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Power system state estimation (PSSE) is a control center application that comprises a collection of algorithms aimed at providing essential information about the current operating condition of the power grid. As such, PSSE plays a vital role in the real-time operation of power systems. Accuracy and reliability of the estimator are closely connected to both quality and quantity of the real-time data that feed it. Therefore, such applications can benefit from functions that pre-filter the dataset, removing obvious spurious measurements or complementing it with reliable information. Moreover, some functionalities intended to analyze the dataset are desirable, since they indicate if state estimation can be performed with the currently available measurement set and if its vulnerabilities can be identified. Such analysis tools can assist in the design of measurement sets, or strengthen an existing one. They constitute preceding steps for PSSE and have drawn growing interest in recent years, with the evolution of computational techniques and the advent of new technologies. This paper provides a review of the literature on such preceding steps, namely pre-filtering, observability analysis, redundancy/criticality analysis, and metering system design, along with a market evaluation of existing solutions, with main focus on transmission systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Systems biology has experienced dramatic growth in the number, size, and complexity of computational models. To reproduce simulation results and reuse models, researchers must exchange unambiguous model descriptions. We review the latest edition of the Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML), a format designed for this purpose. A community of modelers and software authors developed SBML Level 3 over the past decade. Its modular form consists of a core suited to representing reaction‐based models and packages that extend the core with features suited to other model types including constraint‐based models, reaction‐diffusion models, logical network models, and rule‐based models. The format leverages two decades of SBML and a rich software ecosystem that transformed how systems biologists build and interact with models. More recently, the rise of multiscale models of whole cells and organs, and new data sources such as single‐cell measurements and live imaging, has precipitated new ways of integrating data with models. We provide our perspectives on the challenges presented by these developments and how SBML Level 3 provides the foundation needed to support this evolution.

Abstract Metabolic heterogeneity between individual cells of a population harbors significant challenges for fundamental and applied research. Identifying metabolic heterogeneity and investigating its emergence require tools to zoom into metabolism of individual cells. While methods exist to measure metabolite levels in single cells, we lack capability to measure metabolic flux, i.e., the ultimate functional output of metabolic activity, on the single‐cell level. Here, combining promoter engineering, computational protein design, biochemical methods, proteomics, and metabolomics, we developed a biosensor to measure glycolytic flux in single yeast cells. Therefore, drawing on the robust cell‐intrinsic correlation between glycolytic flux and levels of fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate (FBP), we transplanted the B. subtilis FBP‐binding transcription factor CggR into yeast. With the developed biosensor, we robustly identified cell subpopulations with different FBP levels in mixed cultures, when subjected to flow cytometry and microscopy. Employing microfluidics, we were also able to assess the temporal FBP/glycolytic flux dynamics during the cell cycle. We anticipate that our biosensor will become a valuable tool to identify and study metabolic heterogeneity in cell populations.

Background: Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) and dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) are two groups of genetically inherited conditions resulting in abnormal enamel and dentin formation, respectively. Children and young people may be adversely affected by these conditions, with significant reduction in oral health related quality of life. Dental management of children with AI and DI is often complex, which is exacerbated by the absence of clear referral pathways and scarce evidence-based guidelines. Method: The need for increased knowledge and peer support led to the development of a group of UK paediatric dentists with a special clinical interest in the management of children with AI and DI. Purpose: The aims of this paper are to describe the establishment of an AI/DI Clinical Excellence Network (AI/DI CEN) in paediatric dentistry including outputs and future plans, and to share our collective learning to help support others anywhere in the world advance the care of people with AI or DI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the reliability of YouTube™ videos on zirconia crowns in pediatric dentistry. Methods: On January 4, 2022, a search was performed using the term "pediatric zirconia crown". The first 100 videos on the subject were included. Non-English videos, duplicates, and off-topic videos were excluded. For each video, an examiner recorded the number of views, likes, comments, channel followers, upload date, duration, and category rating. Two examiners assessed the reliability of the information presented in the videos using DISCERN, a brief questionnaire and scale score used to assess in a valid and reliable way the quality of information on treatment choices for health problems. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed (p < 0.05). Results: Of the initial 100 videos, 72 were excluded because of language, duplication, and subject matter. The 28 remaining videos had an average of 3.5 comments, 8,896.18 channel followers, 5,614.00 views, 19.14 likes, and a duration of 840.32 s. The average view rate was 7.54 per day ± 10,206.81. There was a statistically significant difference between the number of views and comments (p < 0.001), likes and comments (p < 0.001), and likes and views (p = 0.006). According to the DISCERN, none of the videos received the maximum grade to be considered very good. Two were considered good, nine fair, fourteen poor, and three very poor. Conclusion: Given that the majority of YouTube™ videos currently available on zirconia crowns in pediatric dentistry were deemed unreliable according to the DISCERN questionnaire, caution should be exercised when using the information presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the development of smart grids, programs such as demand side response, have been presented as auxiliary services to the real-time operation of distributed networks. In order to provide consumers information on their energy consumption, so that a modulation in consumption is possible, non-intrusive load monitoring has been introduced as an solution to this pattern recognition problem. Non-intrusive load monitoring enables the modeling of electrical loads connected to the low-voltage system, considering only a single measurement point. Presented state-of-the-art solutions though, consider availability of data as well as representation of all possible classes of the environment. This is of course a most conservative hypothesis, since in real-life applications availability of such data is much difficult, as well as the dynamic behavior of models is implicitly evolving in time. In this work a framework that uses neural Siamese networks with k-nearest neighbor clustering is presented toward non-intrusive load monitoring. Online learning feature is implemented, which relaxes the hypothesis of data requirements as well addresses the evolving nature of load profile. k-nearest clustering allows nonlinear characteristic space modelling. Test results using synthetics and real-life data show that the solution, besides obtaining a good generalizability in the classification, also obtained results with an accuracy of 95.77%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective in reducing pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity and in preventing dental diseases. This study evaluated the pre-irradiation time using PDT (diode laser associated with 0.01% methylene blue) to decrease the number of microorganisms in the visible plaque in permanent teeth. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 108 homologous lower permanent first molars (36 and 46) with biofilm from 54 children aged six to 12 years. PDT was performed (0.01% methylene blue photosensitizer/therapeutic laser-InGaAIP), according to the following protocols: Group 1, biofilm collection of the distal area of the lingual surface of 36 µm before PDT; group 2, mesial area of the lingual surface of 36 µm 1 min after PDT; group 3, area of the lingual surface of 46 µm before PDT; and group 4, mesial area of the lingual surface of 46 µm 5 min after PDT. Results: After statistical analysis, significant differences were observed between the groups (p = 0.000). In groups 2 and 4, the number of bacteria tended to decrease, with a more evident bacterial reduction in group 4. Conclusions: Pre-irradiation reduced the number of colony-forming units of mature bacterial biofilms in vivo. A time of 5 min resulted in a greater reduction in the number of colony-forming units. Clinical trial registration: ReBEC Identifier: RBR-6bqfp3; Date of Register: March 2nd, 2020. Retrospectively Registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Verify the acute responses of static stretching (SS) on the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), and vastus lateralis (VL) elasticity and knee/hip range of motion (ROM). Additionally, to investigate if there are consistency among quadriceps muscle elasticity after SS. Methods: Acute effect of SS on pre-post-intervention design. Thirtheen healthy participants (both genders) proposed for a pre-post experimental design. RF, VM, and VL elasticity (strain ratio, SR) was evaluated bilaterally by ultrasound with quasi-static elastography. Higher SR values refer to more rigid tissues. A SS protocol of 3 series of 30 s was applied at right lower limb. The left lower limb was considered as control group. Also, photogrammetry evaluated the knee/hip ROM. Results: For SR muscle comparisons, VM was lower (less stiff) than VL and RF at pre- and post-SS. For time comparisons, no differences were observed for SR and ROM at pre- and post-SS. However, the effect size of the quadriceps SR at SS lower limb was higher than control. Conclusion: Acute effects of SS did not change the quadriceps SR or knee/hip ROM in healthy and active subjects. Non-uniform quadriceps SR are observed (VM < VL and RF) independently of SS. Future studies should consider different protocols, muscles, and populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gene expression is regulated at both the mRNA and protein level through on‐off switches and fine‐tuned control. In their recent study, Edfors et al (2016) use highly accurate, targeted proteomics methods and examine to what extent the amount of protein produced per mRNA transcript varies across different tissues. They find that the bulk part of protein concentrations is set at a per‐gene level: This relationship, the protein/mRNA ratio, is constant across cell types and tissues, but varies by several orders of magnitude across genes.

Purpose: The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) has developed this best clinical practice guidance to help clinicians manage deep carious lesions in primary teeth. Methods: Three expert groups conducted systematic reviews of the relevant literature. The topics were: (1) conventional techniques (2) Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID) and (3) materials. Workshops were held during the corresponding EAPD interim seminar in Oslo in April 2021. Several clinical based recommendations and statements were agreed upon, and gaps in our knowledge were identified. Results: There is strong evidence that indirect pulp capping and pulpotomy techniques, and 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride are shown to be effective for the management of caries in the primary dentition. Due to the strict criteria, it is not possible to give clear recommendations on which materials are most appropriate for restoring primary teeth with deep carious lesions. Atraumatic Restorative Technique (ART) is not suitable for multi-surface caries, and Pre-formed Metal Crowns (PMCs) using the Hall technique reduce patient discomfort. GIC and RMGIC seem to be more favourable given the lower annual failure rate compared to HVGIC and MRGIC. Glass carbomer cannot be recommended due to inferior marginal adaptation and fractures. Compomers, hybrid composite resins and bulk-fill composite resins demonstrated similar values for annual failure rates. Conclusion: The management of deep carious lesions in primary teeth can be challenging and must consider the patient's compliance, operator skills, materials and costs. There is a clear need to increase the use of MID techniques in managing carious primary teeth as a mainstream rather than a compromise option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The syndrome of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a clinical-pathological entity characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and end organ involvement. It comprises a spectrum of underlying etiologies that may differ in children and adults. In children, apart from ruling out shigatoxin-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and other infection-associated TMA like Streptococcus pneumoniae-HUS, rare inherited causes including complement-associated HUS, cobalamin defects, and mutations in diacylglycerol kinase epsilon gene must be investigated. TMA should also be considered in the setting of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In this review, acquired and inherited causes of TMA are described with a focus on particularities of the main causes of TMA in children. A pragmatic approach that may help the clinician tailor evaluation and management is provided. The described approach will allow for early initiation of treatment while waiting for the definitive diagnosis of the underlying TMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Echo intensity (EI) can be useful to check muscle quality and has been widely used to identify tissue damage. In the clinical and sports context, it has been used to identify metabolic disorders and training muscle performance. Objective: To determine whether subcutaneous adipose thickness (SAT) influences the inter-session EI reliability of the quadriceps femoris and whether EI is influenced by dominance in young healthy subjects. Design: All procedures were approved by the local Institutional Research Ethics Committee (project number 2.620.204). This is a cross-sectional study where 19 healthy young individuals volunteered. Method: The individuals were assessed at two time points by an experienced examiner. Imaging of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM) muscles were performed bilaterally by ultrasonography. EI and SAT analysis was performed using ImageJ®software. Results/findings: Inter-session intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for EImeasured showed moderate reliability for RF (R = 0.578; P = 0.038) and VL (R = 0.735; P = 0.004) and low for VM (R = 0.402; P = 0.142). When corrected by SAT, inter-session (EIcorrected), ICC values showed good reliability for RF (R = 0.826; P < 0.001) and VM (R = 0.765; P = 0.002) and excellent for VL (R = 0.909; P < 0.001). Considering inter-side reliability, Student's paired t-test demonstrated no difference for EImeasured (P > 0.283), EIcorrected (P > 0.127), and SAT (P > 0.356). Conclusions: SAT influenced the inter-session reliability values of EI in all muscles evaluated. Although they showed similarity, EI values were not influenced by dominance in young healthy subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laryngocele is defined as a dilation of the laryngeal saccule forming an air sac. Some differential diagnoses for laryngocele have been reported. The aim of the present paper was to describe a case of a patient referred for the evaluation a suspected thyroid nodule that was subsequently diagnosed as a mixed laryngocele. A 31-year-old male with no clinical manifestations was referred by an endocrinologist to undergo Doppler ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy due to a preliminary ultrasonographic diagnosis of a nodule apparently in the thyroid. The diagnosis of laryngocele was raised considering the cytopathological analysis and imaging exam. Computed tomography of the neck confirmed this hypothesis. The patient was counseled to consult a surgeon, but, up to the end of this report, continued asymptomatic and in follow-up. We report a mixed laryngocele with different clinical behavior, showing that laryngocele may appear to be another entity and drawing the attention of clinicians to imaging similarities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity is a fundamental resource for modern society. However, some threats are faced by electrical power distribution systems, which are responsible for delivering electricity to end consumers. Analysing how much time these hazards will threaten these systems, causing failure events, is an essential area of study. Through statistical methods, it is possible to study this behaviour from time until failure, as well as to observe the influence of variables at this time, providing models to predict when a failure event will occur. In this study, reliability analysis regression techniques are used on real data, constructing a model for all failures and for different groups of failures, using nonparametric and parametric methods to estimate the reliability and cumulative hazard curves. An analysis of the failure causes directly linked to weather events, using six weather variables, is also made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dental bleaching in paediatric patients can be used to address discolouration of teeth due to trauma, endodontic treatment, or enamel and dentine defects. Despite being a minimally invasive and successful treatment, the use of bleaching products in children and young people remains controversial. This evaluation was designed to provide insight into the child's perspective on dental bleaching and the influence that this treatment has upon their life. Method: A dental bleaching patient reported outcome measure (PROM) was developed and piloted in 2019. Data were collected from 3 UK units (January–March 2020). Children attending these units for bleaching reviews were invited to complete the PROM. Results: Twenty seven PROM questionnaires were completed including 19 courses of external bleaching and 8 courses of internal/external bleaching. The average age was 14 years old (9–17 years). The common indications for bleaching were Amelogenesis Imperfecta, dental trauma and Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation. Patients reported improvements in their appearance (89%) and self-confidence (81%). Sensitivity was the most common side effect, reported in 63% of cases. Conclusion: This PROM supports the use of dental bleaching in children and young people when treating dental disease that causes discolouration. Bleaching not only improved the appearance of teeth, but also patients' self-confidence. Sensitivity is a common side effect and clinicians should discuss this common risk and its management with patients and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Increasing evidence points towards the use of epicardial fat (EF) as a reliable biomarker of coronary artery disease extent and severity. We aim to assess the different locations of echocardiographic EF thickness measurement and their relation with the presence, extent, and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods: Prospective cohort study including patients admitted for ACS. EF was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography and compared with coronary angiography findings. Spearmen correlation analysis was used to search for EF correlations. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of the different sites of measurement of EF thickness for the presence of CAD. To evaluate other potential variables independently associated with CAD, we performed multivariate analysis employing logistic regression. Results: 196 patients were included. Significant CAD was diagnosed in 83.7% of patients. In all views, EF thickness was greater in patients with CAD (p < 0.001). We found a moderate correlation between EF thickness and CAD extent and severity. EF thickness measured at RV basal level showed a good performance in predicting significant CAD in patients with ACS (AUC = 0.885, 95% CI 0.80–0.97, p < 0.001). For a value of mean RV basal region EF thickness ≥ 12.57 mm, sensitivity was 85% and specificity was 80.8%. Conclusion: In patients admitted with ACS, echocardiographic EF thickness predicted the presence of CAD, as well as its extent and severity. We found EF thickness measured at the RV basal region to be the best predictor of significant CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a standardized analysis of failures in wind turbines concerning the main technologies classified in the literature, as well as identifies critical components and trends for the most modern wind farm facilities, which seek greater efficiency, robustness and reliability to mitigate failures and reduce wind turbine downtime. Through the application of Pareto's rule, a set of components has been identified; although these provide little in terms of fault contribution, they do account for almost all downtime when they occur. Wind turbines fail around twice every year with an average downtime of 150 h per failure. The gearbox is one of the most critical components in terms of downtime that represents generation losses, where the faults in the frequency converter are directly influenced by the thermal cycle of the semiconductor switches in normal operation and accentuated by transient load fluctuations during the generation process. In order to identify the optimum point for preventive interventions that do not impact the overall maintenance cost, at the end a maintenance cost of a 2 MW wind turbine is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutualistic networks between plants and their flower visitors provide information about the ecological dynamics and coevolutionary processes shaping species interactions. Sociality in insects has recently been considered a predictor for topological patterns in such networks. However, the effects that social and solitary species impose upon network topologies are still poorly understood. We evaluated the effects of social and solitary species within a tropical savanna flower visitor insect network in southeastern Brazil. We recorded a highly complex flower visitor network, with Hymenoptera as the most abundant and rich insect order in the samples. A total of 172 (48%) species were characterized as generalists and 183 (52%) as peripherals. Social species (54, ~ 15%) were the most abundant and solitary species (301, ~ 85%) represented the higher richness for all taxonomic groups. Most social species (~ 87%) and 41% of the solitary species were generalists. Social species played central roles in network structure, representing the most species with higher abundance and intensity of interaction with visited flowers. Finally, the sociality of Vespidae and Apidae is explained by different sets of metrics, which may reflect their different behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate financial loss and follow the recommended sanitary measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, self-reading, a method in which a consumer reads and reports his own energy consumption, has been presented as an efficient alternative for power companies. In such context, this work presents a solution for self-reading via chatbot in chatting applications. This solution is under development as part of a research and development (R&D) project. It is integrated with a method based on image processing that automatically reads the energy consumption and recognizes the identification code of a meter for validation purposes. Furthermore, all processes utilize cognitive services from the IBM Watson platform to recognize intentions in the dialog with the consumers. The dataset used to validate the proposed method for self-reading contains examples of analogical and digital meters used by Equatorial Energy group. Preliminary results presented accuracies of 77.20% and 84.30%, respectively, for the recognition of complete reading sequences and identification codes in digital meters and accuracies of 89% and 95.20% in the context of analogical meters. Considering both meter types, the method obtains an accuracy per digit of 97%. The proposed method was also evaluated with UFPR-AMR public dataset and achieves a result comparable to the state of the art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the type and the amount of fluoridated dentifrice applied on children's toothbrushes by parents/guardians according to descriptions typically recommended by scientific societies, as well as to assess the influence of demographic and socioeconomic variables on dentifrice use. Methods: Parents/guardians of children (0–7 years old; n = 306; convenience sample) attending vaccination centres from Araçatuba (Brazil), answered to a structured questionnaire comprising items related to interviewees' education, child's age, gender, brushing habits and use of fluoridated dentifrice. The amount of toothpaste used by children during toothbrushing was estimated using a portable scale. Similarly, the interviewees were requested to apply dentifrices on toothbrushes according to eight descriptions, ranging from "smear" to "all bristles", following a random sequence. Data were submitted to Mann–Whitney's, Kruskal–Wallis' and Friedman's tests, and Spearman's correlation coefficient (p < 0.05). Results: The type of toothpaste and the amount of product used at home were not affected by the respondents' educational level or family income. However, child's age was significantly correlated with the amount of toothpaste placed on the toothbrush (r = 0.324, p < 0.001). Also, the amount of toothpaste placed on the toothbrush increased according to what would be expected from the descriptions, although wide variations were observed within each description, with large interquartile and overall ranges. Conclusion: The amount and the type of dentifrice used by children were influenced by their age, while parents/caregivers' interpretation on verbal instructions regarding appropriate dentifrice quantities varied widely. This reinforces the need for educative measures on the appropriate use by dentifrices by children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The burden of dental care in Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) has not been well described. This condition results in weak, discoloured and often sensitive teeth. Specialist paediatric care is available for AI patients in the UK, but treatment protocols and care provided are inconsistent. The aim of this study was therefore to analyse the provision of treatment and burden of care for children and families with AI across four Paediatric Dentistry centres in the UK. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of AI patient clinical records across four UK consultant-led Paediatric Dentistry centres was completed. Frequency and duration of care were recorded along with treatment and experience of inhalation sedation, local and general anaesthetic. Results: In total, 138 records were available for analysis. The average patient age at first referral was 7.7 years (range 1–16 years) and families travelled an average 21.8 miles per appointment (range 0.2–286 miles). Patients attended on average 4.5 appointments per year for 5.8 years. In total, 65.2% had experience of local anaesthetic, 27.5% inhalation sedation and 31.9% general anaesthetic. Dental treatment including restorations and extractions were commonly required on multiple teeth per patient. Conclusion: AI carries a high burden of specialist dental care to patients and families. Specialist centres are required to provide longitudinal, comprehensive care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Clinical trials provide one of the highest levels of evidence to support medical practice. Investigator initiated clinical trials (IICTs) answer relevant questions in clinical practice that may not be addressed by industry. For the first time, two European Countries are compared in terms of IICTs, respective funders and publications, envisaging to inspire others to use similar indicators to assess clinical research outcomes. Methods: A retrospective systematic search of registered IICTs from 2004 to 2017, using four clinical trials registries was carried out in two European countries with similar population, GDP, HDI and medical schools but with different governmental models to fund clinical research. Each IICT was screened for sponsors, funders, type of intervention and associated publications, once completed. Results: IICTs involving the Czech Republic and Portugal were n = 439 (42% with hospitals as sponsors) and n = 328 (47% with universities as sponsors), respectively. The Czech Republic and Portuguese funding agencies supported respectively 61 and 27 IICTs. Among these, trials with medicinal products represent 52% in Czech Republic and 4% in Portugal. In the first, a higher percentage of IICTs' publications in high impact factor journals with national investigators as authors was observed, when compared to Portugal (75% vs 15%). Conclusion: The better performance in clinical research by Czech Republic might be related to the existence of specific and periodic funding for clinical research, although further data are still needed to confirm this relationship. In upcoming years, the indicators used herein might be useful to tracking clinical research outcomes in these and other European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dense Bone Islands (DBIs) are anatomic variants defined as radiopaque lesions consisting of hamartomatous cortical bone, often presenting as incidental radiographic findings. DBIs can also be known as idiopathic osteosclerosis, bone whorl, focal periapical osteopetrosis, bone scar and enostosis. We found a paucity of literature for management and reporting of this condition in children. For this reason, the authors describe sixteen cases of children and adolescents with dense bony islands and suggest a pathway for management. Case series: Cases presented to the RNENT and Eastman Dental Hospital or private practice, either as chance findings or for diagnosis and treatment planning of undiagnosed radiopaque areas. The individuals were aged between 10 and 17 years; 6 boys and 10 girls. All radiographic reports described DBIs. Diagnoses were confirmed by a Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology Consultant and advised no intervention. In some cases, monitoring was advised. Caution in orthodontic tooth movement was advised for five patients. Conclusion: DBIs are common findings that seldom require treatment; however, caution should be exercised when undertaking orthodontic movement in the area of a DBI due to a potential risk of root resorption. Accurate identification and multidisciplinary management are of utmost importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess visual acuity in 5-year-old children with LEA chart and to estimate the frequency of reduced visual acuity in this age. Method: Study aimed at children attending the last year of preschool education in Public Kindergartens and Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) under the influence Regional Health Administration of the Médio Tejo, in Portugal. The 15-line LEA charts at 3 m were used and the presentation visual acuity was measured monocularly starting with the right eye. The ETDRS-fast methodology was used. Results: A total of 3072 children participated, being 51% male and 54% from rural area. A rate of 13.7% children with a reduced level of visual acuity was found, that is, visual acuity worse or equal to 0.2 logMAR in at least one eye, or an interocular difference greater than two lines. Conclusion: This research shows that reduced VA frequency rate in children between 5 and 6 years old is high. The literature presents amblyopia (refractive and/or strabismic) and uncorrected refractive errors without amblyopia as the main cause of reduced VA in childhood, and these anomalies negatively affect child development, especially at the educational level. Reduced VA interferes with performance on a number of key tasks in the learning process. Thus, it is important to preserve the running program to identify these deficits and lead to their correction before the beginning of the school stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the advent of distributed energy resources at distribution level, utility companies face new challenges in terms of voltage control. Existing works in the literature have proposed the use of demand side management (DSM) to provide ancillary services to the grid. Some works explored the use of thermal inertia of buildings to tackle the frequency regulation problem. Existing DSM strategies ignore the potential service loads can provide for the Volt/Var control (VVC) problem. The ability of smart buildings to provide reactive power support to the grid has not been exploited to date. In this paper, we present a finite control state model predictive control strategy for VVC in distribution networks. The robustness of this strategy is validated on a modified IEEE 13 bus system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Understand EAPD members' practices of vital bleaching for children with dental anomalies. Methods: An anonymous online survey sent via EAPD in January 2019, consisting of 13 questions with possible multiple answers and free text. Results: 110 responses from 24 countries were obtained. The majority worked in hospitals/universities (n = 69, 63%) or private practices (n = 50, 46%) and were specialists (n = 62, 57%) or senior academics (n = 35, 32%). Most respondents (n = 74 68%) did not provide vital bleaching for children. 88 respondents (80%) belonged to EU: of these, 46 (52%) were not aware of bleaching regulations. For respondents who provided bleaching 26 (72%) undertook home bleaching, using 10% carbamide peroxide (n = 21, 58%), most commonly for 2 weeks (n = 14, 39%), following establishment of the permanent dentition (n = 21, 58%). Deciding factors included: extent (n = 27, 75%) and shade (n = 26, 72%) of discolouration and child being teased by peers (n = 23, 64%). Main reasons for not bleaching included: concerns with side effects (n = 41; 55%) and not agreeing with bleaching (n = 23, 31%). Dentists who did not bleach managed a range of conditions, most frequently molar-incisor hypomineralisation (n = 57; 77%). The majority provided composite restorations with removal of tooth structure (n = 50; 68%) with a number opting for no treatment (n = 27, 37%). Conclusion: This study shows wide variations in treatment of children's dental anomalies across Europe. Fears of adverse effects and personal beliefs seemed to be the main deterrents to bleaching in children. Clinicians who provided bleaching tended to opt for more conservative techniques and to take children's concerns into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single- and dual-tasks are influenced by age-related impaired postural balance. Aim of this study was to analyze the Center of Pressure (CoP) oscillation during static balance in the presence or absence of cognitive task on older women. Methods: Thirty-one healthy older women were assessed in a stand quiet position with open/closed eyes (single-task, OE and CE) and with cognitive task (dual-task, DT) through Wii Balance Board. Sway area, total displacement and CoP oscillation (CO) based on the number of times that CoP traveled through anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. Friedman test was used to compare OE, CE and DT. Dual-task interference percentage was used to quantify the cognitive load on balance whereas Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the association of cognitive domains and CO. Results: The CO was significantly higher in DT than in single-tasks and participants were unable to maintain their limits of stability in mediolateral direction. The cost of DT interference was 30.5%, which is partially explained by the deviation of attention from postural control to spatial and temporal orientation. Conclusion: Our findings show that cognitive load during DT impairs balance in mediolateral direction, thus indicating the use of WBB to assess cognitive interference on postural control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in electric energy tariffs in conjunction with social and cultural aspects often leads electric energy consumers to tamper with electric energy meters, as a means to decrease the reading for consumed energy at their respective residencies. One form of meter tampering that is very difficult to detect is the removal of the neutral conductor, which goes on to produce an effect where the meter registers a consumption that is lower than the real consumption. The identification of this fraud is difficult due to the fact that the readings are scheduled, and as such the fraudulent consumer needs only to reconnect the neutral conductor at the time of the meter reading. This article presents a device developed for identifying and registering this type of theft, thus making it more difficult to practice. Laboratory tests and simulations have shown that the lower the power factor of an installation in low voltage, lower will be the reading registered on the meter when this type of fraud arises. This newly developed device has shown itself to be robust, with a low cost as well as efficient in performing to its proposed intent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has shown that both intermittent and continuous presentations of cultural consequences (CCs) select and maintain target culturants. Some relevant cultural phenomena in complex societies may involve concurrency between individual consequences and intermittent CCs, such as high rates of absenteeism among hospital employees, and team coordination of attendants' service for victims of domestic violence. Understanding the underlying processes related to these phenomena can provide knowledge to intervene in social issues. The present study evaluated the effects of continuous and intermittent (Variable-ratio 3-VR3) CCs on culturants in conditions of concurrent and non concurrent operant contingencies and metacontingencies. Ninety-three undergraduate students were distributed into four microcultures. Experimenters planned two microcultures with a condition of CCs in VR3, followed by a condition of suspension of CCs (no CCs), and two microcultures with CCs in Continuous reinforcement (CRF), followed by no CCs. In CCs in VR3, each third occurrence of the target culturant, on average, produced one CC. In CCs in CRF, every occurrence of the target culturant generated one CC. Microcultures without concurrency showed selective effects of CCs on target culturants, whereas microcultures with concurrency did not show occurrences of the target culturants. These data are discussed in terms of the effect of the concurrent variable across microcultures and by contrast with previous literature, particularly regarding important methodological difference between studies, such as verbal feedback from the researcher and/or experimental apparatus and highlighting the importance of verbal variables in complex social contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present two experiments was to evaluate the effects on laboratory microcultures of (a) individual punishment and (b) punishment dependent on group performance. Each experiment involved a single session divided into successive trials. People's tasks on each trial consisted of choosing rows in a 10 × 10 colored matrix. Consequences were delivered after each trial depending on individuals' choices (Experiment 1) or on their choices' aggregated product at the group level (Experiment 2). Experiment 1 showed reliable effects of individual punishment on individual target responding. Experiment 2 showed reliable effects of a group-level analog of punishment on the emission of a target culturant. We discuss some implications of these findings for current concepts of operant behavior and cultural change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop a model in the spirit of Diamond and Dybvig (J Polit Econ 91(3):401–419, 1983), with bank-specific sequential-service constraints and commitment to a redistribution policy at the terminal date. In the good equilibrium, some insurance is provided against the risk of being affiliated with a bank with too many impatient depositors. We also find, however, that an unpleasant arithmetic takes place in a bad equilibrium, with patient depositors realizing they can be heavily taxed since runs are reducing savings in other banks, which in turn changes the ability of their own bank to induce truth-telling. We prove that even the disclosure device proposed by Green and Lin (J Econ Theory 109(1):1–23, 2003) may not remove bank-run equilibria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, industrial processes have a multivariable nature, with multiple inputs and multiple outputs. Such systems are more difficult to monitor and control due to interactions between the input and output variables. Focusing on these issues, the development of soft sensors to monitor multivariate nonlinear processes using neural networks is proposed. Experiments were performed to monitor the pressure and flow values on an experimental platform (fluid transport system) using developed soft sensors. With the monitoring using soft sensor, it is possible to make processes more reliable, with better performance and with less difficulty in detecting and solving possible failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The interruption of training (detraining) results in loss of the gains acquired. Partial retention could occur after detraining, and variation in training stimuli may optimize retraining adaptations.Aim: To evaluate the effect of a resistance-retraining program on strength and functional capacity performance after a detraining period.Methods: Ten elderly men and women (63-68 years) completed 12 weeks of training, 16 weeks of detraining, and 8 weeks of retraining. One-repetition maximum (1-RM) at 45° leg press, maximum isometric knee extension torque, rate of torque development (RTD), 30-s sit-to-stand, timed up and go, and stair ascent and descent tests were assessed.Results: The 1-RM increased after training (p < 0.01) and remained higher after a detraining period when compared to pre-training (p < 0.01). Post-retraining values were not different from post-training period (p > 0.05). For RTD and 30-s sit-to-stand, there was an increase after retraining when compared to pre-training values (p < 0.05). For timed up and go and stair ascent and descent, reductions were observed between pre-training and post-training periods (p < 0.05), only timed up and go increased after the detraining period (p < 0.01).Discussion: After 16 weeks of detraining, the maximum strength did not return to baseline levels, and a retraining with explosive strength exercise sessions can recover maximum strength gains, RTD, and functional capacity at the same level obtained after a detraining period.Conclusions: The inclusion of an explosive strength session in retraining period improves RTD and 30-s sit-to-stand performance and can accelerate the recovery of strength after a detraining period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine children’s perceptions of dentists and dental treatment and their association with oral health-related quality of life.Methods: Participants were 60 children, aged 8-10 years old, who completed the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8 − 10), Facial Image Scale (FIS) interview, and picture drawing.Results: The children displayed slight fear and anxiety on the FIS (95.0%). A positive view of the dentist (83.4%) and dental treatment (75.0%) was observed through the drawings. The majority of children (96.7%) noted an impact of oral diseases on quality of life, with no significant differences in gender (p = 0.5791) or age (p = 0.1808). No significant associations were observed between the perceptions of the dentist and dental treatment and the impact of oral diseases on quality of life (p = 0.8131).Conclusions: The majority of children had a positive image of the dentist and dental treatment, and this perception was not associated with oral health-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While it is accepted that resistance training can improve functional capacity in older individuals, the neuromuscular source of this improvement has yet to be identified.Aim: This study investigated the link between improved neuromuscular performance and functional capacity after a 12-week resistance training period in untrained healthy older individuals.Methods: Fifteen older men and women (60-71 years) adhered to a 4-week control period, followed by 12 weeks of non-linear resistance training for the lower limbs. Maximum dynamic leg press strength (1-RM), maximum isometric knee extension torque and rate of torque development (RTD) were evaluated at − 4, 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and muscle activity was assessed at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Functional capacity tests (chair rise, stair ascent and descent, and timed up and go) were performed at − 4, 0, and 12 weeks.Results: No changes occurred during the control period, but the group increased their 1-RM strength (from 142 ± 53 to 198 ± 43 kg, p = 0.001), which was accompanied by an increase in vastus lateralis activation (p = 0.008) during the intervention. Increase was observed at all RTD time intervals at week 8 (p < 0.05). Significant improvements in all the functional capacity tests were observed at week 12 (p < 0.05).Discussion: Despite the expected increase in strength, RTD, muscle activity, and functional capacity, there was no significant relationship between the changes in neuromuscular performance and functional capacity. While resistance training elicits various positive improvements in healthy older individuals, actual strength gain did not influence the gain in functional capacity.Conclusion: The present study highlights the exact cause that improved the functional capabilities during resistance training are currently unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) undergo motor injuries, which decrease their quality of life (QL). Dance, added to drug therapy, can help treating these patientsAims: To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis with the aim to analyze the effects of dance classes in comparison to other interventions or to the absence of intervention, in randomized clinical trials (RCTs), on functional mobility, motor symptoms and QL of PD patientsMethods: The search was conducted in MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, Cochrane and PsycINFO (last searched in August 2017). RCTs analyzing dance effects in comparison to other physical training types or to no intervention, on functional mobility, motor symptoms and QL of PD patients were selected. The outcomes assessed were motor symptoms with Unified PD Rating Scale III (UPDRSIII), functional mobility with Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), endurance with 6 min walking test (6MWT), freezing of gait with Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG_Q), walking velocity with GAITRite and QL with PD Questionnaire (PDQ39). Two reviewers independently extracted methodological quality and studies data. Results are presented as weighted mean differences.Results: Five RCTs were included, totaling 159 patients. Dance promoted significant improvements on UPDRSIII, and a decrease in TUG time when compared to other types of exercise. In comparison to the absence of intervention, dance practice also showed significant improvements in motor scores.Conclusion: Dance can improve motor parameters of the disease and patients’ functional mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accuracy is essential to the validity of functional capacity measurements.Aim: To evaluate the error of measurement of functional capacity tests for elders and suggest the use of the technical error of measurement and credibility coefficient.Methods: Twenty elders (65.8 ± 4.5 years) completed six functional capacity tests that were simultaneously filmed and timed by four evaluators by means of a chronometer. A fifth evaluator timed the tests by analyzing the videos (reference data).Results: The means of most evaluators for most tests were different from the reference (p < 0.05), except for two evaluators for two different tests. There were different technical error of measurement between tests and evaluators. The Bland-Altman test showed difference in the concordance of the results between methods. Short duration tests showed higher technical error of measurement than longer tests. In summary, tests timed by a chronometer underestimate the real results of the functional capacity.Discussion: Difference between evaluators’ reaction time and perception to determine the start and the end of the tests would justify the errors of measurement.Conclusion: Calculation of the technical error of measurement or the use of the camera can increase data validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments about the effects of cultural consequences (CCs) upon culturants (IBCs+APs) suggest an important role of two specific variables: competition between operant contingencies and metacontingencies, and the antecedent and consequent verbal events to the participants' behavior. The present study manipulated the presentation of verbal (VCCs) and non-verbal (NVCCs) cultural consequences, examining their effects on culturants under conditions of competition and no competition between operant contingencies and metacontingencies. One hundred and twenty-three college students composed four microcultures. We programmed two microcultures with an ABABCD design and two microcultures with a BABACD format. Competition and noncompetition between operant contingencies and metacontingencies were also manipulated. In Condition A verbal and nonverbal cultural consequences were contingent on target culturants; in Condition B there were only nonverbal cultural consequences; in Condition C only verbal cultural consequences were presented; and in Condition D there was no cultural consequence programmed. Microcultures with no competition exhibited more stable rates of target-culturants. Verbal and non-verbal cultural consequences, operating in conjunction, selected and maintained target-culturants whether or not competition was operating. Verbal cultural consequences in isolation also had a selective effect, provided that they were not associated with non-verbal cultural consequences in the previous condition. Non-verbal cultural consequences in isolation selected target culturants only in the absence of competition, but maintained them whether or not competition was operating. In the absence of cultural consequences, the rate of target culturants decreased. Verbal variables defined as verbal cultural consequences showed differential effects that need consideration and additional investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Age-related differences concerning cardiorespiratory responses and myocardial function during exercise have not been extensively investigated in healthy populations.Aims: To compare cardiorespiratory performance and myocardial function during maximal exercise in healthy/unmedicated men (older, n = 24, 63-75 years; young, n = 22, 19-25 years) and women (older, n = 18, age = 63-74 years; young, n = 23, 19-25 years).Methods: Oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilation minute (VE), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (Q), O2 pulse (O2p), preejection period (PEP), and left ventricular ejection time (LVET) were assessed during cycle incremental exercise.Results: HR and SV remained equivalent between age groups until 75 and 50% peak workload, respectively. Q increased by 2.5 and 4.5 times in older and young groups, respectively. However, Q/VO2 ratio was always similar across age and sex groups (∼0.50). The energetic efficiency ratio (W/VO2) was also alike in older and young men, but slightly lower in women. At maximal exercise, cardiorespiratory responses were lower in older than young men and women: VO2 (−40 to 50%), VE (−35 to 37%), HR (−23%), SV (−26 to 29%), Q (−43 to 45%), and O2p (−15 to 20%). Cardiac and SV indices were lower in older than young groups by approximately 42 and 25%, respectively. LVET was longer in the older individuals, while PEP was similar across age groups. Hence, PEP/LVET was lowered among older vs. young men and women.Conclusion: Submaximal work capacity was preserved in healthy and unmedicated older individuals. Age-related lessening of maximal performance in both sexes was due to poor chronotropic and, particularly, inotropic properties of the heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A full computer-based methodology is proposed for electromagnetic transient simulations in power cables characterized by an arbitrary cross-section geometry. The frequency-dependent parameters of the cables are calculated using finite element method, and the three-phase cable modeling is carried out using modal decoupling and fitting techniques. The multiconductor representation of a sector-shaped cable is possible from the calculation of a constant and real modal transformation matrix, resulting four independent propagation modes (three phases and cable shield), which are modeled from the inclusion of frequency effect in the classic Bergeron method. The currents and voltages are expressed as a system of differential equations, which are presented as state equations and solved using numerical integration methods. The proposed modeling technique allows the inclusion of time-variable and nonlinear elements during electromagnetic transient simulations in the time domain, which is not possible from frequency-domain models that are solved using inverse transforms. The proposed model is validated from results simulated using numerical Laplace transform and exact modal transformation matrix for calculation of phase currents and voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the implementation of a rough controller with proportional-integral action to control a nonlinear system. The system chosen was a level process. Through practical tests, mathematical models (linear and nonlinear) are obtained from the real data of the process. The control system dynamic response in question will be compared with two approaches via discrete linear control and a fuzzy controller. The nonlinear system is a small-scale plant, common in some industrial applications. The rule-based controllers (similar to fuzzy controllers) have linguistic interpretations, are robust with regard to parametric uncertainties of the system, and have a good capacity to map nonlinear characteristics of operation. The fuzzy controllers use procedures of fuzzification and defuzzification of data that require time in the computation of the associated rules. The rough controllers do not require these procedures, requiring less computational time in the corresponding rules, which is an interesting characteristic for real-time applications. This paper presents results of computer simulations and practical tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improvements on balance, gait and cognition are some of the benefits of exergames. Few studies have investigated the cognitive effects of exergames in institutionalized older persons. Aims: To assess the acute effect of a single session of exergames on cognition of institutionalized older persons. Methods: Nineteen institutionalized older persons were randomly allocated to Wii (WG, n = 10, 86 ± 7 year, two males) or control groups (CG, n = 9, 86 ± 5 year, one male). The WG performed six exercises with virtual reality, whereas CG performed six exercises without virtual reality. Verbal fluency test (VFT), digit span forward and digit span backward were used to evaluate semantic memory/executive function, short-term memory and work memory, respectively, before and after exergames and Δ post- to pre-session (absolute) and Δ % (relative) were calculated. Parametric ( t independent test) and nonparametric (Mann-Whitney test) statistics and effect size were applied to tests for efficacy. Results: VFT was statistically significant within WG (−3.07, df = 9, p = 0.013). We found no statistically significant differences between the two groups ( p > 0.05). Effect size between groups of Δ % (median = 21 %) showed moderate effect for WG (0.63). Discussion: Our data show moderate improvement of semantic memory/executive function due to exergames session. It is possible that cognitive brain areas are activated during exergames, increasing clinical response. Conclusion: A single session of exergames showed no significant improvement in short-term memory, working memory and semantic memory/executive function. The effect size for verbal fluency was promising, and future studies on this issue should be developed. Protocol number of Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-6rytw2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]