SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Dentistry is a part of medicine, where various polymer materials were used for the first time. Many factors forced researchers to find more stable, versatile, and hygienic materials for the manufacture of dental products. It is important to note that the search for the ideal polymer dental material is still ongoing. This is because modern polymers, in some cases, do not meet the specified requirements for chemical, physical, strength, and elasticproperties. Based on the data on the method of creating and using silicone material for the base of the removable prosthesis "Gossil", an improved silicone material for two-layer dentures "Silep" was developed, as well as a special primer for better connection of the lining with the rigid acrylic base of the prosthesis. To evaluate the most suitable compound, materials were tested for several parameters, such as tensile strength, elongation, and shore hardness. In addition to selecting a suitable material for modification, the selection and testing of an adhesive that allows the chemical bonding of the acrylate surface to the siloxane surface were carried out. 

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) constitute an important group of infections with serious implications for public health. According to WHO, 1 million new contagions are produced daily, with more than 370 million new cases yearly. STIs can be originated from viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Regardless of their nature, they can be either cured or treated and controlled, but more importantly, they are preventable. Aims: The best tool to fight against STIs is prevention, which has a strong dependence on knowledge. This work aimed to assess the level of knowledge of society about STIs and gonorrhea. Methods: We conducted an online survey, covering a wide range of ages and levels of education, inquiring about areas such as origin, ways of contagion, prevention, associated diseases, and treatment of STIs and gonorrhea. We performed a statistical analysis of the answers. Results and Discussion: it was found that the general level of knowledge about STIs was independent of the age and level of education of the respondents. The respondent has shown better familiarity with prevention and contagion than with origin, diseases, and treatment. When the question was focused on gonorrhea, we found a lack in the cognizance of several points. Conclusions: Based on our findings, we conclude it is necessary to improve sexual education programs, starting at early ages but directed to all populations, particularly about gonorrhea.

Background: Scientific conferences play a vital role in knowledge exchange and collaboration across disciplines. Building on the success of its 2022 inaugural event, the Second Southern Science Conference (SSCON 2024) aimed to expand international scientific collaboration while addressing contemporary challenges in sustainability and research methodology. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid conference format in facilitating global scientific collaboration and to showcase cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation in Latin America. Methods: The conference implemented a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual attendance. Over three days, 38 lectures were presented by renowned researchers, covering key topics including materials science, environmental sustainability, chemical processes, and regional development. Participation metrics and collaboration patterns were analyzed to assess the conference's impact. Results: The conference achieved significant participation with 242 contributing authors from 13 countries across four continents. Notable research presentations included advances in laser surface modification techniques, geotechnology applications in biofuel production, sustainable silica synthesis from biomass, and green valorization of tropical seeds. The conference produced 66 approved papers, with most involving 2-5 collaborators. Discussion: The hybrid format proved effective in removing geographical barriers and promoting global engagement. The strong representation from Latin American institutions highlighted the region's growing influence in international scientific discourse. Key research presentations demonstrated innovative approaches to sustainability challenges, particularly in waste utilization and environmental technology. Conclusion: SSCON 2024 successfully evolved from its predecessor, demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid conferencing in fostering international scientific collaboration. The conference established itself as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, particularly in sustainability and technological innovation, while identifying areas for future improvement such as extended submission timelines and permanent management structures.