Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of orthopedic rapid maxillary expansion on the deviation of the nasal septum.

Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is one of the most common abnormalities impacting the maxillofacial development of children. Herein, we investigated the impact of orthopedic rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the nasomaxillary complex and NSD in pediatric patients. The study sample consisted of a total of 40 patients divided into two groups. The experimental group included 26 patients (13 females and 13 males) with skeletal maxillary transversal constriction and NSD greater than 1 mm, while the control group comprised 14 patients (6 females and 8 males) with skeletal maxillary transversal constriction but no NSD. All the patients were treated for approximately 15 days with the tooth-tissue born RME device. The activation procedure was to turn the transversal Hyrax screw a quarter turn, twice a day. After that, the device was left in place for a period of five months to facilitate passive retention. Radiographic analysis was performed on posteroanterior (PA) cephalometric radiographs taken at pre-expansion (T1) and post-expansion (T2). The data were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon Sign tests. The experimental group showed a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the distance from the axis of symmetry to middle of nasal septum (SNM-mid) and to inferior part of the nasal septum (SNI-mid) measurements, indicating a reduction in NSD. Additionally, both experimental and control groups showed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in maxillofacial measurements, including the distance between the nose length (X-SNM and SNM-SNAC), width of the nasal cavity (Pir L-R), basal maxillary width (Mx L-R), vestibular cuspid of upper first molars (CVM + L-R) and lower first molars (CVM-L-R). Based on the study findings, RME was considered effective in achieving craniofacial improvement in pediatric patients with NSD, which positively impacted their healthy growth and development. The improvement in the nasomaxillary complex was similar between genders.
Design of Motor Skill Recognition and Hierarchical Evaluation System for Table Tennis Players

With the rapid development of electronic science and technology, the research on wearable devices is constantly updated. Still, the current wearable devices are not yet comprehensive in recognizing and analyzing the movement patterns of special sports. Based on this, this article improves wearable devices for table tennis, a single sport, and realizes the recognition and evaluation of table tennis players’ motor skills based on the pattern recognition method and hierarchical evaluation system. First, a table tennis player’s motion information acquisition device was designed and the collected motion data were processed. Second, a sliding window was designed to segment the collected motion data and establish a feature database of six table tennis benchmark movements. Third, the motion features were constructed based on feature engineering, and after dimensionality reduction, the different models were used for action skill recognition. Finally, a hierarchical evaluation system of movement skills was established and the loss functions of different evaluation indexes were given. The experimental results show that in table tennis players’ action skill recognition, the neural network model based on motor feature extraction proposed in this article improves the recognition accuracy by 6.5% than the traditional convolutional neural network, and in table tennis players’ action skill evaluation, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows that the hierarchical evaluation system proposed in this article has a significance level of ${p} < 0.05$ for the athletes’ professionalism level. The conclusion of the study indicates that the proposed paper table tennis players’ motor skills recognition and hierarchical evaluation assessment system can realize the accurate recognition of athletes’ motor skills and the precise determination of their professional level.
SPH non-Newtonian Model for Ice Sheet and Ice Shelf Dynamics

We propose a new three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) non-Newtonian model to study coupled ice sheet and ice shelf dynamics. Most existing ice sheet numerical models use a grid-based Eulerian approach, and are usually restricted to shallow ice sheet and ice shelf approximations of the momentum conservation equation. SPH, a fully Lagrangian particle method, solves the full momentum conservation equation. SPH method also allows modeling of free-surface flows, large material deformation, and material fragmentation without employing complex front-tracking schemes, and does not require re-meshing. As a result, SPH codes are highly scalable. Numerical accuracy of the proposed SPH model is first verified by simulating a plane shear flow with a free surface and the propagation of a blob of ice along a horizontal surface. Next, the SPH model is used to investigate the grounding line dynamics of ice sheet/shelf. The steady position of the grounding line, obtained from our SPH simulations, is in good agreement with laboratory observations for a wide range of bedrock slopes, ice-to-fluid density ratios, and flux. We examine the effect of non-Newtonian behavior of ice on the grounding line dynamics. The non-Newtonian constitutive model is based on Glen's law for a creeping flow of a polycrystallinemore » ice. Finally, we investigate the effect of a bedrock geometry on a steady-state position of the grounding line. « less
Digital Commons @ University of Digital Commons @ University of South Florida South Florida

Classification of research articles is fundamental to analyze and understand research literature. Underlying concepts from both text analytics and concept mining form a foundation for the development of a quantitative heuristic methodology, the Scale of Theoretical and Applied Research (STAR), for classifying research. STAR demonstrates how concept mining may be used to classify research with respect to its theoretical and applied emphases. This research reports on evaluating the STAR heuristic classifier using the Business Analytics domain, by classifying 774 Business Analytics articles from 23 journals. The results indicate that STAR effectively evaluates overall article content of journals to be consistent with the expert opinion of journal editors with regard to the research type disposition of the respective journals.
Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of cookies from germinated maize (Zea mays)-kpaakpa (Hildegardia barteri) - blanched plantain (Musa paradisiaca) composite flour

Composite flours are recently manufactured not only to improve the desired functional properties of end products based on them but also to improve nutritional composition. This study is aimed at determining the physicochemical qualities and sensory properties of composite flour cookies. Germinated maize (Zea mays), Hildegardia barteri (“Kpaakpa”), and blanched plantain (Musa paradiciaca) flour were processed into flours and mixed into various blends using a mixture design. Cookies were produced from the composite flours using the creaming method. The physicochemical and organoleptic properties of the cookies were evaluated. The proximate results showed that increasing the level of Hildegardia barteri flour in the mixture enhanced the protein, fat, ash, and crude fiber contents of the cookies. Micronutrient results showed that iron and zinc increased with the high inclusion of Hildegardia barteri flour. The cookies’ physical properties did not significantly deviate from the control sample. The panelists’ mean score for overall acceptability ranged from 2.65 – 7.75 for all of the samples using HMP1 and HMP9 scoring the lowest. Most of the samples had sensory scores above the midpoints and were generally perceived as acceptable by the panelists. Cookies made with 33.3% of each component were most preferable as they were found to be the best in terms of overall quality. The results obtained from this study demonstrate the possible use of the Hildegardia barteri - based composite flours in bakery products up to 50 % level of substitution. This information can be used for designing food processing protocols which will target consumer requirements and overall acceptability.
Reverse time migration: introducing a new imaging technique for ultrasonic measurements in civil engineering

Ultrasonic echo testing is widely used in non-destructive testing in civil engineering to investigate concrete structures, to measure thickness, and to locate and characterise built-in components or inhomogeneities. Currently, synthetic aperture focusing techniques are mostly used for imaging. These algorithms are highly developed but have some limitations. For example, it is not possible to image the lower boundary of built-in components like tendon ducts or vertical reflectors. We adopted reverse time migration for non-destructive testing in civil engineering in order to improve the imaging of complicated structures in concrete. By using the entire wavefield, including waves reflected more than once, there are fewer limitations compared to synthetic aperture focusing technique algorithms. As a drawback, the required computation is significantly higher than that for the techniques currently used. Simulations for polyamide and concrete structures showed the potential for non-destructive testing. The simulations were followed by experiments at a polyamide specimen. Here, having acquired almost noise-free measurement data to test the algorithm, we were able to determine the shape and size of boreholes with sufficient accuracy. After these successful tests, we performed experiments at a reinforced concrete foundation slab. We obtained information from the data by reverse time migration, which was not accessible by traditional imaging. The imaging of the location and structure of the lower boundary of the concrete foundation slab was improved. Furthermore, vertical reflectors inside the slab were imaged clearly, and more flaws were found. It has been shown that reverse time migration is a step forward in ultrasonic testing in civil engineering.
Uneven double-lumen cannula for rescue guidewire technique in endoscopic ultrasonography-guided hepaticogastrostomy

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is used after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) [1]. Manipulation of the guidewire is one of the most challenging techniques in EUSHGS.We present a successful case of rescue guidewire technique using a multilumen catheter [2], namely an uneven double-lumen cannula (Piolax Medical Devices, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan) (▶Fig. 1), for EUS-HGS. A 75-year-old man was admitted with obstructive jaundice due to advanced colon cancer, after right hepatectomy for liver metastasis. We attempted EUS-HGS after failed ERCP. After the left intrahepatic bile duct had been punctured using a 19-gauge needle (▶Fig. 2), a 0.025-inch hard-type guidewire (VisiGlide 2; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) was placed. The guidewire was accidentally introduced into the peripheral bile duct (▶Fig. 3). We then inserted the ERCP catheter along the guidewire into the left intrahepatic bile duct. However, the guidewire could not be advanced to the perihilar bile duct, even after we changed to a 0.032-inch hydrophilic guidewire (Radifocus; Terumo, Tokyo, Japan). Therefore, we coiled the 0.025-inch hard-type guidewire again within the left intrahepatic bile duct, and changed the ERCP catheter to the uneven double-lumen cannula (▶Video1). This cannula was slowly withdrawn, and we were able to successfully introduce a second 0.032-inch hydrophilic guidewire to the perihilar bile duct via the 0.035-inch lumen (▶Fig. 4, ▶Video1). After changing to the hard-type guidewire (▶Fig. 5, ▶Video1), a 7-Fr plastic stent (TYPE-IT; Gadelius Medical, Tokyo, Japan) was placed for EUS-HGS without complications (▶Fig. 6, ▶Video1). In EUS-HGS, the angle at which the intrahepatic bile duct is punctured is the most important factor in successful advancement of the guidewire toward the perihilar bile duct [3]. This depends on individual anatomy, and therefore it is sometimes difficult to achieve the optimal angle for advancing the guidewire to the perihilar bile duct. The uneven doublelumen cannula facilitated guidewire manipulation during EUS-HGS when it was difficult to direct the guidewire toward the perihilar bile duct.
Historic preservation and heritage tourism in Texas: an integrated approach to sustainable heritage management

Historic Preservation and Heritage Tourism in Texas: An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Heritage Management. (December 2006) Rama Ibrahim Al Rabady, B.En. , Jordan University of Science and Technology; M.En. , University of Jordan Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Prof. David Woodcock Dr. Tazim Jamal This study assesses the efforts of the State Historic Preservation Office in relating Historic Preservation (HP) with Heritage Tourism (HT) against principles of sustainability. It also seeks to contribute toward an integrated heritage management framework at the State Historic Preservation level that is based on theoretical principles and empirical study. The focus is on the heritage management practices as performed by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). This case offers good understanding about the relationship between two major interests involved in heritage management: HP and HT. It is used to conduct a constructive evaluation of the HP-HT relationship in terms of its ‘existence’ and ‘effectiveness’ guided by sustainability and good governance principles. The study uses qualitative research based on a constructivist paradigm. Data are gathered using three research methods: documents, in-depth interviews, and participant observation. Documents were collected about the THC’s heritage management programs, including: the Texas Heritage Trails Program and the Visionaries in Preservation program. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with state and regional stakeholders involved in activities related to these programs. Observation was made for the visionary process in Nacogdoches,
Impact of aqifer heterogeneity on subsurface flow and salt transport at different scales: from a method determine parameters of heterogeneous permeability at local scale to a large-scale model for the sedimentary basin of Thuringia

More than 70% of the German population rely on groundwater as their daily drinking water supply. Hence, the understanding of processes like fluid flow and solute transport in porous media are of broad relevance. However, subsurface hydrology faces two problems. On the one hand, information about the subsurface structure and hydraulic properties is scarce. On the other hand, many aquifer parameters like the permeability which controls the flow velocity, are heterogeneously distributed in space. This thesis is dedicated to the question of how aquifer heterogeneity impacts on subsurface flow and transport processes at different scales. We first present a large-scale numerical model of the Thuringian basin in order to investigate the mechanisms of saltwater transport. The results underline the fact that permeability and its heterogeneous spatial distribution are decisive factors for the evolving flow and salt patterns. Our results show that the correlation structure and the degree of heterogeneity (variance) impact significantly on the amount of dissolved salt and the location where salt reaches near-surface regions. Thermally induced convection is not present. However, variations in fluid density due to dissolved salt can lead to significant changes in the distribution and amount of salt in the Thuringian Basin. We further focus on a method to determine the statistical parameters which describe the heterogeneous spatial distribution of permeability by analyzing well flow at local scale. This is of interest, because pumping tests are a widely used tool to infer on porous medium characteristics. We derive an analytical solution which describes the drawdown of a steady state pumping test in 3D heterogeneous anisotropic media by making use of upscaling theory. By combining the analytical solution with an inverse estimation strategy we determine the statistical parameters, like mean permeability, variance and correlation length from on-site pumping tests.
An Ensemble Model for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Risk Stratification Recommendations by Combining Machine Learning with Clinical Guidelines

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a complex disease requiring accurate risk stratification for effective treatment planning. This study introduces an innovative ensemble machine learning model integrated with the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) 2022 recommendations to enhance AML risk stratification. The model demonstrated superior performance by utilizing a comprehensive dataset of 1,213 patients from National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) and an external cohort of 2,113 patients from UK-NCRI trials. On the external cohort, it improved a concordance index (c-index) from 0.61 to 0.64 and effectively distinguished three different risk levels with median hazard ratios ranging from 18% to 50% improved. Key insights were gained from the discovered significant features influencing risk prediction, including age, genetic mutations, and hematological parameters. Notably, the model identified specific cytogenetic and molecular alterations like TP53, IDH2, SRSF2, STAG2, KIT, TET2, and karyotype (-5, -7, -15, inv(16)), alongside age and platelet counts. Additionally, the study explored variations in the effectiveness of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) across different risk levels, offering new perspectives on treatment effects. In summary, this study develops an ensemble model based on the NTUH cohort to deliver improved performance in AML risk stratification, showcasing the potential of integrating machine learning techniques with medical guidelines to enhance patient care and personalized medicine.
Predictors of upper respiratory Streptococcus pneumoniae colonization among working-age adults with prevalent exposure to overcrowding

Background: The epidemiology of adult pneumococcal carriage remains poorly understood. We assessed risk factors for pneumococcal carriage among adults in socioeconomically-disadvantaged farmworker communities with prevalent overcrowding. Methods: From July-November 2020, we administered surveys and collected saliva from working-age adults within clinical and community settings throughout Monterey County, California. We detected pneumococci via qPCR assays targeting lytA and piaB genes. We evaluated predictors of pneumococcal carriage detection via conditional logistic regression. Results: Among 1,283 participants, 117 (9.1%) had any detectable pneumococcal carriage and 53 (4.1%) carried pneumococci at a higher density threshold (lytA and piaB cT<35). Pneumococcal carriage was more common among individuals of lower socioeconomic status, as signified by indigenous background (odds ratio [OR]=3.94 [95% confidence interval: 2.36-6.60]), engagement in fieldwork (OR=2.01 [1.12-3.63]), and lacking high school-level education (OR=0.48 [0.26-0.90]). Within the household, carriers were more likely than non-carriers to be exposed to children aged <5 years (OR=1.45 [0.95-2.20]), and to be exposed to crowding (OR=1.48 [0.96-2.30] and 2.84 [1.20-6.73], respectively, for participants living in households with >2-4 and >4 persons per bedroom vs. [≤]2 persons per bedroom). Household crowding was independently associated with increased risk of carriage among participants not exposed to children aged <5 years (OR=2.05 [1.18-3.59] for participants living in households with >2 vs. [≤]2 persons per bedroom). Exposure to children aged <5 years and exposure to household crowding were each associated with increased pneumococcal density among carriers (piaB cT difference of 2.04 [0.36-3.73] and 2.44 [0.80-4.11], respectively). Conclusions: While exposure to young children was an important risk factor for pneumococcal carriage, the association of crowding with increased risk of carriage in households without young children suggests transmission among adults may also occur in crowded congregate settings.
Assessing Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude of Saudi Mothers Regarding Shaken Baby Syndrome in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Prospective Study

Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a form of traumatic brain injury. Shaking babies can cause the brain matter to bounce within the cranium causing bruising and bleeding, which can result in permanent brain injury. Understanding the attitudes and knowledge of mothers on SBS would help establish effective interventions to raise awareness and establish preventive measures and education programs to avoid debilitating sequelae from SBS in newborns and infants. This study aimed to explore the awareness and attitude regarding SBS. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1st through July 31st, 2023. The study population is comprised of mothers who are residents of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and excluded females with no children and those who refused to participate, in addition to mothers not in the Eastern Province. The final sample size included 403 participants. An online-based validated questionnaire was used in the Arabic language. The questionnaire included demographic information and questions to assess the knowledge and attitude of participants regarding SBS. The chi-square test was used to test for significant associations. The majority of the participants were married (72%), while 15.6% were divorced and 10.2% were widowed. Only 7.4% of the participants were illiterates, 30.5% had primary education only, and 15.9% had postgraduate studies. Of note, 37% of the participants said that they would shake their children to calm them if they started to cry. Only 33% of the participants said that shaking babies is harmful. The most commonly reported complications of shaking babies were intracranial bleeding (48.1%), behavioral changes (23.8%), and learning disability (23.5%). Regarding attitude toward SBS, more than two-thirds (72.5%) of the participants said that they want to know more about SBS. Only the educational level had statistically significant relationship between the awareness and the sociodemographic level of the participants. This study concludes that Saudi mothers’ knowledge about SBS is inadequate despite the favorable attitude toward gaining information about it. The awareness level is significantly associated with educational status, which reflects the importance of education programs, especially during the pregnancy period, in raising awareness about SBS and its complications.