to demonstrate the importance of nuanced understanding for good policy making.
Supply-leading,Keywords: Economic Growth, Financial Development, Demand-following,  Panel Cointegration, Vector Error Correction Model, Panel Causality
Threats and Benefits of AI in the context of targeting SDGs: A Youth Perception Approach
Authors: Isoieva Mariam , Marchenko Oleksandr , Diedkov Mykola , Lobanchuk Olena , Khrypko Svitlana
Published: June 2024

This paper surveys the opinions of the young people on the potential of AI, namely in the context of targeting Sustainable Development Goals. The goal is to research how young people understand the threats and benefits of AI and what can be done to eliminate risks related to it. Survey results show that young people are concerned about the negative impacts AI can have on democracy, quality of education, spread of misinformation, etc. On the other hand, participants mention numerous positive opportunities coming from AI. Need for regulations for sustainable AI development is also discussed. Most of the respondents say that AI should be regulated by the government to ensure safe and ethical usage of it. Connections between the AI and Sustainable Development Goals from the perspective of the youth are drawn to tackle challenges and highlight opportunities. 
Keywords: artificial intelligence, youth perspective, sustainable development goals, technologies development
Promoting Sustainable Education through Academic Integrity: The Habitus and Socialization Nexus
Authors: Dodonova Vira , Dodonov Roman , Voinarovska Liudmyla , Chornomordenko Dmytro , Pavlov Yurii , Binkivska Kristina , Lobanchuk Olena .
Published: June 2024

The article explores the methodological foundations of academic integrity formation. It analyzes the connection between academic integrity and the goals of sustainable development of education and science. The essence of academic integrity is described in unity with academic culture. It is proved that the methodological basis for the formation of academic integrity is three approaches: ethical, normative-legal, and instrumentalist. The essence of the ethical approach lies in adhering to the basic virtues for the formation of academic integrity among students, namely: adherence to the principle of fairness and ethics of responsibility for their academic activities. The normative-legal approach to the formation of academic integrity lies in the formation of legal culture and the ability to distinguish academic plagiarism and copyright infringement as a type of intellectual property right. An important methodological aspect of the formation of academic integrity is the popularization of the legal framework and the cultivation of responsibility for violations of legal and moral norms, understanding legal liability for dishonest acts in the academic environment. The instrumentalist approach aims at studying the essence of the socialization process, including educational methods, pedagogical technologies for the formation of academic integrity among higher education students. A correlation is made between the concepts of habitus and socialization, habitus and upbringing. Habitus, as a source of objective practices, includes ethical principles and is associated with an understanding of the concepts of justice and injustice. Academic integrity should be woven into a person's habitual practices, perceived as a cultural habit that is cultivated in society and constantly maintained. The article analyzes value-oriented education, where values are defining for personal growth and self-realization. It emphasizes the need to guide students during the educational process towards the right value direction.
Key words: academic integrity, academic culture, sustainable development, ethical approach, normative-legal approach, educational habitual practices, value approach in education.
Analisis Perubahan Penggunaan Lahan dan Ruang Terbuka Hijau serta Arahan Pengembangannya di Kota Bandung Provinsi Jawa Barat
Authors: Dewi Afrita Satya , Sitorus Santun R.P. , Makalew Afra D.N.
Published: June 2024

Bandung merupakan kota dengan tingkat pembangunan ekonomi yang cukup cepat. Kondisi ini mendorong terjadinya perubahan penggunaan lahan (PPL) di kota tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah 1) menganalisis kondisi eksisting RTH dan PPL di Kota Bandung, 2) memprediksi luas dan sebaran RTH pada tahun 2021, 3) menganalisis kebutuhan RTH menurut luas wilayah dan jumlah penduduk serta tingkat kenyamanan berdasarkan indeks kenyamanan thermal serta 4) menyusun arahan pengembangan RTH Kota Bandung. Metode yang digunakan adalah interpretasi visual dengan software ArcGIS 10.1, teknik overlay, prediksi PPL dengan CA-Markov dan analisis kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan RTH publik sebesar 6,0 % dari luas Kota Bandung. PPL terjadi dari lahan terbuka menjadi lahan terbangun dan dari sawah menjadi lahan terbuka dan lahan terbangun. PPL tahun 2021 diprediksi akan menambah luas RTH menjadi 10,1% dengan asumsi menambah luas dari lahan tidak produktif yang direncanakan sebagai RTH dalam RTRW Kota Bandung tahun 2011-2031. Kekurangan RTH berdasarkan luas wilayah sebesar 2.338,1 ha lebih kecil daripada kekurangan RTH berdasarkan jumlah penduduk sebesar 4.171,0 ha. Berdasarkan indeks kenyamanan thermal, Kota Bandung tergolong dalam kategori nyaman. Pengembangan RTH publik diarahkan pada semak belukar dan lahan terbuka dengan nilai tanah yang rendah. RTH privat perlu dikendalikan karena luasnya terbatas.
The Test of Silent Word Reading as a Diagnostic Tool for The Identification of Dyslexia in Pupils of School Age
Authors: Zubáková Martina , Krajčovičová Lucia
Published: June 2024

The paper introduces a new Slovak diagnostic tool, the Test of Silent Word Reading, designed to assess the fluency of silent reading at word level. This brief test takes only 3 minutes, making it suitable for individual and group administration. It comprises two distinct forms, A and B, facilitating repeated testing for monitoring reading progress. Building on a pilot survey conducted among primary education pupils, the test demonstrated acceptable reliability and strong concurrent validity. The study’s objective was to investigate whether pupils diagnosed with dyslexia perform worse on the Test of Silent Word Reading than their non-dyslexic counterparts and whether this test could be utilized for diagnostic purposes in the future. Analyzing a sample of 23 pupils diagnosed with dyslexia and 23 control pupils without dyslexia from grades 2 to 5 in primary schools, the study confirmed that dyslexic pupils performed significantly worse in both versions of the test (A and B), as evidenced by the observed scores, raw scores, errors, and percentage correct. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of correction parameters. The observed differences exhibited a moderately strong effect size. The study’s findings suggest that the Test of Silent Word Reading holds promise for future diagnostic applications in identifying dyslexia among school-age children in clinical and educational settings.
Exploring Teachers' Perspectives on Attitude Change Instruction in Social Studies Education
Authors: Appiah-Kubi Ebenezer , Bordoh Anthony , Eshun Isaac
Published: June 2024

This qualitative study explores the perspectives of social studies teachers in Ghana on attitude change instruction within the context of senior high school. The study investigates teachers' viewpoints, experiences, and practices related to attitudinal change instruction in Social Studies education. The study adopted a multiple case study design to gain in-depth insights into teachers' perceptions of attitudinal instruction. The population comprises Social Studies teachers in public Senior High Schools in the Oforikrom Municipality and Sekyere South District of the Ashanti Region. Sampling techniques involve selecting participants from nine public Senior High/Technical and Vocational Schools in the study area. The main instrument for data collection was semi-structured interviews. The study highlights the complexities and opportunities in fostering positive attitudes and behaviours among Ghanaian Senior High School students. Conclusions drawn from the study inform recommendations for enhancing attitude change instruction in Social Studies education, emphasising the importance of teacher commitment, student engagement, and a supportive educational environment.
Let’s entertain others: the relationship between comic styles and the histrionic self-presentation style in Polish, British, and Canadian samples
Authors: Fanslau Agnieszka , Olech Michał , Kałowski Piotr , Branowska Katarzyna , Zarazińska Anna , Glenwright Melanie , McGuinness Lauren , Banasik-Jemielniak Natalia
Published: June 2024

People who have the histrionic self-presentation style (HSP) demonstrate certain As-If-behaviors, involving pretense and role play, in their daily interactions to seek attention and amuse others. Doing As-If may be closely related to humor behaviors, so we examined this relationship in greater detail by using the Comic Style Markers (CSM) in Polish, English, and Canadian samples (N = 285, 383, and 305, respectively; M
age = 20.85, SD = 5.35). We expected that the HSP might be related to fun, wit, and satire due to their pretense-based characteristics. We confirmed configurational, metric, and scalar invariance for the As-If-Scale (AIS) and the CSM in the three samples, which allowed for cross-cultural comparisons. As expected, the HSP was positively associated with fun, wit, and satire. Additionally, men scored higher on the AIS, but no cross-country differences were found.
Fast and broadband spatial-photoresistance modulation in graphene–silicon heterojunctions
Authors: Du Ruxia , Wang Wenhui , Lin Huiwen , Zhang Xinlei , Wu Hao , Zhu Beibei , Jing Xu , Gu Xing , Ni Zhenhua , Tao Li
Published: June 2024

Different types of devices with modulable resistance are attractive for the significant potential applications such as sensors, information storage, computation, etc. Although extensive research has been reported on resistance effects, there is still a need for exploring new mechanisms that offer advantages of low power consumption, high sensitivity, and long-term stability. Here, we report a graphene–Si based spatial-dependence photo-rheostat (SDPR), which enables bipolar resistance modulation in the range of 5 mm with a resistance sensitivity exceeding 1,000 Ω/mm at operating wavelengths from visible to near infrared band (1,550 nm). Especially, at ultra-low energy consumption, the device can achieve modulation of even 5 orders of magnitude of resistance and response speed up to 10 kHz. A theoretical model based on carrier dynamics is established to reveal the diffusion and drift of carriers as a mechanism explaining such experimental phenomenon. This work provides a new avenue to modulate resistance at low power consumption as novel opto-potentiometers in various photoelectric applications.
Reconfigurable metasurface array for diverse retrodirective reflections and radar cross section reduction
Authors: Wei Wen Yue , Shi Yan , Meng Zan Kui , Hui Ru , Wu Quan Wei
Published: June 2024

Retroreflectors can scatter the arbitrarily incident wave back to incoming direction, demonstrating great potential in wireless communication. However, there are limitations in adaptive retroreflection and polarization modulation with the existing retroreflectors. In this paper, a novel metasurface array with a reconfigurable transmission line (TL) network has been proposed to flexibly achieve multiple manipulation functions of electromagnetic wave including upper half-space cross-polarized retroreflection and circularly polarized retroreflection in the diagonal planes and radar cross section (RCS) reduction. To accomplish these capabilities, a novel transmission mode for ferrite circulators has been developed, enabling precise phase control of the TL. By adjusting the operation states of the circulators, multiple phase differences between forward and reverse transmission directions including ±90° and ±180° are generated. With the obtained phase differences, the metasurface array can flexibly achieve the adaptive retroreflection fields with multiple polarization characteristics based on the spatial field superposition and the RCS reduction based on the phase cancellation. To validate the concept and feasibility of the proposed reconfigurable retrodirective metasurface, an X-band prototype has been fabricated and measured. Good agreement between the simulation and the experiment is observed to verify the effectiveness of our retrodirective design in upper half-space wave manipulation.
Wittgenstein and Frege on Negation and Denial
Authors: Johnston Colin
Published: June 2024

Frege maintains that there are not two distinct acts, assertion and denial; rather, denying p is one and the same as asserting not-p. Wittgenstein appears not to recognise this identity in Frege, attributing to him the contrary view that a proposition may have one of two verbs, "is true" or "is false". This paper explains Wittgenstein’s attribution as a consequence of Frege’s treatment of content as theoretically prior to the act of judgment. Where content is prior to judgment, the denial of p—what is rejected in asserting p—is distinct from the assertion of not-p. Wittgenstein’s own embrace of Frege’s identity is then considered, an embrace explained in part by his repudiation of Frege’s theoretical order.
Comparison of Debonding of Different Composite Resin Bonds and Acrylic Tooth with Acrylic Denture Base after Thermocycling Regimes.
Authors:   Dental Assistant Department, Erbil polytechnic university, Erbil, Iraq., Zangana Aso M. , Hawrami Ghalib R. , Hamad Samir A.
Published: June 2024

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to repair detached acrylic tooth using composite resin and comparing it debonding with cold cure acrylic after thermocycilg process. Methods: Materials used in the study include: four composite groups (Ceram, Composan, ESTELITE and Dynamic Plus) with a single group of acrylic artificial teeth bonded to acrylic (n=10). Specimens have tested the thermocycling then specimens were subjected to stress using a universal testing machine. Results: The outcome data statistically were analyzed, results showed that (ESTELITE) Tokoyama, brand has the highest value of tensile bond strength (7.05 MPa), and the lowest one Cerama brand with the (5.12 MPa) mean composite groups, but the cold cure acrylic one with the (2.07 MPa). Conclusion: Replacement of missing artificial teeth on the denture base with a different brand of composite can be done as an alternative to acrylic teeth and the thermocycling regime influence the debonding process. Keywords: Composite Resin, Artificial Teeth, Denture Base, Thermocycling, Debonding.
Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Different Composite Resins after Using Different Polishing Systems.
Authors:   Department of Conservative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University Of Duhok, Duhok, Iraq., Abdullah Hisham Z. , Amin Bassam K.
Published: June 2024

Background and objectives: To evaluate and compare the color stability and surface roughness of different composite resins after using different polishing systems and then submitting to accelerating artificial aging (AAA) and staining by black tea. Method: Twenty disk-shaped specimens (were compacted into the custom-made cylindrical plastic mold that had an internal diameter of 10 mm and a depth of 2 mm) were prepared for each composite resin type (3M Z350, Tokoyama palfique and shofu Beautifil II) for a total of 60 specimens, each composite group was divided into two subgroups according to the polishing system (n=10) (Shofu super-snap polishing disks and Eve Diacomp Plus Twist wheel). Color parameters (L*, a*, and b*) and surface roughness were measured before and after accelerating artificial aging (2000-4000 thermal cycle) and staining. Results: It was observed that all resin-based materials showed an increase in color change value and surface roughness values after 2000 thermal cycles. while after 4000 thermal cycles only the surface roughness value decreased in all resin-based materials. Conclusion: all resin-based materials showed clinically acceptable color stability and surface roughness >0.2 µm) after (2000 thermal cycle) and staining. Keywords: color stability, surface roughness, thermal cycle, staining.
The Role of Dental Implant in Maxillofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation in Rizgari Teaching Hospital.
Authors:   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq., Omar Othman A.
Published: June 2024

Backgrounds and objectives: Loss of any maxillofacial subunit will certainly pose a functional, esthetic, and psychological problems. In addition, the mode of fixation of prosthesis is of major concern. This research aimed to study the role of dental implant in fixing maxillofacial prosthesis. Method: A retrospective hospital-based study was designed from June 2019 to January 2023. Maxillofacial prosthetic unit is the only center in the region treating patients with lost maxillofacial subunits. Inclusion criteria were, 18 years old or above, patients who lost facial structure unit/s (mandible, maxilla, orbit, nose, auricle, etc...). Cone beam CT was used for implant site planning. All the surgeries of implant placement were done under local anesthesia through full thickness skin flaps. Implants were placed 1cm away from each other for hygienic purposes and at least 7mm away from hairy skin. Result: A total of 28 implants were used for prosthetic rehabilitation of 10 patients (7 males and 3 females) with age range of 27-70 years. All the implants passed the period of healing and the follow up period after prosthetic rehabilitation successfully with 0% failure. No unwanted sequel like skin infection or peri implantitis or pain is reported. Conclusion: Dental implant considered the best mode of fixation in maxillofacial rehabilitation with best functional, esthetic and psychological outcomes. Keywords: dental implant, rehabilitation, prosthesis, maxillofacial defects.
Dentinal Crack Formation and Quality of Obturation Using Two Single File Systems and Two Obturation Techniques: A micro-CT Study.
Authors:   Department of Conservative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Duhok, Iraq., Omar Shaban Shaban , Selivany Bahar Jafaar
Published: June 2024

Background and objectives: Root canal preparation following obturation with rotary instruments and different obturation techniques may lead to formation of microcracks in the root canal wall, void and gaps between the canal wall and obturation material. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate dentinal microcracks and voids formation after using two different files TruNatomy (TRN) and Genius (GN) and two obturation techniques Single Cone (SC) and GuttaCore (GC) using Microcomputed tomography scan (micro-CT). Methods: 40 extracted mandibular premolars were decoronated, leaving 13mm roots. The roots were randomly divided into two main groups TRN and GN ((n=20)) according to instrumentation, afterwards each group subdivided into two subgroups ((n=10)) according to obturation techniques. The root canals instrumented with TRN and GN file and obturated with Single Cone (SC) and GuttaCore (GC) obturation techniques. AH Plus sealer was used in all groups. The specimens were scanned with Micro-CT before and after root canal preparation and after obturation. subsequently, all pre-and postoperative cross-sectional images of the roots were screened to identify the presence of dentinal defects. Furthermore, the percentage of voids volume calculated. Data were analyzed statistically to determine difference between groups, the level of statistical significance was at p < 0.05. Results: GN revealed the least number of microcracks. There were no significant differences between groups in the incidence of dentinal microcracks. The highest percentage of filling material was observed in GC groups. There were significant differences between the obturation groups in the number of voids present after obturation (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The instrumentation of root canals induces dentinal microcracks. Obturation have no effect on the formation of cracks. None of the root canal filling procedures yield fillings that are void-free. Keywords: Dentinal crack, Voids, Micro CT, Guttacore, Singlecone, TruNatomy, Genius.
If It Concerns Me: An Experimental Investigation of the Influence of Psychological Distance on the Acceptance of Autonomous Shuttle Buses
Authors: Schandl Franziska , Lermer Eva , Hudecek Matthias F. C.
Published: June 2024

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) will revolutionize our everyday mobility in the future. However, the prerequisite for this is that the technology is accepted by the population. Currently, AVs are still difficult to grasp for many people, i.e., the topic of autonomous driving is psychologically distant. In other contexts, it has been shown that this psychological distance or proximity can be used to influence product perception. However, the influence of psychological distance has never been investigated in the AV context. To address this research gap, we investigated the impact of psychological distance on the intention to use (ITU) AVs. We manipulated psychological distance in a 2x2x2 scenario-based experiment (N = 2114) on two different dimensions and additionally varied driving modality for comparison purposes: subjects either imagined themselves or an average person (social distance) using either a traditional or autonomous bus (driving modality) either today or in ten years (temporal distance). Our results showed a main effect of driving modality and social distance, with higher ITU for AVs and the average person. Temporal distance interacted with social distance to affect ITU. Interestingly, psychological distance also affected ITU for traditional buses with a similar interaction pattern. Thus, our study suggests that psychological distance affects the ITU of buses in general rather than AV technology. Providers can benefit from framing AVs as temporally close and providing as concrete, detailed information as possible. Future research should examine the underlying mechanisms (e.g., a shift in bus use priorities) that can explain why social distance plays an important role, particularly in future scenarios.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Authors: Nichols Tiffany
Published: June 2024

What happens when disturbances in precision measurement instruments are indecipherable to physicists despite extensive review of the instruments and their outputs? How do physicists parse instrument outputs to discern sought-after signals from noise that originates from the surrounding natural and built environments, either masking or mimicking these desired signals? I argue that given the extreme sensitivity of the laser interferometers used by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) to detect minute length deformations caused by gravitational waves, physicists reconceptualized their traditional laboratory spaces to include the surrounding natural and built environments. Discerning signal from noise in instruments operating close to their low noise floors necessitate an epistemic shift that combines the laboratory with the surrounding natural and built environments beyond its walls through the epistemic space of the “expanded laboratory environment.”
Biokovo – Lokva
Authors: Bekavac Silvia , Miletić Željko
Published: June 2024

Tumul na Lokvi nalazi se na 1467 m n. v. u predjelu Biokovske vršne zaravni. Arheološkim istraživanjima otkrivena su 3 ukopa. Najraniji pokojnik pronađen je s ostatcima keramičke posude koja je po obliku i ukrasu specifična za ranobrončanu Cetinsku kulturnu grupu. Kamena grobna konstrukcija ovog groba sekundarno je poslužila za naknadne ukope u 14. odnosno 15. stoljeću.
Probno arheološko istraživanje na Frankopanskom trgu u Senju
Authors: Glavaš Vedrana
Published: June 2024

Probno arheološko istraživanje u Senju na Frankopanskom trgu provedeno je u dvjema arheološkim kampanjama tijekom 2022. godine u svrhu definiranja arheološkog potencijala ovog prostora. Rezultati probnih istraživanja upućuju na to da oni predjeli Frankopanskog trga koji nisu zahvaćeni recentnim gradnjama i ukopima u 20. stoljeću sadrže bogate kulturne slojeve koji datiraju od kasne antike pa sve do novog vijeka.
Probno istraživanje trećeg antičkog broda na Trsteniku u Kaštel Sućurcu
Authors: Radić Rossi Irena , Šuta Ivan
Published: June 2024

Godine 2006. uz jugozapadni kraj linearne konstrukcije Neven Lete otkrio je ostatke broda ispunjenog velikim kamenjem i namjerno potopljenog s ciljem učvršćenja operativne obale. Tijekom istraživanja 2020. godine Neven Lete i Vedran Dorušić otkrili su ostatke još dvaju brodova. Rad donosi preliminarne rezultate istraživanja trećeg broda. Na brodu je sa sjeverne strane zamijećeno deset rebara, dok se s južne strane raspoznaje njih šest, od kojih su prva tri vjerojatno dijelovi sjevernih rebara. Istovremeno s iskopom na prostoru broda Trstenik 3 nastavila se pratiti konstrukcija operativne obale u smjeru sjevera.
Potopljeno neolitičko nalazište na Solinama (Korčula)
Authors: Parica Mate
Published: June 2024

Lokalitet Soline nalazi se oko 2,5 kilometara jugoistočno od grada Korčule. Istraživanjima iz 2021. jasno je definiran segment zidane obale koja u obliku sedmerokuta okružuje cijeli lokalitet. Jasno definirana zidana obala čini granicu neolitičkog naselja prema moru, stoga je ovogodišnja kampanja bila usmjerena na istraživanje unutrašnjeg dijela naselja. Istraživani prostor pokazao je znatno drugačiju strukturu u odnosu na ostale dijelove lokaliteta. Deponirani sloj sastoji se većinom od mulja i drvenih grana, iverja, te komadića ugljena. Na nekim mjestima primijećena je i koncentracija biljnih vlakana nalik na sijeno. Na nekoliko nivoa vide se i urušenja pločastog kamena od okolnih konstrukcija. Unutar sloja se nalazila i veća količina keramičkih oblika čiji ukrasi dokazuju vrijeme kasnoneolitičke hvarske kulture, zatim kremena sječiva i vrhovi kremenih strelica. Osim toga pronađene su i fino obrađene koštane alatke. Od bioarheološkog materijala pronađene su životinjske kosti, te brojne ljušture badema, te tek tri koštice masline.
Zaštitno arheološko iskopavanje u Stinici
Authors: Glavaš Vedrana
Published: June 2024

Tijekom svibnja 2022. godine provedeno je zaštitno arheološko istraživanje u luci u Stinici na području izgradnje tipskog sanitarnog čvora u luci.  Istraživanje u Stinici je pokazalo da se i na ovom području rasprostire kulturni sloj koji se povezuje s razdobljem antičke Ortople.
Testiranje opreme na novovjekovnom brodolomu Otočac
Authors: Batur Katarina
Published: June 2024

Projekt Primjena i potencijali nedestruktivnih metoda arheoloških istraživanja na primjeru novovjekovnog brodoloma Otočac na Korčuli potaknut je idejom o prikupljanju podataka mjerenjem električnog potencijala i pH-vrijednosti te multispektralnom fotografijom. Projekt je pokrenut s ciljem testiranja nedestruktivnih, cjenovno prihvatljivih i korisniku pristupačnih metoda daljinskog istraživanja za analizu arheoloških nalazišta.
Importancia del cálculo de la capacidad de pago en proyectos urbanos financiados por valorización
Authors: Moreno S. Guillermo , Ramírez-Gómez Laura , Betancur L. Víctor
Published: June 2024

El presente artículo de investigación tiene como objetivo ilustrar la metodología utilizada para determinar la capacidad de pago de los propietarios de inmuebles residenciales que serán impactados por proyectos urbanos localizados en el área de estudio o influencia de los proyectos Longitudinal Occidental y Avenida 34. La investigación se apoyó de un ejercicio de revisión bibliográfica, análisis de la normatividad, de la adopción de la metodología para el cálculo de la capacidad de pago y se construyó un instrumento de recolección de información primaria. Se presentarán los principales resultados en temas de ingresos, gastos, capacidad de pago y confianza institucional. Se encontrará un apartado destinado especialmente a describir la metodología soportada en tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones, buscando democratizar el acceso a la misma, este es el principal aporte de la academia, como contribución a la toma de decisiones que más favorezcan a la sociedad en su conjunto.
STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF HEAVY OIL RESINS FROM THE NURLAT OILFIELD UNDER THERMAL ACTION
Authors: GERASIMOVA N.N. , CHESHKOVA T.V. , MIN R.S. , SAGACHENKO T.A.
Published: June 2024

Resins extracted from heavy high-viscous oil of the Nurlat oilfield were investigated. The composition of fragments bound through sulphide and ether bridges in the molecules of initial resins and the liquid products of their conversion at 450 °C under the conditions of laboratory experiment was studied using a set of physicochemical methods (IR spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy, gas chromatography - mass spectrometry, chemical destruction). It is shown that the fragments undergoing destruction are mainly those bound in the structure of the initial sample through the least thermally stable functional groups of esters and aliphatic sulphides. Sulphur- and ether-bound compounds in the structure of both resin samples are represented by n-alkanes, n-alkylcyclopentanes, n-alkylcyclohexanes and hopanes. The presence of nickel porphyrins was established among the sulphur-bound compounds. It is the molecular composition of bound n-alkanes that changes most noticeably during thermolysis. Ether bond cleavage in the molecules of secondary resins leads to the formation of products containing mono- and dibromides of alkyl biphenyls. This fact provides evidence that these aromatic compounds are present in resins in the form of fragments bound with other structural fragments through one and two ether bridges.
Effect of exercise based cardiac rehabilitation on LV systolic function & exercise stress parameters in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy post anterior STEMI
Authors: Samir Sameh , Sahsah Mohamed , Kadry Ahmed , Mahdy Mohsen , Khorshid Hazem
Published: June 2024

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide. Multiple meta-analysis have demonstrated the benefit of exercise based cardiac rehabilitation. However, the effect of exercise training on left ventricular (LV) systolic function in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy has been controversial in the literature. Objective: To study the effect of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) on left ventricular (LV) systolic function and exercise stress parameters (METs achieved, HR recovery and HR reserve) in post anterior STEMI patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (EF≤45%). Patients and methods: The study included 50 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (Post anterior STEMI successfully treated by 1ry PCI) referred for cardiac rehabilitation unit at Ain Shams University Hospitals. The patients were subjected to 3 months of formal exercise based cardiac rehabilitation. Before the CR program, they were subjected to a symptom-limited exercise test (modified Bruce protocol) to exclude any remaining ischemia and calculate enrolment HR reserve, baseline heart rate recovery in 1st minute and 2nd minute (HRR1 and HRR2). Another symptom-limited exercise test was done post CR program to assess the forementioned exercise parameters after completion of the program. Echocardiography was done at baseline and after completion of the CR program for assessment of LV systolic function by ejection fraction (assessed by 2D Simpson’s method) and peak longitudinal strain of the left ventricle (measured using speckle tracking echocardiography). Results: Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with significant improvement in LV systolic function as reflected by significant improvement in Global longitudinal strain (GLS) (P-value = 0.0001) in patients with ischemic heart failure. CR was also associated with improvement in the functional capacity as reflected by the improvement in METs as well as in the HRR and HR reserve (P-value = 0.0001). However, there was no significant change regarding EF before and after cardiac rehabilitation (P-value= 0.4582).