Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Endodontic Irrigant Activation on Smear Layer Removal and Surface Disintegration of Root Canal Dentine In Vitro

The objective of this study was to compare the ability of different endodontic irrigation activation methods to enable irrigant penetration, remove the smear layer from root canal walls after preparation, and investigate surface effects on dentine. Root canals of 90 single-rooted teeth were prepared and irrigated with EDTA (17%) and sodium hypochlorite (5%), where both irrigants or sodium hypochlorite only were activated as follows: conventional needle irrigation, ultrasonic activation, sonic activation (EDDY), or laser-based activation (photon-induced photoacoustic streaming/PIPS). For the evaluation of irrigant penetration into dentinal tubules, methylene blue was injected and activated as well. Subsequently, teeth were sectioned horizontally, and dye penetration depths were measured. Alternating sections were split in halves and randomly selected for scanning electron microscopic analysis. Root canal dentine was assessed for smear layer removal and surface disintegration according to a defined scoring system. The data were analyzed statistically with nonparametric and chi-squared tests for whole teeth and separately for coronal, middle, and apical thirds. All the tested activation methods removed a thicker smear layer than needle irrigation only. Additional activation of EDTA improved penetration depths of the irrigants, but not the smear layer removal. Surface disintegration of root canal dentine was observed with the additional activation of EDTA and particularly after laser-based techniques. Additional activation of EDTA does not seem to offer any convincing advantages in terms of irrigant penetration or smear layer removal but disrupts the dentine surface. Especially laser-based activation resulted in undesirable destruction of root canal wall dentine.
DOB Anti-Disturbance Control of Networked Control Systems with Probabilistic Packet Drops

This paper investigates a disturbance observer based control (DOBC) for typical networked control systems (NCSs) with exogenous disturbances and packet drops. Different with conventional anti-disturbance problems, the state information is not only transmitted by network, but also suffers the damage of packet drops. Based on this, by designing the random packet drop event as Bernoulli distribution, a DOB composite controller has been used to eliminate the impact of the disturbance which will influence the stability of the system. Meanwhile, the feedback gain and disturbance observer (DO) gain can be computed by pre-designing LMIs. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed controller with the consideration of packet drops is proved by a given simulation example.
In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of a Dual-Targeted Nanoemulsion Gel for the Amelioration of Psoriasis

Psoriasis, due to its unique pathological manifestations and the limited success of existing therapeutic modalities, demands dedicated domain research. Our group has developed nanotherapeutics consisting of bioactives such as Thymoquinone (TQ) and Fulvic acid (FA), which have been successfully incorporated into a Nanoemulsion gel (NEG), taking kalonji oil as oil phase. The composition is aimed at ameliorating psoriasis with better therapeutic outcomes. TQ is a natural bio-active that has been linked to anti-psoriatic actions. FA has anti-inflammatory actions due to its free radical and oxidant-scavenging activity. Our previous publication reports the formulation development of the NEG, where we overcame the pharmaco-technical limitations of combining the above two natural bioactives. In vitro evaluation of the optimized NEG was carried out, which showed an enhanced dissolution rate and skin permeation of TQ. This work furthers the pharmaceutical progression of dual-targeted synergistic NEG to treat psoriasis. A suitable animal model, BALB/c mice, has been used to conduct the in vivo studies, which revealed the effective anti-psoriatic action of TQ. Molecular docking studies corroborated the results and revealed a good binding affinity for both the targets of TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor) and IL-6 (Interlukin-6). Tissue uptake by Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), a skin interaction study of the gel formulation, and an antioxidant free radical scavenging assay (1-1 Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl DPPH) were also carried out. It was concluded that the NEG may be effective in treating psoriasis with minimal side effects.
3D printed fiber-optic nanomechanical bioprobe

Ultrasensitive nanomechanical instruments, e.g. atomic force microscopy (AFM), can be used to perform delicate biomechanical measurements and reveal the complex mechanical environment of biological processes. However, these instruments are limited because of their size and complex feedback system. In this study, we demonstrate a miniature fiber optical nanomechanical probe (FONP) that can be used to detect the mechanical properties of single cells and in vivo tissue measurements. A FONP that can operate in air and in liquids was developed by programming a microcantilever probe on the end face of a single-mode fiber using femtosecond laser two-photon polymerization nanolithography. To realize stiffness matching of the FONP and sample, a strategy of customizing the microcantilever’s spring constant according to the sample was proposed based on structure-correlated mechanics. As a proof-of concept, three FONPs with spring constants varying from 0.421 N m−1 to 52.6 N m−1 by more than two orders of magnitude were prepared. The highest microforce sensitivity was 54.5 nm μN−1 and the detection limit was 2.1 nN. The Young’s modulus of heterogeneous soft materials, such as polydimethylsiloxane, muscle tissue of living mice, onion cells, and MCF-7 cells, were successfully measured, which validating the broad applicability of this method. Our strategy provides a universal protocol for directly programming fiber-optic AFMs. Moreover, this method has no special requirements for the size and shape of living biological samples, which is infeasible when using commercial AFMs. FONP has made substantial progress in realizing basic biological discoveries, which may create new biomedical applications that cannot be realized by current AFMs.
Design of a 140 GHz Quasi-optical Resonator for Measuring Low-loss Dielectric

The theoretical analysis and design of a quasi-optical resonator operating at 140 GHz is presented in this paper. The initial theorectial calculation shows that this resonator operates in the $\mathbf{TEM}_{\mathbf{0},\mathbf{0},\boldsymbol{q}}$ mode and has obtained good electrical perforemance, including a quality factor of 128462, a mode interval of 1.4 GHz, and a beam waist radius of 3.17 mm. The designed quasi-optical resonator is suitable for measuring the low-loss dielectric operating in the sub-terahertz band.
The Prediction of Road-Accident Risk through Data Mining: A Case Study from Setubal, Portugal

This work proposes a tool to predict the risk of road accidents. The developed system consists of three steps: data selection and collection, preprocessing, and the use of mining algorithms. The data were imported from the Portuguese National Guard database, and they related to accidents that occurred from 2019 to 2021. The results allowed us to conclude that the highest concentration of accidents occurs during the time interval from 17:00 to 20:00, and that rain is the meteorological factor with the greatest effect on the probability of an accident occurring. Additionally, we concluded that Friday is the day of the week on which more accidents occur than on other days. These results are of importance to the decision makers responsible for planning the most effective allocation of resources for traffic surveillance.
Evaluation of high-pass filtered eddy-viscosity models for large-eddy simulation of turbulent flows

Large-eddy simulations (LES) of incompressible homogeneous isotropic turbulence and turbulent channel flow are performed at moderate Reynolds numbers using high-pass filtered (HPF) eddy-viscosity models. This family of models computes the subgrid-scale (SGS) terms from a high-pass filtered velocity field using classical closure relations, e.g. the Smagorinsky or the structure–function model closure. Unlike the classical fixed-coefficient eddy-viscosity models, the HPF models are able to accurately describe the viscous sublayer of near-wall turbulence. Moreover, it has been shown recently that the HPF models are also capable of predicting transitional flows. Detailed results of energy and dissipation spectra are given for forced isotropic turbulence at microscale Reynolds number up to Re λ≈5500. For turbulent channel flow at friction Reynolds number Re τ≈590, results are presented for first- and second-order statistics as well as for the energy budget including the SGS terms. The overall performance of the HPF eddy-viscosity models is very good for both flow cases using a constant model coefficient. An empirical adaptation of the model coefficient to the cutoff wavenumber of the chosen high-pass filter is given. In contrast to classical eddy-viscosity models, the HPF models allow the prediction of backscatter effects, which are important for wall-bounded flows close to the walls.
Magnetic Monopole Current in Artificial Square Spin Ice

Recent theoretical and experimental results have revealed the existence of magnetic monopoles, in the form of quasi particles, in both condensed matter known as spin ice, as well as in two-dimensional artificial versions of the same material. In this report a two-dimensional Ising model is first examined, then an artificial square spin ice model using a dipole approximation, only taking into account nearest and next nearest neighbors. The Metropolis algorithm is used to obtain the internal energy, specific heat capacity and entropy as functions of temperature. In the latter model the magnetic monopole concentration and monopole current is also simulated. The two models show similar quantitative behavior in the above mentioned physical quantities, and in comparison to previously published results. In the artificial square spin ice model, under the influence of a magnetic field, a rapidly decreasing monopole current is observed, which decreases faster for higher temperatures. The magnitude of the magnetic field plays a significant role in the generation of the monopole current, and no direct effect of the phase transitionis observed.
Calculation of the electrostatic-potential distribution in ohmic elliptical cylinders fed by a dipole source

We have developed an analytical method based on Mathieu functions to solve Poisson’s equation in homogeneous right elliptical cylinders. We apply the method to a detailed study of the electric-potential distribution in the bulk and on the surface of ohmic conductors of such a shape, fed by a current dipole located at any inside position. Contrary to a common opinion in electrocardiology, the potential contour map on the surface of cylinders of pronounced ellipticity has more than one maximum and one minimum if the dipole is located close and parallel to the symmetry plane containing the axes of greatest lengths, i.e., the ellipse major axis and the cylinder axis. The extrema are located near the intersection with the plane normal to the previous one and containing the dipole axis. We discuss the cases of cylinders with different ellipticity and dimension ratio, focusing on the evolution of the number and position of the surface-potential extrema as a function of the location and orientation of the dipole .
Memes as Instructional Tools for Experiential Information Processing in Public Speaking Courses

Students process information in two modes: cognitive and experiential. Case studies and stories are generally used as tools for experiential information processing. This article uses memes as an instructional tool to deliver information for experiential information processing in a public speaking course. The effectiveness of memes as an instructional tool is assessed through a questionnaire in terms of their overall effectiveness and its memorability, concreteness, and course orientation. The findings suggest that memes can be used effectively as instructional tools like stories to make the students understand, discuss, and engage with course content.
Identification of Potential Hub Genes Related to Aflatoxin B1, Liver Fibrosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

Simple Summary Aflatoxin B1 a highly distributed and hepatotoxicant leads to liver damage and the subsequent development of liver cancer. The aim is to study the combined genes and their function in liver damage progression to prevent reversible liver fibrosis which is a dynamic and bidirectional process to become irreversible liver cancer as a result of aflatoxin B1 exposure. The present study revealed that the combined differential expressed genes of AFB1-fibrosis-related and liver cancer-related were connected to cell process disruption, the top ten core genes were identified using four different algorithm methods and the combined core genes showed that the BUB1B and RRM2 genes were core genes of AFB1-liver fibrosis-liver cancer. The inflammatory-related signaling ssGSEA score for BUB1B high expression results in a significant increase in the expression of JAK-STAT regulation and TLR signaling with no effect on the RRM2 gene also the immune checkpoint chemotherapy-related high expression of the BUB1B gene was showed to have a significant change in CTLA4 Blockage in TCHA LIHC patients. Our study will contribute to, the aflatoxin b1 hepatotoxicant damaging progression could be controlled by BUB1B and RRM2 gene study. Abstract The molecular mechanism of the hepatotoxicant aflatoxin B1 to induce liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear, to offer fresh perspectives on the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of AFB1-Fibrosis-HCC, which may offer novel targets for the detection and therapy of HCC caused by AFB1. In this study, expression profiles of AFB1, liver fibrosis and liver cancer-related datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the GEO2R tool. The STRING database, CytoHubba, and Cytoscape software were used to create the protein-protein interaction and hub genes of the combined genes, and the ssGSEA score for inflammatory cells related gene sets, the signaling pathway, and immunotherapy were identified using R software and the GSEA database. The findings revealed that AFB1-associated liver fibrosis and HCC combined genes were linked to cell process disruptions, the BUB1B and RRM2 genes were identified as hub genes, and the BUB1B gene was significantly increased in JAK-STAT signaling gene sets pathways as well as having an immunotherapy-related impact. In conclusion, BUB1B and RRM2 were identified as potential biomarkers for AFB1-induced fibrosis and HCC progression.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of the compression wave generated by a train entering a tunnel with a flared portal

The compression wave generated by a high-speed train entering a tunnel is studied theoretically and experimentally. It is shown that the pressure rise across the wavefront is given approximately by formula here where ρo, U, M, [Ascr ]o and [Ascr ] respectively denote the mean air density, train speed, train Mach number, and the cross-sectional areas of the train and the uniform section of the tunnel. A monopole source representing the displacement of air by the train is responsible for the main pressure rise across the wave, but second-order dipole sources must also be invoked to render theoretical predictions compatible with experiment. The principal dipole is produced by the compression wave drag acting on the nose of the train. A second dipole of comparable strength, but probably less significant in practice, is attributed to ‘vortex sound’ sources in the shear layers of the back-flow out of the tunnel of the air displaced by the train. Experiments are performed that confirm the efficacy of an ‘optimally flared’ portal whose cross-sectional area S(x) varies according to the formula formula here where x is distance increasing negatively into the tunnel, [lscr ] is the prescribed length of the flared section, and [Ascr ]E is the tunnel entrance cross-sectional area, given by formula here This portal is predicted theoretically to cause the pressure to increase linearly with distance across a compression wavefront of thickness ∼ [lscr ]/M, which is very much larger than in the absence of flaring. The increased wave thickness and linear pressure variation counteract the effect of nonlinear steepening of the wave in a long tunnel, and tend to suppress the environmentally harmful ‘micro-pressure wave’ radiated from the far end of the tunnel when the compression wave arrives. Our experiments are conducted at model scale using axisymmetric ‘trains’ projected at U ∼ 300 k.p.h. (M ≈ 0.25) along the axis of a cylindrical tunnel fitted with a flared portal. The blockage [Ascr ]o/[Ascr ] = 0.2, which is comparable to the larger values encountered in high-speed rail operations.
Performance and Tolerance of a Protocol for Idiopathic Chronic Greasy Seborrhea in 18 Dogs Using a Shampoo and Mousse Containing Plant Extracts

Simple Summary Greasy skin and excessive skin scaling accompany numerous dermatoses. Rapid and sustainable improvement of skin appearance and application practicability are important features to enhance the dog’s appearance and encourage owner compliance. The study aimed to evaluate the tolerance and performance of one shampoo and subsequent mousses applications containing plant extracts in dogs with greasy skin. Six dogs were washed with plain water on day (D)0 and served as negative controls. Twelve dogs were shampooed on D0 and received eight mousse applications at 48–72 h intervals from D2 to D18. Skin was evaluated on D0, D0 + 4 h, D7, D14 and D24. At baseline, there were no significant differences observed between groups. In the control group, skin appearance and lipid contents remained stable throughout the study. Skin lesions and malodour were significantly reduced in the test group from D7 with no side effects. Hydration and hair lipids levels decreased in the test group at D0 + 4 h and returned to baseline from D14 and D7 on, respectively. In conclusion, one shampoo and subsequent mousse applications rapidly and safely improved coat and skin appearance in dogs with greasy skin and dandruff without affecting water and hair lipid contents. Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the tolerance, performance and effect on hair lipids and skin hydration of a protocol combining applications of one shampoo and subsequent mousses containing plant extracts (Ophytrium and Seboliance) in dogs with an undiagnosed chronic greasy keratinisation disorder. Six dogs were washed with plain water on day (D)0. Twelve dogs were shampooed on D0 and received eight mousse applications at 48–72 h intervals from D2 to D18. Clinical score (CS), Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) and hair lipids (HL) were evaluated on D0, D0 + 4 h, D7, D14 and D24. At baseline, no significant differences were observed in CS, NMF and HL between groups. In the control group, CS and HL remained stable throughout the study while a slight decrease in NMF was observed at D0 + 4 h. CS was significantly reduced in the test group between D0 and D7 (−53%) which reached 91% at D24 (p < 0.05), with no side effects. NMF levels decreased in the test group at D0 + 4 h (−73%, p < 0.0001) and returned to baseline from D14. In conclusion, one shampoo and subsequent mousse applications rapidly and safely improved coat quality in dogs with an undiagnosed keratinisation disorder without affecting NMF and HL contents over the study period.
Relating image, shape, position, and velocity in visual tracking

This paper solves four problems associated with typical correlation tracking systems. The first problem is that uncertainty in the position observation of an object is not propagated from the detection stage to the tracking stage. The second problem is that the shape of the reference template always lags the actual shape of the object. The third problem is the need for a separate acquisition process to generate the initial reference template. The fourth problem is the inability to track multiple objects. To overcome these problems we developed the Shape Estimating Filter (SEF), a homogeneous extension of the basic correlation tracker; and its multi-target counterpart the Competitive Attentional Correlation Tracker using Shape (CACTuS).
A 3.3-3.6 GHz Doherty Power Amplifier in GaAs HBT Technology with an Asymmetric Structure

This work proposes a GaAs HBT Doherty power amplifier (DP A) with a compact size for 5G application. Different from most GaAs HBT DP As, this DPA operates in the asymmetric mode with an integrated three stages for higher gain, and the phase alignment between the carrier and peaking amplifier is enhanced by employing input, inter-stage and output matching network. The fabricated Doherty P A achieved a high gain of 32.5-34.1 dB and P1dB of 34-34.5 dBm. The 42.8-45 % and 28.7-30.9 % PAE are obtained at P1dB and 7 dB PBO under a continuous-wave signal test across 3.3-3.6 GHz respectively. At 3.5 GHz, a 10-MHz two-tone signal is also applied to the proposed DP A. The measured IMD3 is less than -30.2 dBc without any linearization.
GENERATION OF COHERENT TERAHERTZ RADIATION BY PHOTOMIXING IN DIPOLE PHOTOCONDUCTIVE ANTENNAS

We demonstrate the generation of continuous-wave terahertz radiation at frequencies up to 3.5 THz by photomixing in LT-GaAs photoconductors with printed dipole antennas. The expected resonance peak was clearly observed in the radiation spectrum of a 50 μm dipole antenna, and the radiation property was discussed in terms of the antenna impedance. The spectral bandwidth was greater than the electrical bandwidth of the photoconductor determined by the carrier lifetime of the material. The quality of the resonance, however, was not as high as expected because of the imperfect geometry and ohmic loss of the antenna.
Investigation of West Lake Ecotourism Capabilities Using SWOT and TOPSIS Decision-Making Methods

Using SWOT and TOPSIS models, this study aimed to determine West Lake’s potential as a tourist destination. In terms of study methodology, the current research is a descriptive survey. The TOPSIS method was used to rank strengths, weaknesses, threats, opportunities, and preferred strategies after the SWOT analysis was completed. Using a questionnaire and the Delphi method, 30 regional specialists provided research data which was collected and analyzed. Thirteen internal elements and twelve external factors affecting the West Lake tourism were identified and evaluated. Additionally, fifteen strategies were presented to improve the lake’s tourism. On the basis of the matrix of internal–external components in the SWOT model, an aggressive approach was determined to be the optimal strategic stance for West Lake. The results of the TOPSIS technique also revealed that internal strengths have a bigger impact than other elements; hence, aggressive strategies are emphasized for the growth of ecotourism in this region. Based on the results of the TOPSIS technique, the “optimal utilization of the lake’s natural, cultural, and historical potential and attractions in order to develop and attract tourists and generate jobs and revenues“ and “formulation of strategic plans to maximize potential and opportunities in order to attract tourists in all seasons of the year“ strategies were identified as the most important strategies for enhancing the West Lake tourism scenario. Therefore, it is hoped that the relevant authorities would contribute to the expansion and enhancement of the region’s economy through a focus on the vision and goals of the tourist sector and careful foresight in the implementation of these projects.