Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microcomputed Tomography Mineral Density Profile as Reference Standard for Early Carious Lesion Activity Assessment

Early caries diagnosis is crucial to treatment decisions in dentistry and requires identification of lesion activity: whether a carious lesion is active (progressively demineralizing) or arrested (progressively remineralizing). This study aimed to identify microtomographic (micro-CT) differences between active and arrested smooth surface enamel lesions, to quantify those micro-CT differences by creating thresholds for ex vivo caries activity assessment to serve as a future reference standard, and to validate those thresholds against the remaining sample. Extracted human permanent teeth (n = 59) were selected for sound surfaces and non-cavitated smooth surface carious lesions. Each surface was then examined for caries activity by calibrated individuals via visual-tactile examination using the International Caries Classification and Management System (ICCMS) activity criteria. Each tooth was scanned via micro-CT and the mineral density was plotted against lesion depth. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated and represented the loss of density for the outermost 96 μm of enamel. AUC thresholds obtained from micro-CT were established to classify sound, remineralized, and demineralized surfaces against the gold standard examiner’s lesion assessment of sound, inactive, and active lesions, respectively. The established AUC thresholds demonstrated moderate agreement with the assessment in identifying demineralized lesions (k = 0.45), with high sensitivity (0.73) and specificity (0.77). This study demonstrated quantifiable differences among demineralized lesions, remineralized lesions, and sound surfaces, which contributes to the establishment of micro-CT as a reference standard for caries activity that may be used to improve clinical and laboratorial dental caries evaluations.
Ethnic diverse and financing choices affecting of business survival: a case study of New Zealand small- and medium-sized enterprises

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how ethnic diversity and finance options impact the survival of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand. Design/methodology/approach This study incorporates survey data and secondary data from the public domain. The surveys were conducted across six sectors of the economy categorised into four main ethnic groups involving six nationalities. This study adopts regression analysis using Probit, Logit and linear probability. Findings The financing choices of the entrepreneurs were consistent with pecking-order theory. The evidence suggests that information asymmetries are prevalent in New Zealand, as SMEs’ owners perceive significant risk from expanding businesses internationally. There is no relationship between ethnicity bias and the survival of firms. Originality/value This study provides a contribution to the literature on factors relating to business survival and guides the policymakers to use the benefits of potential factors to increase the survival rate of SMEs.
Occurrence of Cryptosporidium Oocysts in Leisure Pools in the UK, 2017, and Modelling of Oocyst Contamination Events

Cryptosporidium is a major cause of diarrhoea outbreaks linked to swimming pools, but little is known about the frequency of contamination. The primary aim was to investigate the occurrence and concentration, through sampling and modelling, of Cryptosporidium oocysts in leisure pools. Secondary aims were to compare detections with operational parameters, provide the evidence-base for guidance, and improve sampling capacity and interpretation for public health investigations. Up to 1000 L pool water was sampled during swim sessions once weekly for 10 weeks from 8 August 2017 at six volunteer pools. Oocysts were detected by microscopy in 12/59 (20%) pool water samples, at least once in each pool; 8/12 (66%) detections were in August when bather loads were highest. At three pools, 1 L filter backwash was sampled weekly and oocysts were detected in 2/29 (7%) samples, following detections in pool water. The probabilities of a bather contaminating the pool ranged from 1 in 1000 to over 1 in 10,000. Monte Carlo analysis showed that when high bather numbers caused contamination on over 70% of days, multiple events per day were more likely than single events. In these generally well-managed leisure pools, Cryptosporidium risk related to high bather loads. We conclude that public awareness campaigns for bather hygiene, and reminding pool operators of current guidance for managing faecal accidents, should be ahead of peak swim season.
Periodontal Decontamination Induced by Light and Not by Heat: Comparison between Oxygen High Level Laser Therapy (OHLLT) and LANAP

In periodontology, lasers have been suggested for the nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis. Many wavelengths were tested, but unfortunately, most parts were not efficient. An Nd:YAG laser was applied in a specific protocol named the laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP). LANAP seems to facilitate the refurbishment of new tissues from supporting structures of the periodontium, wherein the unhealthy surface of the roots exhibits pristine attachments in human beings. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was investigated too. The aim of our study is to show the effects of oxygen high-level laser therapy (OHLLT) in removing all bacterial deposits on the root or implant surface by means of mechanical instrumentation and laser irradiation compared to LANAP and to nonsurgical debridement of periodontal pockets. At 7 days post-treatment, a real-time PCR test had similar results on the OHLLT and LANAP groups. After 9 months, all periodontal pockets were treated successfully, not showing significant differences in the clinical results between OHLLT and LANAP and with a decrease in the plaque index, bleeding on probing and probing depth compared with the nonsurgical debridement group.
Determination of Folic Acid in Mint Vegetable, by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

We have applied a quick and convenient method for determining folic acid (FA) excreted in mint vegetable. Sample-treatment entails SPE with Sep-Pak C18 (0.9 g) cartridge. The water-soluble vitamin were analyzed by HPLC on a Discovery C-18 150mm×4.6mm column with 0.1 mol.L -1 KH2PO4 (pH 7.0), methanol, 90:10, as mobile phase (0.7 mL min -1 ) in isocratic mode.
Microscale AMS 14C Measurement at NOSAMS

Techniques for making precise and accurate radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurements on samples containing less than a few hundred micrograms of carbon are being developed at the NOSAMS facility. A detailed examination of all aspects of the sample preparation and data analysis process shows encouraging results. Small quantities of CO2 are reduced to graphite over cobalt catalyst at an optimal temperature of 605°. Measured 14C/12C ratios of the resulting targets are affected by machine-induced isotopic fractionation, which appears directly related to the decrease in ion current generated by the smaller sample sizes. It is possible to compensate effectively for this fractionation by measuring samples relative to small standards of identical size. Examination of the various potential sources of background 14C contamination indicates that the sample combustion process is the largest contributor, adding ca. 1 μg of carbon with a less-than-modern 14C concentration.
Functional potential and food safety of fresh-cut ‘Paluma’ guava under edible coatings

Guava is a fruit rich in antioxidants and its value can be enhanced by fresh-cut processing, which increases convenience for consumption. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in bioactive compounds, total antioxidant activity (TAA) and microbial quality in slices of fresh-cut (FC) ‘Paluma’ guava coated with chitosan at 2% (Q), calcium chloride at 1% (CC), calcium chloride at 1% + sodium alginate at 1% (CC + A), calcium chloride at 1% + chitosan at 2% (CC + Q), and control (T - without coating). Coated slices were packed in trays, wrapped with PVC film and kept at 3 ± 1 °C and 75 ± 4% RH for 12 days and evaluated for ascorbic acid, lycopene, β-carotene, total extractable polyphenols (TEP), and TAA by ABTS+- and DPPH . Ascorbic acid content of slices did not differ by coatings, but TEP was higher in slices coated with Q. The TAA by DPPH was higher in slices coated with Q, however, by ABTS+- it was higher in those coated with Q, CC and CC + Q. No thermotolerant coliforms or Salmonella were detected in FC guava from any treatment. However, slices coated with Q showed the lowest counts of total coliforms and molds and yeasts. Therefore, the application of Q coating provided microbiological safety to FC guava, still maintaining the levels of bioactive compounds and TAA superior to the control slices, which can characterize this as a healthy FC product, with superior functional potential.
An Adaptive Epidemiology-Based Approach to Swarm Foraging with Dynamic Deadlines

Swarm robotics is an emerging field that can offer efficient solutions to real-world problems with minimal cost. Despite recent developments in the field, however, it is still not sufficiently mature, and challenges clearly remain. The dynamic deadline problem is neglected in the literature, and thus, time-sensitive foraging tasks are still an open research problem. This paper proposes a novel approach—ED_Foraging—that allows simple robots with limited sensing and communication abilities to perform complex foraging tasks that are dynamic and time constrained. A new mathematical model is developed in this paper to utilize epidemiological modeling and predict the dynamics of resource deadlines. Moreover, an improved dynamic task allocation (DTA) method is proposed to assign robots to the most critical region, where a deadline is represented by a state and time. The main goal is to reduce the number of expired resources and collect them as quickly as possible by giving priority to those that are more likely to expire if not collected. The deadlines are unknown and change dynamically. Thus, the robots continuously collect local information throughout their journeys and allocate themselves dynamically to the predicted hotspots. In the experiments, the proposed approach is adapted to four DTA methods and tested with different setups using simulated foot-bot robots. The flexibility, scalability, and robustness of this approach are measured in terms of the foraging and expiration rates. The empirical results support the hypothesis that epidemiological modeling can be utilized to handle foraging tasks that are constrained by dynamic deadlines. It is also confirmed that the proposed DTA method improves the results, which were found to be flexible, scalable, and robust to changes in the number of robots and the map size.
Theory of Mind and its relation to presbycusis. A pilot study

ABSTRACT Theory of Mind (ToM) is a crucial factor in the social integration of the elderly. Nonetheless, there has been a dearth of research into the relationship between ToM and presbycusis, even though presbycusis is a very common pathology among people over 65 years of age. The aim of this study is to analyze the functioning of the two types of ToM (affective and cognitive ToM) in aging populations, as well as to examine the components of ToM connected to ironic language, all in order to determine whether people with presbycusis show a similar ToM profile to those without any hearing loss. The sample consisted of 69 participants with a mean age of 75. Of the participants, 52 had some degree of hearing loss. Some participants with hearing loss used a hearing aid. All participants were asked to complete six ToM tasks. The results show that age influences ToM scores, especially for cognitive and irony recognition tasks. This decline in ToM was greater in participants experiencing mild cognitive impairment and also among those with hearing loss. Among participants with presbycusis, those who used a hearing aid obtained better results than those who did not. Gender and sociocultural background were not found to be significant variables. The results point to a need to monitor both hearing and cognitive abilities, especially those related to ToM, and to offer specific treatment whenever possible to avoid social alienation.
Differential Immune-Related Microenvironment Determines PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade Efficacy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression is not a completely reliable predictive marker of the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC). Immune-related tumor microenvironment (TME) is classified into four different types based on the tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) status and PD-L1 expression. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed advanced NSCLC patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy between 2015 and 2019. We investigated the association between the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, the types of TME based on PD-L1 (clone: 22C3) expression, and the density of CD8-positive TILs assessed by immunohistochemistry, and mutational profiles by next-generation sequencing. RESULTS Overall, 228 patients were included in the analysis. The patients were classified into four groups: Type I: PD-L1High (tumor proportion score [TPS]≥50%)/TILHigh (≥85/mm2; n=73); Type II: PD-L1Low (TPS<50%)/TILLow (<85/mm2; n=70); Type III: PD-L1High/TILLow (n=37); and Type IV: PD-L1Low/TILHigh (n=48). The objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy clearly differed according to the different TME types (ORR and PFS; Type I: 64%, 14.5 months; Type II: 12%, 2.1 months; Type III: 24%, 3.6 months; Type IV; 41%, 10.8 months). In patients with PD-L1High tumors, Type I tumors had significantly better ORR and PFS than Type III tumors (ORR: p<0.001, and PFS: p<0.001). The presence of TP53 and KRAS mutation was significantly related to TILHigh (Type I and IV) and PD-L1High tumors (Type I and III), respectively. CONCLUSION Differential types of TME, including PD-L1 expression and TIL status, could accurately predict the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
A hybrid neural network model based modelling methodology for the rubber bushing

To fully consider the influences of the exciting frequency (0–20 Hz) and the environmental temperature (−50–20°C) on the dynamic characteristics of the rubber bushing in the railway vehicle, a hybrid neural network model is applied to develop the detailed model of the rubber bushing. The nonlinearities of the rubber bushing existing in the elastic element, the friction element and the viscous element are involved in the model to reflect the frequency- and amplitude-dependent characteristics of the rubber bushing. The experimental data are collected and exploited to find out the relationship between the input and output with the help of the neural network model. Furthermore, the influences of the environmental temperature on the dynamic parameters of the rubber bushing are considered. By testing the dynamic performance of the rubber bushing under the excitation with different frequencies, amplitudes and temperatures, the hybrid neural network model is trained and its critical parameters are identified. In this way, the trained hybrid neural network model for the rubber bushing can accurately reflect the dynamic performance in the presence of various excitation and environment temperatures.
Exploring Biases in Atom Probe Tomography Compositional Analysis of Minerals

Atom probe tomography (APT) is emerging as a key nanogeochemistry technique for diverse geoscience applications. Estimating stoichiometric mineral compositions is particularly challenging for features at nanoscale. APT provides reliable measurements for metallic systems but the reliability for oxides is problematic, notably due to oxygen deficit. Here, we use laser‐assisted APT to compare results for spinel and garnet crystals. APT compositional results were compared with those by electron microprobe to determine the possible APT analytical inaccuracy. Extensive data processing was accomplished, including correlation histograms, 2D ion distribution maps and 1D elements concentration profiles, to disclose the possible mechanisms leading to mineral stoichiometry biases. Multiple events and neutral molecules formation are probable the main processes responsible for atom deficit. In particular, the amount of the same isotope–same charge state ion pairs correlated with aluminium and oxygen deficits suggests that the co‐evaporation in a dead space–dead time window could lead to a significant decrease of detected ions. Also, molecular species dissociation and direct current evaporation could partially account for further atom loss. Overall, better APT compositional estimation was obtained for spinel, which has lesser variation in lattice sites and greater overall lattice symmetry, higher thermal conductivity and lower band gap compared with garnet.
Effect of Cross-Departmental Collaboration on Performance: Evidence from the Federal Highway Administration

Cross-departmental collaboration, one of the most salient administrative reforms, has been promoted to resolve cross-jurisdictional administration issues over the previous three decades. Nearly all previous empirical studies have examined the direct impact of cross-departmental collaboration on organizational performance without accounting for the indirect effects of managerial practices. Using data from the Federal Highway Administration, this study develops an integrated structural equation modeling and Bayesian network model used to examine both direct and indirect impacts of cross-departmental collaboration on organizational performance. The structural model indicates that cross-departmental collaboration has a direct effect on organizational performance and indirect effects through its influence on resource acquisition and knowledge creation. The scenario-based simulation suggests the optimal integration of managerial actions to improve agency performance, which is achieved by encouraging cross-departmental collaboration and supporting the knowledge creation process. Finally, implications are provided to present practical managerial actions from the Federal Highway Administration as an exemplar for other highway agencies.
Geochemical distribution of heavy metals in sediments from sewage fed fish ponds from Kolkata Wetlands, India

Abstract Kolkata wetlands are the largest sewage fed wetlands in the world. They have been used for aquaculture since 1960. Geochemical distribution of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb, Ni and Al) has been studied in surface sediments using single and sequential extractions techniques. The metal concentrations in sediments were in the following order: Fe>Al> Mn>Zn>Cu> Pb>Cr> Ni, and the average concentrations were 29 μg g−1, 54 μg g−1, 328 μg g−1, 32747 μg g−1, 169 μg g−1, 38 μg g−1, 25 μg g−1 and 23371 μg g−1 dry weights for Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb, Ni and Al, respectively. Water-soluble percentages of the trace elements are quite low (<0.01–3.75%) but in the presence of chelating agents in the sediments increase the bioavailability of trace elements (2–58%). About 40% of trace elements are in the stable form as a residual fraction of the sediment and more than 50% (nonresidual fraction) metal contamination of the Kolkata wetland sediments were from anthropogenic inputs. The contamination risks of Cr, Mn, Zn, Pb, and Ni are high as their potential availabilities are 70.96%, 58.01%, 63.13%, 55.62%, and 52.15% respectively. The mean concentration of most of the heavy metals in sediments does not exceed the recommended reference values. Zinc and lead concentrations were greater than background level and Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines but lower than Probable Effect Level. Therefore a regular program for monitoring the distribution of heavy metals in water, sediments and biota should be imposed on sewage fed fish ponds of the Kolkata wetland ecosystem.
Addressing the consensus on information sharing in CPFR information systems: Insights from manufacturer – retailer dyads

This study investigated the mechanism of improving consensus between one dominant manufacturer and retailers in evaluating retailers’ information sharing in a Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR) system. IT capability, goodwill trust, and competence trust were proposed as antecedents of this consensus based on organizational information processing theory (OIPT). A matched questionnaire survey was conducted, generating 253 manufacturer-retailer dyads for analysis. Consensus on information sharing was operationalized by the degree-symmetric model (DSM). The empirical results showed that retailers’ IT capability, goodwill trust, and competence trust in the dominant manufacturer were positively related to the consensus on information sharing. Furthermore, the interaction between retailers’ IT capability and goodwill trust was negatively related to this consensus, whereas the interaction effect of retailers’ IT capability and competence trust was positive.
The Days After COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Epidemics and Pandemics on Long-Term Macro-Economic Performance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of the global economies appears gloomy as policy, industry and academia stakeholders assess the immediate adverse effects. This research meta-analysis studies on the impact of epidemics and pandemics on the longer-term performance of national economies covering the past 30 years. The findings indicate that the impact of pandemics on economies for periods of over two years might move from the immediate adverse effects to small positive effects. Several moderators were found to affect this relationship, including socio-economic and methodological factors. The findings agree with a significant amount of existing literature and are in line with the neo-classic economic theories for a possible return to economic growth after a major economic shock. Nevertheless, issues of publication bias should also be taken into consideration.
Short-term Psychological Effects of Forest Therapy: Early Evidence in Italy

Immersion in forest environments was shown to produce beneficial effects to human health, in particular psychophysical relaxation, so much that this practice is increasingly recognized as a form of integrative medicine. Limited evidence exists about both statistical significance and size of the effects conditioned on personal characteristics, as well as on the main external variables. The primary purpose of this study was to substantiate the very concept of forest therapy by means of the quantification and significance of the psychological effects, stratified by gender, age groups and place of residence. A preliminary qualitative analysis of the main determinants, in particular the method of conducting, the meteorological comfort and the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the forest atmosphere, was afforded. Seven forest therapy sessions were performed in late summer though early fall, resulting in 150 psychological self-assessment questionnaires administered before and after each session. The results were comparable or even better than others reported in the international literature. Moreover, preliminary evidence arose about different functionality towards specific psychological indexes conditioned at least on gender and age groups, as well as meteorological comfort, structured programs and, possibly, volatile organic compounds showed an impact on the outcomes.