Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Class III Malocclusion: Missense Mutations in DUSP6 Gene

Objective: To determine the DUSP6 gene mutation in three generations of Malaysian Malay subjects having Class III malocclusion. Material and Methods: Genetic analyses of DUSP6 gene were carried out in 30 subjects by selecting three individuals representing three generations, respectively, from ten Malaysian Malay families having Class III malocclusion and 30 healthy controls. They were submitted Clinical Evaluation to clinical examination, lateral cephalometric radiographs, dental casts, and/ or facial and intra-oral photographs. Buccal cell was taken from each participant of Class III malocclusion and control groups. DNA extractions from buccal cell were carried out using Gentra puregene buccal cell kit. Bio Edit Sequence Alignment Editor software was used to see the sequencing result. Results: A heterozygous missense mutation c.1094C>T (p. Thr 365 Ile) was identified in DUSP6 gene in three members of one family with Class III malocclusion, whereas no mutation was found in the control group. Conclusion: Current study successfully identified a missense mutation in DUSP6 gene among one Malaysian Malay family affected by Class III malocclusion. The outcome of this study broadened the mutation spectrum of Class III malocclusion and the importance of DUSP6 gene in skeletal functions.
Piezoelectric circular diaphragm with mechanically induced pre-stress for energy harvesting

This paper presents the results of a piezoelectric circular diaphragm harvester utilising a unique measurement setup with tailored input force (walk profile), adjustable mechanical pre-stress, and simultaneous measurement of the harvested energy output and input force pressure. The harvester, incorporating the pre-stressing mechanism, consisted of a 191 μm thick PZ-5A piezoelectric disc (Ø 34.5 mm) and a 100 μm thick steel plate (Ø 45.5 mm). Its performance was measured with pressure cycles at a frequency of 0.96 Hz. Harvested energy was measured as a function of the pre-stressing state, the applied force, and the pressure profile. The optimal bending pre-stress was found to improve the efficiency of harvesting by ∼141% compared to the case without pre-stress. The maximum obtained efficiency was 14.7%, and the maximum average power density of 6.06 mW cm−3 was measured for a unimorph diaphragm energy harvester. The results show that the pre-stressing technique is an effective method to improve the efficiency and generated power in this type of piezoelectric harvester, potentially enabling it to power different portable devices and sensors in future applications.
Design and modeling of an acoustically excited double-paddle scanner

Dynamic analysis is an essential factor in the design, fabrication and optimization of micro-systems. Micro-scanners are currently subjected to wide research work. In this paper, the dynamic behavior of a monolithic single-crystal silicon microstructure is investigated. The microstructure used is a double-paddle scanning mirror for laser applications. It consists of two similar plates (wings) connected to another plate (mirror) and is suspended by one torsion bar. The dynamic analysis is conducted numerically, using finite element analysis. The numerical modeling is described. The numerical results are validated experimentally by measuring the frequency response functions collected at some points on the scanner surface. The experimental modal analysis is performed using a laser Doppler vibrometer and an acoustic excitation device. The excitation device consists of a polyester resin mount with two conic-shaped ducts which give access to the back of the two wings from one side and to two mini loudspeakers on the other side. This excitation device was used and good agreement was found between the numerically predicted and the experimentally identified modal parameters. The non-intrusive excitation mechanism and the optical measurement techniques used in the experiments are discussed. A high quality factor is identified for the chosen operational mode shape.
Effect of Roasting Degree, Extraction Time, and Temperature of Coffee Beans on Anti-Hyperglycaemic and Anti-Hyperlipidaemic Activities Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Coffee consumption has been linked to a low risk of metabolic syndrome. However, evidence supporting its anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic activities remain poorly defined. The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique has been shown to achieve high yields of bioactive compounds in coffee, with preserved functionality. The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of various coffee roasting extracts using UAE on their anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic properties. We examined α-amylase and α-glucosidase, micelle size, micelle solubility, and pancreatic lipase activities. Coffee roasting degrees were classified as light coffee (LC), medium coffee (MC), and dark coffee (DC). We showed that DC at 80°C for 10 min, 40°C for 20 min, and 20°C for 20 min has a high potency to inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase activities by 33.79±3.25%, 19.68±1.43%, and 36.63±1.58%, respectively. LC enhanced cholesterol micelle size and suppressed cholesterol micelle solubility, which suggests that coffee roasting may enhance anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic activities.
A link between migraine and prolactin: the way forward

Migraine is an incapacitating neurological disorder that predominantly affects women. Sex and other hormones (e.g., oxytocin, and prolactin) may play a role in sexual dimorphic features of migraine. Initially, prolactin was recognized for its modulatory action in milk production and secretion; later, its roles in the regulation of the endocrine, immune and nervous systems were discovered. Higher prolactin levels in individuals with migraine were found in earlier studies, with a female sex-dominant trend. Studies that are more recent have identified that the expression of prolactin receptor in response to neuronal excitability and stress depends on sex with a dominant role in females. These findings have opened up potentials for explanation of sex-related pathophysiology of migraine, but have left some unanswered questions. This focused review examines the past and present of the link between prolactin and migraine, and presents open questions and directions for future experimental and clinical efforts.
Gaussian mixture sigma-point particle filter for optical indoor navigation system

With the fast growing and popularization of smart computing devices, there is a rise in demand for accurate and reliable indoor positioning. Recently, systems using visible light communications (VLC) technology have been considered as candidates for indoor positioning applications. A number of researchers have reported that VLC-based positioning systems could achieve position estimation accuracy in the order of centimeter. This paper proposes an Indoors navigation environment, based on visible light communications (VLC) technology. Light-emitting-diodes (LEDs), which are essentially semiconductor devices, can be easily modulated and used as transmitters within the proposed system. Positioning is realized by collecting received-signal-strength (RSS) information on the receiver side, following which least square estimation is performed to obtain the receiver position. To enable tracking of user’s trajectory and reduce the effect of wild values in raw measurements, different filters are employed. In this paper, by computer simulations we have shown that Gaussian mixture Sigma-point particle filter (GM-SPPF) outperforms other filters such as basic Kalman filter and sequential importance-resampling particle filter (SIR-PF), at a reasonable computational cost.
Design and reliability prediction of a distributed landing gear control system

Purpose – Proper function of landing gear plays a crucial role in the safe operation of an airplane. Traditional landing gear control system utilizes centralized control technology. The relatively heavy wire harness and low reliability accompanied with this technology make it logical to transfer from traditional control to real‐time distributed control. This paper aims to look into a new landing gear control system based on time‐triggered architecture (TTA). Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, a new landing gear control system based on TTA is proposed. The reliability of the proposed system is investigated using a combination of Markov analysis and MIL‐HDBK‐217 methods.Findings – The results show that by integration of TTP/C and TTP/A technologies, the advantages of both are achieved. A very high level of reliability is obtained. This increases the confidence when adopting distributed landing gear control technology.Originality/value – The paper presents a new landing gear control system based on .
Evaluation of image quality and radiation dose in kilovoltage cone beam computed tomography

This study was to evaluate the image quality and radiation dose of kV-CBCT when varying mAs and reconstruction filter. The radiation dosimetry (CBDIw) and quality control of kV-CBCT image were done. Routine protocols in head, thorax, and pelvis protocols were performed as a reference image. Then the images were acquired with varied mAs, the other parameters were fixed. Each technique was reconstructed with different filter. The image quality in terms of low contrast and high contrast resolution including CBDIw were compared. The result found that the variation of mAs with auto filter affected low contrast resolution, but slightly effect high contrast resolution. When mAs increased, low contrast detectability increased. Decreasing one step of mAs (16.67%) kept in acceptable image quality and reduced about 15% of CBDIw. The smooth filter improved the low contrast resolution, but it decreased the high contrast resolution. While the sharp or ultra-sharp filter improved the high contrast resolution. In conclusion, the changing of mAs affects the low contrast resolution and CBDIW. While the reconstruction filter changed the both of low and high contrast resolution, but no effect to CBDIw. To optimize the image quality and radiation dose of routine protocols, mAs can reduce one step-down.
Dual coupled inductor fed isolated boost converter for low input voltage applications

A new isolated boost DC-to-DC converter suitable for low input voltage application is proposed. It features low switch current stresses, a wide input voltage range, and inherent inrush current protection, essential for the design of a low-to-high voltage conversion circuits. A comparative analysis and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed converter.
Modified shuffled frog leaping algorithm for optimal switch placement in distribution automation system using a multi-objective fuzzy approach

One of the main issues in distribution sector is to achieve simultaneously high system reliability and low capital costs. Distribution automation systems (DASs) involve automatic and remote-controlled switches. The switches play a significant role in system reliability improvement. This paper proposes the modified shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA) to derive the optimal placement of manual and automatic switches in DASs. A fuzzy approach is used to handle the multi objective considerations, and a fuzzy membership function is defined for each term in the objective function. The first objective is reliability improvement by minimising the customer interruption cost (CIC), and the second objective is to minimise switches purchasing and maintenance cost (SPMC). In this paper, a new method is developed to evaluate CIC and SPMC indices in a distribution network. In the proposed method, customer types, customers load patterns, monthly, daily and hourly customers loading rates are considered. In addition, network branches' failure rate, restoration time and repair time are taken into account. The performance of the proposed approach is assessed and illustrated by studying on the IEEE 123-node feeder standard test system. The simulation results verify the capability of the proposed method.
Design and Simulation of Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem of CubeSat Using Extended Kalman Filtering and Linear Quadratic Gain Controller

This paper describes an integral scheme of the design and simulation of the Attitude Determination and Control Subsystem (ADCS) of CubeSat. CubeSat is an educational low-cost, cube-shaped Pico spacecraft. Attitude Determination (AD) is the problem of expressing the orientation of a spacecraft with respect to a given coordinate system. Three axis magneto-resistive digital magnetometer is selected as an attitude sensor. The International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) is used as reference for magnetometer to obtain attitude information. An enhanced orbit estimate/propagator is implemented to provide position information to IGRF model. Satellite environmental torque is modeled along with satellite kinematics and dynamics. Attitude estimation is done using Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) while the magnetic coils are used as actuators. Attitude Control is applied using Linear Quadratic Regulation (LQR) Controller. The designed ADCS is implemented in Matlab/Simulink.
Fabrication of super-hydrophobic channels

A new approach was developed in this work to create channels which had not only super-hydrophobic bottom surfaces but also super-hydrophobic sidewalls. Researchers have demonstrated that a flow experienced less drag forces and thus required smaller driving pressure in a channel of micro/nanostructure-formed top and bottom surfaces. The drag forces should be further reduced in a channel which has not only patterned top and bottom surfaces but also patterned sidewall surfaces. However, due to the limitation of the existing lithographic approaches, sidewalls could not be properly patterned. Therefore, a new approach was developed in this work to overcome this obstacle. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillars of aspect ratios 1.4, 2.0 and 2.7 were first generated on PDMS films using a molding method, and then transferred to the sidewalls and bottom surfaces of three 1 mm wide and 1 mm deep channels, respectively, applying a hot-embossing process. The corresponding deformation mechanism was considered. The widths of the PDMS films had a critical effect on the cross-section profiles of the generated channels. The radii of the channel corners and inclined degrees of the sidewalls increased with the film widths. Contact angles on the PDMS films before and after the deformations were measured and compared. The contact angles in the middle portions of the sidewalls, as well as at the bottoms of the generated channels, were little difference from those on the original PDMS films due to the small changes in the distances between the micropillars. However, the contact angles were increased and decreased, respectively, at the bottom and top corners of the generated channels since the PDMS films were compressed and stretched at these corners during the fabrication. The variation of the contact angle in each channel was further analyzed according to two existing theoretical formulas. These variations increased with the increasing aspect ratios of the PDMS micropillars. The super-hydrophobic channels fabricated could be potentially employed to reduce drag forces in microfluidic applications.
Seismic Resistance of R/C Exterior Connections with Floor Slab

Experience from past earthquakes has shown that beam‐to‐column connections play a critical role in the survival of reinforced concrete momentresisting frame buildings. It is thus important to develop design procedures that will ensure a satisfactory performance of connections during an earthquake. The current practice for the design of connections has evolved from laboratory testing of a large number of beam‐to‐column connections subassemblies. However, most of these tests did not include a slab, which, in a real building, is invariably an integral part of the framing system. Recently, some concern has been shown on the effect of the presence of a slab on the behavior of connections. The main objective of this investigation was to study the effect of the presence of a slab on the behavior of exterior beam‐to‐column connections. A total of six three‐quarter scale beam‐to‐column connection subassemblies were tested under a simulated earthquake‐type loading. The primary test variable was the width of the flo.
In-Vitro Investigation of Fatigue and Fracture Behavior of Transmucosal versus Submerged Bone Level Implants Used in Fixed Prosthesis

Background: The present in vitro study aimed to investigate the fatigue performance of different dental fixtures in two different emergence profiles. Biological failures are frequently reported because the problem canonly be solved by replacing a failing implant with a new one. Clinicians addressed minor mechanical failures, such as bending, loosening or the fracture of screws, abutment, or the entire prosthesis, by simply replacing or fixing them. Methods: Transmucosal and submerged bone-level dental implants underwent fatigue strength tests (statical and dynamical performance) by a standardized test: UNI EN ISO 14801:2016. Two types of emergence profiles (Premium sub-crestal straight implant with a cylindrical-shaped coronal emergence or Prama one-piece cylindrical-shape implant with transmucosal convergent neck and hyperbolic geometry) were tested, and dynamic fatigue were run to failure. Data was analyzed by a suitable statistical tool. Results: The Wöhler curve of 0.38 cm Premium group c2, appeared to be significantly different from that of the 0.38 cm Prama group c3 (nonparametric one-way ANOVA χ2 = 6; degree of freedom = 1; probability = 0.0043) but not from that of the 0.33 cm Premium group c1 (nonparametric one-way ANOVA χ2 = 0.62; degree of freedom = 1; probability = 0.4328). Fatigue performance of configuration 2 was one and a half times better than that of configuration 3. Group c3 had a better ultimate failure load (421.6 ± 12.5 N) than the other two settings i.e., c1 (324.5 ± 5.5 N) and c2 (396.3 ± 5.6) reaching almost a nonsignificant level. Conclusions: It was observed that a transmucosal implant design could provide the highest resistance to static fracture. On the other hand, an equicrestal implant design could increase dynamic endurance.
Numerical analysis of pull-in voltage for contact MEMS switches in switched-line phase shifter application

This paper presents numerical analysis of pull-in voltage for contact microelectromechanical (MEMS) switch in switched-line phase shifter application. The contact MEMS switch consists of a fixed-fixed thin metal membrane called the “bridge” suspended over a broken center conductor of coplanar waveguide (CPW). The center conductor sandwiched by a pair of symmetrical off-center drive capacitors that form two electrostatic actuators. A lumped-model for two coupled parallel-plates actuators is applied to describe the electromechanical behavior and the pull-in phenomenon in the contact MEMS switch. And a static mechanical model including the residual stress effects is developed to provide the effective stiffness coefficient for the prediction of pull-in voltage in a contact MEMS switch with uniform bridge width. As a theoretical basis, lower pull-in voltage can be achieved by optimizations on structure and material of bridge.
Investigation of Actual and Perceived Behavior of Older Drivers on Freeways

Actual performance of older drivers was investigated on tasks such as freeway driving, exit finding, lane changing, and freeway entering and exiting and correlated with driver (performance) self-assessment. The focus is on safe driving and potentially compensatory behavior being exhibited by older drivers; for this, results of an on-road experiment with 40 older drivers were used. Results indicated that compensation on the freeway is correlated to decreased performance in various driving dimensions; some performance problems revealed in the present study might be corrected by training in proper ways to adapt and in safe driving practices. Results regarding the analysis of actual driving performance on the freeway and perceived self-assessed performance indicate that older drivers are aware of their performance inadequacies on the freeway and reveal some drivers’ perception for improvements in the design of freeway exits. These findings are of particular importance in freeway design and older driver education and assessment.
BibEval - A framework for usability evaluations of online library services

From the perspective of users three aspects are essential for the quality of library online services: the performance, the usefulness and the usability (Tsakonas & Papatheodorou, 2006). The usability expresses the quality of interactions between users and a system. For conducting usability evaluations a wide spectrum of methods can be used. A good overview of usability evaluations of library websites is provided by Kupersmith (2012). Also Fagan (2010) provides a literature review about usability studies of faceted browsing, which is a common feature of modern online catalogues. According to those papers heuristics are a widely used instrument to assess the usability of library websites (e.g. Aitta et al., 2008; Yushiana & Rani, 2007; Manzari & Trinidad-Christensen, 2006). However, such heuristics are usually kept rather generic. Therefore extensive knowledge in the field of human factors is needed to use them effectively. In order to give library staff the possibility to conduct evaluations by themselves, the SII developed a criteria catalogue which is specifically tailored to evaluations of online library services. Its development was based on three different sources. First, a literature review was conducted to identify suitable evaluation criteria. Following that, a best-practice analysis of library websites was carried out in order to gain more insight about the current state-of-the-art. Based on these findings an initial version of the criteria catalogue was generated, which was then further refined by the results of a focus group (library staff, web designers, usability experts). The criteria catalogue uses a modular structure, so that it can be applied for comprehensive evaluations of a library’s entire online services as well as for evaluations of only selected areas of a website. It is available in form of an interactive web application. For supporting evaluations a project administration tool is available which guides users step by step through the usage of the application. Keywords: evaluation, heuristics, usability
A Received Signal Strength Indication Adaptive Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network

Indoor environments are complicated and changeable, and RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) observations have great randomness, so the classic RSSI estimation algorithm has poor results in indoor environments. To solve this problem, a RSSI adaptive estimation algorithm (RAE-IW) based on Kalman filtering algorithm is presented in this paper, which achieves exact RSSI estimation, and fast adapts to the change of environmental parameters. Simulation results show that RAE-IW has low complexity, performs better than classic estimation methods in indoor environments, and applies to indoor wireless sensor network.