Management of skeletal Class II malocclusion remains a persistent orthodontic challenge, particularly in selecting an effective alternative to fixed functional appliances. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the clinical and cephalometric effects of Class II elastics in 10 patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion. Pre- and post-treatment cephalometric parameters, including SNA, SNB, ANB and overjet, were compared using paired t-test analysis. Data shows significant improvement in cephalometric angles and overjet reduction, with dentoalveolar changes being more pronounced than skeletal changes. Thus, we show Class II elastics as a clinically effective alternative in borderline skeletal Class II cases, with outcomes comparable to fixed functional therapy in selected patients.

The Nwanedi River Catchment in Limpopo Province, South Africa, experiences seasonal salinity accumulation that constrains downstream water use and undermines agricultural productivity. This study develops a hydrology-based framework to define environmental flow requirements (EFRs) to mitigate salinity through flow-driven dilution and flushing. A desktop methodology integrating the Revised Desktop Reserve Model (RDRM), GIS-based catchment characterisation, stakeholder insights, and empirical water quality analysis was implemented. Results reveal a distinct downstream increase in salinity, with electrical conductivity (EC) reaching approximately 146.8 mS/m during the dry season. Modelled EFRs indicate that, under Environmental Management Class D, minimum low-flow allocations correspond to 18.7% and 21.0% of mean annual runoff for sub-catchments A80H and A80J, respectively. Monthly dry-season flow releases range between 0.35 and 1.05 Mm3, while maintaining an average residual volume of approximately 1 Mm3 to support agricultural demand. These environmental flows are derived from naturalised flow regimes and are assumed to re-establish the critical hydrological conditions necessary to dilute and mobilise saline baseflows. The findings, therefore, do not quantify direct reductions in salinity but demonstrate that maintaining these flow thresholds can recreate the hydraulic conditions required for salt flushing, particularly in downstream reaches where salinity accumulation is most pronounced. This study provides a preliminary, process-based foundation for developing adaptive water allocation protocols. It establishes a testable framework for future cause-and-effect analyses, in which controlled dam releases and systematic water-quality monitoring can be used to quantify the extent to which EFRs reduce salinity in semi-arid, data-scarce catchments.

Triptans have long served as the primary acute migraine treatment, whereas gepants represent a newer, non-vasoconstrictive alternative. Although clinical trials have explored efficacy within each class, head-to-head studies are lacking, and real-world data on optimal treatment response and patient-level predictors of outcomes remain limited. We leverage cross-sectional data from the Headache Assessment via Digital Platform in United States study to conduct real-world comparisons of triptans and gepants for 2-h pain freedom (2hPF) and 24-h pain relief (24hPR), and to identify demographic, clinical, and treatment-related predictors of these outcomes. Head-US is a survey conducted between September and December of 2023 among users of the Migraine Buddy application (Aptar, Crystal Lake, IL). Eligible participants completed the survey, met ICHD-3 criteria for migraine, and reported using acute monotherapy with gepants or a triptan. Primary outcomes, 2hPF and 24hPR posttreatment, were assessed using the Migraine Treatment Optimization Questionnaire-6 item. Potential predictors included demographic factors, clinical measures, and treatment-related factors. Among 1570 eligible respondents, 567 used gepants and 1003 used a triptan. Mean age was 43.35 years (standard deviation = 13.04), and 91.2% were female. Gepant users demonstrated 36% higher odds of achieving 24hPR compared to triptan users (adjusted odds ratio = 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.09-1.71), although there were no significant differences the 2hPF outcome. Reduced odds of adequate 2hPF were associated with higher migraine symptom severity, high-frequency episodic migraine, chronic migraine, severe pain intensity, and severe migraine disability. Odds of achieving 24hPR were reduced in those with higher attack frequency, severe migraine disability, and preventive medication use. Predictors of treatment response were similar in the pooled sample and in those using gepants and in those using triptans. In this large, real-world cohort, triptans and gepants did not significantly differ for 2hPF, but gepants demonstrated a significant advantage for 24hPR. Clinical features such as symptom severity, headache frequency, disability, and comorbid treatment burden were important predictors of treatment response. These findings support the need for larger, head-to-head clinical trials definitively comparing these medication classes for migraine management and may inform personalized selection of acute migraine therapies in clinical practice.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of treatment timing in the management of Class II malocclusions with mandibular retrusion using Twin Block (TB) followed by fixed appliances (FAs). Methods: Forty-one Caucasian patients (22 females and 19 males) with Class II malocclusion treated consecutively with TB and FA were selected from the Orthodontic Clinic of the Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy and from a sample treated by a private practitioner in Auckland, New Zealand. According to the Cervical Vertebral Maturation (CVM) method, the subjects were divided into two groups: an early treated group (ETG) including 21 patients (mean age 10.8 ± 2.1 years) who began treatment before the pubertal growth peak (CS1–CS2), and a late treated group (LTG) including 20 patients (mean age 12.4 ± 1.1 years) treated at the growth peak (CS3–CS4). Cephalometric skeletal, dento-alveolar and soft tissue parameters were evaluated before treatment with TB (T0) and at the mid-term observation (at a postpubertal stage CS4–CS6) after FA (T1). Independent samples t-tests were performed to compare intergroup differences at T0 and T1 while Fisher’s exact test was used to assess differences for gender. Results: At T0, the groups showed statistically significant differences in mandibular dimensions, in accordance with the different age distribution. At T1, significant differences between ETG and LTG were observed in Co-Gn (5.0 mm, p = 0.048, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) −9.8 mm; −0.1 mm), Co-Go (3.7, p = 0.009, 95%CI −6.3 mm; −0.9 mm), and Pg′-TVL SN10 (2.7 mm, p = 0.039, 95%CI −5.2 mm; −0.1 mm). Conclusions: Class II treatment with TB and FA confirmed that including the pubertal phase in the functional-orthopedic treatment led to more favorable mandibular growth and chin projection when evaluated at a postpubertal observation.

ABSTRACT Scandinavian countries have begun implementing “trust reforms” to mitigate the adverse consequences associated with New Public Management (NPM) in the public sector. In Norway, the government established a joint committee to propose revisions to the National Quality Assessment System in education, ensuring closer alignment with the principles of trust – based management. Through a critical policy analysis, this paper investigates how the recontextualisation of “trust” may reshape power relations and reflect underlying ideological positions. NPM has played a central role in the conservative modernisation of education, shaped by coalitions of neoliberals, neoconservatives, the new managerial middle class, and authoritarian populists. In the policy recommendations, the rhetorical devices signalling increased trust (“learning-supportive tests”, “quality dialogue”, and “broad knowledge”) risk obscuring the extent to which these recommendations do not rupture with neoliberal and managerial values. Instead, they may represent their continuation, and potentially intensification, while further marginalising neoconservative perspectives within the Norwegian context.

The persistent underrepresentation of women in computing higher education remains a global challenge, with women comprising less than 20% of ICT specialists across the EU. While substantial research has identified effective interventions to support underrepresented groups, this evidence remains fragmented across academic publications, grey literature, and institutional reports. Educators seeking to implement gender-inclusive practices face significant barriers in identifying relevant initiatives, understanding implementation requirements, and accessing practical guidance suitable for their institutional contexts. This work presents TechMate, a fully operational (https://ascnet.ie/techmate/) web-based, open-access toolkit designed to bridge the gap between research evidence and practical implementation. The toolkit consolidates over 25 research-driven gender equality initiatives organised across four evidence-based strands: Policy, Pedagogy, Influence & Support, and Promotion & Engagement. Each initiative is presented as a discrete action with comprehensive implementation guidance, including research-driven supporting facts (Quick Facts section), step-by-step implementation approaches, institutional case studies, evaluation recommendations, and ready-to-use resources. The toolkit provides multiple pathways for educators to discover relevant initiatives: manual navigation through actions, or dynamic search and filter functionality tailored to institutional roles and resource availability. Individual action pages aim to guide users though the initial exploration, implementation planning and evaluation design. Actions range from in-class interventions (such as personalised feedback and intelligent class management) to strategic policy-level changes (including curriculum redesign and recruitment strategies). TechMate is designed for computing academics, programme leaders, and institutional diversity champions seeking evidence-informed guidance to improve recruitment and retention of women and other underrepresented gender groups in computing-related study programmes. The toolkit has undergone an evaluation with computing educators across multiple universities, demonstrating strong perceived usefulness and usability. The paper outlines the development of TechMate from prototype to current version and discusses toolkit’s evaluation outcomes.

Background: Functional appliance therapy is widely employed for the management of skeletal Class II malocclusion in growing patients. However, treatment outcomes are influenced by multiple biological and behavioural variables, including genetic background, craniofacial growth pattern, neuromuscular adaptability, orofacial resting postures, and patient adherence. These factors often limit direct comparison of different appliance systems. Monozygotic twin studies provide a unique biological model by minimizing genetic and environmental variability, allowing more accurate evaluation of appliance-specific effects. Methods: This case report presents a comparative evaluation of a clear functional jaw corrector and a conventional twin block appliance in two 11-year-old female monozygotic twins at cervical vertebral maturation index stage 3. Both patients exhibited similar skeletal Class II patterns, vertical growth tendencies, proclined maxillary incisors, and convex soft tissue profiles. Twin A was treated with a removable clear functional jaw corrector fabricated using mandibular advancement blocks incorporated into a 1.5-mm Essix retainer sheet, while Twin B received a conventional twin block appliance. Treatment objectives, wear protocol, and duration were identical. Neither patient received orofacial myofunctional therapy. Results: Post-treatment clinical and cephalometric evaluation demonstrated improvement in sagittal jaw relationships, facial profile, and occlusal relationships in both patients. However, differences were observed in the magnitude of skeletal correction, dentoalveolar effects, vertical control, and the extent of molar and canine relationship correction. Conclusions: Both appliance designs were effective in improving sagittal relationships under similar biological conditions, with minor differences favoring the clear functional jaw corrector. However, the findings also highlight that orthodontic appliance therapy alone does not address underlying orofacial myofunctional factors, emphasizing the importance of incorporating functional assessment and adjunctive myofunctional therapy for optimal and stable outcomes.

India’s diverse agricultural landscapes demand a single Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) product integrating both intra-annually static (built-up, tree cover, barren land) and dynamic (water seasonality, cropping intensity) classes for sustainable Natural Resource Management (NRM). Existing LULC products suffer from limited thematic coverage of dynamic processes, imprecise delineation of fragmented smallholder features, limited reproducibility, and poor performance of monolithic classifiers on spectrally similar categories. We introduce a hierarchical decision-tree framework that breaks complex classification tasks into targeted sub-tasks, offering methodological improvements in detecting monsoon water, delineating tree-croplands, and classifying cropping intensity. Class-wise evaluations demonstrate superior performance: SAR water detection achieves an NRMSE of 0.33 (vs. baselines 0.53–0.75), tree-cropland macro-average of 0.94, and cropping intensity macro-average of 0.88 (vs. baseline 0.77). Crucially, this study ensures transparency and reproducibility in LULC mapping. We publicly release four curated datasets alongside the entire classification pipeline implemented on the Google Earth Engine commodity platform. The resulting pan-India output maps at 10m resolution are hosted on CoRE-Stack (digital public good) for easy accessibility and analysis [24], already powering real-world applications in water-security planning [61] and agricultural studies [50].

Subcutaneous and extravascular pacing systems represent an emerging class of cardiac rhythm management devices that deliver therapy without direct myocardial contact. Despite their clinical potential, the excitability characteristics of subcutaneous stimulation are not well defined. Acute preclinical studies were conducted in four swine (n = 4) using a coil-to-can subcutaneous pacing configuration. Monophasic and biphasic pulses ranging from 1 to 10ms and 1 to 200mA in amplitude were delivered asynchronously at rates 20-30bpm above the intrinsic heart rate. Myocardial capture was confirmed via high-fidelity intra-aortic pressure. Strength-duration curves were generated, and rheobase and chronaxie values were derived using Lapicque's model. All subjects exhibited a hyperbolic strength-duration profile. Rheobase ranged from 19.54 to 77.58mA, chronaxie varied from 0.70 to 2.94ms. An inverse relationship was identified between rheobase and chronaxie, suggesting that effects of electrode geometry, tissue impedance, or lead placement may influence the excitability profile. Biphasic waveforms tended to lower capture thresholds versus monophasic stimuli; this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.161). Inter-subject variability was consistent with differences in tissue impedance and electrode-myocardial distance. Subcutaneous pacing exhibits classical excitability consistent with Lapicque's theory. Thresholds follow predictable dependencies on pulse width and waveform, indicating opportunities to optimize energy delivery safety margins. These data provide a basis for programming strategies and future device designs targeting lower energy use and extended battery life in subcutaneous and extravascular pacing systems.

This article summarizes the experience of using anti-seepage structures at sites with cumulative environmental damage in complex geological and environmental conditions. It examines the theoretical foundations of vertical anti-seepage barriers, including hydrogeological analysis of soil filtration properties, groundwater level and flow direction, the mechanical resistance of structures to stress from geological processes, and the chemical inertness of materials to aggressive substances. It also analyzes methods for substantiating and designing ASS, as well as formulations and manufacturing technologies for anti-seepage barriers. The article presents experience from the reclamation of three sites: the former Sredenvolzhsky Chemical Plant, OJSC in Chapayevsk, the Krasny Bor heavy industrial waste landfill, and a hazardous accumulation site in Usolye-Sibirskoye (formerly Usolyehimprom, LLC). In all cases, combined systems were used, including vertical curtains using the «wall-to-ground» method, clay-cement screens, and horizontal high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes 1.5–2 mm thick. In Chapayevsk, the curtain depth was 15 m, supported by a presumed aquiclude of Upper Quaternary clays (with a permeability coefficient of approximately 10⁻⁵ m/day); the depth was reduced from 30 m to 9.6–16.4 m based on the results of a comparative analysis. In Usolye-Sibirskoye, the curtain depth is 18.6 m to contain mercury contamination. The authors developed a composition for injection waterproofing using jet grouting (65–75 % cement, 20–30 % mastic, 5 % stabilizers). A trial in Chapayevsk resulted in a two-fold increase in processability compared to conventional cement mixtures. An analysis of the effectiveness of contaminant concentration reduction management (dioxins in Chapayevsk, mercury in Usolye-Sibirskoye) was conducted using Diptych data. The following issues were identified: high material costs, the need for specialized equipment for aggressive agents, and uneven contamination. Recommendations for optimization were proposed: conducting an inclusive analysis, pilot filtration work, a comprehensive Diptych, and integrating the system into the management of Class I–II hazard outfalls. Experienced specialists in geotechnical engineering, particularly safety and the design of seepage-control systems were involved.

Background: Management of skeletal Class III malocclusion of maxillary origin in late adolescence remains challenging, as conventional tooth-borne orthopedic approaches show reduced effectiveness at advanced stages of skeletal maturation. Minimally invasive, bone-anchored alternatives supported by digital workflows may improve clinical feasibility and patient acceptance. Objective: To describe a digitally guided clinical protocol combining a hybrid maxillary expander and supragingival mandibular miniplates, and to explore skeletal and dentoalveolar outcomes in late adolescents. Methods: This retrospective pilot clinical study included ten late adolescents (mean age 16.0 ± 1.3 years; range 13.8-17.7) in advanced skeletal maturation stages (CS4-CS6) with skeletal Class III malocclusion of maxillary origin. Treatment consisted of a hybrid maxillary expander anchored to palatal miniscrews and custom supragingival mandibular miniplates, placed using a fully digital workflow. Maxillary protraction was performed using a modified Alt-RAMEC protocol followed by continuous intermaxillary elastic traction for 12 months. Pre- and post-treatment cephalometric analyses were conducted. Results: A significant increase in SNA was observed (mean +6.1°, p < 0.001), indicating forward maxillary displacement. The Wits appraisal improved by 3.3 mm (p = 0.007), and the SeMax increased by 2.9 mm (p = 0.0013). No significant changes were found in the SNB or mandibular plane angle. Dentoalveolar effects were limited. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this pilot clinical study, the proposed digitally guided protocol demonstrated clinically relevant maxillary advancement with minimal dentoalveolar side effects and preserved vertical control. This relatively minimally invasive approach compared to conventional subgingival miniplates and orthognathic surgery may represent a feasible treatment option for selected late adolescent patients. Further controlled studies are required to confirm these findings.

Student density in Integrated Special Education Program (PPKI) classes is a problem that has a potential to influence the effectiveness of teaching and learning among students with special needs. The purpose of this research is to describe and examine student density in PPKI classes, including its impact on the effectiveness of teachers' teaching and learning among students with special needs in educational institutions in the Padawan district of Sarawak. A qualitative research methodology using a descriptive study design will be used in this research. A total of 12 special education teachers, including those who teach students in PPKI classes, were chosen to participate in this research as respondents using a purposive sampling technique. Data were obtained using an open-questionnaire technique. Findings in this research have successfully demonstrated that moderate to high student density in PPKI classes contributes significantly to problems in class management and teaching implementation among students with special needs. Furthermore, this research discovered that the implementation of individual education programs among students with special needs and learning involvement is less emphasized when students with special needs are increased in numbers. Based on these observations, this research discovered that student density in PPKI classes also affects learning among students with special needs in involvement opportunities. Overall, this research highlights the significance of considering student density in an effort to improve student learning in PPKI programs among students with special needs in educational institutions.

Optimally enhancing student potential requires planned and systematic classroom management. At MTs Negeri 1 Bandar Lampung, there is a challenge to integrate superior class management to be able to boost student achievement comprehensively, both in terms of intellectual and character. This study aims to describe the superior class management strategy in improving academic and non-academic achievement of students at MTs Negeri 1 Bandar Lampung. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were collected through interview techniques, observation, and documentation. Research informants included the principal, vice principal, teachers, and students to gain a comprehensive perspective. The research findings indicate that superior class management is implemented through four main stages: (1) planning a directed learning program, (2) organizing resources according to competencies, (3) implementing innovative learning, and (4) controlling through continuous evaluation and supervision. This implementation has been proven to have a positive impact on improving learning outcomes and competitive achievements (academic), as well as strengthening discipline, self-confidence, and developing student talents and interests (non-academic). This study provides a practical contribution to educational institution managers regarding the importance of systematic special class management as a model for improving graduate quality. In addition, this study strengthens the theory of educational management regarding the effectiveness of organizing resources in the school environment.

Comparative evaluation of three fixed functional appliances: AdvanSyncTM 2, ForsusTM FRD and PowerScopeTM2 in the management of skeletal Class II malocclusion: A retrospective study

This study investigated newly posted public basic school teachers’ perceptions of their preservice preparation. The study was guided by Schlossberg’s theory of transition. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design was chosen for this study. All 322 newly posted teachers in public basic schools in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region, Ghana, were included (census) in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the teachers. The questionnaire with a Cronbach alpha reliability test of a .799 coefficient was used for data collection. Appropriate ethical guidelines, including verbal and oral informed consent, were sought prior to data collection. The Test Analysis for Surveys (TAFS) was used for analyzing the data using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The study revealed that preservice teacher preparation programs are directly related to knowledge and skills these newly posted teachers need to teach effectively. It was concluded that the newly posted teachers perceive their preservice training as adequate and impactful during their first year of posting into their schools. This adequacy resulted from the effectiveness of their preservice training in pedagogy and pedagogical content knowledge, class management techniques, and class control techniques. It was recommended that principals of the colleges of education and district/municipal/metropolitan education directorates should collaborate with the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to institute proper and formal induction and orientation programs for newly posted teachers within their first year of posting to properly integrate them into the classroom.

Workflow management systems (WMS) are essential for creating and automating multi-step data analyses and ensuring the reproducibility of biological insights. Although numerous WMS solutions exist, few provide deep integration of command-line software with the R and Bioconductor ecosystems, where a substantial portion of statistical modeling and downstream scientific analysis is performed by a large user base. systemPipeR addresses this gap by offering a unified environment that links R-based analytical steps with command-line tools through a standardized workflow specification. It enables the design and execution of reproducible workflows on both local and high-performance computing systems, while allowing users to select the most appropriate R or command-line tool for each analysis step. The latest version introduces a fully redesigned architecture that streamlines workflow construction, execution, monitoring, and reporting. Key enhancements include a flexible workflow management class object, integration of the Common Workflow Language (CWL), formal declaration and standardized execution of both R and command-line steps, utilities for metadata management, and automated generation of scientific and technical reports. Together, these advances establish systemPipeR as a general-purpose R-based WMS for building and executing end-to-end workflows for reproducible analysis of complex data in genomics and other data-intensive fields. The software is distributed as a free open-source Bioconductor package (https://bioconductor.org/packages/systemPipeR).

Uncovering emerging organophosphate esters in chemical parks using nontarget screening method: Near-field concentration changes and ToxPi priorities.

Translanguaging enables educators and learners to adapt in the learning process of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) by utilizing their entire linguistic repertoire. This qualitative case study aims to analyze the use of translanguaging focusing on strategies and pedagogical function by three pre-service teachers during their teaching practice (PPL) in junior high schools. Data were collected through semi structured interviews and video observations, which were then analyzed using qualitative case study analysis. The results show that teachers often use various languages such as Indonesia and Javanese, semiotics resources also used to encourage learning. Another strategy that found is the use of simple translation (translative) method and complex translating (interwoven) method. In addition, there are pedagogical functions of translanguaging that include class management, improving student understanding and participation, explaining concepts of the material and instructions. These results show the importance of translanguaging practices by pre-service teachers to improve and strengthen student learning in the EFL context.

Objective: To analyze recent scientific evidence related to the therapeutic management of skeletal Class II malocclusions, with emphasis on the effects of functional appliances, the ideal timing of intervention during growth, and aesthetic therapeutic approaches that favor patient adherence. Methodology: A narrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed database, employing the descriptors “Class II correction” and “Retrognathism,” combined with the Boolean operator AND. Articles published in the last five years, available in full text in Portuguese or English, and directly related to the topic were included. Selection was carried out through the analysis of titles, abstracts, and full-text reading of the studies. Results: The literature shows that functional appliances, especially the Twin Block, are effective in correcting skeletal Class II malocclusions, promoting an increase in mandibular length and reduction of overjet. Treatment success is directly related to therapeutic timing, with the pubertal growth peak being the most favorable period for significant skeletal changes. In addition, aesthetic approaches, such as clear aligners with mandibular advancement, demonstrate promising results and greater patient adherence to treatment. Conclusion: The management of Class II malocclusions should be based on accurate diagnosis, identification of the growth stage, and individualized planning. Functional appliances remain an effective strategy, while new technologies expand therapeutic possibilities by combining clinical efficiency with improved aesthetic acceptance.

This case report emphasizes the role of a customized chin cup in the management of Class III malocclusion in pediatric patients, emphasizing its contribution to improved compliance and treatment outcomes. Class III malocclusion, often characterized by maxillary retrusion and mandibular prognathism, presents unique challenges in orthodontics, particularly in young patients. Reverse pull facemask therapy is a well-established method to correct maxillary retrusion, but the success of this approach heavily depends on patient compliance. Prefabricated chin cups, commonly used in facemasks, frequently lead to discomfort and irritation, negatively affecting adherence. In this report, we present a simple, cost-effective technique to customize chin cups using polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) for enhanced comfort, stability, and compliance. By improving the fit of the chin cup, this method addresses a critical barrier to successful Class III treatment in pediatric cases.