Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of different non-invasive and micro-invasive treatment modalities of white spot lesions on microhardness of human enamel

Aim: to investigate effect of different treatment modalities of white spot lesions on microhardness of human enamel. Materials and methods: twenty-four recently extracted sound human maxillary incisor teeth were collected. Teeth were divided randomly into six groups (10 each) that were summarized as follows: Group 1: sound unprepared teeth (base line control); Groups 2: demineralized enamel (negative control), Group 3: Demineralized enamel treated by resin infiltration (ICON), Group 4: demineralized enamel treated by bioactive glass (Sylc powder) as remineralizing agent, Group 5: demineralized enamel treated by fluoride varnish ( positive control), Group 6: Demineralized enamel treated by microabrasion. Teeth were fixed in the acrylic blocks with their labial surface flushed with the flat surface of the mold. All specimens except the base line control specimens were demineralized. Each group was treated with the assigned treatment according to manufacturer’s recommendations. The microhardness measurements were performed using a Vickers Microhardness Tester with a Vickers diamond indenter and a 20X objective lens. Results: showed that there was a statistically significant difference in MH values between different study groups (P<0.001). The significantly highest MH mean values were recorded in (microabrasion), (sound enamel), (resin infiltration), and (Sylc powder) groups, which did not differ significantly. This was followed by the mean value of (fluoride varnish) group. While (demineralized enamel) group yielded significantly lowest MH values. Conclusions: among the tested treatment modalities, microabrasion, resin infiltrant as well as bioactive glass air abrasion improved enamel surface microhardness in comparison to fluoride varnish.
Roots and Shoots: Building Bridges between Schools and Their Communities

The study analyses the benefits and challenges emerging from students’ interactions with community, teachers, and other students in the place-based education program Roots and Shoots, in the Slovak Republic. The study is based on qualitative analyses of data obtained from eight teachers and 56 students interviewed in eight focus groups, and on quantitative data obtained from 53 students. Both the students and the teachers perceived the Roots and Shoots program as highly successful. The implementation of the program was challenged by the necessity of dealing with different levels of the students’ participation in decision-making, tensions between the involved and uninvolved students, and the complex nature of local sustainability issues. This study discusses the importance of engaging students in the participative process of solving real-world issues, reflecting the challenges of this educational approach.
Performance Characteristics of a Tillage Machine with Active-Passive Components

Abstract An experimental tillage machine that combines active, rotary-powered tillage elements with conventional passive chisel tines was field tested. Negative draught created by the active elements was used to contribute to the passive tine draught requirements. A tillage machine of this configuration could improve power transmission efficiency for tillage, reduce wheel slip, allow use of lighter tractors and allow tillage to take place in more difficult tractive conditions. Field tests of the experimental active-passive tillage machine were conducted to investigate the effects of velocity ratio (ratio of rotor tip velocity to forward velocity), forward speed and active/passive depth ratio (ratio of depth of active elements to depth of passive elements) on machine performance. The draught of the active-passive tillage machine was at least 50% lower in all cases than a similar machine using purely passive tillage tools. The active-passive tillage machine reduced the gross specific fuel consumption by a maximum of 27% and net fuel consumption by a maximum of 36%. Wheel slip was reduced by at least 55% with the active-passive tillage machine. The active-passive tillage machine was able to reduce the draught, fuel consumption, wheel slip and engine flywheel power requirements compared to a similar passive tillage tool when the velocity ratio was less than 2·0. The velocity ratio was the most influential factor affecting the operating characteristics.
Responses of maize crop (Zea mays L.) to foilar spraying with humic acid at different nitrogen levels

Three field experiments in split-split plot design were carried out at Agriculture Research Center, Shandweel Research Station, Sohag Governorate, during the summer seasons 2010, 2011 and 2012 on clay loom soil to evaluate the effect of foliar spray of humic acid (4 cm/L) at 30 and 45 days from sowing, under three levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 90, and 120 kg N/fed.) on plant growth parameters, some biochemical and mineral contents (NPK) in leaves and grains of two maize hybrids (Single cross Pioneer 30K09 and Three way cross-310). Results showed that S.C. Pioneer 30K09 hybrid surpassed T.W. C. -310 hybrid in the values of PN , E and Gs as well as N and K-content in leaves and grains, while T.W. C. -310 hybrid surpassed S.C. Pioneer 30K09 hybrid in the values of crude protein content in grains, P-content in both leaves and grains also in N-content in grains, however there were no significant differences between the two maize hybrids in respect to chlorophyll, dry weight, leaf total carbohydrate and grain oil contents. There were gradual and significant increases in all parameters by increasing nitrogen fertilizer dose, the most effective dose of nitrogen fertilizer was 120 kg N/fed. for the most traits, while, application of 90 kg N/fed. led to significant and highest values of PN , E and Gs, also, P and K-content in leaves and K-content in grains. Thus, it could be concluded that foliar spraying with humic acid combined with adding 90 kg N/fed. gave higher values of all criteria than those obtained by only the recommended dose (120 kg N/fed). Moreover, the two examined hybrids responded to spraying HA under 120 kg N/fed. comparing with their values at the recommended dose only.
Conjugate heat transfer simulation of turbine blade high efficiency cooling method with mist injection

The idea of utilizing a finely dispersed water-in-air mixture has been proven to be a feasible technique to produce very high cooling rates. The accuracy of numerical simulation program for conjugate heat transfer methodology is verified with the Mark II transonic high pressure turbine stator which is cooled by internal convection through radial round pipes, and different turbulence models and transition models are employed to analyze the influence on results. On the basis of it, the mist cooling is simulated under typical gas turbine operating conditions for internal convective cooling to discuss the improvement of cooling performance. Though the results indicate that mist cooling can decrease the temperature of boundary layer without impact on the temperature of the mainstream and the thickness of boundary layer, the cooling capacity is limited by inadequate evaporation of mist. Considering the distribution of thermal stress and mist evaporation, a compound cooling blade of film cooling with trailing edge ejection is acquired which is modified from the blade of Mark II internal convective cooling; the effects of various parameters including mist concentration and mist diameter on the improvement of cooling performance are investigated, meanwhile the impact of curvature on cooling efficiency and mist trajectory is analyzed finally.
Performance of Grass Filters Under Laboratory and Field Conditions

ABSTRACT A design model was demonstrated that estimates the filter effectiveness of grass subjected to sediment-laden runoff. A number of laboratory and field studies indicate that this model possesses the capability of serving as a working tool for estimating the fraction of sediment trapped and outflow concentration as a function of inflow hydraulic and sediment conditions. Additional necessary inputs for the model include the dimensions of the filter and vegetation. Analysis of complex situations, such as where either the channel slope or grass characteristics change along the filter length, is possible. An additional feature of the model is the capability to recalculate particle size distribution as a function of the sediment trapped in the filter. The developed relationships include the terms which would be anticipated to play an important role in filter phenomenon. Evaluation of the model based on verification studies using real grasses in laboratory flumes and in outdoor channels is described. The results from each set of tests indicated that more than 94% of the inflow sediment load was typically accounted for by this design.
Acute and Long-Term Effects of Attentional Focus Strategies on Muscular Strength: A Meta-Analysis

This review aimed to perform a meta-analysis examining the following: (a) acute effects of adopting an internal focus vs. external focus of attention on muscular strength; and (b) long-term effects of adopting an internal focus vs. external focus of attention during resistance training on gains in muscular strength. We searched through five databases to find eligible studies. Random-effects meta-analyses of standardized mean differences were conducted to analyze the data. Ten studies were included. In the meta-analysis for the acute effects, there was a significant positive effect of external focus on muscular strength (standardized mean difference: 0.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.22, 0.46). In the meta-analysis for the long-term effects, there was no significant difference between training with an internal focus and external focus on muscular strength gains (standardized mean difference: 0.32; 95% confidence interval: –0.08, 0.73). In the subgroup analysis for lower-body exercises, we found a significant positive effect of training with an external focus on muscular strength gains (standardized mean difference: 0.47; 95% confidence interval: 0.07, 0.87). In summary, our findings indicate an acute increase in muscular strength when utilizing an external focus of attention. When applied over the long-term, using an external focus of attention may also enhance resistance training-induced gains in lower-body muscular strength.
The Relationship between Crowding and Perceived Health Risk in the COVID-19 Era

The current COVID-19 pandemic, and the related social distancing policies adopted in many countries, are deeply affecting consumers’ perceptions towards crowding. This study tries to understand in particular if the perceived human and spatial crowding might increase consumers’ health risk, with an impact on intentions to buy, and if corporate reputation can reduce such impact. As tourism and hospitality is one the sectors most susceptible to the current COVID-19 health crisis, we focus our empirical study on the cruise industry. The empirical study was conducted on a sample of cruise passengers using a structured questionnaire submitted online. Overall, 447 individuals’ responses were used for understanding such relationships by performing a regression model. The results indicate that both human and spatial crowding seem to influence people’s perceived health risk, while corporate reputation does not seem to reduce such deterring impact. The study presents several managerial implications for different service industries, as in the cruise package the customer can find many different services, from restaurant to shopping. The results, in fact, may be useful for better understanding how to cope with COVID-19.
Miniaturized self-adaptive tuning of MEMS gyroscope for space

We propose a tuning method for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) gyroscopes based on evolutionary computation that has the capacity to efficiently increase the sensitivity of MEMS gyroscopes through tuning and, furthermore, to find the optimally tuned configuration for this state of increased sensitivity. We present the results of an experiment to determine the speed and efficiency of an evolutionary algorithm applied to electrostatic tuning of MEMS micro gyros. The MEMS gyro used in this experiment is a pyrex post resonator gyro (PRG) in a closed-loop control system. A measure of the quality of tuning is given by the difference in resonant frequencies, or frequency split, for the two orthogonal rocking axes. The current implementation of the closed-loop platform is able to measure and attain a relative stability in the sub-millihertz range, leading to a reduction of the frequency split to less than 100 mHz.
Improved food-insecurity prediction in smallholder-dominated landscapes using MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index and Google Earth Engine: a case study in South Central Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Recent droughts and food insecurity underline the need for objective, timely, spatially explicit food aid prediction in Ethiopia. We developed a generic user-friendly method to detect greening of agricultural areas and derive predictions of agricultural production for potentially food-insecure areas. We used the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) from combined Terra/Aqua MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) images to generate EVI time series over multiple growing seasons. Maximum seasonal greening (EVImax), as proxy for biomass and expected crop yield, was related to rainfall variability and to indicate areas of risk for crop failure due to drought within the necessary reaction time for emergency aid. Four agroecological zones were covered from 2003 to 2019. Vegetation periods per 250m pixel were calculated back from EVImax. EVImax was validated against measured yields on large-scale farms. Interannual means and variability of EVImax served to assess production and drought risk. Yield predictions corresponded well with wheat production (r2≅0.5 p≤0.05). High temporal variability and low absolute EVI indicated drought-prone areas. EVI was positively correlated with rainfall data in cropped drought-prone areas (r2≅0.4, p≤0.05), but negatively in temporally water-logged highlands (r2≅0.3, p≤0.05). Our user-friendly approach on Google Earth Engine can accurately detect imminent food insecurity and facilitate timely interventions.
STATUS OF THE FESTIP ROCKET PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME

Within the frame of the Future European Space Transportation Investigations Programme (FESTIP) technology developments on rocket and air breathing propulsion for reusable launch vehicles are presently being prepared by the European propulsion industry. In the FESTIP System Study [1] different reusable rocket-propelled vehicle concepts have been analysed. Based on the results of these investigations different reference high performance rocket engine concepts have been defined serving as a baseline for the technology work on engine component level initiated in this programme:
Power Management and Control of Smart Microgrid Including Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems

Hybrid AC/DC microgrid is getting common nowadays as a result of increasing DC-compatible loads, renewable energy resources and energy storage systems. The hybrid AC/DC systems with AC and DC loads and energy sources are considered to be the structure of the future smart grids. Strategies of controlling the process of energy conversions and power management are considered from the most critical aspects. The suggested hybrid grid consists of AC loads and wind generator in the AC side and DC loads with energy storage elements and PV generator in the DC side. Bidirectional AC/DC converter is used to link between AC side and DC side to maintain balance and stability of the system under different generation and load conditions. In this paper we present an overview of power management strategy of hybrid AC/DC microgrid with energy storage elements. Control strategy and Maximum power point tracking for the bidirectional converter to maximize power harvesting are also presented. MATLAB/Simulink model for the hybrid microgrid is developed to verify that the proposed model can maintain balance of the system. © 2021 Published by Published by Faculty of Engineering – Sohag University. DOI: 10.21608/SEJ.2021. 92548.1004
The link between serum ACKR2 level and Crohn's Disease and its activity

Corresponding Author Sami Cifci Istanbul Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Postal Code: 34480, Başakşehir Mahallesi G-434 Caddesi No: 2L Başakşehir, İstanbul, Turkey E-mail: samicifci@gmail.com � Ethics Committee Approval The study was approved by the Noninvasive Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital (Decision number: KAEK/2020.06.96, Dated: 06.2020). All procedures in this study involving human participants were performed in accordance with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments. � Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest was declared by the authors. � Financial Disclosure The authors declared that this study has received no financial support. � Published 2021 October 24
PDE Surface-Represented Facial Blendshapes

Partial differential equation (PDE)-based geometric modelling and computer animation has been extensively investigated in the last three decades. However, the PDE surface-represented facial blendshapes have not been investigated. In this paper, we propose a new method of facial blendshapes by using curve-defined and Fourier series-represented PDE surfaces. In order to develop this new method, first, we design a curve template and use it to extract curves from polygon facial models. Then, we propose a second-order partial differential equation and combine it with the constraints of the extracted curves as boundary curves to develop a mathematical model of curve-defined PDE surfaces. After that, we introduce a generalized Fourier series representation to solve the second-order partial differential equation subjected to the constraints of the extracted boundary curves and obtain an analytical mathematical expression of curve-defined and Fourier series-represented PDE surfaces. The mathematical expression is used to develop a new PDE surface-based interpolation method of creating new facial models from one source facial model and one target facial model and a new PDE surface-based blending method of creating more new facial models from one source facial model and many target facial models. Some examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and applications of the proposed method in 3D facial blendshapes.
Day-ahead Price Forecasting in Ontario Electricity Market Using Variable-segmented Support Vector Machine-based Model

Abstract In this article, the wholesale price of the Ontario electricity market has been forecasted by splitting the time series into 24 series, one for each hour of the day. Then, a one-step ahead forecast for each hour of the next day for a test period of three years has been made using the respective hour–time series and by employing a support vector machine. A detailed sensitivity analysis was performed for the selection of model parameters. Furthermore, the performance of a support vector machine model has been compared with a heuristic technique, simulation model, linear regression model, neural network model, neuro-fuzzy model, autoregressive integrated moving average model, dynamic regression model, and transfer function model. It has been shown that the proposed variable-segmented support vector machine model possessed better forecasting abilities than the other models and its performance was least affected by the volatility.
Fatigue Design and Overall Safety of Grouted Pile Sleeve Connections

The paper covers two main subjects. Firstly the main results obtained in a joint industry research project on the strength of grouted pile sleeve connections in fixed offshore steel structures are presented. The testing and the specimens are described and guidance is given for both static and fatigue design. Secondly the main elements and results of a safety calibration study on the ultimate strength of such connections are presented.
Experimental Investigation of Flow and Force Characteristics of Hydraulic Poppet and Disc Valves

Tests have been performed on a range of different poppet and disc valves operating under steady flow, non-cavitating conditions, for Reynolds numbers greater than 2500. The working fluid was water, and the axisymmetric valve housing was constructed from clear perspex to facilitate flow visualization. Measured flow coefficients and force characteristics show marked differences depending on valve geometry and opening. These differences are explained with reference to visualized flow patterns.
Crop yield prediction using a CMAC neural network

This paper presents the results of a short study to investigate the use of a fast cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) neural network for crop yield prediction. It goes on to explore the possibility of combining crop classification and yield prediction into a single network component, suitable for large-scale crop management. In the first part of the work, a small feasibility study of crop classification performance was carried out in two steps. First, prediction performance was evaluated using only monthly agro-met data (soil moisture, temperature, sunshine). Then the improvement in prediction performance after incorporating remote sensing data (Landsat TM) was measured. The standard error was 5% when TM data were included, versus 6% when TM was ignored. The CMAC neural network applied in this study has previously been successfully applied in two similar domains: real-time cloud classification on Meteosat data and mineral identification with airborne visible and infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS) data. Two features peculiar to this classifier are that it handles mixtures naturally and that it is capable of returning a `don't know' response. It is natural therefore to consider the possibility of performing crop classification and yield prediction in a single step. We find that it is feasible to perform weekly combined classification and yield predictions for all of Europe, on a 1 km grid, for 100 different crops, using a cluster of five workstations.
Ultra wide band detection of on body concealed weapons using the out of plane polarized late time response

A method of detecting concealed handguns and knives, both on and off body, has been developed. The method utilizes aspect-independent natural, complex resonances (poles) excited by illuminating the target with frequency swept, ultrawide band microwaves in the range 0.5 - 18 GHz. These natural resonances manifest as a Late Time Response (LTR) that extends significantly (~ 5 ns) beyond the direct reflections from the human body (the Early Time Response) and are of the form of a superposition of exponentially decaying sinusoidal waveforms. Two handguns are examined, both on the human body and in isolation, by the established methodology of applying the Generalised-Pencil-Of-Function to the late time response data of the target. These poles allow the weapon to be effectively classified. Out of plane polarized (cross-polarized) scattered response is used here as this gives improved discrimination between the early and late time responses. Determination of the presence or absence of particular weapons concealed under clothing, on the human body, is demonstrated. A novel bow-tie slot antenna is described which has good pulse and frequency response over the range 0.3-1 GHz and which is suitable for excitation of the fundamental natural resonances.