Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Severe Caries and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization and Its Influence on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children: A Comparative Study

Background: Treatment of oral diseases can have a long-lasting impact on a child’s life well beyond its childhood years. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of treatment on the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children with severe caries and severe molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). Methods: A total of 210 children (mean age 9 years; 49% female) with severe caries (inner third of dentin) and severe MIH (post-eruptive breakdown, crown destruction) were included in the study. Both groups were matched according to age, gender, and social status. The German version of the Child Perception Questionnaire for 8–10-year-olds (CPQ-G8–10) was used before and after treatment to analyze the impact on OHRQoL. Results: Patients with severe MIH showed a significantly higher total CPQ score (17.8 (±10.6)) before treatment compared to the caries group (13.8 (±14.3)). The mean CPQ score in all subdomains decreased significantly after therapy in the MIH group. Children with severe carious lesions had similar results except in the domain “functional limitations”, as treatment led to only minor changes (2.9 (±3.6) to 2.2 (±2.6)). Conclusions: Despite a narrower treatment spectrum, patients with severe MIH experienced a greater overall improvement in OHRQoL compared to the caries group.
Heterogeneity of the Impact of the Social Old-Age Insurance and the Medical Insurance on the Mortality Risk of the Elderly

Based on the frailty Cox model, this paper analyzes CLHLS data from 2008 to 2017/2018 to examine the impact of the social old-age insurance and the medical insurance on the mortality risk of the elderly based on the age structures, urban/rural areas and regions. The results reveal the heterogeneous impact as follows. In terms of the age structures, the social old-age insurance significantly reduces the mortality risk of the elderly aged below 80, but has no significant impact on the elderly aged 80 and above, whereas the medical insurance significantly reduces the mortality risk of the elderly aged 80 and above, but has no significant impact on the elderly aged below 80. In urban/rural areas and different regions, the social old-age insurance has no significant impact on the mortality risk of the elderly, whereas the social medical insurance significantly increases the mortality risk of the elderly in urban areas and the East, and reduces that of the elderly in rural areas and the Middle and the West. When implementing the insurances, China should pay attention to the different attributes of the elderly to guarantee the service quality, including the age structures, urban/rural areas and regions. A full consideration should be given to the allocation of investment and social security resources, so as to address the issue of the mismatch between the supply and demand of medical resources, and finally achieve the success of healthy aging and health equity.
Minimizing Stack Memory for Partitioned Mixed-criticality Scheduling on Multiprocessor Platforms

A Mixed-Criticality System (MCS) features the integration of multiple subsystems that are subject to different levels of safety certification on a shared hardware platform. In cost-sensitive application domains such as automotive E/E systems, it is important to reduce application memory footprint, since such a reduction may enable the adoption of a cheaper microprocessor in the family. Preemption Threshold Scheduling (PTS) is a well-known technique for reducing system stack usage. We consider partitioned multiprocessor scheduling, with Preemption Threshold Adaptive Mixed-Criticality (PT-AMC) as the task scheduling algorithm on each processor and address the optimization problem of finding a feasible task-to-processor mapping with minimum total system stack usage on a resource-constrained multi-processor. We present the Extended Maximal Preemption Threshold Assignment Algorithm (EMPTAA), with dual purposes of improving the taskset’s schedulability if it is not already schedulable, and minimizing system stack usage of the schedulable taskset. We present efficient heuristic algorithms for finding sub-optimal yet high-quality solutions, including Maximum Utilization Difference based Partitioning (MUDP) and MUDP with Backtrack Mapping (MUDP-BM), as well as a Branch-and-Bound (BnB) algorithm for finding the optimal solution. Performance evaluation with synthetic task sets demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
Fuzzy model-based disturbance rejection control for atomic force microscopy with input constraint

Accurate representation of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) system is not only necessary to achieve control objectives, but it is also beneficial for detecting the nanomechanical properties of the samples. To this end, this paper addresses the issue of controller design for the AFM system based on an accurate nonaffine nonlinear distributed-parameters model in which flexibility and distributed mass effects of the microcantilever beam are considered properly. First, a T-S fuzzy model is derived for this dynamical model of the AFM system in order to simplify the procedure of controller design. Then, a fuzzy model-based controller is designed to suppress the chaos and attenuate the disturbance in the AFM system through the linear matrix inequality (LMI) formulation. Moreover, by considering some criteria for disturbance rejection and transient performance, and some constraints on control input and states, new stabilization conditions are proposed based on a fuzzy Lyapunov function. Finally, simulation results are represented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Premium Monovision versus Bilateral Myopic Monovision, Hybrid Monovision and Bilateral Trifocal Implantation: A Comparative Study

Purpose Contemporary monovision techniques use premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), either in both eyes or at least in the non-dominant one. Primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of premium monovision (implantation of the trifocal diffractive Panoptix IOL in the non-dominant eye and the bifocal hybrid refractive-diffractive Restor IOL in the dominant eye), against bilateral myopic monovision (implantation of the monofocal SN60WF IOL targeting −0.50 D in the dominant eye and −1.25 D myopia in the non-dominant one), hybrid monovision (implantation of Panoptix in the non-dominant eye and SN60WF in the dominant eye) and bilateral trifocal implantation (with bilateral Panoptix implantation). Methods This is a prospective, comparative, clinic-based trial. Cataract patients populated four study groups: Monovision Group (MoG), Multifocal Lens Group (MfG), Hybrid Monovision Group (HmG) and Premium Monovision Group (PmG). Binocular Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity (UDVA), Uncorrected Reading Acuity and Critical Print Size at 60cm (UIRA, UICPS) and at 40cm (UNRA, UNCPS), contrast sensitivity, vision-related functional impairment, dysphotopsia symptoms and spectacle dependence were evaluated 6 months following the operation of the second eye. A mathematical model was constructed, which calculated the relative efficacy of each surgical intervention. Results A total of 120 participants were recruited and populated equally the study groups. Significant improvement of preoperative UDVA was observed in all study groups. No significant differences could be detected in postoperative UDVA and UIRA (p = 0.24) among study groups, while significant differences were noticed in UICPS (p = 0.04), UNRA (p = 0.02) and UNCPS (p = 0.01). Dysphotopic phenomena (glare and shadows) were significantly more in the MfG arm followed by the PmG group (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively), while perceived difficulty and spectacle independence rates were significantly better in PmG group. PmG presented the best overall relative efficacy. Conclusion All surgical techniques present satisfactory outcomes. Premium monovision seems to demonstrate the best outcomes. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04618380. Registered 05 November 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04618380.
Development of Hif1a Pharmacogenomic Mutation Models to Study Individual Variations in Drug Action for Tumor Hypoxia: An in Silico Approach

Objective: Tumor hypoxia, a predominant feature of solid tumor produces drug resistance that significantly impacts a patient's clinical outcomes. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α) is the major mutation involved in establishing the microenvironment. As a consequence of its involvement in pathways that enable rapid tumor growth, it creates resistance to chemotherapeutic treatments. The propensity of medications to demonstrate drug action often diverges according to the genetic composition. The aim of this study is therefore to examine the effect of population-dependent drug response variations using mutation models. Methods: Genetic variations distinctive to major super-populations were identified, and the mutated gene was acquired as a result of incorporating the variants. The mutated gene sequence was transcribed and translated to obtain the target amino acid sequence. To investigate the effects of mutations, protein models were developed using homology modeling. The target templates for the backbone structure were identified by characterization of primary and secondary protein structures. The modeled proteins were then validated for structural confirmation and flexibility. Potential models were used for interaction studies with hypoxia-specific molecules (tirapazamine, apaziquone, and ENMD) using docking analysis. To verify their stability under pre-defined dynamic conditions, the complexes were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation. Results: The current research models demonstrate with the pharmacogenomic-based mutation of HIF1α the impact of individual variants in altering the person-specific drug response under tumor hypoxic conditions. It also elucidates that the therapeutic effect is altered concerning population-dependent genetic changes in the individual. Conclusion: The study, therefore, asserts the need to set up a personalized drug design approach to enhance tumor hypoxia treatment efficacy.
Driving Australia’s digital future? Online engagement and the National Digital Economy Strategy

Infrastructure developments under the National Broadband Network and the prominence of Web 2.0 technologies and other broadband-enabled applications and services have prompted the Australian Federal Government to address Internet use for two-way communication with citizens. Online civic engagement is encouraged and endorsed through recent policies; however, there is a significant gap in transforming visions of engagement into forms of action. Federal initiatives emphasise the role of customers over citizens and implicitly equate improved service delivery with increased online engagement.This article explores the e-government goal of the National Digital Economy Strategy, which aims to have four out of five Australians engaging with governments online by 2020 and identifies that local and state governments will drive greater digital engagement. Improved infrastructure will not routinely transfer into increased online engagement, and local governments in particular will require additional guidance and support when advancing e-government practices. This article suggests that a cohesive e-government policy approach that coordinates knowledge and action through the various tiers of Australian government would facilitate the development of citizen-centric opportunities for e-government engagement.
Silicon nitride C-band grating couplers with reduced waveguide back-reflection

We present a C-band grating coupler for the 800 nm silicon nitride platform with fully etched grates and suppressed back-reflection. By interrupting the first few grates in the center of the beam incoming from the waveguide and gradually increasing their span, waveguide-to-waveguide back-reflection is reduced by 5-12 dB in the C-band, at which the proposed grating coupler features an extra 2.7 dB insertion losses compared to the 5.8 dB of a standard reference design. Such grating couplers are expected to be particularly useful for applications sensitive to optical feedback, such as external cavity lasers.
Managing the restaurant experience: re-specifying the role of food, interaction, and atmosphere as contributors to the optimal flow experience

ABSTRACT The flow experience’s role in helping people feel greater enjoyment and involvement is often used in online-consumer behavior platforms may be applied and refined further in a restaurant setting. While considering the challenging boundary conditions of the flow experience, this study contains the results of an exploration into whether the state of flow occurs during a relatively passively dining activity on the consumer’s part. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) because of its prediction-oriented nature, this study found that the flow experience can occur in a dining environment where one’s involvement is less active than that of online settings influences consumer word-of-mouth and revisit intentions. This study also demonstrates that extrinsic cues change people’s level of acceptance of intrinsic cues in restaurants. Academically, this study expands the theory of flow in the hospitality context. Practically, I suggest that restaurant managers need to continuously develop and monitor the factors that can induce flow experiences in restaurants.
Performance Testing and Subjective Evaluation: Giving Equal Importance to Both

The key to finding real issues with, and benefits of a product or system is to collect and merge findings from both empirical performance testing and subjective evaluation methods. As practitioners, Human Factors professionals are frequently challenged with identifying cost effective solutions that also meet end-user needs for usability. If the system is not usable from the end-user's perspective, performance enhancements cannot be achieved. Likewise, if the system is very usable but does not provide any process improvement, then it is not likely to be purchased. Reconciling and communicating differences in findings between empirical and subjective data is challenging. This paper provides a systematic method for providing value for all product or system users, including individuals with such disparate needs as management and end-users. The paper incorporates recognized usability testing methods for addressing detailed usability concerns, includes a method of systematic testing called the LSF Process, and introduces a means of communicating subjective feedback through cluster graphs.
Traveling Transporter Problem: Arranging a New Circular Route in a Public Transportation System Based on Heterogeneous Non-Monotonic Urban Data

Hybrid computational intelligent systems that synergize learning-based inference models and route planning strategies have thrived in recent years. In this article, we focus on the non-monotonicity originated from heterogeneous urban data, as well as heuristics based on neural networks, and thereafter formulate the traveling transporter problem (TTP). TTP is a multi-criteria optimization problem and may be applied to the circular route deployment in public transportation. In particular, TTP aims to find an optimized route that maximizes passenger flow according to a neural-network-based inference model and minimizes the length of the route given several constraints, including must-visit stations and the requirement for additional ones. As a variation of the traveling salesman problem (TSP), we propose a framework that first recommends new stations’ location while considering the herding effect between stations, and thereafter combines state-of-the-art TSP solvers and a metaheuristic named Trembling Hand, which is inspired by self-efficacy for solving TTP. Precisely, the proposed Trembling Hand enhances the spatial exploration considering the structural patterns, previous actions, and aging factors. Evaluation conducted on two real-world mass transit systems, Tainan and Chicago, shows that the proposed framework can outperform other state-of-the-art methods by securing the Pareto-optimal toward the objectives of TTP among comparative methods under various constrained settings.
Inferring the contribution of small RNAs to changes in gene expression in response to stress

Abstract A main strategy of bacteria adapting to environmental changes is the remodeling of their transcriptome. Changes in the transcript levels of specific genes are due to combined effects of various regulators, including small RNAs (sRNAs). sRNAs are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that mainly control translation, but also directly and indirectly affect the levels of their target transcripts. Yet, the relative contribution of an sRNA to the total change in the transcript level of a gene upon an environmental change has not been assessed. We present a design of differential gene expression analysis by RNA-seq that allows extracting the contribution of an sRNA to the total change in the transcript level of each gene in response to an environmental change by fitting a linear model to the data. We exemplify this for the sRNA RyhB in cells growing under iron limitation and show a variation among genes in the relative contribution of RyhB to the change in their transcript level upon iron limitation, from subtle to very substantial. Extracting the relative contribution of an sRNA to the total change in expression of genes is important for understanding the integration of regulation by sRNAs with other regulatory mechanisms in the cell.
Lean Principles Approach in Solving Poor Risk Management: A Short Review

Managing risk at the beginning stage of product development is considered to be the answer in securing a business future and success for any organization in the long run. Lean principles have an important role in ensuring the success of implementing risk management to identify and eliminate product risk at the early stages. This paper aims to review the lean principles approach in solving poor risk management. Although lean principles usually use tools, this study describes the further use of integrating lean principle to identify the important elements and advantages for risk management in the new product development (NPD) stage. This study also proposes the conceptual framework of a project management development system, which can help to ensure that organizations always stay competitive in the market and improve the skills of project managers for proper development execution.
Multi-Sensor Fusion Self-Supervised Deep Odometry and Depth Estimation

This paper presents a new deep visual-inertial odometry and depth estimation framework for improving the accuracy of depth estimation and ego-motion from image sequences and inertial measurement unit (IMU) raw data. The proposed framework predicts ego-motion and depth with absolute scale in a self-supervised manner. We first capture dense features and solve the pose by deep visual odometry (DVO), and then combine the pose estimation pipeline with deep inertial odometry (DIO) by the extended Kalman filter (EKF) method to produce the sparse depth and pose with absolute scale. We then join deep visual-inertial odometry (DeepVIO) with depth estimation by using sparse depth and the pose from DeepVIO pipeline to align the scale of the depth prediction with the triangulated point cloud and reduce image reconstruction error. Specifically, we use the strengths of learning-based visual-inertial odometry (VIO) and depth estimation to build an end-to-end self-supervised learning architecture. We evaluated the new framework on the KITTI datasets and compared it to the previous techniques. We show that our approach improves results for ego-motion estimation and achieves comparable results for depth estimation, especially in the detail area.
Biomechanics of Prosthetic Knee Systems : Role of Dampening and Energy Storage Systems

One significant drawback of the commercial passive and microprocessored prosthetic devices, the inability of delivering positive energy when needed, is due to the absence of the knee flexion during stance phase. Moreover, consequences such as circumduction and disturbed gait pattern take place due to the improper energy flow at the knee and the absence of the positive energy delivery during the swing phase. Current generation powered design has solved these problems by delivering the needed energy with heavy battery demanding motors, which increase the mass of the device significantly. Hence, the gait quality of transfemoral amputees has not improved significantly in the last 50 years due to the inefficient energy flow distribution causing the patient to hike his/her pelvis, which leads to back pain in the long run. In this context, state-of-art prosthetics technology is trending toward creating energy regenerative devices, which are able to harvest/ return energy during ambulation by a spring mechanism, since a spring not only permits significant power demand reduction but also provides high power-to-weight ratio. This study will examine the sagittal plane knee moment versus knee flexion angle properties robotically, clinically and theoretically to explore the functional
PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF EXTRACTS AND FRACTIONS OF Dillenia suffruticosa LEAVES

Dillenia suffruticosa or ‘Simpur bini’ is known to have ethnomedicinal properties and had been used traditionally to heal wounds, relieve fever and rheumatism. There has been limited studies carried out on this species, therefore, this study aims to evaluate the phytochemical contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of aqueous extract, methanol extract and its fractions obtained from the leaves of D. suffruticosa. The dried leaves were extracted using methanol before successive solvent partitioning was carried out on the extract using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and diethyl ether. In addition to this, aqueous decoction was conducted. The antioxidant activities were determined using Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging methods. Phytochemical screening had shown that most of the extracts and fractions contained alkaloids, steroids, phenolics, flavonoids and saponins. The diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions showed higher TPC and TFC values. The diethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions also showed higher antioxidant activities determined via DPPH assay. Antibacterial activities determined using disc diffusion assay showed the methanol extract and its fractions had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with the diethyl ether fraction having comparable activity with the standard antibiotic streptomycin. However, inhibition against Bacillus subtilis was only observed in hexane, chloroform and diethyl ether fractions. No inhibition was observed against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study identified the diethyl ethyl and ethyl acetate fractions of D. suffruticosa leaves as potential sources of bioactive compounds. Further investigations on the bioassay-guided isolation of bioactive compounds of this species may lead to the discovery of new pharmaceutical or effective antimicrobial agents.
Research progress on micro vibration energy harvesters

Vibrational energy harvesting devices is becoming one of the important micro-energy devices which are widely researched currently,because of characteristics of small volume,long lifetime and high energy density.Different type of energy-harvesting modules based on principle of electromagnetic,piezoelectric,electrostatic,magneticelastic and hybrid type,etc. are presented,the advantages,disadvantages,current situation and future development trends at home and abroad of those modules are systematically reviewed; in addition,power management and energy storage circuit module are also overviewed. Finally,developing prospects and trend of micro vibration energy harvesters are forecasted.