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High gain DC-DC converters are needed to step up the low voltage generated from distributed generation (DG) sources. Many topologies of these converters which are proposed in the literature are not suitable for renewable applications because they lack common ground and low ripple continuous input current. High voltage gain, common ground structure and continuous input current with low ripple are inherent advantages of the converter proposed in this paper. The suggested converter has other attractive features like lower voltage stress on semiconductor devices, high gain per inductor and simple control. The gain and efficiency of the converter are also calculated in non-ideal conditions. In the lab, the prototype of the proposed converter with a power rating of 200 W is being constructed to check and verify the functionality of the proposed converter both in steady-state and dynamic conditions. The highest efficiency of the proposed converter is found to be 95.10% which is greater than traditional and other converters listed in literature. The converter has been found to function effectively in open-loop conditions and produces significant voltage gain at lower duty cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, is there no consensus on a widely accepted measurement technique for calculating the Hill-Sachs lesion (HSL). The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the techniques and imaging modalities to assess the HSL pre-operatively. Methods: Four online databases (PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and COCHRANE) were searched for literature on the various modalities and measurement techniques used for quantifying HSLs, from data inception to 20 November 2021. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies tool was used to assess study quality. Results: Forty-five studies encompassing 3413 patients were included in this review. MRA and MRI showed the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values. Intrarater and interrater agreement was shown to be the highest amongst MRA. The most common reference tests for measuring the HSL were arthroscopy, radiography, arthro-CT, and surgical techniques. Conclusion: MRA and MRI are reliable imaging modalities with good test diagnostic properties for assessment of HSLs. There is a wide variety of measurement techniques and imaging modalities for HSL assessment, however a lack of comparative studies exists. Thus, it is not possible to comment on the superiority of one technique over another. Future studies comparing imaging modalities and measurement techniques are needed that incorporate a cost-benefit analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Connectivity of the different cities of Pakistan through international standards motorways are the most essential thing of connecting the people and goods through different means as the construction of roads had decreased the gap between the people who are travelling through different source of vehicles to reach their desired destination. These motorways not only reduce the time limit of the people but have given the international standard travelling experience to its respective people. The concept of making the rest areas as part of motorways has emerged while construction of Islamabad-Lahore motorway was well underway this motorway is also known as M-2. Over the years the Motorway M-2 Islamabad-Lahore is delivering the services to its commuters by facilitating them through Services Area or Rest Areas. Customer satisfaction is one of the aspects of service quality which can be evaluated in terms of the procedural quality in an efficient way so that the customer gets what he is looking for and plans to return back to avail the same services. While on the other hand the service quality is usually refers to the customer‟s perception of how the service is delivered to them and the expectations are matched against the services or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this paper, a modified and improved high gain dc–dc boost converter is proposed. The converter has utilized two voltage multiplier cells (VMCs) comprising switched capacitors (SC) and switched inductors (SL) to increase the voltage gain of the converter. The basic concept of these switched topologies is that when the switch is ON, the energy is stored by the inductor and the capacitor transfers its energy to load and inductor. In the OFF cycle, the inductor transfers its energy to the capacitor, and, simultaneously, capacitor is charged through input voltage also. As compared to other nonisolated topologies, the proposed converter has a high voltage gain and low voltage stress across semiconductor devices. The voltage stress on all capacitors except the output capacitor is less than the voltage across the load. A detailed analysis of the converter in continuous conduction (CCM) and discontinuous conduction modes (DCM) is shown. The proposed converter has a peak efficiency of 94.8%. For the efficiency calculation of the proposed topology, PLECS software is used. The experimental results agree with the theoretical analysis and validate the working and performance of the proposed converter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background aspiration pneumonia increases hospitalisation and mortality of older people in residential aged care. Objectives determine potentially pathogenic microorganisms in oral specimens of older people with aspiration pneumonia and the effect of professional oral care in reducing aspiration pneumonia risk. Data Sources PUBMED/MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, COCHRANE, PROQUEST, Google Scholar, Web of Science. Study Eligibility Criteria published between January 2001 and December 2019 addressing oral microorganisms, aspiration pneumonia, oral health and treatment. Participants people 60 years and older in residential aged care. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Intervention Trials checklist. Results twelve studies (four cross-sectional, five cohort and three intervention) reported colonisation of the oral cavity of older people by microorganisms commonly associated with respiratory infections. Aspiration pneumonia occurred less in people who received professional oral care compared with no such care. Isolation of Candida albicans , Staphylococcus aureus , methicillin-resistant S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was related to mortality due to aspiration pneumonia. An interesting finding was isolation of Escherichia coli, a gut bacterium. Limitations more information may be present in publications about other co-morbidities that did not meet inclusion criteria. A high degree of heterogeneity prevented a meta-analysis. Issues included sampling size, no power and effect size calculations; different oral health assessments; how oral specimens were analysed and how aspiration pneumonia was diagnosed. Conclusions and Implications of Key Findings pathogenic microorganisms colonising the oral microbiome are associated with aspiration pneumonia in older people in residential care; professional oral hygiene care is useful in reducing aspiration pneumonia risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We find that the National Highway and Motorway Police of Pakistan ("NHMP") operates on the metropolitan police model as opposed to the Irish constabulary, paramilitaristic model that the Karachi police is based on. Both work through an operating manual that can be broadly conceived of as "procedural informality" - what Waseem calls the "core outcome" of Pakistan's brand of post-colonial policing. Zoha Waseem's work on what she dubs the "post-colonial condition of policing" in the megapolis of Karachi offers vibrant insights into the institutionally battered souls that populate the rank and file of Karachi's police force, as well as the powerful, oft paradoxical slices of the upper air that schematise politics, industry, and policing in a permanent quest for hegemony. [Extracted from the article]

Industrial by products such as granite cutting waste (GCW) are suspected to have a detrimental effect on environment. This paper emphasizes on a sustainable way of getting rid of GCW by using it as a partial replacement of natural fine aggregate (river sand) in conventional concrete. In this paper, strength and durability behaviour of concrete containing GCW is examined so as to determine its viability in concrete production. Concrete was prepared with GCW in 4 different proportions i.e. 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% and various tests such as compressive strength, flexural strength, abrasion resistance and permeability test were performed and the experimental values were compared with the control mix. Microstructural studies of control mix (CM) and mixes with different percentages of GCW were also performed using SEM and XRD techniques to identify effect of incorporating GCW on performance of concrete with respect to C–S–H gel, silica and other hydration products, which has not been investigated in the past. Microstructural investigation helps in understanding the variation in strength of concrete with different percentages of GCW. Test results, SEM and XRD analysis of concrete mixes indicates that optimum replacement percentage of fine aggregate with GCW is about 30% as the performance of concrete is significantly improved at this replacement level. Hence, GCW can be used as a partial substitute of river sand and thereby reducing cost of concrete production. Optimal replacement of sand by GCW can open up new avenues in sustainable construction techniques and reduce the detrimental effect on environment due to waste disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews feminist critiques, both on conceptual and empirical grounds, of the contention that microcredit empowers women. It also reviews other critiques of microcredit as being pushed by a neo-liberal agenda to extend the domain of the market or as a development panacea while not really representing authentic development. It makes a case for privileging women’s perception and voice and adds to the literature that does this using a case study from Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the impact of shoulder surgeon volume of common shoulder procedures on hospital/surgeon efficiency, adverse events, and hospital costs. Methods: Four online databases (PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL) were searched for literature on the influence of surgeon volume on outcomes for shoulder surgery, from data inception to October 1, 2020. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies tool was used to assess study quality. Data are presented descriptively. Results: Twelve studies encompassing 150,898 patients were included in this review. The distribution of surgery type was rotator cuff repair (53.7%; n = 81,066), shoulder arthroplasty (35.7%; n = 53,833), and ORIF (10.6%; n = 15,999). Higher surgeon volume for rotator cuff repairs was associated with lower surgical time, length of stay, costs, and reoperation/readmission rates. For shoulder arthroplasty, higher surgeon volume was associated with lower length of stay, costs, surgical time, non-routine disposition, blood loss, reoperation/readmission, and complications. As for ORIF, higher surgeon volume was associated with lower length of stay, costs, and complications. Conclusion: A high surgical volume leads to improved results for hospital/surgeon efficiency and reduces adverse events and hospital costs across various orthopaedic procedures. Hospitals and physicians can use this information to develop and adhere to policies and practices that contribute to more efficient and better-quality care for patients. Level of Evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are a super hybrid material that provides the combined advantages of metals and composites and offers significant potential as an ultralight structural material in the aerospace industry. Consequently, there has been increased research attention on FML mass production processes. The recent developments in FML component production and FML sheet preparation are the main topics of this review. First, a general overview of the development history, fabrication process, and properties of FMLs and their production process is presented in this paper. With a focus on combined die forming, such as stamping and hydroforming, which is the most promising method for the mass manufacture of complex curve-shaped FML components, several other forming technologies are also discussed in depth. Afterward, the FMLs' forming limitations and challenges, which have been observed in previous research, are also mentioned thoroughly. The defect and deformation modes that can develop during the forming processes of FMLs are addressed. Furthermore, considering all the relevant factors, the future scope of study and development has also been evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kyoto multilateral negotiations provide a template for global negotiation. What is at stake is the survival of humanity and major global economic restructuring is needed for that. The Kyoto targets were not nearly ambitious enough, and without restructuring national economies, most forecasts suggest the world will be doing too little and too late. Current generations should make possible “looking backward” with pride in humanity’s collective contributions. This essay contributes to a needed debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural development NGOs are often trapped into indefinite support for the grassroots organisations they help to create. This article explores an exit strategy whereby such NGOs help to establish multi-tier apex organisations of, rather than for, the people, that are able to replace them. This enables them to move on to other communities or to address their resource constraints as donor funding becomes tighter. Drawing on fieldwork, it argues that a gradual withdrawal and building on community social capital are more likely to lead to the success of such a strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural support programmes in Pakistan are major players in rural development, with significant outreach. Owing to funding constraints, they are currently exploring an exit strategy whereby they facilitate the formation of multi-tier local support organisations (LSOs), including those exclusively run by women. The present article focuses on the impact of this exit strategy on rural women. The findings, based on survey research, show that women have fared well, been more effective in running the LSOs than men and, despite confronting a conservative culture, have effectively filled in spaces vacated by men. Une stratégie de sortie pour un programme de soutien en milieu rural: lorsque des femmes remplissent les places libérées et excellent en développement communautaire Les programmes de soutien en milieu rural menés au Pakistan constituent des éléments importants dans le développement rural et ont un rayon d'influence considérable. Du fait des contraintes de financement, ils explorent actuellement une stratégie de sortie dans le cadre de laquelle ils facilitent la formation d'organisations de soutien locales à plusieurs niveaux (OSL), dont certaines dirigées exclusivement par des femmes. Cet article traite principalement de l'impact de cette stratégie de sortie sur les femmes rurales. Les conclusions, basées sur des recherches menées par le biais de questionnaires, montrent que les femmes s'en sont bien sorties, qu'elles ont été plus efficaces que les hommes dans leur administration des OSL et que, bien qu'ayant affaire à une culture conservatrice, elles ont rempli les places libérées par les hommes de façon efficace. Uma estratégia de saída do programa de apoio rural: mulheres preenchendo espaços vagos e destacando-se no desenvolvimento da comunidade Programas de apoio rural no Paquistão são grandes parceiros no desenvolvimento rural, com significativo alcance. Devido às limitações de fundos, eles estão atualmente explorando uma estratégia de saída para promoverem a formação de organizações de apoio local (LSOs) em vários níveis, incluindo aquelas exclusivamente administradas por mulheres. Este artigo concentra-se no impacto desta estratégia de saída sobre as mulheres rurais. Os resultados, baseados em pesquisa de campo, mostram que as mulheres têm tido uma boa atuação, têm sido mais efetivas na administração de LSOs do que os homens e, apesar de enfrentarem uma cultura conservadora, têm efetivamente preenchido espaços vagos de homens. Una estrategia de salida para un programa de apoyo rural: mujeres que ocupan vacantes y sobresalen en el desarrollo comunitario Los programas de apoyo rural en Pakistán tienen una presencia importante y un alcance significativo en el desarrollo rural. Debido a restricciones de financiación, actualmente estos programas adoptan una estrategia de salida que facilita la creación de organizaciones de apoyo local (OAL) de muchos niveles, incluyendo OAL cuyas integrantes son sólo mujeres. Este ensayo se centra en las repercusiones de esta estrategia de salida en las mujeres del campo. Los resultados obtenidos en una investigación basada en encuestas muestran que las mujeres han obtenido buenos resultados dado que las OAL a cargo de mujeres han respondido mejor que las de los hombres y, a pesar de la cultura conservadora que prevalece, las mujeres han cubierto los espacios dejados por los hombres de una manera eficaz. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper contributes to the debate on the links between poverty and forestry degradation; the view that due to poverty and the meeting of subsistence needs the poor use natural resources more intensively and hence cause them to degrade. Using the case of the forest rich Swat district, Pakistan, the paper addresses the issue empirically, historically, and institutionally. We do not find empirical support for the “poverty–environment nexus”, in that the poor and other income groups are equally resource dependent and also show that resource degradation is not associated with poverty. Our historical and institutional analyses provide alternative explanations for resource degradation. Selective and rotating ownership patterns, starting with the 17th century, provided limited incentive for resource conservation. It also created tension between de jure and de facto owners, that has persisted, and is one source of forest degradation. Ill-defined resource rights have also exacerbated the impacts of several other factors contributing to forest degradation which is compounded by poor management, corruption, and perverse incentives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The object of this paper is to locate and extend the debate on the closing of development 'policy space' for low-income countries. The location is in the broader context of the current debate in development economics among neoliberals and 'neo-developmentalists'. The extension is via an investigation of the gap between the wto's bound and applied tariff rates. We hypothesise that countries that receive aid and are therefore subject to imf 'conditionalities' are more likely to have a wider gap between bound and applied rates. We find this to be the case, provide other evidence to demonstrate that the imf acts as an aggressive implementing mechanism for the wto, that the policy space has shrunk since the implementation of the Uruguay Round, and that this may have adversely affected manufacturing in low-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses a production function approach to identify the impact of student, parent, teacher, and school policy variables on student performance as measured by test scores. Our statistical analysis is conducted in a comparative institutional context that includes government, private, and non-governmental organization schools. We find that, at least in the Pakistani context, non-governmental organization schools are more effective than government or private schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parent-teacher associations (PTAs) or school management committees (SMCs) are an important way of realising participation via collective action to improve schooling. Field visits, a literature review, and a small sample survey are the three sources used to explore the status of SMCs/PTAs that have been established by provincial governments and NGOs in Pakistan. My main finding is that to make participation effective in schooling, public-sector reforms need to be carried out to alter the power relations between parents, teachers, and government officials. In general, NGO schools performed only marginally better than government schools in engendering participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public sector salaries, including those that apply to rural teachers in Pakistan, are rigidly determined by educational qualifications and experience. If it can be determined that educational qualifications and experience enhance teacher cognitive skills, which in turn enhance student cognitive skills, one can infer that there is some rationality to such a salary structure and that teacher incentives are compatible with teacher effectiveness.We utilized two data sets to test these propositions. The first, based only on a survey of government schools, seemed to suggest that some rationality, with many qualifications, existed in rural public sector schooling salary scales. However, utilizing a more recent data set that is disaggregated by school type (government, non-government and private sectors) showed no such rationality existed in the public sector, while salaries were responsive to qualifications in the non-government and private sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the context of effective devolution of power in Pakistan and its functions to the grassroorts level as a first sequence of devolutions to attain democratic governance. Arguments on the comparison of the centralized socialist economies with decentralized free market economies; Factors which represent the prerequisites of successful devolution; Details on an indicative model for power devolution to the grassroots level.

While surgical resection has remained the mainstay of treatment in early-stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC), therapeutic options in the advanced setting have remarkably expanded over the last 20 years. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-TKIs) and anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-based immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become globally accepted options in the upfront metastatic setting, with different ICI-based combination strategies improving overall survival compared to single-agent Sunitinib. Although some patients benefit from long-term responses, most eventually develop disease progression. Ongoing efforts to better understand the biology of RCC and the different mechanisms of acquired resistance have led to the identification of promising therapeutic targets. Belzutifan, a novel agent targeting the angiogenic pathway involving hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), has already been approved for the treatment of early-stage tumors associated with VHL disease and represents a very promising therapy in advanced RCC. Other putative targets include epigenetic regulation enzymes, as well as several metabolites such as adenosine, glutaminase and tryptophan, which are critical players in cancer cell metabolism and in the tumor microenvironment. Different methods of immune regulation are also being investigated, including CAR-T cell therapy and modulation of the gut microbiome, in addition to novel agents targeting the interleukin-2 (IL-2) pathway. This review aims to highlight the emergent novel therapies for RCC and their respective completed and ongoing clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a two-sector model to assess the quantitative importance of cross-sector industry externalities. Division of economy into industry and non-industry sectors; Use of two alternative definitions for industry; Discussion of estimation results; Policy implications of findings.

To overcome the problems associated with Z‐source‐based DC–DC converters, a quasi‐Z‐source (QZS)‐based high‐gain DC–DC boost converter with switched capacitors is proposed in this work. Z‐source‐based DC–DC converters have problems like low‐voltage gain, discontinuous input current, and high‐voltage stress on the active and passive components. The proposed converter can produce a high‐voltage gain of more than 10 times for a duty cycle of less than 0.5. The converter has other desirable features like reduced voltage stress across the switching components and continuous input current (CIC). It comprises a QZS cell made up of switched inductors and a voltage multiplier cell (VMC) made up of switched capacitors. The power loss analysis is done using PLECS software by incorporating the real parameters of switches and diodes from the datasheet. A hardware prototype of 200 W is developed in the laboratory to verify the working of the converter. In experimental results for an output power of 200 W, the converter is operated with a source voltage of 33 V at a duty ratio of 0.4 providing an output voltage of 395 V. The converter performance is good in open‐loop conditions and is verified through experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot metal gas forming (HMGF) of tubular profiles enables intricate designs for lightweight material production. HMGF showed an immense manufacturing potential, due to the excellent strength and toughness of the formed parts, better material formability, and better dimensional accuracy of the final product. Existing part production methods, such as weld-assembly of stampings and hydroforming, have significant problems in terms of residual tensile stresses, which can affect the formability and negatively affect the performance capability of the structural components. Due to the lack of a detailed review report, the primary focus of this review article is to provide in-depth analysis of recent developments, innovations, and challenges in HMGF while comparing it to existing manufacturing methods. This examination includes different essential aspects, such as the process principle, material applications, deformation mechanisms, process parameter optimization, and microstructure modeling. Additionally, the article explores future research directions and the potential of HMGF in the manufacturing industry. Our review underscores the critical importance of optimizing process parameters and conducting microstructural analysis to meet evolving challenges. Further research on material models and the interplay of microstructural variables is essential for advancing the field and facilitating precise predictions in HMGF processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Evidence suggests there are geographical variations in child oral health and this has prompted research into determinants of that variation. This study aimed to investigate factors attributable to the difference in child oral health between urban and rural areas in Australia. Method: Data were from the National Child Oral Health Study 2012‐14, a population‐based study of 5‐ to 14‐year‐old children, who underwent oral epidemiological examinations by trained examiners. Caries prevalence (dmfs/DMFS > 0) and experience (dmfs/DMFS count) in the primary dentition (5‐ to 8‐year‐old) and permanent dentition (9‐ to 14‐year‐old) were calculated. Children were grouped by residential location (urban or rural areas). A parental questionnaire collected information on family socio‐economic factors, and individual health behaviours (dental access, sugar consumption and toothbrushing). Residential history was used to calculate lifetime exposure to water fluoridation (WF). Analyses were weighted to produce population‐representative estimates. The primary outcomes were assessed separately for the two groups in regression models with robust standard error estimation to estimate prevalence ratios and mean ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. Population Attributable Fractions were calculated using the population distribution of the exposures and their adjusted estimates. Results: 10 581 5‐ to 8‐year‐old and 14 041 9‐ to 14‐year‐old children were included. Caries prevalence was higher in rural than in urban areas. In multivariable models, exposure to fluoridation, reason for dental visit and consumption of sugary beverages were consistently associated with caries prevalence and experience. WF coverage attributed to differences in caries prevalence (10% vs 21%) and experience (14% vs 35%) in the permanent dentition. High consumption of sugary beverages attributed to a higher primary and permanent dental caries experience in rural than in urban areas. Dental access was also attributed to the differences between the two areas. Conclusion: Factors at both community and individual levels attributed to the observed differences in child caries prevalence and experience between urban and rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand for lightweight materials with structural integrity is necessary due to the increased global concern about air pollution and excessive fuel consumption. Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) have the potential to find the perfect balance between weight reduction and structural reliability, which includes improved damage tolerance. However, the fiber used in FMLs has limited elongation, and existing forming approaches are not qualified enough to produce small and deep laminate components, especially for mass production. In this research paper, an investigation has been carried out to understand the laminate system's failure mode, eliminate defects, and improve drawability. A comparative study has been carried out for producing small parts made of GLARE (glass laminated-reinforced epoxy) material, using the conventional cured laminate and non-cured laminate with a hot-pressing method. The effect of these two methods on the GLARE forming behavior has been discussed. The numerical and experimental results of the new approach were compared with the conventional method. Results exhibit the positive effect of this approach on the quality of the formed cups and depth. Finally, this investigation can enhance the FMLs, and GLARE part applications compared to the conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past two decades, there has been a decrease in dental diseases in Australia; however, the number of preventable dental hospital admissions has not diminished. This review reports on the factors associated with preventable dental hospital admissions in Australia.Methods: A search of five databases was conducted using Medical subject headings/Emtree terms and Index terms. All original studies, published between January1965 and March 2018 in English, based on the Australian population, and examining the prevalence of oral conditions as a cause for emergency department presentations and hospital admissions were included. The mixed method appraisal tool was used to evaluate the included studies.Results: Eleven cross-sectional studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the studies, except one from Tasmania, were from Western Australia. The most common reasons for preventable dental hospital admissions were dental caries, followed by embedded or impacted teeth. Malignant neoplasms were reported as main causes of preventable dental hospital admissions in the older population.Conclusions: Most studies on preventable dental hospital admissions were from one Australian state (Western Australia). Further research is required to determine the national prevalence and incidence of preventable dental hospital admissions. A periodic audit of preventable dental hospital admission data is needed for delivery of a fair and effective dental services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The demand for titanium alloys has received massive attention in the aerospace and automotive industry owing to their magnificent electrochemically compatibility and corrosion resistance, high strength at elevated temperatures and high strength-to-weight ratio. Although titanium alloy has impressive mechanical properties, they are challenging to machine or metal form due to its poor heat conductivity, high chemical reactivity, low modulus of elasticity, high friction coefficient and difficult lubricant that limits its application field and increases wear. However, surface treatment coating with the strong metallurgical bond between the titanium alloy matrixes is novel technique to resolve these challenges. This research will illustrate the influence of laser scanning power on the microstructure and tribological behavior of Nickel (NI)-composite claddings fabricated on TC4 titanium alloy to realize the strong metallurgical bond between the titanium alloy and NI-composite coating. Design/methodology/approach: In this research, TiC/TC4 alloy nanocomposites were fabricated based on different laser power and temperatures. TC4 has been selected as a base material instead of TiC for the strong metallurgical bond between the titanium alloy matrixes. Then Ni-composite coating was used as the surface treatment coating on TC4 by laser cladding (LC) technique. The Ni-based alloy coating material powder is good self-fluxing, has high-temperature resistance and is analytically pure with 200 mesh, which can easily overcome the various challenges of titanium alloy. The chemical properties of Ni composite coating include 31.2% Chromium, 8%Titenium and 3.6% Carbon. The prepared surface treatment coating characterization and microstructure behavior are analyzed using optical micrograph, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopes, energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron probe micro analyzer methods. Findings: It is evident that at the beginning of the experiment, if the laser power increased, the quality of the coating increased. An optimal quality of the coating is found when the laser scanning power about 12.55 kJ/cm2. Further increased laser power diminished the quality of the coating because the material plasticity had deteriorated. The TiC ceramic particle reinforced phase is dispersed into a two-phase solid solution of β-Ti and γ-Ni. The micro-hardness of the used coating is greater than the base alloy. Originality/value: This research has practical value in the modern aerospace and automobile industry to increase the application of titanium alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Data loss in the process of state estimation has been addressed in this article. • The existing method based on AR model has been improved by replacing ARMA model. • A simple minimum error based mechanism is proposed to decide order of LP filter. • The computational time is reduced by avoidance of inversion of matrices. • The existing schemes are compared with the proposed one to show the performance. Data loss problems severely effect the performance of state estimation in most of communication and control systems. The normal techniques adopted for compensation in the process of state estimation are Open-loop Kalman filter and compensating closed-loop Kalman filter. The compensated closed-loop Kalman filtering scheme employs three (03) strategies namely Normal Equation, Levionson-Durbin and Leroux-Gueguen algorithms, using Autoregressive (AR) model, where only previous measurements are used. In this paper, the compensated vector is proposed based on Autoregressive Moving Average or ARMA model instead of AR model. This model contains more information than Autoregressive model, i.e. measurement and input signals, which is believed to generate more efficient results. Necessary steps including the computation of linear prediction coefficients have been taken to accommodate the input signal. Computation of this extra linear prediction coefficient however, bears an observable increase in computation time. The selection of AR and ARMA models is a trade-off between computation time and improved performance, which is the ultimate consequence of extra input signal. A standard mass-spring-damper case study is simulated to provide a comprehensive comparison in light of various parameters including state estimation, error, gain elements etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to assess two macronutrient interventions in a 2 × 2 factorial dietary design to determine their effects on oral health. Materials and Methods: Participants (65–75 years old) with a body mass index between 20 and 35 kg/m2 of a larger randomized control trial who consented to an oral health assessment were recruited. They had ad libitum access to one of four experimental diets (omnivorous higher fat or higher carbohydrate, semi‐vegetarian higher fat or higher carbohydrate) for 4 weeks. The periodontal examination included periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing. Oral plaque and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were collected before and after the intervention. Results: Between baseline and follow up, the number of sites with a CAL <5 mm (mean difference [MD] −5.11 ± 9.68, p =.039) increased and the GCF amount (MD −23.42 ± 39.42 Periotron Units [PU], p =.050) decreased for the semi‐vegetarian high‐fat diet. For the mean proportion of sites with PPD reduction of >1 mm and CAL gain of >1 mm, significant differences were calculated between the diets investigated. The clinical parameters were not associated with changes in the oral microbiota. Conclusions: The results of this study provided evidence that a semi‐vegetarian high‐fat diet provides benefits to clinical parameters of periodontal health. This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ACTRN12616001606471). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents three new and improved non-isolated topologies of quadratic boost converters (QBC). Reduced voltage stress across switching devices and high voltage gain with single switch operation are the main advantages of the proposed topologies. These topologies utilize voltage multiplier cells (VMC) made of switched capacitors and switched inductors to increase the converter's voltage gain. The analysis in continuous conduction mode is discussed in detail. The proposed converter's voltage gain is higher than the conventional quadratic boost converter, and other recently introduced boost converters. The proposed topologies utilize only a single switch and have continuous input current and low voltage stress across switch, capacitors, and diodes, which leads to the selection of low voltage rating components. The converter's non-ideal voltage gain is also determined by considering the parasitic capacitance and ON state resistances of switch and diodes. The efficiency analysis incorporating switching and conduction losses of the switching and passive elements is done using PLECS software (Plexim, Zurich, Switzerland). The hardware prototype of the proposed converters is developed and tested for verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber Metal Laminates (FMLs) is developing very fast with the both features of resin-based composite and metal and its property can be improved by mixing nano-scale particles as FMLs-Nano. Based on the different mixing volume fractions, this paper investigated the effect of Graphene Oxide (GO) on the mechanical properties of the FMLs with carbon fiber used, including tensile, flexural and interface shear behaviors. The interface strengthening mechanism of GO as significant filler for enhancing the carbon woven fabric based FMLs' was explored. To encourage the application range of FMLs-Nano in the fields of aircraft, aerospace and automotive etc. to form the complicated components. It was observed that the FMLs with GO (FMLs-GO) has the better tensile performance than the FMLs without GO and the Young's modulus and tensile strength of the FMLs-GO are increased by 13.5% and 11.7%, respectively. Especially, the flexural and interface shear strength can be increased up to 134.0% and 150.4% compared to the pure FMLs and the improvement mechanism was investigated mechanically and observed with scanned micrograph. This paper also provides a fundamental reference for improving the interfacial performance of different layers of FMLs-GO by using the normal preparation condition. • The addition of Graphene Oxide in Fiber Metal Laminates can enhance the tensile, flexural, interface properties. • Graphene Oxide enhanced the tensile properties of the resin-reinforced fiber in the middle layer of the fiber metal laminates. • Graphene Oxide enhanced the adhesion between the aluminum layer and the resin layer of the fiber metal laminate. • The flexural performance of fiber metal laminate was significantly improved by adding Graphene Oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: The antioxidant potential of vitamin C is useful in reducing oxidative stress, free radicals, and reactive oxygen species, which may assist in the improved outcomes of periodontal therapy. This systematic review was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin C supplementation as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy, in the management of periodontitis. Data sources: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Study eligibility criteria: Randomized controlled trials published between January 1990 and March 2020. Participants: People 18 years and older with periodontitis. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) quality appraisal tool. Results: The initial search yielded 441 articles out of which six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Vitamin C supplementation helped improve bleeding indices in gingivitis but did not significantly lead to reduction of probing depths or clinical attachment gain for periodontitis. Conclusion: Administration of vitamin C as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy did not result in clinically significant improvements in pocket probing depths at 3 months in periodontitis patients. With the limited evidence available, no recommendation can be made for supplementation of vitamin C in conjunction with initial periodontal therapy for subjects with periodontitis to improve primary treatment outcome measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the characteristics of hospital admissions for dental conditions, by Australian Statistical Geography Standard remoteness area for the 5 years 2010/2011 to 2014/2015. Design: Retrospective analysis of preventable hospital admissions due to dental conditions. Setting: National data set provided by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Participants: Every hospital admission for patients who were admitted for dental conditions over five financial years, from 2010/2011 to 2014/2015. Main outcome measures: The number (and rate per 1000 population) of hospital admissions due to dental conditions in each Australian Statistical Geography Standard remoteness area (major city, inner regional, outer regional, remote and very remote). Results: There were 316 937 hospital admissions for dental conditions over the 5‐year period. The rate of potentially preventable dental hospital admissions ranged from an average of 2.5 per 1000 population in major cities to 3.2 in inner regional areas, 3.1 in outer regional areas, and 4.1 per 1000 in remote and very remote areas. The rate of admissions was highest among those aged 0‐14 years living in remote (9.0‐10.0 per 1000) and very remote (9.8‐12.5 per 1000) areas. Dental caries was the most common reason for admissions. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to address the social determinants of oral health in children aged 0‐14 years living in remote and very remote Australia. The delivery of mobile primary dental care services needs to be expanded in remote and very remote areas to prevent and treat dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural, electronic, optical, thermoelectric and magnetic properties of A 3 In 2 As 4 and A 5 In 2 As 6 (A = Eu and Sr) Zintl phase compounds in orthorhombic (Pnma and Pbam) phases are examined using density functional theory. Structure properties are an agreement with the experiment. Magnetic properties disclose the Non-magnetic nature of Sr 3 In 2 As 4 and Sr 5 In 2 As 6 and anti-ferromagnetic nature of Eu 3 In 2 As 4 and Eu 5 In 2 As 6 compounds.Electronic properties of Sr 3 In 2 As 4 , Sr 5 In 2 As 6 and Eu 3 In 2 As 4 , Eu 5 In 2 As 6 shows that all these compounds have narrow direct bandgap semiconductors at ᴦ and M symmetry. Electrical conductivity also gives the information about the semiconducting characteristic of these compounds. These compounds show that reduction in bandgap occurs through the substitution of Sr by Eu while increasing by going from local density approximation to modified Becke-Johnson potential and further reduce by spin orbit coupling effect. The outcome demonstrates that all compounds are optically dynamic in the infrared region, anisotropic and obstruct ultraviolet waves so these compounds are capable to use as shield for ultraviolet radiation and can be used as paramount applicant for optoelectronic devices. Owing to low thermal conductivity, high Seebeck coefficient, power factor and Figure of merit ranges from 0.39 to 1.2 at 800 K indicating that all compounds are active aspirants for thermoelectric applications. • Structural, electronic, optical, thermoelectric and magnetic properties of the Zintl phase compounds are examined using DFT. • Good agreement DFT results and experiment was obtained. • Nonmagnetic nature of Sr 3 In 2 As 4 , Sr 5 In 2 As 6 and antiferromagnetic nature of Eu 3 In 2 As 4 , Eu 5 In 2 As 6 compounds was revealed. • It is shown that all substances are optically anisotropic, active in the IR-region and block UV-waves. • Such materials can be applied as shields for UV-radiation and paramount applicant for optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of current study is to observe the microstructure characterization, corrosion resistance and tensile behaviour of spray deposited 7055 aluminum alloy. The spray deposited aluminum alloy was subjected to extrusion at 703 K and then followed by solution treatment (743 K/1.6 h) and T76 aging treatment (393 K for 6 h + 433 K for 6 h). It was revealed that large fraction of fine η′ precipitates appeared after T76 treatment. The large fraction of fine precipitates was responsible for high tensile strength, ductility and corrosion resistance. The 7055-T76 heat-treated samples yield strength and ultimate tensile strength decreased gradually up to 498 K and decreased sharply above that temperature. On the other hand, the as-received 7055 Al alloy yield strength and ultimate tensile strength decreased dramatically after 398 K. The tensile fracture was occurred at elevated temperature owing to the growth of small voids and their agglomeration. • Dispersion of second phase and oxide layer improved corrosion resistance of 7055-T76. • Strength of 7055 Al alloy increased due to a large volume fraction of η′ precipitates at T76. • The YS and UTS of as received 7055 Al alloy was dropped dramatically after 398 K. • 7055-T76 Al alloy withstand up to 498 K and drops dramatically after 498 K. • The fracture was occurred by annihilate of dimples and agglomeration of voids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]