Viability of Free and Alginate-Carrageenan Gum Coated Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lacticaseibacillus casei in Functional Cottage Cheese.

The survivability of encapsulated and nonencapsulated probiotics consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lacticaseibacillus casei and the nutritional, physicochemical, and sensorial features of cottage cheese were investigated under refrigeration storage at 4 °C for 28 days. Microbeads of L. acidophilus and L. casei were developed using 2% sodium alginate, 1.5% sodium alginate and 0.5% carrageenan, and 1% sodium alginate and 1% carrageenan using an encapsulation technique to assess the probiotic viability in cottage cheese under different gastrointestinal conditions (SGF (simulated gastric juice), SIF (simulated intestinal fluid)), and bile salt) and storage conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) elucidated the stable structure of microbeads, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence probiotics in the microcapsules, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated the amorphous state of microbeads. Furthermore, the highest encapsulation efficiency was observed for alginate 1% and carrageenan 1% microbeads (T3), i.e., 95%. Likewise, viability was recorded in T3 against SGF, SIF, and bile salt solution, i.e., 8.5, 8.8, and 8.9 log CFU/g at 80 min of exposure, compared to the control. The results of pH showed a significant (p < 0.05) decline that ultimately increased the titratable acidity. Nutritional analysis of cottage cheese revealed the highest levels of ash, protein, and total solids in T3, exhibiting mean values of 3.2, 22, and 43.2 g/100 g, respectively, after 28 days of storage. The sensory evaluation of cottage cheese demonstrated better color, flavor, and textural attributes in T3. Conclusively, synergistic addition of L. acidophilus and L. casei encapsulated with alginate-carrageenan gums was found to be more effective in improving the viability of probiotics in cottage cheese than noncapsulated cells while carrying better magnitudes of ash and protein, lower acidity, and pleasant taste.

Unconventional Reservoir Characterization of Patala Formation, Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan.

Unconventional hydrocarbon exploration is needed in the current oil and gas crisis scenario. Therefore, the development of conditions for unconventional hydrocarbon exploration is needed. In the Upper Indus Basin (UIB), Pakistan, the Patala Formation is one of the potential candidates for this unconventional exploration. It is a proven source rock at the regional level in the Kohat-Potwar sub-basin of UIB. This study aims to evaluate the shale gas potential of the rock in the Minwal-Joyamair area of the sub-basin. Developing a shale rock physics model is important for exploring and developing shale reservoirs due to the difference between unconventional shale and conventional sand reservoirs. These differences include mineral types, mineral characteristics, matrix pores, and fluid properties. To achieve the study's objectives, an integrated strategy provides for evaluating rock physics parameters, petrophysics, and geochemical analyses. This integrated approach indicates that the Patala Formation is a good potential reservoir for shale gas exploration. The Formation has a significant thickness (around 40-50 m), higher total organic carbon content (02-10%), higher brittleness index (0.44-0.56), and relatively shallow depth (2136-3223 m). These research findings suggested that the presence of organic and quartz-rich lithofacies can be considered as highly favorable "sweet spots" for shale-gas exploration in the UIB, Pakistan. Through proper understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of these "sweet spots", shale-gas exploration can be developed as an effective strategy to exploit shale gas.

Global scenario of genetic diversity in cox1 and nad1 genes of Moniezia expansa.

Monieziasis is a parasite-borne production-limiting disease of livestock. Moniezia expansa is the most important species having cosmopolitan distribution. Despite of numerous prevalence reports, very little information is available about the evolutionary biology and population genetics of M. expansa. To close this research gap, this study was undertaken to recognize and inspect the genetic variation of M. expansa populations around the world using the cox1 and nad1 genes and deduce phylogenetic relationships with M. expansa populations. The cox1 and nad1 gene sequences were downloaded from the NCBI GenBank database. Followed by sequence alignment, median-joining networks were constructed using PopArt software. Diversity and neutrality indices were computed through DnaSp software while MEGA software was used to draw the maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree. Thirty-two cox1 sequences, from five different countries, and 9 nad1 sequences from three different countries, were among the sequences used in this study. The cox1 and nad1 gene sequences had mutations in 97 and 36 different places, respectively. Twenty and 7 unique haplotypes were discovered for the cox1 and nad1 gene sequences, respectively. Comparable haplotype diversities were observed for both the genes under study (cox1 = 0.950; nad1 = 0.944). Negative Tajima's D and Fu Fs were found for the cox1 gene while these indices were positive for the nad1 gene. Phylogenetic analysis also showed the existence of unique haplotypes for both the cox1 and nad1 genes. The results of this study indicate that there is the existence of a huge genetic diversity in M. expansa isolates. For future studies, it is recommended that longer gene sequences should be used to describe genetic variation among M. expansa isolates as the length of the gene under study affects the genetic variation. Moreover, additional mitochondrial markers should also be investigated because the assertive strength of a group of gene targets is superior to defining genetic diversity.

Effect of bonded and removable retainers on occlusal settling after orthodontic treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the effectiveness of bonded and removable retainers (the Hawley and Essix retainers) in terms of improving occlusal settling (occlusal contact points/areas) after orthodontic treatment. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and Dental & Oral Sciences Source (DOSS), as well as SIGLE, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov for eligible studies. We included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials along with cohort studies. Studies that reported occlusal contacts/areas during retention with fixed bonded and removable retainers were included. To assess the quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias (RoB) tool was utilized, whereas the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of cohort studies.We included 6 articles in our systematic review after scrutinizing 219 articles and eliminating the illegible ones based on duplication, titles, abstracts, and objectives. Bonded retainers (BRs) allowed faster and better posterior occlusal settling as compared to the Hawley retainer (HR). However, HR showed good occlusal settling in the anterior dental arch. The Essix retainer (ER) showed a decrease in occlusal contact during the retention phase. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference between BRs and removable retainers. In conclusion, HR allowed better overall occlusal settling as compared to other retainers. However, BRs allowed faster settling in the posterior tooth region. The Essix retainer showed poor settling of occlusion. Overall, there is an insufficient number of high-quality RCTs to provide additional evidence, and further high-quality RCTs are needed.

The assessment of reservoir potential of Permian to Eocene reservoirs of Minwal-Joyamair fields, upper Indus basin, Pakistan.

Upper Indus Basin has been a valuable asset as the complexity of structure and hydrocarbon production is the leading producer of oil and gas in history and still to date. Potwar sub-basin has significance in the light of oil production from carbonate reservoirs or Permian to Eocene age reservoirs. Minwal-Joyamair field is very significant and has unique hydrocarbon production history with complexity in structure style and stratigraphy. The complexity is present for carbonate reservoirs of the study area due to heterogeneity of lithological and facies variation. In this research, the emphasis is on integrated advanced seismic and well data for Eocene (Chorgali, Sakesar), Paleocene (Lockhart), and Permian age (Tobra) formations reservoirs. This research's primary focus is to analyze field potential and reservoir characterization by conventional seismic interpretation and petrophysical analysis. Minwal-Joyamair field is a combination of thrust and back thrust, forming a triangle zone in the subsurface. The petrophysical analysis results suggested favorable hydrocarbon saturation in Tobra (74%) and Lockhart (25%) reservoirs in addition to the lower volume of shale (28% and 10%, receptively) and higher effective values (6% and 3%, respectively). The main objective of the study is the re-assessment of a hydrocarbon producing field and describe the future prospectively of the field. The analysis also includes the difference in hydrocarbon production from two different type of reservoir (carbonate & clastic). The findings of this research will be useful for any other similar basins around the world.

Supplementation of PUFA extracted from microalgae for the development of chicken patties.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in development of a diverse range of foods that are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. It is widely recognized that through dietary interventions, the lipid fraction of food can be modified to enhance its nutritional content. This study is aimed to develop chicken patties enriched with poly unstaurated fatty acids (PUFAs) extracted from microalgae aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) concentration of 0% (T0), 1% (T1), 2% (T2), and 3% (T3). All treatments were stored at -18 °C for one month and analysed at an interval of 0, 10, 20, and 30 days to assess the effect of PUFAs supplementation on physicochemical, oxidative, microbiological and organoleptic properties of chicken patties. The results revealed that moisture content was significantly increased during the storage; the maximum moisture was observed in T0 (67.25% ± 0.03) on day 0, while the minimun was found in T3 (64.69% ± 0.04) on day 30. Supplemenatation of PUFAs in chicken patties significantly enhanced the fat content of the product the highest fat content was observed for T3 (9.7% ± 0.06. An increase in PUFAs concentration led to a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). TBARS were increased from 1.22 ± 0.43 at 0 days to 1.48 ± 0.39 at 30 days of storage. The PUFAs incorporation negatively effected sensory acceptance of the product ranging from (8.41 ± 0.17 to 7.28 ± 0.12). However, the sensory scores were in acceptable range for supplemented patties as compared to control sample. Treatment T3 depicted the highest nutritional content. The sensory and physiochemical analysis of supplemented patties suggested that PUFAs extracted from microalgae can be used as a functional ingredient in the preparation various meat products particularly chicken meta patties. However, antioxidants should be added to to prevent lipid oxidation in the product.

Nutritional probing and storage stability of papaya jam supplemented with date pit powder.

Jam Quality is a factor robustly influenced by storage conditions. The current research aimed to develop papaya jam with improved nutritional attributes, rheological profile, and shelf-life utilizing date pit powder as a functional ingredient. The effect of date pit powder on the formulated product's physicochemical, microbial, and organoleptic properties was analyzed. Results revealed that overall mineral profile (0.35-1.11%), crude fiber (0.56-2.01%), pH (3.51-3.70%), and antioxidant properties (22.97-30.67%) were significantly increased while water activity reduced (0.77-0.73). Moreover, date pit powder improved the color scores like a*(10.10-10.67), b* (8.13-8.78), L* (25.56-28.09), and textural attributes (Cohesiveness: 0.83-0.90; Firmness: 6.82-6.93) of functional papaya jam. Microbial count reduced from 3.60 × 105-3.06 × 105 cfu/ml by adding date pit powder and staying within the acceptable limit (4.13 × 105-3.60 × 105 cfu/ml) during 2-month storage at refrigeration. Organoleptic evaluation depicted that samples treated with date pit powder scored better than the control, and a sample with 75% pectin replacement was considered best.

Soft tissue lasers: An innovative tool enhancing treatment outcomes in orthodontics - A narrative review.

Lasers have been utilised in the field of dentistry for over 40 years, but their use has been limited in the field of orthodontics. The advent of lasers with accompanying computer interfaces has made them significantly user-friendly, adding to their appeal in the orthodontic profession. Knowledge regarding the laser device's capabilities and limitations is essential to optimise patient care and to make a satisfactory investment return. For the effective and successful integration of lasers in orthodontic practice, adequate training is required, limited not only to the orthodontist but the dental assistants and auxiliaries as well. Orthodontists may safely and readily execute gingivectomy, exposure of teeth, frenectomy, circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy, ankyloglossia release and uvulopalatoplasty. The current narrative review was planned to introduce the benefits and general principles of soft tissue lasers in the field of orthodontics and recent surgical research comparing different laser-assisted surgeries against conventional scalpel surgeries.

A comparison of three different modalities in improving oral hygiene in adult orthodontic patients - An open label randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to compare outcomes in terms of Bleeding index (BI), Gingival Index (GI) and Orthodontic Plaque Index (OPI) with videographic and plaque disclosing tablets (PDT) versus verbal instructions in adult orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment (FAT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult orthodontic patients were recruited form outpatient orthodontic clinic who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were randomly allocated to three groups i.e., video, PDT AND VERBAL GROUPS: Subjects who had gingivitis as assessed by the Bleeding Index (BI), Gingival Index (GI) and Orthodontic Plaque Index (OPI) were recruited. Pre- and post-interventional measurements were taken at two intervals only for BI, GI and OPI. The primary outcome was to evaluate mean change in the BI, GI and OPI in the three study groups after six weeks. A computer-generated randomization list was used to allocate subjects to one of the three study groups using a random permuted block sampling of 6 and 9 to randomize the samples. RESULTS: A total of 99 subjects were assessed for eligibility out of which 96 participants were randomized as three of the participants declined to be part of this trial. The mean change in the oral hygiene indices score were assessed and we found no statistically significant difference among the three interventional groups. Pre- and postinterventional results showed statistically significant improvement in the oral hygiene indices for video and PDT group. No statistically significant difference for age, gender and education level on oral hygiene indices. Simple linear regression showed that video group produced significantly higher mean OPI change as compared to other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Visual aids performed better than verbal instructions. Gender, age, and education level did not have a statistically significant impact on oral hygiene indices.

Numerical Solution of Two-Dimensional Time Fractional Mobile/Immobile Equation Using Explicit Group Methods.

In this paper, we shall present the development of two explicit group schemes, namely, fractional explicit group (FEG) and modified fractional explicit group (MFEG) methods for solving the time fractional mobile/immobile equation in two space dimensions. The presented methods are formulated based on two Crank-Nicolson (C-N) finite difference schemes established at two different grid spacings. The stability and convergence of order O ( τ 2 - α + h 2 ) are rigorously proven using Fourier analysis. Several numerical experiments are conducted to verify the efficiency of the proposed methods. Meanwhile, numerical results show that the FEG and MFEG algorithms are able to reduce the computational times and iterations effectively while preserving good accuracy in comparison to the C-N finite difference method.

Cephalometric predictors of optimal facial soft-tissue profile in adult Asian subjects with Class II malocclusion treated via maxillary premolar extraction: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Class II malocclusion is most commonly treated using maxillary premolar extractions. The objective of this study was to predict cephalometric parameters associated with favorable facial soft-tissue profiles in adult Asian subjects with Class II malocclusion treated via maxillary premolar extractions. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 46 patients equally divided into favorable (FG) and unfavorable groups. The sample was divided on the basis of subjective and objective criteria. Subjectively, pretreatment and posttreatment facial silhouettes were shown to the panel of orthodontists to rate via the visual analog scale. Objectively, posttreatment soft-tissue cephalometric variables were taken. The sample receiving 60% visual analog scale and ideal posttreatment soft-tissue measurements were included in FG. Paired t test and independent t test were applied to determine the significant changes within and between both groups. To predict the cephalometric and occlusal variables associated with FG outcome, the Cox regression analysis was applied. RESULTS: On the evaluation of pretreatment cephalometric variables, the independent t test showed statistically significant differences for UI-NA (P = 0.42), Wits appraisal plane (0.010), upper lip to E-line (0.047), and interincisal angle (P = 0.049). Evaluation of the pretreatment occlusal variables the independent t test and chi-square test showed overjet (P = 0.018) and molar relationship (P = 0.045) to be statistically significant. The Cox regression analysis showed no cephalometric or occlusal variables to be statistically significant to predict the soft-tissue outcomes. A statistically significant strong correlation was also observed between the subjective and objective evaluation methods. CONCLUSIONS: Cephalometric analysis may be more valuable as a diagnostic rather than a predictive tool for favorable soft-tissue outcomes.

Influence of incisor inclination and anterior vertical facial height on facial attractiveness in an adult Asian male.

INTRODUCTION: Balanced facial proportions and hard tissue relationships are important factors in facial attractiveness. The objective of this study was to determine the most pleasing maxillary incisal inclination (MII) on the lateral profile and the impact of various lower anterior facial height (LAFH) ratios (at rest and with a smile) on facial attractiveness. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed with 66 raters equally divided into 3 panels: general dentists (GD), orthodontic residents (OR), and laypersons (LP). Lateral profile view photographs of an Asian man were modified using Photoshop software (Adobe Systems, San Jose, Calif) to show altered MII and LAFH ratios at rest and when smiling. Subjective evaluations of facial attractiveness were performed by raters using a visual analog scale. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare esthetic scores among raters, and the Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare ES between groups. RESULTS: Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences in esthetic scores among raters for -10° (P = 0.028) and -15° MII (P = 0.030). Similarly, significant differences were found in ES for 8% LAFH ratio (P = 0.022), and 4% LAFH ratio (P = 0.035) at rest. Mann-Whitney U test showed significant differences between raters for -10° and -15° MII and between 8% and 4% LAFH ratio at rest. CONCLUSIONS: All groups rated -5° inclinations to be most attractive. General dentists and orthodontic residents found normal LAFH to be the most attractive, whereas long facial height was less attractive with smile. In addition, smile had a camouflaging effect on LAFH.

Comparison of Efficacy of Ivabradine With Traditional Therapy in Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure patients usually present with disease exacerbation that overburdens the hospitals and also increases the risk of mortality with increased heart rate being the main issue. Consideration is being given to drugs for sole heart rate control in addition to conventional therapy. OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of ivabradine to traditional treatment in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. METHODOLOGY: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Cardiology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from November 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021. Patients aged 30-65 years of age and of either gender with heart failure were enrolled in the study. Patients were screened for New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and were enrolled into one of the two groups. In group 1, patients were started on traditional treatment, while group 2 patients were given ivabradine as an add-on therapy. Follow-up was made at the end of the second month for evaluation of the outcomes. RESULTS: Each group had 119 patients, with a mean age of 58.05±4.98 years. Group 1, consisted of 61.3% of the patients in NYHA 3, while 38.65% were in NYHA 4. In group 2, NYHA 3 and NYHA 4 patients were 59.6% and 40.3%, respectively. Upon follow-up, there were greater improvements in group 2 as compared to group 1 based on NYHA classifications, with NYHA 2 [47.05% (group 2) vs. 13.44% (group 1)], NYHA 3 [42.85% (group 2) vs. 61.34% (group 1)] and NYHA 4 [10.08% (group 2) vs. 25.21% (group 1)], p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Obtaining a more optimal heart rate with ivabradine in patients with congestive heart failure is reflected in an improvement in NYHA classification.

Effect of Direct versus Indirect Bonding Technique on the Failure Rate of Mandibular Fixed Retainer-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Fixed retainer failure is a common cause of relapse and may require additional orthodontic treatment. The two main methods for bonding the mandibular fixed retainer include direct and indirect techniques. This topic has not been explored previously in a systematic review. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of direct versus indirect bonding technique on the failure rate of mandibular fixed retainer. METHODS: Online databases (PubMed, Dental and Oral Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus) were systematically searched electronically for articles up until April 2021. Google Scholar and clinicaltrials.gov databases were utilized for hand searching. Randomized, non-randomized clinical trials and cohort studies on human subjects were considered regardless of language or year of publication. Orthodontic patients in their retention phase (mandibular 3×3 fixed retainer), in which the retainer was bonded using direct bonding technique as control and indirect as intervention were included. The outcome assessed was retainer failure rate. Two authors independently examined and extracted the data from the studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias in clinical trials was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool, whereas risk of bias in cohort studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The meta-analysis was conducted using the RevMan software V.5.3.5.22. The outcome was estimated using weighted average difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The studies' heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane's heterogeneity test (I2 Test). RESULTS: Four articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Retainer failure rates were analysed in a total number of 266 patients bonded with mandibular 3×3 retainers after orthodontic therapy. Direct bonding technique of fixed retainer on 131 patients was compared with indirect technique on 135 patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of retainer failure between the two methods (95% CI, 0.67, 1.40). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of insufficient evidence this systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that there is no difference in the failure rate of mandibular fixed retainers between direct and indirect bonding techniques. Due to the scarcity of available data, further studies are needed to establish definitively one's clinical benefit over the other.

Applications of Cattaneo-Christov fluxes on modelling the boundary value problem of Prandtl fluid comprising variable properties.

Stretched flows have numerous applications in different industrial, biomedical and engineering processes. Current research is conducted to examine the flow phenomenon of Prandtl fluid model over a moveable surface. The phenomenon of mass and thermal transportation is based on generalized theory of Cattaneo-Christov which considers the involvement of relaxation times. In addition to these, variable characteristics of thermal conductivity and diffusion coefficient are considered as a function of temperature. The physical problem in Cartesian coordinate system is modeled via boundary layer theory which yields a coupled system of partial differential equations. Group scaling transportation is applied to model these PDEs system. The converted equations have been approximated via optimal homotopic scheme. The efficiency and validity of used approach has been shown by computing the error analysis and establishing a comparative study. It is noted that the enhancement in magnetic parameter plays a controlling role for velocity field and it augment the concentration and temperature fields. Furthermore, increase in thermal relaxation parameter and Prandtl number maintains the fluid temperature.

The influence of incisor inclination and anterior vertical facial height on facial attractiveness in an Asian woman.

INTRODUCTION: Orthodontic treatment can help improve facial attractiveness through the modification of factors affecting the soft tissue profile. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of different maxillary incisal inclinations and lower anterior facial heights (at rest and with a smile) on the facial attractiveness of an Asian woman, as perceived by different panels of raters using visual analog scale (VAS) scores. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 66 raters equally divided into 3 panels that consisted of general dentists, orthodontic residents, and laypersons. Raters assessed modified photographs of a subject with various incisor inclinations and lower anterior facial height/total anterior facial height (LAFH/TAFH) on lateral profile view. Modifications were made using Photoshop software (Adobe, San Jose, Calif). Subjective evaluations of facial attractiveness were performed by raters using VAS. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare VAS scores among raters. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare VAS scores between groups. RESULTS: Significant differences in VAS scores were found among raters for -10° (P = 0.004) and -15° (P = 0.021) incisal inclinations. Significant differences were found in VAS scores for -8% LAFH/TAFH (P = 0.044) and 4% LAFH/TAFH with smile (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Professionals preferred normal incisal inclinations to be the most attractive. General dentists found reduced facial height to be unattractive. Orthodontic residents and laypersons considered increased LAFH/TAFH to be most unattractive. Smile had a negative impact on VAS scores at extreme anterior facial height modifications.

The impact of COVID-19 on the U.S. child care market: Evidence from stay-at-home orders.

Stay-at-home orders (SAHOs) were implemented in most U.S. states to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This paper quantifies the impact of these containment policies on a measure of the supply of child care. The supply of such services may be particularly vulnerable to a SAHO-type policy shock, given that many providers are liquidity-constrained. Using plausibly exogenous variation from the staggered adoption of SAHOs across states, we find that online job postings for early care and education teachers declined by 16% after enactment. This effect is driven exclusively by private-sector services. Indeed, hiring by public programs like Head Start and pre-kindergarten has not been influenced by SAHOs. We also find that ECE job postings increased dramatically after SAHOs were lifted, although the number of such postings remains 4% lower than that during the pre-pandemic period. There is little evidence that child care search behavior among households was altered by SAHOs. Because forced supply-side changes appear to be at play, our results suggest that households may not be well-equipped to insure against the rapid transition to the production of child care. We discuss the implications of these results for child development and parental employment decisions.

Utilization of Banana Fiber-Reinforced Hybrid Composites in the Sports Industry.

The sports industry is an ever-growing sector worldwide. With technological advancements in information technologies, the sports industry has merged with the entertainment industry, reaching and influencing billions of people globally. However, to ensure and advance the safety, security, and sustainability of the sports industry, technological innovations are always needed in several manufacturing and materials processes to achieve cost-effectiveness, efficiency, durability, reusability, and recyclability of products used in this industry. For example, 90% of the field hockey equipment produced in the world comes from Sialkot, Pakistan. Most export quality field hockey equipment is currently produced via reinforcement of glass/carbon fibers in epoxy resin. The current study aimed to introduce new materials for field hockey equipment to reduce manufacturing costs and the environmental impact of synthetic materials, without comprising the quality of the final product. Our literature review on natural fibers revealed that they offer excellent and compatible mechanical properties. Based on extensive experimental studies, we concluded that banana fiber reinforced hybrid composites could be an alternative to pure glass fiber reinforced composites, with comparable and even higher load withstanding capabilities. Using banana fiber reinforced hybrid composites for the fabrication of hockey products would cut costs and lower the environmental impact stemming from the uses of biodegradable organic materials. It will also lead to the development of a domestic economy based on domestic resources.

Effect of class II extractions and functional appliance treatment on smile esthetics.

BACKGROUND: Class II malocclusion is routinely observed in orthodontics. Its treatment usually revolves around the growth modification or the extractions of the teeth. Identifying treatment that leads to the greatest improvement can aid clinicians in providing the desired smile esthetics. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare smile esthetics between treatment groups by measuring various smile variables and the esthetic perceptions of 3 panels of raters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 66 patients equally divided into the functional appliance (FA) and upper first premolar extraction (UPE) groups. Eight smile variables were measured on post-treatment photographs using the Adobe Photoshop® software. Ten orthodontic residents, general dentists and laypersons performed the subjective evaluations of smiles using the visual analog scale (VAS). The Mann-Whitney U-test was applied to compare smile variables between the groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare esthetic scores (ES) among the raters. The simple linear regression analysis, followed by the multiple linear regression analysis was applied to determine the smile variables associated with the ES values. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the FA and UPE groups for the buccal corridor ratio (BCR) (p = 0.046), the visible dentition width ratio (VDWR) (p = 0.019) and the arch form index (AFI) (p < 0.001). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences in ES among the raters for the FA (p < 0.001) and UPE (p = 0.004) groups. The simple linear regression analysis showed significant associations between ES and the patient's age (p = 0.002), BCR (p = 0.020) and VDWR (p = 0.006). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that age (p = 0.008) and VDWR (p = 0.021) were significantly associated with the ES values. CONCLUSIONS: The FA group had narrower buccal corridor spaces, a greater visible dentition width and a wider arch form in their smiles. The UPE group showed an increase in the buccal corridor width. Each panel rated the FA appliance group as superior.