Higher Mean Values Research Articles

RESILIENCE AS A MEDIATOR IN RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANXIETY AND PERSONALITY AMONG PHYSIOTHERAPISTS-A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background and Aims: The COVID-19 outbreak is the biggest global crisis in generations having severe and far-reaching repercussions for the health system, creating high prevalence of severe posttraumatic stress symptoms for physical therapists, highlighting the need for psychological help. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how resilience functions as a mediator in the relationship between anxiety and personality among Karachi based physiotherapists. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among physiotherapists of Karachi using a convenience sampling technique from August to December 2021. The data was collected using a 10-Item Personality Inventory, Brief Resilience Scale, and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale questionnaire. Results: Among 70 participants, the emotional stability trait (7.6±1.4) had higher mean values on the TIPI. On the HAM-A scale, 81.4% physiotherapists had moderate to severe anxiety followed by 15.7% mild to moderate anxiety whereas 92.9% were shown to have normal resilience. Despite all correlations being negligible, only the association between agreeableness and resilience was non-significantly higher (r=0.83). Conclusion: It was concluded that there was no association between the anxiety state and resilience among physiotherapists, although there was a non-significantly higher relationship between agreeableness and openness to experiences personality traits. A high prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety was noted while using a standard resilience strategy.

The Challenges Facing Higher Education in Light of Corona Virus (COVID-19) and Its Impact on Student’s Academic Achievement: Empirical Study on Jordanian and Syrian Private Universities

This study aims to identify the challenges facing the higher education system considering the Corona pandemic and its impact on the achievement of students in Jordanian and Syrian private universities.The study covers several independent variables: Curriculum challenges, challenges facing faculty members, challenges related to the infrastructure of universities, challenges related to pandemic response procedures, challenges in the ability to reduce Educational Wastage, and challenges related to health infrastructure.The data of the study are collected through a questionnaire designed for the purposes of the study, and data are collected from a sample of faculty members at Philadelphia University and Ebla University. The first part of the questionnaire consists of information about faculty members, and the second part of the questionnaire includes (47) Items or questions that represent the challenges. The questionnaire is distributed electronically via e-mail to faculty members in both universities, and the number of valid questionnaires for analysis is (65), representing the sample size. The study uses the statistical program "SPSS" where the data are processed and analyzed. The results of the study show that the sample members feel strongly about all challenges that faced them and the highest mean value is (4.4495), which is an indicator that the students’ academic achievement is affected by the challenges faced by the faculty members. Although all the variables have high mean value, we found that the lowest mean is (3.9540) for the challenges related to health infrastructure. The study recommends to pay attention and follow-up on students and faculty members in universities to confront the Corona pandemic.

Feeding Value of Fermented Duckweed Meal (Lemna minor Linn.) as a Plant Protein Components in the Formulated Diets of Free- Range Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus Linn.)

The present study evaluates the growth performance and hematological attribute of experimental free-range chicken, Gallus gallus domesticus Linn. (Black Australorp x Barred Plymouth Rock) fed formulated diets of fermented and non-fermented duckweed meal (Lemna minor Linn.). Three isonitrogenous formulated treatment diets are prepared: 0% duckweed (control), 10% Fermented Duckweed Meal (FDM), and 10% Duckweed Meal (DM) inclusions. Five chickens (mean weight = 202.5 g) per replicate are used in a three-month feeding trial under single factorial experiment. Chickens fed FDM diet have significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean final weight (1,182.8 ± 42.13 g) as compared to those fed DM diet (1,070.4 ± 84.61 g). The mean final weight of control and FDM is significantly homogenous (P > 0.05). Variation in feed conversion ratio among treatments is significant, with the highest mean value being observed in DM (5.85 ± 0.52). The average daily gain in weight is higher in DM and is comparable with the control (P > 0.05). Treatment diets have no significant effect on the observed hematological variables.

Gender-wise difference of home environment among senior secondary school students in bhutan

This research focuses on investigating the gender-wise difference in the home environment among senior secondary school students in Bhutan. The objective of this study is to examine whether there are any notable differences in the home environment of senior secondary school students based on their gender. The study employs a descriptive survey method to gather data from a total sample of 200 students, consisting of 105 boys and 95 girls. Mean values and standard deviations are used to assess the home environment, categorized by gender, and t-tests for equality of means are conducted to examine potential differences between boys and girls. The results indicate that girls perceive a more positive home environment compared to boys, with a higher mean value. The significance of these gender differences is supported by the t-test results and associated p-values. The findings emphasize the importance of considering gender in understanding the variations in home environments among senior secondary school students in Bhutan and call for further investigation into the factors contributing to these distinctions. Overall, this study sheds light on the importance of the home environment in shaping students' development and provides insights for creating a nurturing and supportive environment for their growth.

Comparative study of Microtensile Bond Strength of Zirconomer, Conventional and Resin Modified Glass Ionomer

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the microtensile bond strength of zirconomer to conventional and resin modified glass ionomers bonded to enamel and dentin substrates. Materials and Methods: 30 molars were enrolled in this study, they were divided into three groups according to the type of glass ionomer used (each 10 teeth):A1: conventional, A2: resin modified, and A3: zirconia infused glass ionomer. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (each 5 teeth) according to the substrate that the material was bonded. B1: enamel substrate, B2: dentin substrate. After preparation of flat enamel and dentin specimens, glass ionomers were manipulated and bonded to the substrates according to its subgrouping. Specimens were sectioned vertically to obtain beams of 1 mm2 thickness, then two central beams were selected randomly from each group to have a total of 60 beams, then each beam was subjected to microtensile bond strength test. Results ANOVA test revealed a statistically significant difference between groups. The highest mean value was recorded in resin modified glass ionomer bonded to dentin, followed by Resin modified glass ionomer bonded to enamel, zirconomer bonded to enamel, conventional glass ionomer bonded to enamel, then zirconomer bonded to dentin, with the least value was recorded in conventional glass ionomer bonded to dentin Conclusions: The microtensile bond strength of resin modified glass ionomer bonded to both substrates was the strongest. Zirconomer and conventional types were approximately of equal strength and zirconomer showed the highest strength when it bonded to enamel.

A Study on the Usage of the Board Race Game; as a Grammar Retention Strategy for English as a Second Language (ESL) Learners

Language games are often recognized as one of the important components when teaching and learning English, in a Second Language classroom. Conversely, in the traditional classroom setting, playing games is believed to be highly unproductive. Given that, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of language games as a grammar retention strategy for ESL learners. The study was conducted at All Saints’ College, Sri Lanka using a mixed methods research approach where the sample groups were experimented and observed in two settings: the traditional classroom and the game-based approach. For data collection, all three classes of grade six, with 30 students in each, were classified randomly as the experimental group and the two control groups. While the experimental group was exposed to the game, “The Board Race” when teaching irregular past tense, the control groups were taught the same without the game. According to the results which were achieved from the t-test, through a comparison of the mean scores of the pre-test and two post-tests, the experimental group exceeded the two control groups with higher mean values, during the immediate retention stage and the delayed retention stages, proving that the two teaching methods have different influences on grammar retention. The above results were further confirmed by the positive responses of the experimental group in terms of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement. Thus, this study suggests the need to incorporate games with text-based instructions in the ESL classroom, which is helpful for the students to retain grammar, in the long term.

Assessment of Genotype × Environment Interaction and Phenotypic Stability in Single Cross Hybrids Subjected to Drought Stress in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize production and productivity are hampered by global climate change. The primary concern of crop breeders always have been about high and stable yields. The genotype × environment interaction alters the relative grain yield of genotypes in different environments and makes it difficult to select superior genotypes. Therefore the Eberhart and Russell model for genotype × environment interaction analysis was taken up in the present study for the prediction of performances and phenotypic stability of the single cross hybrids synthesized by crossing 15 inbreds with 3 testers in Line × Tester mating design. All the 18 parents, 45 F1s and 3 checks were evaluated for fifteen quantitative and qualitative traits over three different environments viz., optimal environment, drought stress environment at tasseling stage, and drought stress environment at grain filling stage, during spring 2021, in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The ANOVA on the basis of pooled data unraveled significance of mean sum of squares due to genotypes and due to genotype × environment interaction which affirms existence of variability and interplay between genotypes and their environments. Out of 45, 39 hybrids expressed non-significant deviation from regression (S2 di) unveiling their higher predictability over changing environments for grain yield per plant. The hybrid L15×T2 had higher mean value than population mean along with regression coefficient equivalent to unity (bi=1) hence was recognized as highly stable and superior for grain yield per plant, and suitable for cultivation in different kinds of environments. Among other hybrids, L6×T2, L14×T2, L1×T3, L8×T1, L10×T1, L14×T1, L15×T1, L12×T2, L4×T3, L15×T3 were noted stable in performance over the environments for flowering traits. While L10×T2, L2×T2, L15×T2, L11×T1, L3×T2 and L5×T2 were recognized stable in performance for higher yield and its component traits over the environments.

Influence of blood sample storage and different types of anticoagulants on results of NK cytotoxicity tests.

Natural killer (NK) cells are important players in the human immune response. Impaired NK function may lead to serious, life-threatening conditions. Defects may be consequences of genetic mutations or results of secondary factors such as infections, malignancies and autoimmune diseases. The cytotoxicity test is very useful, but its accessibility is limited to special immunological laboratories. Blood samples are often transported to remote centers, which takes time and requires special conditions.The aim of this study was to compare cytotoxicity assay results between samples preserved with three different anticoagulants to standardize the diagnostic procedure. Peripheral blood from healthy donors was taken with three anticoagulants: heparin, K2EDTA and citrate. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated and tested directly after blood drawing and after 24-hour storage. Cytotoxic abilities of NK cells were tested in 4 h co-culture with K562. NK cytotoxicity was measured by flow cytometry. In most cases of analyzed healthy donors, cytotoxicity results were similar regardless of type of anticoagulant. However, the highest mean values were obtained in samples with citrate. There was a significant decrease in cytotoxicity after 24 hours of storage of the whole blood at ambient temperature. The mean drop in cytotoxicity results was substantial for all anticoagulants: 76% for heparin, 67% for citrate and 70% for EDTA. Results of spontaneous NK cytotoxicity seem to be affected by the anticoagulants used for blood protection. Commercial instant cytotoxicity testing and delayed analysis after blood storage gave the highest results in blood with sodium citrate.

Evaluation of bioactivity and biodegradability of a biomimetic soft tissue scaffold for clinical use: An in vitro study.

Autogenous soft-tissue graft is the gold-standard approach to augment oral soft tissues. However, tissue engineering is increasingly surveyed to overcome its substantial drawbacks, including the secondary site of operation, patient's pain and discomfort, limited tissue of donor site, and so on. Chitosan and gelatin have been utilized in this field over the years due to their great biological virtues. Zeolite, another remarkable candidate for tissue engineering, possesses outstanding biological and mechanical properties, thanks to its nanostructure. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the biodegradability and DNA content of seeded human gingival fibroblasts on a New Chitosan-Gelatin-Zeolite Scaffold for the perspective of oral and mucosal soft tissue augmentation. DNA contents of the human gingival fibroblast cell line (HGF.1) seeded on the chitosan-gelatin (CG) and CGZ scaffolds were evaluated by propidium iodide staining on days 1, 5, and 8. Scaffolds' biodegradations were investigated on days 1, 7, 14, 28, 42, and 60. Although both scaffolds provided appropriate substrates for HGF.1 growth, significantly higher DNA contents were recorded for the CGZ scaffold. Among experimental groups, the highest mean value was recorded in the CGZ on day 8. CGZ showed a significantly lower biodegradation percentage at all time points. The incorporation of zeolite into the CG scaffold at a ratio of 1:10 improved the cell proliferation and stability of the composite scaffold. CGZ scaffold may offer a promising alternative to soft-tissue grafts due to its suitable biological features.

Facial dimension on three-dimensional computed tomography in patients with epilepsy: A preliminary study

Purpose: This study was undertaken to establish the facial anthropometric discrepancies in epilepsy and normal population of both genders. Methods: This Retrospective study was done in School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). CT images weretaken from CT database archive from year 2010 to 2017 in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). The study group consisted of 9 epileptics & 9 healthy volunteers (aged between 42-56 years) who had no history of mixed racial parentage. 13 linear measurements were taken from 13 facial anthropometric landmarks including mandibles were first identified on each image according to standard definitions. The attained images were analysed using the Mimics Materialize measurement software ((Mimics 17.02 Materialise Leuven, Belgium). Results: The current study consisting 3 females vs 6 males representing in epileptic population & 2 female & 7 males in control populations. The results revealed sexual dimorphism in all the dimensional features of face, ocular region and the nasal region. The males having higher mean values than the females.In comparison with control male vs epileptic male showed significant variation onxygomaxillary (zm-zm) parameters. With regards of females there were no significant differences present within control groups and epilepsy groups. In thecontrol male group, result showed significantly (p= 0.04) longer mean values of nasion_alveoli (71.88 ±2.80 mm) compared to the control female group (65.63±0.94 mm) and highly significant difference were found in nasion_alveoli (na-al) and nasion_subnasale (n-sn) in between the epilepsy population of both sexes. The study was not concerned about age and ethnicity. Conclusion: The main objective of this work is to provide the standard values of epileptic patients’ data of both genders.The differences between that of epileptic patients against the control population may provide clear standards of variation with regards to facial analysis. This may contribute to a more in depth and nuanced phenotypic evaluation in the future. It has a large application to construct Forensic Medicine, Plastic Surgery, Orthodontics, Archaeology in the study epileptic populations. The facial, nasal and ocular, measurements among the most important cephalometric results that have been used to describe sexual differences.This study showed gender as an important factor in the description of human physiognomy. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 01 January’23 Page : 97-104

Quality of life of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, primary angle closure glaucoma, and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma in Central Serbia

Background/Aim. Impaired vision resulting from glaucoma can have deleterious effects on both physical and mental health. This study aims to examine the adverse im-pacts of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG) on the quality of life (QoL) in Central Serbia. Methods. This research, designed as a cross-sectional study, included 102 patients treated for POAG, PACG, or PEG. The patients were divided into three groups (POAG, PACG, and PEG) based on the type of glaucoma they suffered from and were monitored for six months. The data on the QoL were obtained with the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ-25). Using the appropriate algorithm, the total NEI VFQ-25 scores were calculated for each group. Results. The questionnaire showed that scores for general vision were significantly lower in the PEG group than in the other two groups (PEG: 61.1 ? 12.6; POAG: 71.6 ? 17.9; PACG: 75.7 ? 11.6), p < 0.001. General health, eye pain, distance vision, social functioning, peripheral vision, reduced ability in daily activities, and dependence on others were also statistically significantly lower in the PEG group. The highest value of near vision was recorded for the POAG group (76.2 ? 21.2). The highest mean value in glaucomatous visual field defect was recorded in the PEG group (14.5 ? 3.6 dB). Conclusion. This research has demonstrated that the QoL is significantly lower in patients suffering from PEG compared to those suffering from POAG and PACG. Concerning the general health of patients, eye pain, distance vision, as well as the domain of social and everyday functioning, the lowest scores for individual areas of examination according to the NEI VFQ-25 were recorded in PEG patients. The results indicate that serious measures should be taken in order to improve the QoL of glaucoma patients.

Unlocking the monetary value: investigating the importance of quality information in Australian red meat chains

Context This study assesses the monetary value of product quality information, specifically feedback from slaughter and production methods, within the Australian beef and sheep meat supply chains. Aims The primary objective was to investigate the value assigned by supply chain actors to product quality information, measured as willingness to pay for receiving it or willingness to accept payment for providing it. The study also aimed to explore how the value of this information varies based on information quality and quantity. Methods A contingent valuation approach was employed, utilising survey data from 104 producers. Logit models were used to identify the factors influencing meat producers’ willingness to accept payment and willingness to pay. Key results Over one-third of cattle and sheep producers expressed interest in receiving feedback from slaughter information and providing production methods information. Production methods information had the highest mean value at the premium information quality and quantity level, with values of AU$20.49/head in the beef industry and AU$10.13/head in the sheep industry. Conversely, feedback from slaughter information had the lowest mean value at the low information quality and quantity level, with values of AU$0.83/carcass in beef and AU$0.14/carcass in sheep. Farmers’ experience and education level significantly influenced their willingness to accept payment and willingness to pay for product quality information. Conclusions A significant proportion of producers within the Australian beef and sheep meat supply chains express a desire to provide or pay for product quality information. The value assigned to this information demonstrates a positive relationship with higher information quality and quantity. However, variations in expressed value of different information types, and the influence of farmer and farm characteristics, suggest the presence of chain failures that disrupt information valuation. Implications These findings have important implications for improving the performance of the red meat supply chains. Understanding the factors that influence the valuation of product quality information allows stakeholders to develop targeted strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of information exchange. This may involve addressing chain failures, and implementing measures to ensure consistent and accurate valuation of information. Ultimately, these improvements can contribute to enhanced decision-making processes and overall supply chain performance in the Australian beef and sheep meat industry.

Baseline evaluation of nursing students' informatics competency for digital health practice: A descriptive exploratory study.

The healthcare system is increasingly technology-dependent and proficiency in informatics skills is essential for health professionals to efficiently operate in the contemporary clinical environment. Nurses are major users of digital health technologies and graduates need to be well-prepared and confident to use the different available clinical systems competently as they transition from education to practice. To explore undergraduate nursing students' self-perceptions of informatics competence, set within a larger research project. Descriptive, exploratory cross-sectional research design, with online self-assessment survey of undergraduate nursing students (n = 142). Data were analysed with descriptive, correlation and comparative statistics. Participants' perceived overall mean informatics competency was at the level of somewhat competent, with only 40.84% (n = 58) at the level of competent. The highest mean value was in foundational information and communication skills and the lowest in information and knowledge management. Formal informatics education within curriculum was limited and lacked uniformity, as was prior exposure to important simulated informatics tools in preparation for practice. Factors including academic year level, computer experience and previous experience using clinical systems had a significant impact on participants' perceived informatics competency. Even though informatics competence is vital for clinical practice, with technology becoming pervasive within healthcare, nursing students' preparedness for digital health was sub-optimal. There were gaps in students' critical informatics practice knowledge with implications for work readiness of future graduates and nurse education practice.

Effect of exposure energy dose on lateral resolution and flexural strength of three-dimensionally printed dental zirconia.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of exposure energy on the lateral resolution and mechanical strength of dental zirconia manufactured using digital light processing (DLP). A zirconia suspension and a custom top-down DLP printer were used for in-office manufacturing. The viscosity of the suspension and uniformity of the exposed light intensity were controlled. Based on the exposure energy dose delivered to each layer, the specimens were classified into three groups: low-energy (LE), medium-energy (ME), and high-energy (HE). For each energy group, a simplified molar cube was used to measure the widths of the outline (Xo and Yo) and isthmus (Xi and Yi), and a bar-shaped specimen of the sintered body was tested. A Kruskal-Wallis test for the lateral resolution and one-way analysis of variance for the mechanical strength were performed (α = .05). The zirconia green bodies of the ME group showed better lateral resolution than those of the LE and HE groups (both P < .001). Regarding the flexural strength of the sintered bodies, the ME group had the highest mean value, whereas the LE group had the lowest mean value (both P < .05). The ME group exhibited fewer agglomerates than the LE group, with no distinctive interlayer pores or surface defects. Based on these findings, the lateral resolution of the green body and flexural strength of the sintered body of dental zirconia could be affected by the exposure energy dose during DLP. The exposure energy should be optimized when fabricating DLP-based dental zirconia.

Assessment of Genetic Divergence in Chilli Germplasm (Capsicum annuumL.)

Chilli or hot pepper (Capsicum annuumL.), native to new world tropics, is one of the most essentialvegetable and spice crop worldwide. In India, it is an indispensable spice cum vegetable in every household. In the current experiment, the elite 34 genotypes collected locally and throughout India weresubjected to Mahalnobis D2 statistics using Tocher’smethod. Results revealed that the genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters based on Mahalanobi’sD2statistics. Cluster I consisted of 9 genotypes, cluster II had 12 genotypes, cluster IV had 8 genotypes, cluster VI contained 3 genotypes and cluster III &amp; cluster V had single genotype. Maximum inter cluster distance was found between cluster III and VI (217.467), and high cluster mean value for yield per plant was recorded in cluster II(65.92g).Pedicel length trait was found to be prominent contributorto the genetic divergence in present experimental material

Анализ биофизических качеств яиц у кур пушкинской и царскосельской пород с различными аллельными вариантами гена LCORL

The aim of the study was to analyse the association of polymorphic variants of the LCORL gene for SNP A503G with egg quality in chickens of the Pushkin and Tsarskoye Selo breeds. The sample consisted of chickens of the combined productivity direction of the Pushkin (n=107) and Tsarskoye Selo (n=90) breeds of 2021 year of hatching. The birds were kept in individual cages on the basis of the bioresource collection of the RRIFAGB “Genetic Collection of Rare Endangered Breeds of Chickens” (Pushkin, St. Petersburg). The poultry were genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Biophysical properties of the eggs were evaluated in hens at 35 weeks of age. A comparative analysis of the qualitative characteristics of the eggs revealed some differences between the breeds. For examle, the eggs from the Pushkin breed hens differed from the eggs of the Tsarskoye Selo hens in high egg weight (p ≤ 0.001) and shell (p ≤ 0.01), shell thickness (p ≤ 0.01), PPF values (p ≤ 0.01), but had a thinner shell membrane (p ≤ 0.01). The analysis of the SNP A503G association with the LCORL gene showed that the eggs from the Pushkin chickens with the AG genotype had high mean values for shell thickness (p &lt; 0.001), shell weight (p &lt; 0.05) and yolk weight (p &lt; 0.01). For chickens of the Tsarskoye Selo breed, significant associations were obtained for chickens with the AG genotype on the basis of yolk weight (p ˂ 0.05).

Relationship between the Corporate Disclosure and Profitability: An Empirical Analysis of the Commercial Banks in Bangladesh

Disclosure is essential for interested users to make logical decisions. This study evaluates the extent of corporate disclosure and its relationship with the profitability attributives of banking companies in Bangladesh. To achieve the study purpose, this study has taken five private commercial banks in Bangladesh for five years from 2016 to 2020. The required data have been collected mainly from secondary sources. To reach the study findings per study objectives, the researcher has employed different statistical techniques, analyzed the various annual reports to calculate the level of corporate disclosure, and identified the different profitability attributives. The results of descriptive statistics show that the highest mean value is visible in the case of SB_3, and the lowest mean value is visual in the case of SB_4, but SB_4 and SB_5 show the lowest and highest standard deviation values. The ANOVA test results show significant variation in the level of corporate disclosure and different profitability attributes among the sample banks over the study period. The simple regression results show a substantial relationship between the corporate disclosure scores and profitability attributives. The effects of multiple regression present that other profitability attributes like profit before tax and earnings per share significantly impacted corporate disclosure scores. However, the remaining attributes, like operating profit, profit after tax, return on equity, and return on asset, had an insignificant positive impact on the corporate disclosure scores of the sample banks over the study period. This research study has recommended that the management of the banking companies should take necessary steps to ensure an adequate level of corporate disclosure in reporting practices because the different stakeholders make any decision based on disclosing information.

Evaluation of color stability after the application of a bleaching agent to different composite resins

Aim: In dentistry, it is desirable to preserve the properties of composites for a long time. With the development of technologies, the number of different composites used in dental treatment has increased. With contemporary patients’ aesthetic expectations, bleaching treatmens are often sought, and the literature contains many studies on the effects of bleaching on composites. Our study aimed to examine the color stability of different types of composites immersed in different solutions after bleaching treatment. Methodology: A total of 72 samples (n = 8) of three composite materials were examined: Omnichroma (Tokuyama Dental Co., Tokyo, Japan), Estelite Posterior (Tokuyama Dental Co., Tokyo, Japan), and Quadrant (Cavex, Holland BV, Netherlands). All specimens were subjected to Total Blanc (Nova DFL, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), which is an office-type bleaching agent. After bleaching treatments, the specimens were immersed in distilled water. The baseline measurements were then recorded. After being immersed in distilled water, tea, or coffee for seven days, the final color measurements were recorded. A VITA Easy Shade device (Vita Zahnarzt, Bad Säckingen, Germany) was used to take color measurements. The CIEDE2000 formula was used to calcuate ΔE00 values. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the ΔE00 values obtained from the composite samples to assess color stability. The results were rated at a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Results: After bleaching treatments, the interaction between the different composites and the solutions in which they were immersed had a statistically significant effect on ΔE00 values (p &lt; 0.05). The highest mean value was obtained with the quadrant composite material that was immersed in the coffee solution. Conclusion: It is clear that tea and coffee cause discoloration in dental composites after bleaching treatments. Due to the sorption of these solutions into the composite structure, dentists should warn patients to be cautious about consuming beverages after bleaching. How to cite this article: Köse HD, Güner Z. Evaluation of color stability after the application of a bleaching agent to different composite resins. Int Dent Res 2022;12(Suppl.1):79-84. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.453 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

Evaluasi Pengalaman Pengguna Aplikasi SIMARIS UPN “Veteran” Jawa Timur Menggunakan Metode UEQ

The implementation of information and communication technology in a university is increasing according to the needs of each university. Research and community service activity carried out by lecturers at UPN "Veteran" East Java have been accommodated by an application called SIMARIS. In its implementation, this application still has several complaints related to the user experience felt by lecturers, such as difficulties when viewing proposal details, limitations for uploading files, no preview feature to view files, and the reviewer assessment menu doesn’t work for lecturers. In this study, the user experience of SIMARIS application was evaluated using the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) method. The questionnaire data obtained will be analyzed using UEQ Data Analysis Tool. The measurement results show that each scale has a high mean value with the scale of Attractiveness 1.61, Perspicuity 1.52, Efficiency 1.64, Dependability 1.44, Stimulation 1.51, and Novelty 1.25. The consistency level of all scales shows that Cronbach's Alpha value &gt; 0.70. This means a high level of consistency is owned by all scales.

Effect of using calcium-silicate and silicone based root canal sealers in bulk or with main core material on bond strength.

The purpose of this study was to assess the push-out bond strength of calcium-silicate and silicone based root canal sealers in bulk and with main cone. Roots (n=48) randomly divided into 4 groups (n=12) according to the obturation protocol; (1) iRoot SP in bulk; (2) iRoot SP with gutta-percha; (3) GuttaFlow Bioseal in bulk; (4) GuttaFlow Bioseal with gutta-percha. Six horizontal sections were obtained from each root (n=72). Effect of sealers on bond strength was statistically significant (P<0.05). Highest mean value was obtained in iRoot-Bulk group and lowest in GuttaFlow Bioseal-GP group. Both iRoot SP groups had significantly higher bond strength values than both GuttaFlow Bioseal groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between iRoot-GP and iRoot-Bulk groups (P=0.603) also GuttaFlow Bioseal-GP and GuttaFlow Bioseal-Bulk groups (P=0.684). Based on findings, using calcium silicate-based sealer in bulk can be also suitable in clinical practice.