Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of residual dentin caries after conventional mechanical and che-momechanical caries removal with Cari-solv TM 1217 – 1812

Aim: To examine the efficacy of chemo–mechanical dentin removal method in vitro. Material and Methods: Forty eight extracted permanent teeth with occlusal caries. The dentin caries of each tooth was removed either with chemo–mechanical method using CarisolvTM or mechanically using round bur. Cutting and caries removal monitored by checking the hardness of dentin with a dental explorer and stopped when teeth in each group showed either a leather hard texture or a sharp scratching sound was heard. The caries activity of the remaining dentin was assessed by using an acid red as a caries indicator. The mean surface areas of the pink zone (caries active, pH <5.5) and yellow zone (caries inactive, pH >5.5), of each caries lesion was calculated using AutoCAD computer software. Result: Revealed that for teeth treated with Carisolv,TM the surface area of remaining carious dentin was significantly more when it compared with teeth that treated mechanically in each group, using unpaired t– test regardless of the clinical criterion for caries removal. Conclusion: CarisolvTM is effective in caries removal when used as chemomechanical caries removal than conventional mechanical method and the mean surface areas of remaining affected carious dentin was more in chemomechanical than conventional mechanical meaning that more tooth structure is preserved using chemomechanical method.
Environmental sustainability fruit quality and production in mycorrhizal tomato plants without P fertilizing

The influence of root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Funelliformis mosseae, on fruit quality, production and environmental sustainability were evaluated in field-tomato plants grown exposed to P-limited soil 5 g-1 soil (basal-soil) with nitrate fertilization (50 g-1 soil), after greenhouse germination and fungus colonization. After 60 days sowing (DAS), when the percentage of mycorrhizal root length (% RLC) raised at about 50%, the plants were transplanted in open field. During the experiment, the mycorrhization has affected a lot of physiological aspects like vegetative and reproductive growth, improving them and ended the fruiting with a major fruit production that was 50% higher than not mycorrhizal (NM) plants. The ripening process of the -Amylase activity in fruits of NM and mycorrhizal (M) plants fruits. At 140 DAS, in the harvesting fruits stage, fruits of M plants showed significantly higher mineral nutrient sugars and organic nitrogen compounds as amino acids and protein, compared to fruits from NM plants. In particular, GLU-GLN-ASP and ASN raised about 35% more than fruits from NM plants, improving nutritional aspect and flavor of the product. THR-ILEU-LEU-VAL and LYS, essential amino acids in man nutrition, increased around 25% more than fruits from NM plants, too. In this contest, lycopene, total carotenoids, ascorbic acid and glutathione (GS) and reduced form (GSH) were also tested in ripe fruits. The overall results suggest that tomato roots colonization by mycorrhizal fungus Funelliformis mosseae affects host plant nutritional status, modifying reproductive behavior, fruits production and nutritional quality.
Climate Change Projections of Terrestrial Primary Productivity over the Hindu Kush Himalayan Forests

Abstract. Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration [CO2] caused by anthropogenic activities has triggered a requirement to predict the future impact of [CO2] on forests. The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region comprises a vast territory including forests, grasslands, farmlands and wetland ecosystems. In this study, the impacts of climate change and land use change on forest carbon fluxes and vegetation productivity are assessed for HKH using the Lund-Potsdam-Jena General Ecosystem Simulator (LPJ-GUESS). LPJ-GUESS simulations were driven by an ensemble of three climate models participating in the CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5) database. The modeled estimates of vegetation carbon (VegC) and terrestrial primary productivity were compared with observation-based estimates. Furthermore, we also explored the net biome productivity (NBP) and VegC over HKH for the period 1850–2100 under the future climate scenarios RCP2.6 and RCP8.5. A reduction is observed in modeled NBP and VegC from 1951–2005 primarily due to land use change. However, an increase in both NBP and VegC is predicted under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5. The findings of the study have important implications for management of the HKH region and inform strategic decision making, land use planning and clarify policy concerns.
VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF ANTIOXIDANT SOURCES AND CHOLESTEROLEMIA IN RATS

Low thermal processed semimodified foods (SMF) are of great nutritional and healthful sources for antioxidants (AO). To test this qualification, SMF has to be examined facing an upnormal or over optimal cholesterol challenge. A number of 60 aged rats have been grouped to fulfill this estimation. The ten animal groups were arranged to test a sort of building up multi various combination of antioxidant sources. The results showed that rats make an increment in final body weight during 45 days at that age according to dietary pattern used. Dietary intervention concurrently appeared with fat challenge. The best food ingredient intervention in controlling FBW was accomplished by SSFTl followed by SSFTh. Moreover, more positive changes in serum total cholesterol level were achieved at the end of trail for SSFC and SSFTh followed by SSFTl. Blood cholesterol reduction by either S, SS or SSF may in part due to higher plant protein content with high-quality amino acids. The total cholesterol level was decreased with supplementation of vitamin E and C, the food formulas mentioned before most probably have more vitamin C than the others. All treatment groups showed significant reduction in triglycerides levels through that period relative to the positive control. The parsley food fragment is devoted as the most effective potential agent against cholesterolemia followed in this concern with tomatos. Dietary protein level has also been shown to influence lipid metabolism. In brief, according to data, SS can be considered a good food fragment in HDLC dietary therapy that may further improved by parsley, flaxseed and tomato addition. Lastly, the strongest action against elevation of glucose in blood was recorded for SSF group followed by SSFTh group, assuming a powerful action in this concern to the combinations of soybean, sunflower and flaxseed in the presence of tomato. It is, to be always in mind that, lipidemia in most cases conjugates several degenerative diseases especially glycemia.
Occult pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with previous pulmonary tuberculosis

Background Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) still causes a significant public healthcare burden. Despite successful treatment, TB can lead to permanent lung damage and pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH can also occur in the absence of significant lung damage, leading clinicians to question whether pulmonary TB may cause pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), an entity that has not been otherwise described. Objectives To determine the prevalence of PAH in patients previously treated for TB. Methods We recruited 20 participants who were previously treated for TB and had no other underlying risk factors for the development of PH. The participants underwent electrocardiography (ECG), chest radiography, lung function tests and echocardiography (ECHO). Data from these non-invasive investigations were evaluated to determine findings that were suggestive of PH. Results At a median duration of 30 months from diagnosis of TB, no participant had echocardiography findings that were suggestive of PH (pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) ≥40 mmHg). However, there was a negative correlation between the time from diagnosis and right ventricular dysfunction assessed by measuring a tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (r=–0.5136; p=0.0205). Furthermore, one-third of the participants (n=7) had one or more ECG features supporting PH and 85% of the participants (n=17) demonstrated at least one chest X-ray (CXR) feature of PH. Conclusion Although our study did not demonstrate ECHO findings supporting PH, ECG and CXR modalities were suggestive. Therefore, future studies consisting of larger cohorts and including the use of other sensitive modalities such as computed tomography are warranted. Moreover, these studies will need to determine whether the entity of PAH secondary to previously treated pulmonary TB exists.
The Relationship between Efficiency, Productivity, and Profitability of Ghanaian Banks

The main purpose of the paper was to examine the impact operational efficiency, and productivity has on the profitability of Ghanaian banks. Secondary data obtained from the annual financial reports of nine sampled banks for nine years was used for the study. Multiple regression was used for the analysis through SPSS version 23. The results of the analysis indicated that, the most significant variables that affect the profitability of banks in Ghana are net interest margin, non-interest income margin; operating expenses to income ratio; profit per employee; and business per employee. Equity to assets ratio and personnel expenses to operating expenses ratio on the other hand, had an insignificant relationship with the profitability of Ghanaian banks. The implication of the findings is that management should not rely on interest income as the sole source of revenue but rather put much effort in increasing revenue through non-interest income streams. The results again imply that Ghanaian bank management should place emphasis on having lean employees size, and increase the banks’ business by mobilizing more deposits and advancing more quality loans. Management should again ensure a reduction in operational expenditure through minimization of wastages and cost cutting to improve operational efficiency.
A computer simulation study of the defect structure of calcia-stabilized zirconia

Abstract The defect structure of calcia-stabilized zirconia, a topic of long-standing controversy, has been examined by atomistic computer simulation techniques. Defect association energies for an anion vacancy and a dopant calcium ion at both nearest-neighbour and next-nearest-neighbour (NNN) positions have been determined and suggest the preferential siting of oxygen vacancies in the NNN position with respect to the dopant cation, at low dopant concentrations. A structural explanation for this is proposed. Our calculations also suggest Schottky intrinsic disorder in cubic zirconia which may be atypical compared with other fluorite-structured oxides; we advance an explanation for this in terms of lattice relaxation. Excellent agreement between experimental and calculated values shows the reliability and potential of computer simulation techniques. Binding energies of various types of defect cluster were calculated to check their relative stabilities. Also the migration energy of the oxygen vacancy was ca.
Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 testing for rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 during the initial stages of a global pandemic

Accurate SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis is essential to guide prevention and control of COVID-19. From January 11 - April 22, 2020, Public Health Ontario conducted SARS-CoV-2 testing of 86,942 specimens collected from 80,354 individuals, primarily using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) methods. We analyzed test results across specimen types and for individuals with multiple same-day and multi-day collected specimens. Nasopharyngeal compared to throat swabs had a higher positivity (8.8% vs. 4.8%) and an adjusted estimate 2.9 Ct lower (SE=0.5, p<0.001). Same-day specimens showed high concordance (98.8%), and the median Ct of multi-day specimens increased over time. Symptomatic cases had rRT-PCR results with an adjusted estimate 3.0 Ct (SE=0.5, p<0.001) lower than asymptomatic/pre-symptomatic cases. Overall test sensitivity was 84.6%, with a negative predictive value of 95.5%. Molecular testing is the mainstay of SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and testing protocols will continue to be dynamic and iteratively modified as more is learned about this emerging pathogen.
Genomic Characterization of a Novel SARS-CoV-2 Lineage from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In this study, we report the sequencing of 180 new viral genomes obtained from different municipalities of the state of Rio de Janeiro from April to December 2020. We identified a novel lineage of SARS-CoV-2, originated from B.1. 1.28, distinguished by five single-nucleotide variants (SNVs): C100U, C28253U, G28628U, G28975U, and C29754U. The SNV G23012A (E484K), in the receptor-binding domain of Spike protein, was widely spread across the samples. This mutation was previously associated with escape from neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. This novel lineage emerged in late July being first detected by us in late October and still mainly restricted to the capital of the state. However, as observed for other strains it can be rapidly spread in the state. The significant increase in the frequency of this lineage raises concerns about public health management and continuous need for genomic surveillance during the second wave of infections.
Examining Certification Requirements in Early Math and Literacy: What Do States Expect Prekindergarten Teachers to Know?

The purpose of this study was to examine preK certification requirements for literacy and mathematics coursework to understand policy trends across the United States. We were interested in examining whether teacher certification requirements in these content areas align with expectations for child outcomes in early literacy and math. We completed a content analysis of 114 documents from 50 states including preK teacher certification requirements and early learning standards from each state. We engaged in a detailed analysis of the sections of these documents related to early literacy and mathematics. Based on this state-by-state analysis, we found that most states had very little specification of preK teacher certification requirements related to literacy or mathematics. Our findings suggest that current certification policies are not well-aligned with expectations for preK children’s learning in early literacy and mathematics.
An Empirical Method for the Prediction of Coal Ash Slag Viscosity

A new method for the prediction of the viscosity of coal ash slags, in the Newtonian region, is presented. The technique is modeled on experimental viscosity data less than 1000 Pa s and hence is most reliable in that region. The capability of the model in predicting the viscosity of slags from coal ash was found to be superior to a number of the most commonly used empirical models found in the literature, which are based on simplified oxide melts or British coal ash slags. The method also provides an indication of the relative fluxing strength of the basic oxides usually found in coal ash slags. It was found that the fluxing strength is related to the inverse of the cation radius.
Three Different Measures of Graduates’ Instructional Readiness and the Features of Preservice Preparation That Predict Them

This article extends prior research seeking to identify preparation features related to better workforce outcomes. To our knowledge, it is the first to link many dimensions of preparation to graduates’ first-year observation ratings. It follows 305 preservice teachers (PSTs) who student taught in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in 2014–2015 and were subsequently hired in CPS in 2015–2016. PSTs received stronger observation ratings when their CTs had stronger observation ratings themselves, their CTs reported providing stronger coaching in specific areas, they gained employment in their field placement schools, and they student taught in self-contained elementary classrooms. Finally, we tested whether these same preparation features were associated with two other outcomes—(a) how well prepared PSTs felt after student-teaching and (b) how well prepared their CTs felt their PSTs were—and found they were not. We discuss implications for using workforce and survey-based outcomes to identify promising forms of preparation.
Approaches to Defining Healthy Diets: A Background Paper for the International Expert Consultation on Sustainable Healthy Diets

Background: Healthy diets promote optimal growth and development and prevent malnutrition in all its forms, including undernutrition, obesity, and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Objective: This background paper for the International Expert Consultation on Sustainable Healthy Diets characterizes healthy diets and their implications for food system sustainability. Methods: Three complementary approaches to defining healthy diets are compared: World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines or recommendations developed between 1996 and 2019; 2017 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) risk factor study estimates of diet-related risk–outcome associations; and analyses associating indices of whole dietary patterns with health outcomes in population studies and clinical trials. Results: World Health Organization dietary recommendations are global reference points for preventing undernutrition and reducing NCD risks; they emphasize increasing intakes of fruits, vegetables (excepting starchy root vegetables), legumes, nuts, and whole grains; limiting energy intake from free sugars and total fats; consuming unsaturated rather than saturated or trans fats; and limiting salt intake. Global Burden of Disease findings align well with WHO recommendations but include some additional risk factors such as high consumption of processed meat; this approach quantifies contributions of diet-related risks to the NCD burden. Evidence on whole dietary patterns supports WHO and GBD findings and raises concerns about potential adverse health effects of foods with high levels of industrial processing. Conclusions: Implied shifts toward plant foods and away from animal foods (excepting fish and seafood), and for changes in food production systems have direct relevance to the sustainability agenda.
Microstructural Properties of Helium Implanted Void Layers in Silicon as Related to Front‐Side Gettering

A new gettering concept employs helium (He) ion implantation and low temperature annealing to form a void layer below the surface of the silicon. The surface of the void walls contains many dangling bonds that are highly reactive. Once formed many of the voids grow and facet indicating a low energy configuration. The threshold He dose for void stability is observed at 1 {times} 10{sup 16} He/cm{sup 2}, while dislocation stability and retention within the void layer is not observed until 3 {times} 10{sup 16} He/cm{sup 2}. The gas ambient used during low temperature anneals as well as wet vs. dry oxidation processes have a strong influence on the dislocations associated with the voids. similarly the use of an in situ H{sub 2}-HCl etch during epitaxial silicon growth is destructive, while the H{sub 2} bake at the same temperature shows no detrimental effects on the dislocations. Voids and dislocations are stable at temperatures as high as 1,453 K that are used in epitaxial processing, and also are compatible with standard oxidation processes. Evidence suggests that hydrogen diffuses into the voids and passivates them during wet oxidation. This can be reversed by a dry oxidation at 1,073 K. Interstitial oxygen ismore » observed to diffuse and partially passivate voids during the initial oxidation steps. Higher He doses {le} 3 {times} 10{sup 16} He/cm{sup 2} show good void and dislocation stability with all dislocations confined to the void layer. heavily doped n{sup +} silicon shows greater variations in microstructure than p{sup +} or lightly doped silicon. This study evaluates the high temperature stability of the void microstructure formed during wet and dry oxidation processes together with silicon epitaxial growth at different temperatures. Dislocation behavior pertinent to the use of voids for gettering is also discussed. A preliminary discussion of void electrical charging by available dangling bonds is presented for lightly doped and heavily doped n-type silicon. « less
Laser-induced resonance fluorescence as a diagnostic technique in non-thermal equilibrium plasmas

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) techniques currently used as an optical diagnostic to study and characterize non-thermal equilibrium plasmas are reviewed. The general mechanisms occurring in one- or two-photon resonant absorption-induced fluorescence when used for the detection of species in their fundamental state are analysed. We emphasize the techniques based on the simultaneous absorption of two photons for the detection of light atoms and molecules and, particularly, two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence (TALIF) and derivative techniques, such as resonant enhanced multi-photo-ionization, two-photon absorption laser-induced stimulated emission (TALISE) and photo-fragment translational spectroscopy, in which molecules are photo-dissociated and the ejected atomic fragments are simultaneously detected by TALIF. The kinetics of one- and two-photon absorption are treated in detail including, for the latter, a modelling, which indicates the conditions of emergence of TALISE. The main calibration methods allowing one to obtain the absolute density of species detected by LIF and some examples of applications demonstrating the interest of these diagnostic techniques in plasma processing are presented.
A NEW HYPOTHESIS ON PHASE DISTRIBUTION IN COUNTERCURRENT CHROMATOGRAPHY

This paper describes a new hypothesis on phase distribution in Countercurrent Chromatography, which, if proven to be true, will simplify the operation of CCC and greatly improve its predictability, efficiency, and reliability. It builds on the hydrodynamic distribution model first proposed by Ito[1] where “the radial force components act against the Archimedean force to establish a hydrostatic distribution of the two phases throughout the coil. ” This study postulates that these forces do not necessarily have to oppose one another and, depending on the geometry of the helical/spiral coils and the direction of rotation, can be arranged to work together.
NMR study of the reversible complexation of xenon by cucurbituril

The interaction of xenon with cucurbituril, a synthetic receptor, in aqueous solutions is investigated by 129Xe and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Xenon is reversibly trapped into the cavity to form a 1 ∶ 1 host–guest complex. The exchange between the free and the complexed xenon is slow on the 129Xe NMR chemical shift time scale but fast on the 1H NMR chemical shift time scale. The apparent association constant of xenon for cucurbituril can be obtained from analysis of the 1H spectra and is estimated to be around 200 M−1 at 298 K. Interestingly, even though no H-bonding or electrostatic interactions play a role in the stabilisation of the complex, its stability is comparable to the stability of cucurbituril complexes with certain aryl- and alkyl-ammonium ions.
Association of Serum Ferritin and Inflammatory Biomarkers with Insulin Resistance in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Objective: Obesity-induced Insulin Resistance (IR) is one of the main causes of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and accompanies the progression of T2DM. Serum Ferritin has been shown to be associated with IR. Infl ammation is also suggested to be involved in IR and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. However, there is lack of enough evidence concerning the interrelationship between serum Ferritin, infl ammation, and IR in the Chinese population with T2DM. In this study, the relationships between serum Ferritin and infl ammatory biomarkers with IR in Chinese population were investigated.