Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Individuals with long-term illness, disability or infirmity are more likely to smoke than healthy controls: An instrumental variable analysis

Despite the prevalence of smoking cessation programs and public health campaigns, individuals with long-term illness, disability, or infirmity have been found to smoke more often than those without such conditions, leading to worsening health. However, the available literature has mainly focused on the association between long-term illness and smoking, which might suffer from the possible bidirectional influence, while few studies have examined the potential causal effect of long-term illness on smoking. This gap in knowledge can be addressed using an instrumental variable analysis that uses a third variable as an instrument between the endogenous independent and dependent variables and allows the identification of the direction of causality under the discussed assumptions. Our study analyzes the UK General Household Survey in 2006, covering a nationally representative 13,585 households. We exploited the number of vehicles as the instrumental variable for long-term illness, disability, or infirmity as vehicle numbers may be related to illness based on the notion that these individuals are less likely to drive, but that vehicle number may have no relationship to the likelihood of smoking. Our results suggested that chronic illness status causes a significantly 28% higher probability of smoking. The findings have wide implications for public health policymakers to design a more accessible campaign around smoking and for psychologists and doctors to take targeted care for the welfare of individuals with long-term illnesses.
Novel bifurcation phenomena in a rotating annulus

We present an experimental and numerical study of a novel variant of the Taylor–Couette problem. The ends of the annular region rotate with the inner cylinder producing a strong, symmetric forcing of the flow. One consequence of the imposed forcing is that asymmetric flows are more readily found than in the standard stationary-ends case. This has led to the discovery of several new and interesting bifurcation phenomena, including codimension-two points of a type normally associated with chaos in finite-dimensional dynamical systems.
Predictive Ability of First-Side Cochlear Implant Performance in Adult Sequential Bilateral Cochlear Implantation

Objective Predictors of second-side cochlear implant performance have not been well studied. We sought to assess whether speech recognition scores from first-side cochlear implant (CI1) could predict second-side cochlear implant (CI2) scores in sequential bilaterally implanted adults. Study Design Retrospective review using a prospectively collected database. Setting Academic tertiary care hospital. Patients Fifty-seven adults with postimplantation speech recognition testing performed at least 12 months after CI2. Intervention Sequential bilateral CI. Main Outcome Measures CI2 performance at ≥12 months as measured using consonant–nucleus–consonant (CNC) words and AzBio sentences in quiet and +10 dB signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). Results CI1 performance scores at ≥12 months were independently associated with CI2 performance scores at ≥12 months for CNC words (β = 0.371 [0.136–0.606], p = 0.003), AzBio sentences in quiet (β = 0.614 [0.429–0.80], p < 0.0001), and AzBio +10 dB S/N (β = 0.712 [0.459–0.964], p < 0.0001). CI1 scores on AzBio in quiet at 0 to 6 months were also independently associated with CI2 AzBio in quiet scores at ≥12 months (β = 0.389 [0.004–0.774], p = 0.048). Hearing loss etiology and duration, age at implantation, interval between CI1 and CI2, duration of hearing aid use, and preimplantation speech recognition testing scores were not consistently associated with CI2 scores at ≥12 months. Conclusions CI1 performance is an independent predictor of second-side performance as measured ≥12 months postimplantation. This may be a clinically useful metric when considering adult sequential bilateral implantation.
Knowledge, attitude, and awareness on the protocols and trends in orthodontic retention among dental students

This survey aimed at evaluating the knowledge and awareness regarding the various retention protocols used in orthodontic practice. A survey has been conducted among the dental students by circulating 15 close-ended questions online to analyze the data collected on the protocols and trends in orthodontic retention. The male and female distribution among the study population was evaluated, and the retention protocols used were computed; statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Ninety-four percent accepted that Hawley retainers are predominantly used compared to fixed retainers. Eighty-seven percent agreed that they aim at a more stable dentition by the completion of orthodontic treatment. The Chi-square test on the knowledge of respondents on the permanent retention to be followed after orthodontic treatment to close generalized spacing is statistically not significant, P = 0.056. Within the considered limitations, it is clear that there is awareness among the dentists regarding the use of a retention appliance to ensure stability at the finish of orthodontic treatment. But the protocol for the same remains variable. Further studies can be performed to identify the effectiveness of each of the different retention protocols and their indications in various cases.
Does Testicular Sperm Alter Reproductive and Perinatal Outcomes in Assisted Reproductive Technology Cycles? 10 Years’ Experience in an Indian Clinic

Background: Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) has revolutionized the reproductive outcomes for couples with male factor infertility. Especially in azoospermic men, use of ICSI with surgically retrieved testicular sperm has helped them have their own biological child. However, considering the immature nature of testicular sperm safety of testicular sperm has been debated. Aims: To compare reproductive outcomes, neonatal outcomes and the incidence of congenital malformations in children born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), using different sperm origins. Settings and Design: This is a retrospective study in which a total of 989 participants were enrolled. Study group (Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA) ICSI group) had 552 couples with female partners aged ≤37 and had self gamete cycles. ICSI cycles with ejaculated sperm (EJS) acted as the control group. Materials and Methods: All male patients underwent surgical sperm retrieval and all the women underwent controlled ovarian stimulation and transvaginal oocyte retrieval and Ovum Pick Up (OPU) as per the standard operating procedures of the clinic. Frozen embryo transfer with two good-grade blastocysts, which had shown 100% survival, were transferred in subsequent cycles. Statistical Analysis Used: The Student's t-test was performed for age distribution; odds ratio was performed to find the confounding factors. Results: Embryonic and reproductive outcomes were comparable and not statistically significant in the study and control groups. Incidence of congenital anomalies was observed in singleton live births and twin live births in both the TESA-ICSI group and the EJS-ICSI group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study revealed that congenital malformations in children born out of ICSI using testicular sperm and EJS were similar; no difference was observed in miscarriages between the testicular sperm-ICSI and EJS-ICSI group. Our data suggests that surgical sperm retrieval in couples with male factor infertility does not alter their reproductive outcome.
Comparison of Dentinal Microleakage in Three Interim Dental Restorations: An In Vitro Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the coronal microleakage of e-Temp (DiaDent, Korea), intermediate restorative material (IRM) (Dentsply, Sirona), and Systemp Inlay (Ivoclar Vivadent, Germany) temporary restorative materials used to seal the class I cavity preparations. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, three temporary restorative materials were assessed for microleakage. A standardized class I access cavities (2 mm × 4 mm) were prepared in 30 freshly extracted intact human premolar teeth. Teeth were then divided randomly into three groups consisting of 10 samples each. Teeth were restored with e-Temp (n = 10), IRM (n = 10), and Systemp Inlay (n = 10), temporary restorations, and subjected to thermocycling 5000 times in a cold bath followed by a temperature of 55°C with a dwell time of 30 seconds. Teeth were painted with two layers of nail polish except for 1 mm around the restoration margin, soaked in 1% methylene blue dye solution (pH 7.4), and kept for 24 h. Sticky wax was used to seal the apical foramina. All the teeth were sectioned mesiodistally, and the specimens were examined for the amount of dye penetration (microleakage) through the restoration using Digital Microscope under 50× magnification. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: e-Temp showed 1 (10%) specimen with dye penetration up to 1 mm (Score 1). The specimens restored with IRM showed a 1 (10%) and 9 (90%) of scores for 1 and 3 dye penetration. However, 2 (20%) teeth restored with Systemp Inlay showed a dye penetration up to 3 mm or more (Score 3). A comparison of mean microleakage values of e-Temp (0.03 ± 0.10), IRM (2.69 ± 0.77), and Systemp Inlay (0.78 ± 1.64) showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). IRM specimens showed significantly higher microleakage values than e-Temp and Systemp Inlay specimens (P < 0.05). Conclusion: All the temporary restorative materials tested in this in vitro experiment showed a certain extent of microleakage. The temporary restorative material e-Temp showed the least microleakage values followed by Systemp Inlay and IRM.
OPTIMAL CONTROL OF A SIMPLE IMMIGRATION PROCESS THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF A PREDATOR

This article is concerned with the problem of controlling a simple immigration process, which represents a pest population, by the introduction of a predator. It is assumed that the cost rate caused by the pests is an increasing function of their population size and that the cost rate of the controlling action is constant. The existence of a control-limit policy that minimizes the expected long-run average cost per unit time is established. The proof is based on the variation of a fictitious parameter over the entire real line.
Psychological and social impact of malocclusion in children and young adults – A review

Malocclusion is a major oral health problem, which is prevalent among all age groups. Malocclusion affects speech and mastication and causes pain. In psychosocial health, it may impact an individual's self-esteem due to self-perceived appearance and peer's opinions. This article aims to assess the effect of malocclusion on psychological and social health (i.e., quality of life, [QoL]) in children and young adults by reviewing the literature. Studies found to be relevant were identified in PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Studies with data on malocclusion, factors influencing the treatment, and QoL associated with oral health in children and adolescents were considered for this review. After carefully scrutinizing the study objective, a total of ten full-text articles were selected and reviewed. Researcher's found that dental problems such as anterior tooth trauma or missing malocclusion affect the esthetics and psychological behavior of adolescents. Malocclusion can be socially and psychologically stigmatizing for young adults.
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE IN EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN WITH NONNORMAL ERROR DISTRIBUTIONS

We consider a two-way classification model with interaction and assume that the errors have a location-scale nonnormal distribution. From an application of the modified likelihood estimation, we obtain efficient and robust estimators of the parameters. We define F statistics for testing main effects and interaction. We analyze the Box-Cox data and show that the method developed in this paper gives accurate results besides being easy theoretically and computationally.
Evaluation of the Sensitivity and Robustness of Modified Chi-Square Ratio Statistic for Cascade Impactor Equivalence Testing Through Monte Carlo Simulations

The objective of this work was to study the performance of the modified chi-square ratio statistic (mCSRS test) proposed for cascade impactor (CI) profile equivalence testing. The test (T) and reference (R) CI profile datasets were generated from different typical CI profile patterns either with or without inter-site correlation (ISC) through Monte Carlo simulations. The mCSRS test pass rate outcome employing previously published critical values was compared with that of critical values derived from different types of datasets. The influence of number of bootstrap iterations (B) on the consistency of the outcome was assessed within the range of 10–10,000 iterations. Power curves were constructed to study the effect of differences in T and R mean stage deposition, T/R variance ratios, differences between T and R profiles in high/low deposition sites, and sample size on the performance of the mCSRS test. The derived critical values exhibited trends based on R product variability: M1 rank-ordered without ISC (at low variability) and the previously published M8 critical values (at high variability) resulted in lowest pass rate outcomes. The precision of the outcome did not increase considerably beyond B = 2000 (default). The probability of showing equivalence between T and R CI profiles increased with (1) a decrease in mean deposition differences, (2) a decrease in T product variability, and (3) an increase in sample size. The mCSRS outcome is less sensitive to low deposition sites that are prone to analytical variability. In conclusion, the mCSRS test is a sensitive and robust method under most conditions.
Design Of Multivariable Fractional Order Pid Controller Using Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy

This paper presents an automatic tuning of multivariable Fractional-Order Proportional, Integral and Derivative controller (FO-PID) parameters using Covariance Matrix Adaptation Evolution Strategy (CMAES) algorithm. Decoupled multivariable FO-PI and FO-PID controller structures are considered. Oustaloup integer order approximation is used for the fractional integrals and derivatives. For validation, two Multi-Input Multi- Output (MIMO) distillation columns described by Wood and Berry and Ogunnaike and Ray are considered for the design of multivariable FO-PID controller. Optimal FO-PID controller is designed by minimizing Integral Absolute Error (IAE) as objective function. The results of previously reported PI/PID controller are considered for comparison purposes. Simulation results reveal that the performance of FOPI and FO-PID controller is better than integer order PI/PID controller in terms of IAE. Also, CMAES algorithm is suitable for the design of FO-PI / FO-PID controller.
The early-type multiple system QZ Carinae

We present an analysis of the early-type quadruple system QZ Car, consisting of an eclipsing and a non-eclipsing binary. The spectroscopic investigation is based on new high dispersion echelle and CAT/CES spectra of H and He lines. The elements for the orbit of the non-eclipsing pair could be refined. Lines of the brighter component of the eclipsing binary were detected in near-quadrature spectra, while signatures of the fainter component could be identified in only few spectra. Lines of the primary component of the non-eclipsing pair and of both components of the eclipsing pair were found to be variable in position and strength; in particular, the He ii 4686 emission line of the brighter eclipsing component is strongly variable. An ephemeris for the eclipsing binary QZ Car valid at present was derived Prim. Min. = hel. JD $2448687.16 + 5\fd9991 \cdot E$. The relative orbit of the two binary constituents of the multiple system is discussed. In contrast to earlier investigations we found radial velocity changes of the systemic velocities of both binaries, which were used -together with an O-C analysis of the expected light-time effect -to derive approximate parameters of the mutual orbit of the two pairs. It is shown that this orbit and the distance to QZ Car can be further refined by minima timing and interferometry.
Experimental investigation of intrusive gravity currents entering stably stratified fluids

Fluid intrusions into a stably stratified environment due to density differences can be observed in reservoirs, lakes, in the atmosphere, and also in the ocean. Laboratory experiments have been carried out in a water tank to study the influence of fluid depth, initial density difference, shape of initial density distribution, time and viscosity on velocity and thickness of such intrusions. The influence of the density gradient at the intrusion level can be described by an empirical function. The case of a very sharp interface gradient is compared with previously published results and with boundary gravity currents. A continuously linearly stratified ambient, on the other hand, allows a comparison with the case of the so-called mixed region collapse. Only for these extreme cases there exists close agreement of theoretical models and experiments and it must be concluded that intrusions are not yet fully understood theoretically.
A formula for the number of Steiner quadruple systems on 2n points of 2‐rank 2n−n

Assmus [ 1 ] gave a description of the binary code spanned by the blocks of a Steiner triple or quadruple system according to the 2‐rank of the incidence matrix. Using this description, the author [ 13 ] found a formula for the total number of distinct Steiner triple systems on 2n−1 points of 2‐rank 2n ‐n. In this paper, a similar formula is found for the number of Steiner quadruple systems on 2n points of 2‐rank 2n ‐n. The formula can be used for deriving bounds on the number of pairwise non‐isomorphic systems for large n, and for the classification of all non‐isomorphic systems of small orders. The formula implies that the number of non‐isomorphic Steiner quadruple systems on 2n points of 2‐rank 2n ‐n grows exponentially. As an application, the Steiner quadruple systems on 16 points of 2‐rank 12 are classified up to isomorphism. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 11: 260–274, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jcd.10036
Fabrication of textured (RE = Y, Gd) composites by infiltration and growth of preforms by liquid phases

A process for the fabrication of high-quality and near-net-shaped superconducting specimens of (Y-123) with uniformly distributed fine (Y-211) is discussed. The process involves the fabrication of 211 preforms by conventional ceramic routes such as uniaxial and isostatic pressing, injection moulding and slip casting, and pressureless infiltration basically from a reservoir containing liquid phases. A compact of 123 or 123 rich in liquid phases(s), acting as a source of liquid phases, is placed in contact with the 211 preform, and heated above the peritectic temperature of 123. The liquid from the source compact infiltrates the 211 filler and the peritectic reaction occurring between the preform material (211) and the matrix (liquid phases) during slow cooling from the peritectic temperature results in the growth of 123 with uniformly distributed fine 211 particles. We have also demonstrated that the present process can be extended to the fabrication of other rare earth (RE) superconductors where a solid solution of the kind occurs due to comparable size of the RE and Ba atoms, by choosing the RE = Gd system as an example. Herein the advantages and bounds of the process are reviewed; the effect of various cooling rates on the growth kinetics of 123 and the resulting macro- and microstructures are discussed. Fabrication of composites containing fine and very uniformly distributed Ag is also demonstrated by the process. Comparisons are made between the characteristics of the samples produced in the present process and the existing melt texturing process. The utility of the process is demonstrated by the fabrication of a three-dimensional component - a hollow cylinder.
Improving the Efficiency of Foliar Fertilization with Urea using Urease Inhibitors

Urea is the most recommended foliar N source due to its relatively low toxicity, quick absorption, and low cost. However, in the literature reports of yield increases with foliar urea application are inconsistent. The objectives of this research were to study foliar urea assimilation in cotton and to test the effect of the urease inhibitor N-butyl thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) with foliar urea application. The study consisted of a growth chamber experiment with the treatments: (1) control; (2) foliar urea; (3) foliar urea+NBPT; and (4) foliar NBPT, and a field experiment with the treatments: (A) full recommended N soil rate with no foliar N application; (B) 75% of recommended N soil rate with no foliar application; (C) 75% of recommended N soil rate with two foliar Urea applications; (D) 75% of recommended N soil rate with two foliar Urea+NBPT applications. Each foliar urea application was calculated to supply 11.2 kg of N per hectare. In the growth room study the addition of NBPT to foliar urea inhibited urease activity. In addition, NBPT exhibited a trend for increased leaf urea content and improved cell membrane integrity. In the field study the addition of NBPT to foliar urea resulted in an increase in seedcotton yield. In conclusion, NBPT was effective in inhibiting cotton leaf urease, and in improving nitrogen use efficiency and yield in field grown cotton.