Standard Piece Research Articles

Weathering of Buried Standard Pieces of Serpentine under Varied Soil Treatments and Relevant Analysis of Microbial Community Structure

Carbon sink processes related to the weathering of silicate minerals are often accompanied by physical, chemical, and biological effects. In particular, plant-microbe synergistic effects are important for soil mineral weathering, but relevant correlation analyses and quantitative studies remain sparse. In this research, a standard serpentine test specimens (STSs) with specific specifications were used to study serpentine weathering under different environmental conditions (abiotic or biotic) and correlated it with the microbial community structure under the growth of Setaria viridis. The results showed that the environment with growing S. viridis had the strongest weathering capacity for STSs, which was 35 times higher than that of the abiotic environment group, and a significant increase in soil inorganic and organic carbon contents compared with the abiotic environment and the environment without plant growth. The bacteria with strong weathering ability were enriched in the soil of around STSs, such as Pseudomonas spp. and Sphingomonas spp. In addition, the fungal community of Ascomycetes is also heavily enriched, accelerating STSs weathering. The addition of bacterial agent (Bacillus subtilis) further promoted the STSs weathering under the growth conditions of S. viridis. The soil surrounding the buried STSs was also enriched with heavy metal tolerant Massilia spp. and disease suppressing Lysobacter spp., while the abundance of fungi functionally associated with pathotypes was reduced, thereby benefiting plant growth. This study provides basic information for the serpentine bio-weathering coupled with carbon sequestration by using plant-microbe synergistic effects.

Design & automation of a small-scale towing tank for flow visualization

Although the towing tank is a standard piece of equipment used to investigate fluid phenomena, it primarily exists as custom-built hardware that takes up a significant footprint. The size, cost, and custom-built nature have heretofore inhibited the production of this equipment in the authors’ context, an African university. This paper presents a small-scale (1000 mm x 200 mm x 200 mm), low-cost (<$1,000) towing tank made using readily available components and basic digital fabrication tools. Other universities on the continent and beyond can hence create this foundational platform for fluid mechanics-related teaching and research. Leveraging an Arduino microcontroller loaded with the GRBL firmware, G-code is sent from the computer to stepper motors to execute movements in two axes. This allows for automation capabilities, controlled towing speeds, and consistent experimental conditions. Validation tests revealed motion accuracy within 1 %. A glitter-based flow visualization approach to measuring surface phenomena is demonstrated here. Experiments conducted successfully visualized relevant flow characteristics generated by bluff bodies being towed in the tank. As the Reynolds number increased within the operating range, wider wakes and larger, more distinct vortices were generated, as expected. This platform can be replicated widely in institutions that may otherwise forego experimentation in fluid mechanics.

Outcomes using inverted iliac limb bifurcate components in fenestrated/branched endografting

BackgroundThe use of standard bifurcate pieces in fenestrated/branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR) requires adequate length from the lowest branch or fenestration to the aortic bifurcation. In patients with prior aortic surgery, the aortic bifurcation is often artificially established in a more proximal position, compromising the infrarenal length, which hinders the placement of a standard bifurcate component below the fenestrated/branched component. Short bifurcate bodies using an inverted contralateral limb have been purpose-built to address this challenge. However, reported outcomes for this device remain limited, with specific concerns about the durability of the inverted iliac limb sealing region. We sought to evaluate outcomes of F/BEVAR using an investigational inverted iliac limb bifurcate, manufactured by Cook Medical. MethodsThis study was a retrospective review of prospectively maintained data from the US-Aortic Research Consortium from 2005 to 2022. Patients were included if they underwent F/BEVAR for thoracoabdominal or complex abdominal aortic aneurysms. Patients were excluded if they did not have a bifurcate device placed. Patients were then compared based on the use of an inverted iliac limb or standard bifurcate component. The primary outcome for this study was technical success. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, freedom from ischemic leg complications, freedom from type I endoleaks (TIELs), freedom from type II endoleaks (TIIELs), freedom from type III endoleaks (TIIIELs), and graft component separations. ResultsA total of 1944 patients met study criteria with 442 (22.8%) inverted iliac limb bifurcates and 1502 (77.2%) standard bifurcates. Patients who received inverted iliac limbs were more likely to have had prior aortic surgery (63.8% vs 28.5%; P < .001). Patients receiving inverted iliac limbs had longer procedure times (265 minutes; interquartile range [IQR], 201-342 minutes vs 241 minutes; IQR, 186-313 minutes; P < .001), more contrast use (89 mL [IQR, 55-135 mL] vs 109 mL [IQR, 75-156 mL]; P < .001), and higher estimated blood loss (250 mL [IQR, 150-500 mL] vs 250 mL [IQR, 110-400 mL]; P = .042). There were no differences in rates of technical success (97.3% vs 96.1%; P = .310), rates of endoleaks upon completion of the case (18.0% vs 21.4%; P = .123), or 30-day mortality rates (1.8% vs 2.5%; P = .466) between patients receiving inverted iliac limb and standard bifurcated components. There were no differences in cumulative survival, freedom from limb ischemia, freedom from aneurysm rupture, and freedom from TIIIELs over the course of 5 years between patients receiving inverted bifurcates and standard bifurcated components. Patients with inverted iliac limb bifurcate components had decreased freedom from reinterventions, TIELs, and TIIELs. After adjustment for potential confounders, the use of an inverted iliac limb was not associated with reinterventions (hazard ratio,1.044; 95% confidence interval, 0.849-1.285; P = .682). There was a total of 2 component separations (0.1%) of the bifurcate component from the fenestrated/branched component over the study period, both of which occurred in the standard bifurcate components. ConclusionsThe use of investigational inverted iliac limb bifurcate components is a safe option with favorable mid-term outcomes in patients who are not anatomical candidates for standard bifurcate components. Patients undergoing investigational inverted iliac limb bifurcate component implantation had decreased freedom from reinterventions, which likely corresponds with the complexity of repair associated with them.

Tourniquets

Abstract Purpose of Review Tourniquets have a longstanding history in combat casualty care, but only became widely accepted in the last 20 years as effective and safe. This review seeks to examine the history of tourniquets in combat casualty care and analyze their translation from military to civilian trauma care. Recent Findings The most recent research focusing on prehospital tourniquet use has focused on the expansion of tourniquets to the civilian trauma patient population. Research has shown that tourniquet use can be effectively taught to civilians without medical training, and that placement of tourniquets in the prehospital environment can reduce blood loss and shock at admission. Other recent research has established the effectiveness of tourniquets in unique military environments such as in cold weather gear and when chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) gear is worn. Summary Tourniquets have become a standard piece of equipment for deployed servicemembers for their lifesaving potential. Evidence is building that tourniquets can play a similar role in civilian trauma, but more work is needed to demonstrate the cost effectiveness and mortality benefit of widespread civilian tourniquet training and application.

Eddy Current Sensor Array for Electromagnetic Sensing and Crack Reconstruction with High Lift-Off in Railway Tracks.

A reliable and efficient rail track defect detection system is essential for maintaining rail track integrity and avoiding safety hazards and financial losses. Eddy current (EC) testing is a non-destructive technique that can be employed for this purpose. The trade-off between spatial resolution and lift-off should be carefully considered in practical applications to distinguish closely spaced cracks such as those caused by rolling contact fatigue (RCF). A multi-channel eddy current sensor array has been developed to detect defects on rails. Based on the sensor scanning data, defect reconstruction along the rails is achieved using an inverse algorithm that includes both direct and iterative approaches. In experimental evaluations, the EC system with the developed sensor is used to measure defects on a standard test piece of rail with a probe lift-off of 4-6 mm. The reconstruction results clearly reveal cracks at various depths and spacings on the test piece.

Best Practices for Publishing pXRF Analyses

ABSTRACTWith its promise of nondestructive processing, rapid low-cost sampling, and portability to any field site or museum in the world, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry is rapidly becoming a standard piece of equipment for archaeologists. Even though the use of pXRF is becoming standard, the publication of pXRF analytical methods and the resulting data remains widely variable. Despite validation studies that demonstrate the importance of sample preparation, data collection settings, and data processing, there remains no standard for how to report pXRF results. In this article, we address the need for best practices in publishing pXRF analyses. We outline information that should be published alongside interpretive results in any archaeological application of pXRF. By publishing this basic information, archaeologists will increase the transparency and replicability of their analyses on an inter-analyst/inter-analyzer basis and provide clarity for journal editors and peer reviewers on publications and grant proposals for studies that use pXRF. The use of these best practices will result in better science in the burgeoning use of pXRF in archaeology.

A fusion architecture to deliver multipurpose mobile health services

Mobile Health (mHealth) services typically make use of customized software architectures, leading to development-dependent fragmentation. Nevertheless, irrespective of their specific purpose, most mHealth services share common functionalities, where standard pieces could be reused or adapted to expedite service deployment and even extend the follow-up of appearing conditions under the same service. To harness compatibility and reuse, this article presents a data fusion architecture proposing a common design framework for mHealth services. An exhaustive mapping of mHealth functionalities identified in the literature serves as starting point. The architecture is then conceptualized making use of the Joint Directors of Laboratories (JDL) data fusion model. The aim of the architecture is to exploit the multi-source data acquisition capabilities supported by smartphones and Internet of Things devices, and artificial intelligence-enabled feature fusion. A series of interconnected fusion layers ensure streamlined data management; each layer is composed of microservices which may be implemented or omitted depending on the specific goals of the healthcare service. Moreover, the architecture considers essential features related to authentication mechanisms, data sharing protocols, practitioner-patient communication, context-based notifications and tailored visualization interfaces. The effectiveness of the architecture is underscored by its instantiation for four real cases, encompassing risk assessment for youth with mental health issues, remote monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 patients, liquid intake control for kidney disease patients, and peritoneal dialysis treatment support. This breadth of applications exemplifies how the architecture can effectively serve as a guidance framework to accelerate the design of mHealth services.

Comparative Studies of the Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Ugwuoba Clay with Admixtures of Corncob and Sugarcane Bagasse Ashes

An investigation into the effects of combustible materials on the refractory properties of Ugwuoba clay, using sugarcane bagasse ash and corncob ash has been undertaken. Ugwuoba clay was sourced from Ugwuoba town in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State. Sugarcane bagasse were collected at Lokpanta, a Fulani settlement in Okigwe Community, Imo State, while corncobs were collected at New Artisan Market in Enugu Metropolis. The clay was processed using standard beneficiation and purification procedures at the Ceramics Department of Projects Development Agency (PRODA), Enugu. The sugarcane bagasse and corncobs were each and separately calcined into amorphous ash by heating in a furnace at 650oC. The refractory blends were compounded at the ratio of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 for Ugwuoba clay (UGC) to Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SBA) and Ugwuoba Clay (UGC) to Corncob Ash (CCA) separately and respectively. These blends were subsequently molded into the standard test pieces for the various properties determination and subjected to firing at temperatures of 900oC, 1000oC, 1100oC and 1200oC. Thereafter, the fired samples were characterized for fired shrinkages, total shrinkages, apparent porosities, water absorption coefficients, apparent densities, bulk densities and moduli of rupture. The results obtained for each of the blends showed that the values were within the tolerable limits for industrial refractories with the 10%SBA and the 20%CCA blends showing the best results. Comparatively however, the 10%SBA produced the better of these properties than the 20%CCA. A conclusion is drawn to the effect that both sugarcane bagasse ash and corncob ash can serve as good organic admixtures for refractory bricks production for the lining of melting furnaces in the metals industry, hence opening new frontiers for recycling of these agricultural wastes for environmental safety and economic development in Nigeria.

Evaluation of measurement uncertainty of drop hammer impact test for composite materials

Future aircraft structures are usually dominated by composites, and one of the key defects and forms of damage to composite structures is the impact damage caused by low-energy (especially low-speed) foreign matter. This kind of low-energy impact test is usually completed by the drop hammer testing machine, so accurately assessing the impact test of the falling hammer completed in accordance with the standard test method, and the reliability of the permissible value of the impact performance of the objective reaction composite is of great significance to the future aircraft structure design. Taking a standard composite test piece as an example, considering the key factors in the whole process of impact test, a mathematical model is constructed, and the measurement uncertainty of different configuration composite test pieces of different configurations is calculated according to the test data, which provides a basis for aircraft structural design.

Effect of tragacanth gum (Astragalus gummifer) and melaleuca essential oil to extend the shelf life of minimally processed pineapples

The consumption of minimally processed fruit is increasing due to its convenience, but its shelf life is reduced when compared to fresh fruit (in natura). The effects of using tragacanth gum (Astragalus gummifer) and melaleuca essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) as an edible coating on minimally processed pineapples (Smooth cayenne) were investigated in this study. The pineapples were sanitized, peeled, cut into standardized pieces, and immersed in the toppings, obtaining four treatments: T1 (control); T2 (0.5 tragacanth gum and 0.2% melaleuca essential oil); T3 (0.5 tragacanth gum and 0.3% melaleuca essential oil); T4 (0.5 tragacanth gum and 0.4% melaleuca essential oil), then drained and stored in PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) containers with a lid, under refrigeration at 5±1°C for 12 days. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were performed. The samples T2 and T4 obtained less mass loss and less decrease in total soluble solids content. The T2 sample also showed promising results by reducing the loss of texture and delaying the growth of mold and yeast in relation to the control sample over 12 days of storage. The use of tragacanth gum together with melaleuca essential oil was efficient in maintaining the quality of minimally processed pineapples for a longer time.

Effects of the Addition of Corncob Ash on the Technological Properties of Ugwuoba Clay, Nigeria

An investigation into the effects of combustible materials on the refractory properties of Ugwuoba clay, using corncob ash has been undertaken. Ugwuoba clay was sourced from Ugwuoba town in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria, while corncobs were collected at New Artisan Market in Enugu Metropolis. The clay was processed using standard beneficiation and purification procedures at the Ceramics Department of Projects Development Agency (PRODA), Enugu. The corncobs were calcined into amorphous ash by heating in a furnace at 650oC. The refractory blends were compounded at the ratio of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 for Ugwuoba clay (UGC) to Corncob Ash (CCA) respectively. These blends were subsequently moulded into the standard test pieces for the various properties determination and subjected to firing at temperatures of 900oC, 1000oC, 1100oC and 1200oC. Thereafter, the fired samples were characterized for fired shrinkages, total shrinkages, apparent porosities, water absorption coefficients, apparent densities, bulk densities and cold crushing strengths. The results obtained for each of the blends showed that the values were within the tolerable limits for industrial refractories with the 20%CCA blends showing the best results when compared with the other blends. A conclusion is drawn to the effect that corncob ash can serve as good organic admixtures for refractory bricks production for the lining of melting furnaces in the metals industry, hence opening new frontiers for recycling of these agricultural wastes for environmental safety and economic development in Nigeria.

Research on Measurement Technology of Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Honeycomb Structure

Honeycomb structure is widely used as the main sandwich layer of load-bearing structure in aviation, aerospace and other fields because of its light weight and high strength. Under some service conditions, the deformation of the honeycomb structure affected by high and low temperature will affect the overall mechanical performance of the structure. Therefore, accurate evaluation of the thermal expansion performance of the honeycomb structure becomes the key to structural design. However, the existing measurement methods of thermal expansion coefficient mainly have problems such as the hollow structure cannot be effectively contacted, the area of the grid optical target is limited and difficult to detect. In view of the above conditions, in this paper, a method for measuring the thermal expansion coefficient of honeycomb structure is proposed, and the measurement system is built, and the thermal expansion performance of honeycomb structure is effectively obtained by testing the honeycomb structure. At the same time, the measurement accuracy of the system is verified by using standard test pieces. The experimental results show that the method has high measurement accuracy.

Assessment of Additive Manufactured IN 625's Tensile Strength Based on Nonstandard Specimens.

The study aimed to evaluate the tensile strength of additively manufactured (AMed) IN 625 using sub-sized test pieces and compare them to standard specimens. Cylindrical round coupons of varying diameters were manufactured along the Z-axis using the laser powder bed fusion technique and subjected to heat treatment. The simulation of the alloy solidification predicted the formation of several intermetallics and carbides under equilibrium conditions (slow cooling), apart from the γ phase (FCC). Sub-sized tensile specimens with different gauge diameters were machined from the coupons and tensile tested at ambient temperature. The results showed that sub-sized specimens exhibited lower tensile and yield strengths compared to standard specimens, but still higher than the minimum requirements of the relevant ASTM standard for AMed IN 625. The lower strength was attributed to the "size effect" of the test specimens. Fracture surfaces of the sub-sized test specimens exhibit a mixed character, combining cleavage and microvoid coalescence, with improved ductility compared to standard test pieces. The study highlights the importance of adapting characterization methods to the particularities of manufactured parts, including reduced thicknesses that make sampling standard-size specimens impractical. It concludes that sub-sized specimens are valuable for quality control and verifying compliance with requirements of AMed IN 625 tensile properties.

Clinical Evaluation and Experience in Treatments Performed with Fractional CO2 Laser on Latin American Skin: An Observational Retrospective Study.

Background: The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is an ablative system that evaporates, remodels, and coagulates tissues, becoming therefore a gold standard piece of equipment for the treatment of dermatological pathologies and esthetic imperfections. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CO2 laser treatments in different patients' skin pathologies. Methods: A total of 705 patients with an age range between 18 and 70 years, with phototypes on the Fitzpatrick scale III, IV, V, and VI, were enrolled from October 2021 to May 2022, and were treated using the CO2 laser system. Results: Ninety-six patients were treated with fractional CO2 laser, used for skin rejuvenation and stretch marks. One patient presented reactivation of herpes simplex, 10 postinflammatory hyperpigmentation that resolved after 3 months with depigmenting agents, 6 with persistent erythema. A total of 13 patients with rhinophyma were treated, and no complications were observed; a total of 64 patients with wrinkles were treated. They improved in 6 months. A total of 340 patients were treated for seborrheic keratosis, papulosa nigra dermatosis, fibropapillomas, sebaceous hyperplasias, verruca vulgaris, and condylomata acuminata. One patient presented with a complication hypopigmented macule. A total of 136 patients underwent treatment for laser ablation of intradermal nevi and verrucous epidermal nevi, without complications. A total of 56 patients were treated with keloids and hypertrophic scars. One patient presented with ulceration of a keloid that resolved with the application of clostridiopeptidase A and chloramphenicol after 2 weeks. Conclusions: The use of the CO2 laser in any phototype and race, which are factors with a high incidence in Latin America, provides a safe and effective result for different dermatological pathologies.

In Their Own Words: Exploring the Methodology and Ethics of Ethnotheatre in Qualitative Dementia Research

This article discusses the development of two short plays based on qualitative data from separate research studies related to dementia, both of which were performed in the UK in 2022. The first drama ( Voices from the front line) is a relatively standard piece of verbatim theatre, based on interview data and written accounts from a research study about the experiences of the dementia workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020–22. The second ( The Other Side of the Wall) is based on ethnographic data from a research study carried out with people with dementia living in long-term care, and it introduces elements of invention and absurdism. In both pieces, non-professional actors co-developed the performances, drawing on the spoken words of the original research participants. Using extracts and examples from the script development process, the article attempts to chart the developmental process for a novice ethnodramatist (although experienced dementia researcher) in meeting ethical, aesthetic and methodological challenges.

More Than One “Double Life”: Artistic Conceptions, Networks, and Negotiations in Benny Goodman's Commissions to Paul Hindemith and Darius Milhaud

AbstractBeginning around the mid-1930s, clarinetist and bandleader Benny Goodman engaged with classical music, adding standard solo pieces to his regular performance and record portfolio. He also stimulated the emergence of a modern clarinet repertoire by granting commissions to composers, such as Béla Bartók, Paul Hindemith, Darius Milhaud, and others. In this article, I explore why and how these projects evolved and how the collaborations unfolded. My focus is on the commissions to Hindemith (1941/47) and Milhaud (1941). The newly found correspondence of Eric Simon, a Viennese-born clarinetist who advised Goodman and initiated contact with Hindemith and Milhaud, reveal Goodman's “double life” as a multilayered sphere for various actors, each with their own specific background and agenda. My analysis follows three topics that decisively shaped the investigated projects: Goodman's relationship with classical music, which I discuss in light of the intersectionally biased structures of U.S. musical life; the situation of European émigré artists experienced by Hindemith, Milhaud, and Simon; and the promotion of new music, which linked the lives, networks, and agendas of the aforementioned protagonists and even defined their relationships. By highlighting Goodman taking center stage as a performer-commissioner, I argue for more serious attention to performers’ impact on musical production and repertoire formation, given that they represent the ultimate gatekeepers to the living repertoire.

Kinematics and geometric features of the s-cone test piece: identifying the performance of five-axis machine tools using a new test piece.

The design of machine parts of different sizes and shapes has become relevant in the manufacturing industry which requires five-axis machine tools of high dynamic performance; different machining test pieces have been used to test and reflect the machine tool's performance. The S-shaped is still under development and consideration of which a new test piece better than the S-shaped part has been recommended to be put forward making the NAS979 the only standardized test piece; however, it has some limitations. Hence, this study proposes a new test piece to objectively satisfy the demand for machine tools with higher dynamic performance, which shows much improvement over the standard NAS979 and is the best alternative to the S-shaped test piece, and it combines the geometric and kinematic features of both test pieces. Geometrically, it has non-uniform surface continuity, variable twist angle, and variable curvature; and the cutting tool moves in close and opened angles along the tool path; there is sudden rise and fall of axes' velocity, acceleration, and jerk with much impact during machining which makes the S-cone test piece be machined by only five-axis machine tools with high dynamic performance, and has a better dynamic performance identification effect than the S-shaped test piece based on the trajectory test. Detailed work on the validation of the machine tool's dynamic performance using the S-cone part will be captured next part of this study.

Convective drying of mango stone for use as biomass

Mango stone is an interesting biomass by-product with a considerable net calorific value. Mango production has significantly risen in the last few years, meaning that mango waste has increased as well. However, mango stone has a moisture content of about 60% (wet basis) and it is very important to dry the samples for using them in electrical and thermal energy production. In this paper, the main parameters involved in the mass transfer during drying are determined. Drying was carried out in a convective dryer through a set of experiments based on five drying air temperatures (100 °C, 125 °C, 150 °C, 175 °C and 200 °C) and three air velocities (1 m/s, 2 m/s and 3 m/s). Drying times ranged between 2 and 23 h. The drying rate was calculated from the Gaussian model whose values ranged from 1.5·10−6 to 6.3·10−4 s−1. Effective diffusivity was obtained as an overall parameter in the mass diffusion for each test. These values were found between 0.71·10−9 and 13.6·10−9 m2/s. The activation energy was calculated from the Arrhenius law for each test, made at different air velocities. These values were 36.7, 32.2 and 32.1 kJ/mol for 1, 2 and 3 m/s, respectively. This study provides information for future works on design, optimization and numerical simulation models in convective dryers for standard mango stone pieces according to industrial drying conditions.

Breakage of Tapered Junctions of Modular Stems in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty—High Incidence in a Consecutive Series of a Single Institution

Modularity in revision THA (RTHA) has become accepted during the last three decades. Nevertheless, specific risks of modularity of current revision devices such as breakage of taper junctions occur during follow-up. Data reporting failure rates are predominantly given by the manufacturers but independent data acquisition is missing so far. 1. What time-related risk of breakage of taper junction between neck and body of an established modular revision device can be expected in a consecutive single institutional series and a mid-term follow-up? 2. Are there specific factors influencing breakage in this cohort? A retrospective analysis was performed of a consecutive series of 89 cases after femoral revision using a tapered modular revision stem. Mean follow-up period was 7.1 (range: 3.0-13.7) years. Breakage of stem as failure criteria of the implant was investigated with a Kaplan-Meier analysis. Breakage of taper junctions occurred in four patients during follow-up showing a time-depending implant survival of 94.2 (95% CI: 88.6-100%) after 13.7 years. Implant survival of stems with lateralized necks of 87.4 (95% CI: 75.6-100%) after 13.7 years was significantly lower compared to the standard offset variant with 100% after 13.5 years (log rank test p = 0.0283). Chi square test also revealed a significantly higher risk of breakage of lateralized necks compared to standard offset pieces (p = 0.0141). Three of four patients were obese with a mean BMI of 37.9 kg/m2. Grade of obesity (grade 1 or higher) had significant influence on risk of breakage. Survival of the implant was significantly lower in obese patients with at least grade 1 obesity compared to patients with a BMI < 30 kg/m2 (82.9 (95% CI: 64.9-100%) after 11.6 years vs. 98.4 (95% CI: 95.3-100%) after 13.7 years; log-rank p = 0.0327). Cumulative risk for failure of taper junctions was high in this consecutive single institutional cohort and may further increase during follow-up. As independent data acquisition in registries is missing, failure rate may be higher than reported data of the manufacturers. The use of lateralized offset necks in obese patients of at least grade 1 obesity showed a significantly higher risk of breakage. The use of monobloc revision devices may be an option, but randomized control trials are currently missing to establish standardized treatment protocols considering individual risks for both monobloc and/or modular implants.

LOUPES IN ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE: A REVIEW

Introduction: The dental practice places an enormous emphasis on the operator's visual acuity and musculoskeletal system. While performing orthodontic procedures, the dental surgeon may incline their head and neck towards the patient's mouth to get closer and obtain a better view of the operating eld, thus increasing the dentist's risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Loupes should be considered a standard piece of equipment for today's clinicians. Magnication benets of loupes are visual acuity at a greater focal distance with decreased eye strain and increased treatment accuracy and effectiveness, which increases the quality of patient care. Ergonomically correct posture decreases neck, shoulder, and back strain and increases the longevity of your career. Start using loops as a student if possible. It is easier, to begin with, good posture than to break old habits. The current evidence endorses the advantages of magnication loupes in dentistry in diagnosis and treatment delivery. However, more studies should be conducted to research different procedure outcomes over the long run. Further, there is strong scientic evidence supporting the use of dental magnication loupe for postural and musculoskeletal support, but very few articles about orthodontics. Aims and Objectives: Material and Methods: This review article aims to emphasize the ergonomic benet of dental loupes in orthodontics. The paper included 60 articles selected on dental loupes with inclusion criteria and 41 articles were excluded based on exclusion criteria. Overall, seven electronic databases in seven databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, beginning, and hand searching until 2021, were conducted. Dental loupes can have a positi Conclusion: ve effect on the quality of the treatment where the debonding procedure can result in less enamel damage and the bracket bonding procedure will leave composite residues which is called ash, As we deal with different types of new bracket system, which has doors to lock the wire in the bracket, its difcult to work manage the composite owing into it through the naked eye and therefore we recommend the use of dental loupes in any orthodontic procedures