Search Results (1,674)

This paper aims to map out the transformations in contemporary performance art during the current ‘age of extinction’. The first section extends Claire Bishop’s notion of “delegated performance” in order to categorize a turn towards the inclusion of other-than-human entities in the performance field. This operation leads to the concept of ‘performative animism’, referring to the strategies of re-animation of reality through artistic performance. The second section works out the idea of ‘planetarization’ of the performance field, which designates its opening to spatial and temporal fluxes coming from a dimension that overcomes the scale of human experience, that is, the planetary dimension. The third and final section interprets the meaning of these two transformations by introducing the concepts of ‘exbodiment’ and ‘excarnation’, which tie closely to a new political task for performance art. Full article

Purpose: This systematic literature review analyzes trends, key findings, and research opportunities in manufacturing sustainability from 2019 to 2024, with a focus on the integration of emerging technologies and socio-economic dimensions. Methodology: a systematic review of 181 publications was conducted, emphasizing technological advancements, research gaps, and the influence of global events on sustainable manufacturing. Findings: the review highlights: (1) a shift towards advanced technologies like AI-driven circular economy solutions, digital twins, and blockchain, which have demonstrated potential to reduce energy consumption by 30% and decrease material waste by 20%, significantly enhancing sustainability outcomes; (2) persistent gaps in addressing social, policy, and regulatory dimensions; (3) the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in accelerating digital transformation and reshaping sustainability priorities. Key findings also include PT Indocement achieving a cumulative 35% reduction in natural gas consumption through sustained optimization initiatives and a 12% increase in digital manufacturing adoption among SMEs in developing regions. Practical implications: strategic recommendations are provided for industry, policymakers, and academics to address regional disparities, ensuring a 50% increase in adoption rates of inclusive technologies within developing regions over the next five years, and align sustainability efforts with socio-economic contexts. Originality: this review presents a comprehensive analysis of current trends, actionable insights, and critical areas for future research, highlighting that organizations adopting AI and blockchain technologies report up to a 25% improvement in operational sustainability. Full article

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of various laser wavelengths for debonding orthodontic metal brackets compared to traditional plier-based methods. The primary outcomes assessed were enamel damage, pulp temperature changes, adhesive remnant index (ARI), and shear bond strength (SBS). Materials and Methods: In September 2024, an electronic search was performed across the PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus databases, adhering to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and the PICO framework. The initial search yielded 453 records. After eliminating 256 duplicates, 197 unique records were left for screening, which ultimately led to the qualification of 8 articles that met the inclusion criteria for both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The risk of bias in the articles was assessed by two independent reviewers. Results: The included studies demonstrated that laser-assisted debonding generally resulted in less adhesive residue on the enamel surface compared to conventional methods, as evidenced by the reductions in ARI scores reported in two studies. Temperature increases during laser use varied depending on the laser type and power settings. The Nd:YAG (neodymium-yttrium, aluminum, garnet) laser was found to cause significant temperature rises, posing a potential risk to pulp tissue, while the Er:YAG (erbium—yttrium, aluminum, garnet) and Er,Cr:YSGG (erbium, chromium—yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet) lasers produced only negligible increases in pulp temperature. SBS comparisons revealed no significant differences between the laser-assisted and traditional debonding methods. Additionally, diode lasers demonstrated the potential to minimize enamel damage, particularly when operated at lower power settings. Four publications were assessed as high quality (low risk of bias), and another four as moderate quality (average risk of bias). Conclusions: In conclusion, laser-assisted orthodontic metal bracket debonding, when conducted with appropriately calibrated parameters, is a safe method for preserving tooth tissue. However, its advantages appear to be minimal compared to conventional plier-based methods, highlighting the need for further research to justify its broader clinical application. Full article

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate whether glycoprotein and lipoprotein lipidomics profiles could enhance a clinical predictive model for carotid subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Additionally, we assessed the influence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) on these predictive models. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including 256 patients with T1D. Serum glycoprotein and lipoprotein lipidomics profiles were determined using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) ≥ 1.5 mm. CAN was identified using the Clarke score. Predictive models were built and their performance evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and cross-validation. Results: Subclinical atherosclerosis was detected in 32% of participants. Patients with both CAN and atherosclerosis were older, had a longer duration of diabetes, and were more likely to present with bilateral carotid disease. Clinical predictors such as age, duration of diabetes, and smoking status remained the strongest determinants of subclinical atherosclerosis [AUC = 0.88 (95%CI: 0.84–0.93)]. While glycoprotein and lipoprotein lipidomics profiles were associated with atherosclerosis, their inclusion in the clinical model did not significantly improve its diagnostic performance. Stratification by the presence of CAN revealed no impact on the model’s ability to predict subclinical atherosclerosis, underscoring its robustness across different risk subgroups. Conclusions: In a cohort of patients with T1D, subclinical atherosclerosis was strongly associated with traditional clinical risk factors. Advanced glycoprotein and lipoprotein lipidomics profiling, although associated with atherosclerosis, did not enhance the diagnostic accuracy of predictive models beyond clinical variables. The predictive model remained effective even in the presence of CAN, highlighting its reliability as a screening tool for identifying patients at risk of subclinical atherosclerosis. Full article

Background/Objectives: A prediction model for anatomical cystocele recurrence after native tissue repair was developed and internally validated in 2016. This model estimates a patients’ individual risk of recurrence and can be used for counseling. Before implementation in urogynecological clinical practice, external validation is needed. The aim of this study was to assess the external validity of this previously developed prediction model. The secondary aim was to test the performance of this model with a composite and subjective outcome of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) recurrence. Furthermore, the aim was to investigate whether risk factors for POP recurrence were in line with the population in which the original model was developed. Methods: In this prospective multicenter cohort study, 246 patients who underwent anterior colporrhaphy were included. Inclusion criteria were patients scheduled to undergo a primary anterior colporrhaphy (with a POP Quantification (POPQ) stage ≥ 2 cystocele). A combination of a primary anterior colporrhaphy with other POP or incontinence surgery (without the use of vaginal or abdominal mesh material) was permitted. Patients with prolapse or incontinence surgery prior to index surgery could not participate. All patients filled in questionnaires, pelvic floor ultrasound was performed preoperatively, and data from the medical file concerning POPQ stage and obstetric and general history were obtained. Results: Thirty women (12.2%) were lost at follow up. Anatomical cystocele recurrence was present in 107/216 (49.5%), subjective recurrence in 19/208 (9.1%), and 39/219 (17.8%) patients met the criteria for composite outcome. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for anatomical, composite, and subjective recurrence were 65.5% (95% CI: 58.7–72.4), 55.8% (95% CI 47.3–64.3%, NS), and 55.1% (95% CI 45.1–65.2%), respectively. In the multivariable analysis, preoperative cystocele stage 3 or 4 and a complete levator defect on ultrasound were independent risk factors for anatomical recurrence. For composite recurrence, younger age and an active employment status were only risk factors in univariable analysis. No significant risk factors for subjective recurrence could be identified. Conclusions: This external validation study showed a moderate performance for a prediction model for anatomical recurrence. The model cannot be used for a composite or subjective outcome prediction because of poor performance. For composite and subjective recurrence, new prediction models need to be developed. Full article

Dental caries remains a prevalent chronic disease driven by dysbiosis in the oral biofilm, with Streptococcus mutans playing a central role in its pathogenesis. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of D-tagatose on cariogenic risk by analyzing randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted targeting RCTs published up to 2024 in eight databases and two gray literature sources. The search strategy utilized Medical Subject Headings (MeSHs) and relevant keywords combined via Boolean operators using the query “Tagatose OR D-tagatose AND Dental Caries”. Eligible studies must evaluate the impact of D-tagatose on cariogenic risk, as indicated by reductions in colony-forming units (CFUs) and improvements in salivary pH levels in treatment groups. Results: From 1139 retrieved records, three studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies consistently demonstrated significant reductions in CFU counts and improvements in salivary pH levels in groups treated with D-tagatose compared to controls using other non-caloric sweeteners or placebos (p < 0.01). However, the quality of the evidence was heterogeneous, with certain methodological concerns. Conclusions: Although the findings suggest potential benefits of D-tagatose in reducing cariogenic risk, limitations such as small sample sizes and variability in study methodologies warrant caution. Further robust investigations are needed to substantiate these promising results and support the integration of D-tagatose into oral care formulations aimed at reducing cariogenic risk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, motivations, and expectations of community members regarding antimicrobial use is essential for effective stewardship interventions. This scoping review aimed to identify key themes relating to the critical areas regarding antimicrobial use among community members in primary healthcare (PHC), with a particular focus on LMICs. Methods: OVID Medline, PubMed, and CINAHL databases were searched using Boolean operators and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms relevant to antimicrobial use and community behaviors. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study Design (PICOS) framework guided study selection, which focused on community members seeking care in PHC in LMICs. Data management and extraction were facilitated using the Covidence platform, with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative checklist applied for qualitative studies. A narrative synthesis identified and grouped key themes and sub-themes. Results: The search identified 497 sources, of which 59 met the inclusion criteria, with 75% of the studies conducted in outpatient primary care settings. Four key themes were identified: (1) the ’patient’ theme, highlighting beliefs, knowledge, and expectations, which was the most prominent (40.5%); (2) the ’provider’ theme, emphasizing challenges related to clinical decision-making, knowledge gaps, and adherence to guidelines; (3) the ’healthcare systems’ theme, highlighting resource limitations, lack of infrastructure, and policy constraints; and (4) the ‘intervention/uptake’ theme, emphasizing strategies to improve future antibiotic use and enhance access to and quality of healthcare. Conclusions: Stewardship programs in PHC settings in LMICs should be designed to be context-specific, community-engaged, and accessible to individuals with varying levels of understanding, involving the use of information and health literacy to effectively reduce AMR. Full article

This systematic review aims to explore the role of sports in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on SDG 3, which pertains to health and well-being. It seeks to analyze how sports can prevent non-communicable diseases, promote mental and physical health, and offer constructive alternatives for addiction prevention and treatment. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA-NMA 2020 guidelines. The research question was formulated using the PICO framework. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct were searched using appropriate keywords and Boolean operators. Eligibility criteria were applied to select relevant studies, which were then assessed for quality using CASPe and GRADE systems. The review identified that sports significantly contribute to the achievement of multiple SDGs, notably SDG 3, by enhancing physical and mental health, reducing non-communicable diseases, and promoting well-being. From the analysis of the reviewed articles, which include these aspects, it is concluded that sport significantly impacts sustainable development and can be a powerful tool to address public health and social problems. Sports also play a vital role in economic growth, social inclusion, and gender equality. However, challenges such as inequitable access to sports facilities, gender disparities, and environmental impacts of sports activities were highlighted. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted impact of sports on sustainable development, emphasizing its potential to address health and social challenges. It offers evidence-based insights and practical recommendations for integrating sports into sustainable development strategies, highlighting the need for inclusive and environmentally responsible sports policies and practices. Full article

Background: This is a systematic review on the subject of anatomic landmarks and variations in the mandible that influence implantation placement. With this systematic review, we would like to summarize the results from different studies that are relevant to this subject and that are up to date, presenting their main findings, the measurements of mentioned landmarks, and giving clinical implications that will be helpful to practitioners in their better understanding of this topic. Methods: This study followed all of the elements of PRISMA. The criteria for inclusion and exclusion are described in detail. The following bibliographic databases were searched: PubMed (MEDLINE), The Cochrane Library, Wiley Online Library, EMBASE, and, additionally, Google Scholar. The search of articles was carried out using a combination of different keywords with a Boolean operator for each keyword. A total of 30 studies were included in this review and the risk of bias for each study was assessed. This review was registered with the PROSPERO ID number CRD42024609308. Results: The structure “SPIDER“ was used to present the findings in the summation table, followed by a detailed description of the quantitative findings and overall mean values of the most commonly used measured points. The morphometric measurements of anatomic details and variations in the mandible, such as the mandibular canal, mental foramen, lingual foramina, lingual canal, incisive canal, and mandibular concavity, are of high significance for clinicians dealing with implantation where gender, ethnicity, age groups, the side of the mandible, or remaining teeth can influence implantation planning. Conclusions: The distances of the named anatomic landmarks to the surrounding bone structures that are used as a guide during planning are of huge importance, so proper and detailed measurements must be executed by experienced professionals using CBCT. Knowledge of the position and variation in these landmarks may be used for any bone-guided augmentation, surgical transpositions of anatomic landmarks, and surgery intervention planning. The results of this study can aid in choosing appropriate measurement points and give the gross picture, for clinicians, in therapy planning, considering all the landmarks of significance in the mandible. Full article

Integrated serological surveillance (serosurveillance) involves testing for antibodies to multiple pathogens (or species) simultaneously and can be achieved using multiplex bead assays (MBAs). This systematic review aims to describe pathogens studied using MBAs, the operational implementation of MBAs, and how the data generated were synthesised. In November and December 2023, four databases were searched for studies utilising MBAs for the integrated serosurveillance of infectious diseases. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data regarding the study settings and population, methodology, seroprevalence results, and operational implementation elements. Overall, 4765 studies were identified; 47 were eligible for inclusion, of which 41% (n = 19) investigated multiple malaria species, and 14% performed concurrent surveillance of malaria in combination with other infectious diseases (n = 14). Additionally, 14 studies (29%) investigated a combination of multiple infectious diseases (other than malaria), and seven studies examined a combination of vaccine-preventable diseases. Haiti (n = 8) was the most studied country, followed by Ethiopia (n = 6), Bangladesh (n = 3), Kenya (n = 3), and Tanzania (n = 3). Only seven studies were found where integrated serosurveillance was the primary objective. The synthesis of data varied and included the investigation of age-specific seroprevalence (n = 25), risk factor analysis (n = 15), and spatial analysis of disease prevalence (n = 8). This review demonstrated that the use of MBAs for integrated surveillance of multiple pathogens is gaining traction; however, more research and capabilities in lower- and middle-income countries are needed to optimise and standardise sample collection, survey implementation, and the analysis and interpretation of results. Geographical and population seroprevalence data can enable targeted public health interventions, highlighting the potential and importance of integrated serological surveillance as a public health tool. Full article

As design options for floating wind farms continue to be explored, shared (or multiline) anchors that secure mooring lines from multiple turbines remain a promising technology that can potentially reduce the number of anchors and overall mooring costs. This study evaluates two methods for analyzing the loads on shared anchors: one in which floating offshore wind turbines are simulated individually (using the software OpenFAST), and one in which an entire floating wind farm is simulated collectively (using the software FAST.Farm). A three-line shared anchor is evaluated for multiple loading scenarios in deep water, using the International Energy Agency 15 MW turbine on the VolturnUS-S semisubmersible platform. While the two methods produce broadly comparable results, the coupled wave loading on platforms within the farm results in wave force cancellations and amplifications that decrease multiline force directional ranges and increase multiline force extreme values (up to 7%) and standard deviations (up to 11%) for wave-driven load cases. The inclusion of wakes in FAST.Farm also reduces the net load on the shared anchor due to the velocity deficit, leading to larger differences between OpenFAST and FAST.Farm (up to 3% difference in mean loads) for load cases with operational turbines. Full article

Innovative solutions are essential to meet the increasing demand for housing in New Zealand. These innovations must also be sustainable, given the significant contribution of the building and construction sectors to global carbon emissions (25–40%) and, specifically, to New Zealand’s gross carbon emissions (20%). This research aims to analyse the environmental impacts of a structural insulated panel (SIP) modular house and evaluate this innovative approach as a sustainable solution to the current housing issue. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted using the New Zealand-specific tool LCAQuick V3.6. The analysis considered seven environmental impact indicators, namely, global warming potential (GWP), ozone depletion potential (ODP), acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP), photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP), abiotic depletion potential for elements (ADPE), and abiotic depletion potential for fossil fuels (ADPF), with a cradle-to-cradle system boundary. Focusing on the embodied carbon of the SIP modular house, the study revealed that the whole-of-life embodied carbon was 347.15 kg CO₂ eq/m², including Module D, and the upfront carbon was 285.08 kg CO₂ eq/m². The production stage (Modules A1–A3) was identified as the most significant source of carbon emissions due to substantial energy consumption in activities such as sourcing raw materials, transportation, and final product manufacturing. Specifically, the study found that SIP wall and roof panels were the most significant contributors to the house’s overall embodied carbon, with SIP roof panels contributing 25% and SIP wall panels contributing 19%, collectively accounting for 44%. Hence, the study underscored the SIP modular house as a promising sustainable solution to the housing crisis while emphasising the inclusion of operational carbon in further research to fully understand its potential. Full article

Background: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for adrenal glands is becoming increasingly developed worldwide and robotic surgery has advanced significantly. Although there are still concerns about the generalization of outcomes and the cost burden, the robotic platform shows several advantages in overcoming some laparoscopic shortcomings. Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases of published articles comparing RA and LA up to January 2024. The evaluated endpoints were technical and post-operative outcomes. Dichotomous data were calculated using the odds ratio (OR), while continuous data were analyzed usingmean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). A random-effects model (REM) was applied. Results: By the inclusion of 28 studies, the meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in the rates of intraoperative RBC transfusion, 30-day mortality, intraoperative and overall postoperative complications, re-admission, R1 resection margin and operating time in the RA group compared with the LA. However, the overall cost of hospitalization was significantly higher in the RA group than in the LA group, [MD USD 4101.32, (95% CI 3894.85, 4307.79) p < 0.00001]. With respect to the mean intraoperative blood loss, conversion to open surgery rate, time to first flatus and length of hospital stay, the RA group showed slightly statistically significant lower rates than the laparoscopic approach. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest and most recent meta-analysis that makes these comparisons. RA can be considered safe, feasible and comparable to LA in terms of the intraoperative and post-operative outcomes. In the near future, RA could represent a promising complementary approachto LA for benign and small malignant adrenal masses, particularly in high-volume referral centers specializing in robotic surgery. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

Study design: Systematic review. Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a possible complication following secondary velopharyngeal insufficiency surgery in patients with repaired cleft palate. Various surgical techniques are used to treat secondary velopharyngeal insufficiency after cleft palate repair, but the optimal procedure remains debatable. This review provides an overview of the incidence of airway obstructive outcomes related to different surgical modalities. Methods: A systematic search was performed on the 1st of February following the PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022299715). The following databases were reviewed: Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library databases. Studies that included data on the occurrence of OSA following velopharyngeal surgery in children with a repaired non-syndromic cleft palate were included. Non-English articles and studies that included syndromic cleft palate patients were excluded. Results: Twenty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria. The surgical procedures are classified into three groups: pharyngeal flap procedure (PF), sphincter pharyngoplasty (SP), and palatal muscle repositioning (PMR). Incidence of post-operative OSA and symptoms of OSA were lowest after PMR compared to SP and PF (3%; 34%; 29%, respectively). Pharyngeal flap procedures resulted in the best speech outcomes. Conclusions: PMR results in fewer postoperative complications in terms of OSA and achieves a satisfactory reduction in hypernasal speech. PF procedure carries a higher risk of developing OSA postoperatively but seems to be superior in the reduction in hypernasality. Full article

Agriculture, a sector vulnerable to climate change, relies heavily on debt to invest in modern technology for efficiency and increased production in the face of changing climatic conditions. Despite this, a large group of smallholder farmers in South Africa are excluded from accessing credit at commercial banks, yet they make up a significant proportion of the farming population. The current funding framework in South Africa encompasses the five Cs of credit with a complex view of climate risk. Therefore, this study aimed to propose a simple climate-inclusive credit approach tailored for smallholder farmers. Specifically, this study (1) profiled the respondents and identified the status quo of credit access at commercial banks of smallholder farmers and (2) assessed smallholder farmers’ compliance with the determinants of the credit application outcome determined by commercial banks. This study used a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from 223 smallholder farmers, who were interviewed through a referral system in two provinces. Descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model were used to analyse the data. The results reveal that the majority (71.75%) of farmers were female, with an average age of 49 years. This study also established that a substantive number of smallholder farmers operated in communal lands without a title deed, posing a challenge in accessing bank credit. The results from the logistic regression model show that the five Cs of credit were significant in determining the decision to apply for a credit facility at the bank. The model further showed a positive relationship between climate-resilient technologies/assets and credit accessibility. This study recommends the need for a simple climate-inclusive credit model that considers climate change so as to foster climate change resilience. This study suggests that banks look at the ownership of assets that promote climate resilience when it comes to assessing the credit applications of smallholder farmers. Full article