bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the Hands-free AI Speaker System Supporting Hands-on Science Laboratory Class
Authors: Lee Gyeong-Geon , Choi Minji , An Taesoo , Mun Seonyeong , Hong Hun-Gi
Published: January 2023

The recent progress of natural language processing (NLP), speech recognition, and speech generation envisions using hands-free artificial intelligence (AI) speakers in classrooms to support student learning. In science education, the conventional hands-on laboratory education has been considered crucial in fostering students’ manipulative experimentation skills. However, touching things with gloved hands other than experimental equipment and apparatuses is strictly restricted because of the safety issue, which calls for another channel to get timely support. Therefore, we ideated that adopting hands-free AI speakers in the hands-on science laboratory classroom would support student learning. Using the rapid prototyping method, we designed and developed an AI speaker-based system that answers student queries concerning solution-making, experimental process, and waste liquid disposal, which corresponds to the initial, middle, and final phases of a laboratory class. The system was internally validated by usability tests of 9 expert panels and 18 university students, and then revised. The revised system was externally validated in an analytical chemistry experiment class for 3 sessions with 13 university students. We present the result of the prototype development, internal and external validations with quantitative and qualitative data. The AI speaker system enabled students to use the auditory learning mode in the laboratory while concentrating on the experimentation with their hands in the external validation.
The Effect of a Proposed Strategy according to the Design Thinking Model in Mathematics Achievement and Personal Intelligence among Students of Sixth-Class Scientific
Authors: Areej Khuder Hassan
Published: January 2023

— Researcher adopted the experimental research method with two groups (experimental; control) with a posttest; to know the impact of a proposed strategy according to the design thinking model on the achievement of mathematics and personal intelligence among students sixth-class scientific. The null hypotheses were made "there is no statistically significant difference at the significance level (0.05) between the mean scores of students sixth-class scientific (biology) who learned the mathematics subject assigned to them according to proposed strategy (the experimental group) with students who learned the same material by usual way (control group) in test of achievement, also “there is no statistically significant difference at the significance level (0.05) between the mean scores of the students sixth-class scientific (Biology) who learned the mathematics subject assigned to them according to the proposed strategy (the experimental group) and between the students who learned the same material by usual way (the control group) in the personal intelligence scale”. Community of research represent students sixth-class scientific (biology) from the General Directorate of Education of Karkh First. Research sample was selected (60) students, and the sample was divided into two groups (experimental) and (control). The equivalence of both groups was made in (previous achievement in “Mathematics”, “level of intelligence”, “chronological age”). For collecting data to the experiment, an achievement test was built in of (10) test paragraphs of essay type, plus a scale to measure personal intelligence with five test paragraphs. Analyzes were conducted the appropriate statistic, and the psychometric properties of the test were confirmed. Results indicated that students of the experimental group who studied according to the proposed strategy were superior to the students of control group who studied by usual method.
Analysis of STACK Answer Data Using Pen-Stroke Data from a Calculation Notebook and Item Response Theory
Authors: Nakamura Yasuyuki , Fujimoto Kazusa , Ito Kako
Published: January 2023

One of the most significant features of STACK, an automatic assessment system for mathematics, is the automatic classification of correct, semi-correct and incorrect answers using the Potential Response Tree, and the presentation of appropriate feedback for each. However, the answers provided by students are only the results of their calculations, and if they are semi-correct or wrong, it is necessary to check the notes describing the calculations to determine where mistakes have been made. We developed a function that allows students to submit their notes at the same time as their STACK answers, thereby creating an environment in which teachers can check where students have made mistakes and where they have stumbled. The note submission can be in the form of saving the results of calculations made with a digital pen on a tablet. This study examines a method of analysing answer data by visualising and analysing pen-stroke data from notes submitted using the latter method, and linking this to correct/incorrect data. From pen-stroke data, two types of visualisation were achieved on the submitted notes. One was to colour-code the strokes according to the writing speed of the digital pen, and the other was to display the strokes as thicker if the stagnant time in which nothing was written was above a threshold value. The difficulty of the problem was estimated from those data. Then, the item response theory is used to verify whether the difficulty is correctly estimated.
A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Neural Networks and Their Impact on the Detection of Malicious Websites in Network Users
Authors: Gamboa-Cruzado Javier , Briceño-Ochoa Juan , Huaysara-Ancco Marco , Alva Arévalo Alberto , Ríos Vargas Caleb , Arangüena Yllanes Magaly , Rodriguez-Baca Liset S.
Published: January 2023

The large branches of Machine Learning represent an immense support for the detection of malicious websites, they can predict whether a URL is malicious or benign, leaving aside the cyber attacks that can generate for network users who are unaware of them. The objective of the research was to know the state of the art about Neural Networks and their impact for the Detection of malicious Websites in network users. For this purpose, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted from 2017 to 2021. The search identified 561 963 papers from different sources such as Taylor & Francis Online, IEEE Xplore, ARDI, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, ACM Digital Library and Microsoft Academic. Of the papers only 82 were considered based on exclusion criteria formulated by the author. As a result of the SLR, studies focused on machine learning (ML), where it recommends the use of algorithms to have a better and efficient prediction of malicious websites. For the researchers, this review presents a mapping of the findings on the most used machine learning techniques for malicious website detection, which are essential for a study because they increase the accuracy of an algorithm. It also shows the main machine learning methodologies that are used in the research papers.
Le parlement de transition en Afrique
Authors: Bikoro Jean Mermoz
Published: January 2023

La période de transition constitutionnelle fait généralement émerger un paysage institutionnel atypique dans les États africains en crise. Cela est consécutif au fait que la transition s’opère généralement dans un contexte où la Constitution en vigueur a été abrogée ce qui induit, une dissolution des institutions classiques. Dans ce contexte, pour assurer la continuité de l’État, des institutions transitoires sont souvent créées par la Constitution intérimaire. C’est dans ce sillage qu’il convient de situer le parlement de transition. Il s’agit, au-delà de la variabilité des dénominations, de l’organe qui incarne le pouvoir législatif pendant la transition constitutionnelle. Mais, il est surtout question d’une institution parlementaire qui se démarque du parlement classique ou originaire. Une démarcation qui n’est certes pas absolue mais, qui est perceptible au regard de sa configuration et à l’analyse de ses missions.
Le juge fiscal camerounais : unité ou pluralité de juridictions ?
Authors: Fermose Janvier
Published: January 2023

Le développement du contentieux fiscal moderne a conduit à un passage du dualisme juridictionnel à un pluralisme juridictionnel fiscal. S’il n’est pas évident d’avoir un juge unique qui statue sur l’ensemble de la matière fiscale, la préoccupation centrale est celle de savoir comment les juges fiscaux coexistent-ils dans l’ordre juridictionnel camerounais. Suivant l’hypothèse que cette coexistence est manifeste, l’étude privilégie l’analyse des textes juridiques et des décisions rendues par les juridictions fiscales camerounaises. D’une part, pour vérifier le bien-fondé de l’analyse, il ressort que, de par son identification, le juge fiscal camerounais est désormais un juge multiple, pluriel et diversifié : il est dual, en se référant au juge fiscal classique (administratif ou judiciaire), et spécial, si l’on fait allusion aux juges fiscaux constitutionnel, communautaire et régional. La diversité du juge fiscal permet alors d’observer que toutes les juridictions sont, à un titre plus ou moins, à compétences fiscales. Si pendant longtemps, le dualisme juridictionnel a été le socle institutionnel du contentieux fiscal, la notion de juge fiscal s’est aujourd’hui enrichie avec l’apparition des nouveaux juges fiscaux. D’autre part, comme corollaire, la pluralité des juges fiscaux pose le problème de leur cohabitation : l’on note une collaboration organique et fonctionnelle entre les juges intervenant en contentieux fiscal, mais cette coexistence n’est pas sans conséquence, car elle entraîne des incidences légales et jurisprudentielles.
La constitutionnalisation du pouvoir de substitution de l’État à l’égard des collectivités locales : une comparaison franco-italienne
Authors: Natoli Francesco
Published: January 2023

En Italie, le processus de décentralisation territoriale a été parachevé en 2001 par une large révision constitutionnelle du titre V de la deuxième partie de la Constitution régissant les rapports entre l’État et les collectivités locales. Cette réforme a eu pour objet de renforcer l’autonomie administrative et financière de ces dernières en supprimant, entre autres, le régime général des tutelles administratives prévu, en origine, par les articles 124 et 125 de la Constitution : ces derniers habilitant l’administration déconcentrée à effectuer un contrôle de légalité voire, le cas échéant, d’opportunité sur les actes des collectivités locales. Cependant, afin de préserver l’unité et l’indivisibilité de la République, le constituant a néanmoins habilité le Gouvernement, au titre de l’article 120 al-2, à se substituer aux organes des régions, des provinces, des communes et des villes métropolitaines lorsque ces derniers méconnaissent leurs obligations constitutionnelles dans un ensemble de cas de figures déterminés par la Constitution-même. En l’espèce, l’intention du constituant a été celle de faire en sorte que l’État ne puisse intervenir dans le domaine de compétence de l’administration décentralisée qu’à titre exceptionnel et selon un schéma normatif précis. La constitutionnalisation du pouvoir de substitution a donc été envisagée comme une protection juridique supplémentaire à l’égard des collectivités locales. Pourtant, la pratique administrative montre que le Gouvernement tend à interpréter ses nouvelles prérogatives de manière extensive : la constitutionnalisation du pouvoir de substitution ayant renforcé d’avantage l’emprise de l’État sur l’administration territoriale. En France, au contraire, le pouvoir de substitution du représentant de l’État à l’égard des autorités administratives locales, malgré son extension progressive à plusieurs domaines par voie législative, n’est envisagée que rarement par l’administration déconcentrée : les préfets préférant, le plus souvent, d’autres solutions à caractère non-coercitif. Cette différence s’explique par le fait que, dès sa genèse, le pouvoir de substitution a fait l’objet d’un encadrement rigoureux et cohérent par les juridictions administratives : la substitution n’étant envisageable que dans des cas de disfonctionnement et de paralysie extrêmes des institutions locales. L’objectif de cette contribution est donc celui de démontrer, à travers une analyse comparée entre la France et l’Italie portant sur le régime juridique du pouvoir de substitution, que la constitutionnalisation ne représente pas une solution optimale pour protéger les prérogatives des collectivités locales.
Les bases constitutionnelles du droit d’origine externe en Afrique francophone
Authors: Kemetio Marien Ludovic Ndiffo
Published: January 2023

La Constitution nationale s’affirme aujourd’hui comme la base du droit d’origine externe. En Afrique francophone, la consistance des bases constitutionnelles du droit d’origine externe se caractérise par l’ambivalence liée à la disparité des composantes de ce dernier. On y perçoit clairement une combinaison déséquilibrée de l’identité et de la spécificité : si l’identité des bases constitutionnelles du droit communautaire et du droit international est la tendance dominante, elle n’empêche pas l’émergence mesurée de la spécificité des bases du premier par rapport au second. Dans cette perspective, les Constitutions africaines apparaissent à la fois comme un miroir et surtout un cadre des mutations de l’univers juridique externe. Au-delà de la conception véritable du droit constitutionnel extranational africain ainsi découverte, le souci de prendre en compte son inspiration profonde conduit à la conviction que ce droit constitutionnel est sous-tendu, dans certains de ses aspects, par l’influence du modèle français et, dans d’autres, par des traits originaux en adéquation avec les identités, les caractéristiques sociopolitiques et les traditions historiques nationales.
L’a-démocratie française
Authors: Quintane Guy
Published: January 2023

La remise en cause du modèle national par le communautarisme et par la montée en puissance de la supranationalité pose à la démocratie de nombreuses questions. Ladite démocratie est par ailleurs affectée par la progression d’inégalités sociales aux multiples visages. Dans le même temps, un personnel politique au nouveau visage semble de moins en moins à même d’affronter les défis que génère une telle situation. Nous sommes ainsi peut-être arrivés à la fin d’un cycle, et la route conduisant à un ordonnancement social qui serait celui de l’a-démocratie pourrait-elle être désormais ouverte. Il n’est pas sûr que l’on ait pris la mesure des risques qu’une telle évolution, si elle se confirmait, serait susceptible d’entraîner.
De l’existence d’une politique jurisprudentielle dans le contentieux disciplinaire en Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Dosso Karim
Published: January 2023

La présente contribution a interrogé les décisions du juge de l’excès de pouvoir en matière de sanction disciplinaire afin de mettre en évidence l’existence d’une ligne, voire d’une politique jurisprudentielle. On le sait, on ne peut parler de politique jurisprudentielle que dans un sens rétrospectif, c’est-à-dire comme le bilan d’une œuvre qui se prête à être mise en cohérence. À cette fin, projetant le regard sur les deux versants du contrôle du juge en matière disciplinaire (la procédure et le contenu), l’observation donne de constater que les décisions du juge de l’excès de pouvoir laissent apparaître l’existence d’une ligne ou politique jurisprudentielle.
La concession de la chefferie traditionnelle, lieu public ou lieu privé ?
Authors: Kamgaing Pierre-Claver
Published: January 2023

Le régime applicable aux réunions et manifestations varie selon qu’elles se tiennent dans un lieu public ou un lieu privé : une réunion ou manifestation dans un lieu public est soumise à une obligation de déclaration préalable. À la faveur de l’actualité sociale récente au Cameroun, on est amené à s’interroger sur le statut de la concession de la chefferie traditionnelle, entendue comme étant la superficie de terrain, bâtie ou non, qui constitue l’environnement immédiat du chef. On se demande notamment si la concession de la chefferie est un lieu public ou un lieu privé. Il s’agit là d’une question dont la difficulté est ancienne et illustre la difficulté de coexistence entre le droit coutumier et le droit moderne. Une partie de la doctrine publiciste, par une interprétation restrictive des dispositions légales – elles même mal rédigées – a conclu que toutes les concessions de chefferies traditionnelles appartiennent au domaine public artificiel de l’État. À ce titre, elles seraient donc des lieux publics. Or, une analyse des données sociologiques et historiques, permet de replacer le texte législatif dans son contexte. Il en résulte que selon l’identité de celui qui détient un droit de propriété sur les terres (État, collectivité villageoise, chef) le statut pourra changer. Ainsi, la concession pourra être un lieu public ou un lieu privé ouvert au public. En fonction du statut, le régime des réunions et manifestations publiques pourra varier considérablement au Cameroun.
Le sursis à statuer en matière d’urbanisme : une anticipation des effets de la norme future
Authors: Pros-Phalippon Chloé
Published: January 2023

En application de l’article L. 153-11 du code de l’urbanisme, l’autorité compétente peut décider de surseoir à statuer sur les demandes d’autorisation concernant des constructions, installations ou opérations qui seraient de nature à compromettre ou à rendre plus onéreuse l’exécution du futur plan local d’urbanisme. Le sursis à statuer repose sur un processus conduisant à déroger au principe selon lequel la légalité d’un acte s’apprécie à la date de son édiction. Il ne s’agit pas matériellement d’une décision de refus mais ses effets s’y apparentent et entrainent l’application de règles formelles et procédurales propres aux décisions de refus.
PESQUISAS DE MESTRADO E DOUTORADO RELACIONADAS À SEGURANÇA CONTRA INCÊNDIO EM EDIFICAÇÕES NO BRASIL:
Authors: Reginato Gabriel Helena , Romano Fabiane Vieira , Dávila Juliane da Silva , Antocheves de Lima Rogério Cattelan
Published: January 2023

Considerando o campo de pesquisa em Segurança Contra Incêndio (SCI), a abrangência de estudos científicos contempla uma série de enfoques, podendo ser compreendidos como subáreas dessa temática. Sob esse cenário multidisciplinar de pesquisas, o presente artigo tem como objetivo refletir acerca da produção científica na área citada, de modo a identificar o panorama nacional em pesquisas de mestrado e doutorado e os principais enfoques de estudo, ou subáreas, por meio de uma revisão sistemática. Dessa forma, optou-se pelo método de Pesquisa Sistemática, o qual é divido em três etapas: planejamento, execução e condução. A busca nas bases, respeitando o protocolo definido, retornou um total de 218 trabalhos, entre teses e dissertações. Os resultados obtidos da revisão indicam que a principal subárea de pesquisa se refere a estudos relacionados ao comportamento dos materiais e estruturas em situação de incêndio, oriundos, principalmente, de programas de pós-graduação em engenharia civil, de instituições de ensino localizadas nas regiões sudeste e sul do Brasil. Acredita-se que este estudo possa auxiliar na compreensão do estágio de produção científica relacionados à SCI, identificação das subáreas com lacunas de conhecimento, oportunidades de pesquisa e polos de ensino da área.
Relação entre os sintomas do Transtorno do Jogo pela Internet e as dificuldades na regulação emocional de jogadores de jogos online
Authors: Barros Cordeiro Raissa Lara , Braga de Lucena Bárbara , Maria Possidônio de Sousa Emanuela
Published: January 2023

O Transtorno do Jogo pela Internet (TJI) foi incluído na última versão do DSM-V. Entre os critérios diagnósticos estão o uso do jogo para evitar ou aliviar o humor negativo e a preocupação constante com os jogos, que podem estar associados com a regulação emocional. Este trabalho buscou avaliar a relação entre os sintomas do TJI e as dificuldades na regulação emocional em jogadores de jogos online. Participaram da pesquisa 216 respondentes, que responderam um questionário online com perguntas sociodemográficas, a Escala de Dificuldade na Regulação Emocional e a Game Addiction Scale. Os resultados apontam correlação positiva entre as duas escalas (ρ = 0,36). Foram encontradas diferenças entre as pontuações e o gênero dos participantes, em que o grupo feminino apresentou maior dificuldades na regulação emocional e grupo masculino apresentou mais sintomas do TJI. A literatura aponta que a quantidade de horas jogadas, a motivação para a busca do jogo e o tipo de jogo pode corroborar para a manutenção dos sintomas do transtorno, mas também de aspectos referente à regulação emocional no contexto dos jogos online, principalmente os multiplayers. São necessários mais estudos para aprofundar a discussão do tema, considerando a crescente preocupação acerca de possíveis implicações clínicas.
A reforma comemorada
Authors: Cechella Philippi Carolina , Favarin Thaís Cardozo
Published: January 2023

Este artigo tematiza uma iniciativa de comemoração do aniversário de 25 anos da Reforma do Ensino catarinense de 1911. Para tanto, toma como fonte a edição comemorativa da Revista de Educação local, interpelando-a a partir das categorias: ‘autores e colaboradores’, ‘temáticas abordadas’ e ‘citações’. Intenta-se inquirir seus dispositivos narrativos, políticos e de modelização das práticas docentes (Carvalho, 2018), mapeando os recursos retóricos, as práticas (Vidal, 2007) e as ‘operações’ mobilizadas (Certeau, 2009, 1985). Como considerações finais, destacam-se os recursos narrativos que estabelecem uma continuidade entre as reformas de 1911 e 1935 e que obliteram uma série de rusgas entre os sujeitos políticos organizados em torno da publicação.
“Eu tinha vontade, mas eu não sabia”
Authors: Assis Danielle Angélica de , De Lima Sandra Cristina Fagundes
Published: January 2023

Apreendemos a formação das professoras das escolas rurais de Uberlândia-MG (entre 1960 e 1980) e os seus significados para a prática docente. Realizamos entrevistas com seis professoras e consultamos: censo escolar; jornais; relatórios; e atas das reuniões escolares da Prefeitura de Uberlândia. Quando iniciaram a carreira, cinco de nossas entrevistadas eram leigas e, somente ao final de 1960, começaram a frequentar cursos de formação que, segundo narraram, foram significativos para as suas práticas em sala de aula e para as promoções na carreira. Concluímos que, para construírem as suas próprias práticas e sem dominar os saberes sistematizados da profissão, as professoras apropriaram-se das experiências adquiridas quando se alfabetizaram e do pouco assimilado nos cursos de formação.
Comparative Study of the Strength Properties and Frost Resistance of Cement Stabilized Macadam
Authors: Sun Jian , Zhdaniuk Valeriy , Wang Shuai
Published: January 2023

Through a series of experimental studies on the unconfined compressive strength, indirect tensile strength (ITS) and freeze-thaw stability of cylindrical specimens, the feasibility of cement-stabilized iron tailings for semi-rigid bases in road construction is determined.Three variables, including the genesis of the materials from which cement stabilized macadam (CSM) are composed, the granulometric composition of the mineral part and the content of cement, were taken as influencing factors. The experimental study shows that with the increase of cement content, the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) , indirect tensile strength (ITS) and frost resistance all increase. Studies have shown that the content of coarse aggregate affects the strength properties and frost resistance of cement-stabilized macadam materials.
Experimental Study on Waterproofing of Pipe Jacking Shaft and Pipe Joint in Metro Station
Authors: Wang Zhi Qiang , Lei Zhen Yu
Published: January 2023

Through the indoor waterproof test, the water pressure resistance performance of the waterproof system formed by setting embedded grouting pipe in the middle of double water swelling sealants was studied to ensure that the station pipe joint could meet the operation requirements. The results show that there must be enough distance between the outside sealant and the edge of the pouring concrete, otherwise the new and old concretes cannot be poured tightly; after swelling, the water pressure resistance of sealants is improved in the range of 0-0.55 MPa, with individual differences; the two kinds of slurries have obvious influence on the improvement of water pressure resistance, but the improvement effect of waterborne epoxy slurry is better than that of polyurethane slurry.
Injection Molding Characterization of PLA and Chitosan Mixtures for Biomaterial Applications
Authors: Setyarini Putu Hadi , Anggarwati Meirina Putri , Wahyudi Slamet , Sulistyarini Dwi Hadi , Purnomo
Published: January 2023

Polylactidacid (PLA) is a type of bio-based and bio-degradable plastic. This substance is commonly used in the medical field since it is biocompatible and does not hurt bodily tissues. In this study, PLA plastic will be combined with chitosan (CS) via injection molding. The addition of CS to compensate for the absence of PLA with hydrophobic characteristics. CS has hydrophilic characteristics, which allow it to absorb water and bond with biological tissues. The contact angle test revealed that pure PLA is a hydrophobic material, but the PLA: CS alloy is a hydrophilic alloy.
Review of Characteristic Strength Reports for Steel Reinforcement in Nigeria (2010-2021)
Authors: Rufai Imran Ahmed
Published: January 2023

There has been increasing concern in recent years over the structural integrity of construction in Nigeria. Reinforced concrete is the primary structural material in the country, so the strength of the steel reinforcement has become a major target for scrutiny. This study reviews the reported literature on reinforcing steel strengths from tests carried out in Nigeria between 2010-2021. The characteristic strength of steel is the basis for the design of steel reinforcement in both the Eurocode and British Standards used for design in Nigeria. However, it is noted that in every case, the characteristic strength results are missing or erroneously reported. A total of 18 studies are found, and the raw data for each study is analysed to derive the characteristic strength results. An average characteristic strength of 342.4 MPa is found from all the studies, lower than the 400 MPa and 500 MPa minimums assumed in the Eurocode and British Standards respectively. The finding here indicates that the widespread methodology around interpreting the tensile testing of steel reinforcement in Nigeria needs revisiting.
Bleeding Complications in Relation to the International Normalized Ratio for Dental Extractions in Patients under Chronic Anticoagulant Therapy - An Evaluative Study
Authors: Puia Sebastian Ariel , Hilber Ezequiel Matias , Garcia-Blanco Matias
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Recent simple dental extraction protocols suggest that therapeutic levels of the anticoagulant drug should be maintained because bleeding complications could be managed with local haemostasis manoeuvres. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between bleeding complications and the international normalized ratio (INR) values in patients after dental extractions completed with a plug of bismuth subgallate, without interrupting anticoagulant administration.

Materials and Methods:

Patients undergoing oral Vitamin K antagonist chronic anticoagulant therapy requiring simple dental extractions were included in the study. INRs were recorded on the day of the surgery, and dental extractions were performed applying bismuth subgallate as a haemostatic agent. Patients took their anticoagulation drug normally. Bleeding complications were recorded.

Results:

The study included 694 patients, of whom 11 (1.58%) presented mediate post-operative bleeding that was effectively controlled through local manoeuvres. No episode of thromboembolism or infectious endocarditis was observed. The incidence of bleeding complications was not related to the INR values (P > 0.05).

Discussion:

INR values were not related to bleeding complications when simple dental extractions were performed applying bismuth subgallate as a haemostatic agent.
Use of the Temporalis Myofascial Flap in Internal Derangement of the Temporomandibular Joint - An Evaluative Study
Authors: Khanna Jatindernath N. , Ramaswami Radhika
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Internal derangement is an abnormal relationship between the articular disc and the mandibular condyle. The most common cause is trauma. Various classifications have been given for internal derangement. Initial management is done conservatively and if the disease is progressed, surgery is the option. Various surgical methods and interpositional materials following discectomy have been given in the literature.

Materials and Methods:

Over the past 15 years, we selected a group of 30 patients, Wilkes Class IV and V where conservative therapy had failed and were candidates for surgery. The patients had their disc repositioned, the damaged part of the disc was excised and disc was reinforced using the temporalis myofascial flap (TMF). In cases where the disc was non-salvageable, discectomy was done and TMF was placed between condyle and glenoid fossa, sutured with Prolene. The follow-up period was 3 years.

Results:

Of the 30 patients, there were 9 male and 21 female. Range of mouth opening was 3.3–3.8 cm with improvements in 1 year. The jaw relations gradually improved and were restored after 3 weeks. Patients were totally pain free in 6 months.

Discussion:

For the cases where surgery is the line of treatment, we strongly suggest disc repositioning and reinforcement with TMF as the flap is bulky, locally available and easy to harvest and causes no deformity at the donor site.
Diode Laser in the Management of Leukoplakia - A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shivhare Peeyush , Haidry Naqoosh , Kumar Ajay , Parihar Ajay , Singh Ankur , Subramanyam Shalini
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Leukoplakia is among the most common potentially malignant disorders encountered in clinical dental practice. The treatment of leukoplakia includes nonsurgical and surgical management. The surgical treatment includes excision, electrocauterisation, laser surgery or cryosurgery. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the efficacy of diode lasers in the management of leukoplakia.

Methods:

The sample consists of 56 cases with 77 leukoplakia sites treated with diode laser between January 2018 and December 2020 with a minimum of six months follow-up. For each patient, personal data was collected along with site of lesions, leukoplakia phase, type of treatment performed (laser ablation or laser excision), side effects, recurrences and malignant transformation. Inferential statistical analysis was then conducted.

Results:

After applying exclusion criteria, 56 cases with 77 leukoplakia sites were included in this study. Males aged >45 years were predominantly affected. Homogeneous leukoplakia (48.1%) was the most common phase. Recurrences were noted in 19.48% of the cases. Compared to laser excision, laser ablation had more recurrences. Gingival lesions showed a higher recurrence rate than other sites in the oral cavity. None of the cases showed malignant transformation.

Discussion:

Laser offers many advantages over other conventional methods including lesser postoperative pain and swelling, bloodless dry operating field and increased patient comfort and requires minimal local anaesthesia. The study concluded that diode laser is an effective surgical treatment modality for treating leukoplakia. Furthermore, the laser excision technique was found to be superior to laser ablation due to lesser recurrence.
An Imaging Perspective to Multiple Calcifying Hyperplastic Dental Follicles - A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Rodrigues Lizandra Gonzaga , Silva Virgínia Braga da , Carmelo Juliana de Carvalho , Khouri Micheline Salim , Mendes Polianne Alves , Manzi Flávio Ricardo
Published: January 2023

Rationale:

Multiple Calcifying Hyperplastic Dental Follicle (MCHDF) is an extremely rare condition and is characterised by multiple impacted permanent teeth, with enlarged dental follicles, containing calcifications. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the ideal exam for the identification of this condition.

Patient Concerns:

The present study seeks to compare the behaviour of MCHDF in imaging exams of three clinical cases with their MCHDF imaging diagnoses, in which a change about tooth eruption was observed.

Diagnosis:

CBCT proved to be an important diagnostic tool for MCHDF, as it is able to identify these small calcifications, as well as measure the size of the follicle.

Treatment Outcomes and Take-

Away Lessons:

With a consistent imaging diagnosis, less invasive treatments become a viable option for this condition, since functional and aesthetic involvement is common in these patients, who often tend to be quite young.
Auriculotemporal Carcinoma - A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Yetiser Sertac , Duman Haluk
Published: January 2023

Rationale:

Eleven cases with auriculotemporal cancer were reviewed for prognostic analysis.

Patient Concerns:

Follow-up ranged from 1.2 to 12 years (median 5.01 years).

Diagnosis,

Treatment and Outcome:

Three patients with parotid gland carcinoma, out of those, two had chemoradiotherapy, died in the first 2 years of treatment. They were at stage T4 and tumour progressed with distant metastasis. Otorrhoea was the most common symptom in patients with primary temporal bone carcinoma. One patient with auricular carcinoma had a recurrence at the primary site 13 months after surgery. One patient with T1, two patients with T2 and one patient with T3 have completed a 5-year survival period. One patient with T1 and another one with T2 are still at a 2-year follow-up period with no recurrence.

Take-Away Lessons:

Complete resection is the treatment of choice. Post-operative radiotherapy is highly recommended. The most decisive prognostic indicator is the advanced stage. Early diagnosis has great importance.
Biphenotypic Sinonasal Sarcoma with Intracranial Extension – A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Arora Nikhil , Kumar Pratik , Goel Ashiya
Published: January 2023

Rationale:

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma is a rare malignant tumour exclusively involving the sinonasal cavity. These tumours have variable and atypical presentations. Early approach and correct treatment modalities are key factors in the management of such cases.

Patient Concern:

A 48-year-old male patient presented with left-sided nasal obstruction and intermittent nasal bleeding for one year.

Diagnosis:

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma confirmed on histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry.

Treatment:

The patient underwent surgical excision with left lateral rhinotomy and bifrontal craniotomy with skull base repair. The patient also received postoperative radiotherapy.

Outcome

The patient is on regular follow-up with no similar complaints.

Take-Away Lesson:

Treating team should keep the diagnosis of biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma in mind while investigating a patient with nasal mass. Surgical management is the treatment of choice, due to its local aggressive nature and proximity to the brain and eyes. Postoperative radiotherapy is vital to prevent tumour recurrence.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon’s Perspective on Gorlin–Goltz Syndrome - A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Wadde Kavita Ramesh , Ghodke Monali N. , Chowdhar Asha S. , Nadkarni Shambhavi P. , Venkatakrishnan Lakshmi , Sarda Ashish
Published: January 2023

Rationale:

Gorlin–Goltz syndrome (GGS) is an autosomal dominant disorder and is associated with multisystem involvement, multiple cysts, neoplasms and other developmental anomalies. The purpose of the study was to highlight the incidental findings of GGS and to lay emphasis on its early diagnosis.

Patient Concerns:

Two patients complaining of pain, swelling and at times pus discharge from the oral cavity were reported with a coincidental finding of odontogenic keratocysts and positive family history.

Diagnosis:

Upon thorough examination, a diagnosis of GGS was made.

Treatment:

The patients were managed by enucleation and chemical cauterisation using Carnoy’s solution and were maintained on follow-up semi-annually.

Outcomes:

Both patients showed no signs of recurrence post six months follow-up.

Lessons:

The role of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is of utmost importance in the early diagnosis of this syndrome to render good quality of life to these patients.
Therapeutic Effects of Intralesional Bleomycin Sclerotherapy for Non-Invasive Management of Low Flow Vascular Malformations - A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Jan Iram , Shah Ajaz , Beigh Shahid Hassan
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Bleomycin, a cytotoxic and antitumour drug, is safe and effective in the management of vascular anomalies prevalent in the head and neck region. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of intralesional bleomycin injection in vascular malformations (VMs), especially venous and lymphatic malformations present extracranially on the face, lips and intraorally.

Subjects and Methods:

This prospective clinical study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College, Srinagar. The study included 30 patients with low-flow VMs (LFVMs) wherein the effectiveness of intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy was evaluated. The recorded data was compiled and continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and categorical variables were summarised as frequency and percentages.

Results:

Complete resolution (cure) was observed in 11 patients (36.66%), marked improvement in 17 patients (56.66%) and mild improvement in two patients (6.66%). Local complications were superficial ulcerations in 14 patients (46.66%) and hyperpigmentation in one patient (3.33%). Systemic complications in the form of flu like symptoms, nausea or vomiting were not reported in any of the above-mentioned patients. Signs of pulmonary fibrosis and/or hypertension were also not reported in any of the above cases.

Conclusion:

Intralesional bleomycin injection is a potent and safe therapeutic alternative for the treatment of haemangiomas and LFVMs. Such patients can be managed on an outpatient basis without the need of any extensive surgery, expensive armamentarium and with only minor complications.
Systemic medications and implant success
Authors: Sukumaran Prema , Dionysius Dionetta Delitta , Ngeow Wei Cheong , Tan Chuey Chuan , Hussin Mohd Zamri
Published: January 2023

Dental implants require healthy bone for successful osseointegration. However, bone health can become compromised by aging and/or the presence of underlying medical conditions. The severity and complications associated with these medical conditions usually indicate that they require medication for successful management. Some of these medications may undoubtedly exert effects on bone through direct or indirect mechanisms and, therefore, may also affect osseointegration. These include antihypertensive drugs, oral hypoglycemic agents/insulin, hormones (corticosteroid, thyroxin, and tamoxifen), and antiresorptive agents, including bisphosphonates and anti-angiogenic agents. Part three of this paper reviews the current knowledge regarding the effects of antiresorptive agents on the outcome of implant therapy.
Photon Interaction Coefficients for the Colorectal Cancer Tissue
Authors: Esien-Umo Emmanuel Okon , Obu Joseph Abebe , Chiaghanam Ndubuisi Ozoemena , Ugbem Theophilus Ipeh , Egbe Nneoyi Onen
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

The application of radiotherapy to the treatment of cancer requires the knowledge of photon interaction coefficients such as mass attenuation (μm) and mass energy-absorption coefficients (μen/ρ). Although these coefficients have been determined for different tissues, it is lacking for the colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue in the literature. This study determines the μm and μen/ρ for the CRC tissue within the radiotherapy energy range.

Materials and Methods:

The CRC tissue from autopsy patients was freeze-dried, grounded into a fine powder, and made into pellets of 1 cm thickness. The elements detected in the CRC tissue using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry were used in XCOM to determine the theoretical values of μm and μen/ρ. The CRC tissue was again exposed to X-rays of energies of 6 and 15MV, respectively, to determine its experimental values of μm and μen/ρ.

Results:

Elements detected included carbon, oxygen and nitrogen making up 96.67%, high atomic number and trace elements making up the remaining 3.33% fraction of the CRC tissue.

Conclusion:

The theoretical and experimental μm and μen/ρ values showed a good agreement of about 2% difference between them. These values can be used to simulate the CRC tissue with respect to μm and μen/ρ.
In vivo Dosimetry for Dose Verification of Total Skin Electron Beam Therapy Using Gafchromic® EBT3 Film Dosimetry
Authors: Baba Misba Hamid , Singh Benoy Kumar , Wani Shaqul Qamar
Published: January 2023

Background and Purpose:

Total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) is an important skin-directed radiotherapeutic procedure done in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, namely, mycosis fungoides (MF). This procedure is usually done at larger source-to-surface distances with the patient standing on a rotatory platform. As the patient has to stand in different positions without any rigid immobilization devices, there are chances that the total skin may not get uniformly irradiated which could lead to nonuniform dose distributions. Therefore, all the necessary arrangements should be made to evaluate the dose for different regions of the skin using suitable in vivo dosimeters at the radiotherapy centers offering these treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the consistency between the delivered and planned doses in vivo during TSEBT using Gafchromic EBT3 film dosimetry.

Materials and Methods:

The surface dose for the six MF patients treated for TSEBT at our hospital from 2018 to 2022 was measured and evaluated. 2 cm × 2 cm Gafchromic® EBT3 films were used to measure skin dose at reference body positions of clinical interest. All the patients were treated with the modified Stanford technique. The irradiated film strips were analyzed for the dose using the IMRT OmniPro software. The doses at respective positions were expressed as mean dose ± standard deviation and the deviation was calculated as the percentage of the prescribed dose.

Results:

One hundred and fifty-four Gafchromic® EBT3 film strips irradiated on six TSEBT patients showed a maximum dose variation of 2.00 ± 0.14 Gy, in the central body regions. The dose variation in the peripheral areas such as hands and ears was larger. A variation of 2 ± 0.32 Gy was observed on the hands and ears. The uniformity of the dose delivered to maximum body parts was within −7% and +16% for the peripheral areas like hands. The American Association of Physicists in Medicine recommends a dose uniformity of 8% and 4% in the vertical and horizontal patient plane for direct incident beam; however, for oblique incidences like in the modified Stanford technique, the dose variation is about 15%.

Conclusion:

In vivo dosimetry using Gafchromic EBT3 film dosimetry for TSEBT yields objective data to find the under or overdose regions. That can be useful to provide quality treatment, especially when treatments tend to be as complex as TSEBT.
Quality Improvement Process with Incident Learning Program Helped Reducing Transcriptional Errors on Telecobalt Due to Mismatched Parameters in Different Generations
Authors: Krishnatry Rahul , Johnny Carlton , Tahmeed Tahseena , Scaria Libin , Sutar Vivek , Tambe Chandrashekhar , Upreti Ritu Raj , Kinhikar Rajesh Ashok , Agarwal Jai Prakash
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

Higher frequency of transcriptional errors in the radiotherapy electronic charts for patients on telecobalt was noted. We describe the impact of the quality improvement (QI) initiative under the department's incident learning program (ILP).

Materials and Methods:

The multidisciplinary quality team under ILP was formed to identify the root cause and introduce methods to reduce (smart goal) the current transcription error rate of 40% to <5% over 12 months. A root cause analysis including a fishbone diagram, Pareto chart, and action prioritization matrix was done to identify key drivers and interventions. Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycle strategy was undertaken. The primary outcome was percentage charts with transcriptional errors per month. The balancing measure was “new errors” due to interventions. All errors were identified and corrected before patient treatment.

Results:

The average baseline error rate was 44.14%. The two key drivers identified were education of the workforce involved and mechanical synchronization of various machine parameters. PDSA cycle 1 consisted of an education program and sensitization of the staff, post which the error rates dropped to 5.4% (t-test P = 0.03). Post-PDSA cycle 2 (synchronization of machine parameters), 1, 3, and 6 months and 1 year, the error rates were sustained to 5%, 4%, 3%, and 4% (t-test P > 0.05) with no new additional errors.

Conclusions:

With various generations of machines and technologies that are not synchronized, the proneness of transcription errors can be very high which can be identified and corrected with a typical QI process under ILP.
Study of Prevalence of Prehypertension and Hypertension Among Urban School-Going Children in Tripura
Authors: Debbarma Aghore , Mohanty Arpita , Reang Taranga
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Prehypertension is defined as an independent category of blood pressure (BP) by the seventh joint national committee on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatments of BP. Systolic BP (SBP) between 120 and 139 mm Hg or diastolic BP between 80 and 89 mm Hg are considered to have prehypertension. BP ≥140/90 mm Hg is considered hypertension. It is to assess the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among urban school-going children.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1011 school-going children of both sexes within 12–17 years of age group and each participant was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Pretested predesigned questionnaire was used for data collection.

Results:

Prevalence of normotensive, prehypertensive, and hypertensive were 73.6%, 19.4%, and 7%, respectively, when both systolic and diastolic components have been taken into account.

Conclusion:

This study has showed that more than 19% prehypertensive and 7% hypertensive among the school-going children aged between 12 and 17 years when both systolic and diastolic components have been taken into account.
Significance of tumor-associated neutrophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in non-invasive and invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Hassan Wael Abdo , ElBanna Ahmed Kamal , Noufal Noha , El-Assmy Mohamed , Lotfy Hany , Ali Rehab Ibrahim
Published: January 2023

Background: Tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes play essential roles in promoting or combating various neoplasms. This study aimed to investigate the association between tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the progression of urothelial carcinoma. Methods: A total of 106 patients diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma were was. Pathological examination for tumor grade and stage and for tumor-infiltrating neutrophils, both CD4 and CD8+ T lymphocytes, as well as the neutrophil- to-lymphocyte ratio were evaluated. Results: The presence of neutrophils and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio correlated with high-grade urothelial neoplasms. In both low- and high-grade tumors, the lymphocytes increased during progression from a non-invasive neoplasm to an early-invasive neoplasm. CD8+ T lymphocytes increased in low-grade non–muscle-invasive tumors compared to non-invasive tumors. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in CD8+ T lymphocytes during progression to muscle-invasive tumors. Conclusions: Our results suggest that tumor-infiltrating neutrophils and CD8+ T lymphocytes have a significant effect on tumor grade and progression.