Atomic layer deposition of Zr-sandwiched ZnO thin films for transparent thermoelectrics.

Atomic layer deposited (ALD) transparent thermoelectric materials enable the introduction of energy harvesting and sensing devices onto surfaces of various shapes and sizes in imperceptible manner. Amongst these materials, ZnO has shown promising results in terms of both thermoelectric and optical characteristics. The thermoelectric performance of ZnO can be further optimized by introducing extrinsic doping, to the realization of which ALD provides excellent control. Here, we explore the effects of sandwiching of ZrO2layers with ZnO on glass substrates. The room-temperature thermoelectric power factor is maximised at 116µW m-1K-2with samples containing a 2% nominal percentage of ZrO2. The addition of ZrO2layers is further shown to reduce the thermal conductivity, resulting in a 20.2% decrease from the undoped ZnO at 2% doping. Our results contribute to increasing the understanding of the effects of Zr inclusion in structural properties and growth of ALD ZnO, as well as the thermal and thermoelectric properties of Zr-doped ZnO films in general.

Precise jaw relation recorder: An innovative device for prosthodontic rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: The orchestration of jaw relations in edentulous scenarios poses a significant challenge, demanding acumen, and expertise from the clinician. A myriad of devices, substances, and methodologies are employed to gauge the transverse, vertical, and horizontal spectrums of jaw relations. Traditionally, a synthesis of assorted devices and techniques has been requisitioned to chronicle the spatial dynamics between the maxilla and mandible. Yet, the absence of a solitary apparatus capable of concurrently documenting the triad of jaw relations has been a notable lacuna in prosthodontic rehabilitation. PURPOSE: This discourse expounds on an innovative contrivance, termed the Precise Jaw Relation Recorder. This pioneering instrument is adept at capturing the tripartite jaw relation processes: the occlusal plane's alignment in parallelism to the ala-tragus line, the vertical dimension at repose, and the occlusion as well as the centric relation. The device's strategic utility lies in its ability to facilitate the creation of prostheses that are not only functionally superior but also aesthetically more pleasing. CONCLUSION: Its implementation is a stride toward refining the accuracy of prosthodontic outcomes, thereby elevating the standard of patient care in dental practice.

Comparison of accuracy of protrusive condylar guidance registration by two interocclusal recording materials in edentulous patients.

Background and Purpose: During complete denture fabrication making Interocclusal records plays an integral role to obtain the condylar guidance value. The study was conducted to compare the protrusive condylar guidance registration by two interocclusal recording materials-Quick setting plaster and Luxabite®(bisacrylic composite) in semi adjustable articulator for completely edentulous patients. Methodology: Maxillary and Mandibular casts of the completely edentulous patients were mounted in Hanau®Wide Vue articulator. The Quick setting plaster and Luxabite®(bisacrylic composite) was used as interocclusal recording materials to program the protrusive condylar guidance angles in the articulators. Results: The protrusive condylar guidance values registered in the articulator for the different interocclusal records were tabulated and statistically analyzed.. The mean protrusive condylar guidance values registered in the articulator was compared with two parameters obtained from the radiographic tracings -- the protrusive condylar path angle obtained with Quick setting plaster and Luxabite with the inclination of articular eminence to the Frankfort horizontal plane. Conclusion: From the study it was concluded that the Luxabite®(bisacrylic composite) material demonstrated better reproducibility of protrusive condylar guidance registration.than the Quick setting plaster.

Résumé Contexte et objectif: Pendant la fabrication complète de la prothèse de prothèse, la fabrication des enregistrements d'interoccluse joue un rôle essentiel pour obtenir la valeur de guidage condylien. L'étude a été réalisée pour comparer l'enregistrement de guidage condylien en saillie par deux matériaux d'enregistrement interocclusal - Platter en plâtre et Luxabite® (composite bisacrylique) dans un articulateur semi-réglable pour les patients complètement édentés. Méthodologie: Les moulages maxillaires et mandibulaires des patients complètement édentés ont été montés dans l'articulateur de Hanau® à large de Vue. Le plâtre à réglage rapide et Luxabite® (composite bisacrylique) ont été utilisés comme matériel d'enregistrement interocclusal pour programmer les angles de guidage condyliennes en saillie dans les articulateurs. Résultats: Les valeurs de guidage condylien en saillie enregistrées dans l'articulateur pour les différents enregistrements interocclusaux ont été tabulées et analysées statistiquement. Les valeurs de guidage condyliennes en protruments moyennes enregistrées dans l'articulateur ont été comparées à deux paramètres obtenus à partir des tracages radiographiques - le protruments de l'angle de trajectoire condylien obtenu avec un plâtre rapide et luxabite avec l'inclinaison d'une éminence articulaire au plan horizontal de Frankfort. Conclusion: D'après l'étude, il a été conclu que le matériau Luxabite® (composite bisacrylique) avait démontré une meilleure reproductibilité de l'enregistrement de guidage condylien en saillie que le plâtre de réglage rapide. Mots-clés: Guidage condylien, édenté, facebow, plan horizontal de Frankfort, dossier interocclusal, radiographie céphalométrique latérale, guidage condylien en saillie, articulateur semi-réglable.

Impact of Denture Prostheses on Cognitive Functioning in Completely Edentulous Patients: A Pilot Study.

AIM: The aim is to evaluate the impact of denture prostheses on cognitive functioning in completely edentulous patients using a novel cognitive assessment tool. METHODS: Thirty (n=30) completely edentulous patients of age groups above 60 years were taken in the present study group. Pre- and post-cognitive assessments were done on the patients using a novel cognitive assessment tool, Dental Cognitive Functioning Assessment Tool (DCFAT). These assessments were done in the pre-treatment stage and after two weeks and three months of prostheses function. RESULTS: The mean DCFAT score of 30 patients shows 10.13 recorded prior to denture fabrication and 11.5 and 14 after two weeks and three months of prosthesis function, respectively. A mean difference in the DCFAT score of 1.37 was seen between the pre-denture fabrication stage and two weeks of prosthesis function. The mean difference in DCFAT score of 3.87 was seen between the pre-denture fabrication stage and three months of prosthesis function and the mean difference score of DCFAT score 2.5 was observed after two weeks and three months of prosthesis function. One-way ANOVA was used to investigate the statistical difference between bivariate samples followed by the post hoc Tukey test. The results were statistically significant p < 0.00001. CONCLUSION:  The inference obtained suggest that the replacement of missing teeth by denture prostheses enhances the cognitive functioning in the elderly population which can eventually reduce the occurrence of dementia.

Spatial Mapping the Dengue and Chikungunya Burden in a Rural Area near Bangalore: a Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The burden of dengue and chikungunya diseases across geographical regions of India is poorly quantified more so during Covid19 pandemic and from hospital-based studies. The objective was to assess the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in the study mainly area and to visualize the spatial distribution of dengue and chikungunya cases using the Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the population in villages coming under a medical college's rural field practice area near Bangalore. A total of 31 villages were selected through a simple random sampling method and 3356 subjects were surveyed through household visits. QGIS was used for spatial mapping of cases. Results: 3356 subjects were surveyed, and the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya was 1.13% and 0.02%, respectively. The overall prevalence of dengue and chikungunya cases together was 1.16%. All 39 (100%) cases had reported fever and 31 cases (79.5%) reported myalgia followed by arthralgia 22 (56.4%). QGIS supported spatial mapping of the cases and no clustering of cases was found in the study area. Conclusion: The burden of dengue and chikungunya is under reported, and the surveillance system needs to be strengthened in the rural area. QGIS was found to be useful in the spatial mapping of the cases and there was no clustering of cases observed.

Digital Smile Design.

One of the important ways of social interaction is through verbal and nonverbal communication. The human face is capable of eliciting multi-response according to the situation; amongst them, a smile plays a significant effect in relaying a positive communication that can immensely influence societal outcomes. An important part of dental treatment is to restore the tooth to functionality and to esthetically rehabilitate it, which forms the core of esthetic dentistry. Modern advancements have led us to various esthetic treatment options. Recently, due to the boom of information technology, we are progressing into the digital age where everything has almost been made through computers and the internet. In the dental field, advanced software is being used to modify and create smiles, thereby completely revolutionizing esthetic dentistry. Digital smile design is a recently introduced concept and software which analyzes the smile of an individual through various input scanners and photographs. They provide a plethora of solutions and predictions as to how the smile can be designed, to the point it can pinpoint minor corrections. Here, we discuss the importance of smiles and the analysis using digital smile design.

Evidence-Based Prosthodontics.

The practice of evidence-based dentistry has assumed an integral part in today's world. It allows us to achieve self-motivated, problem-based learning, which eventually leads to acquiring clinically sound and relevant information that has a strong backing of evidence on a scientific basis. This would enhance the diagnosis but also the prognoses and treatment that are administered with the highest of ethical standards. Due to the advancement in material studies, dentistry, especially prosthodontics, is getting more intricate and complex due to the dynamic state in the development of new dental materials and equipment. The best evidence is sought through vast empirical literature consisting of controlled trials and reviews. Modern clinical practice should be concurrent with the latest scientific evidence that brings high standards to the treatment options and patient's values. This review highlights the evidence based dentistry on prosthodontics while also addressing the issues it poses in modern day dental practice.

Advancements in the Additive Manufacturing of Magnesium and Aluminum Alloys through Laser-Based Approach.

Complex structures can now be manufactured easily utilizing AM technologies to meet the pre-requisite objectives such as reduced part numbers, greater functionality, and lightweight, among others. Polymers, metals, and ceramics are the few materials that can be used in AM technology, but metallic materials (Magnesium and Aluminum) are attracting more attention from the research and industrial point of view. Understanding the role processing parameters of laser-based additive manufacturing is critical to maximize the usage of material in forming the product geometry. LPBF (Laser powder-based fusion) method is regarded as a potent and effective additive manufacturing technique for creating intricate 3D forms/parts with high levels of precision and reproducibility together with acceptable metallurgical characteristics. While dealing with LBPF, some degree of porosity is acceptable because it is unavoidable; hot ripping and cracking must be avoided, though. The necessary manufacturing of pre-alloyed powder and ductility remains to be the primary concern while dealing with a laser-based additive manufacturing approach. The presence of the Al-Si eutectic phase in AlSi10Mg and AlSi12 alloy attributing to excellent castability and low shrinkage, attaining the most attention in the laser-based approach. Related studies with these alloys along with precipitation hardening and heat treatment processing were discussed. The Pure Mg, Mg-Al alloy, Mg-RE alloy, and Mg-Zn alloy along with the mechanical characteristics, electrochemical durability, and biocompatibility of Mg-based material have been elaborated in the work-study. The review article also summarizes the processing parameters of the additive manufacturing powder-based approach relating to different Mg-based alloys. For future aspects, the optimization of processing parameters, composition of the alloy, and quality of powder material used will significantly improve the ductility of additively manufactured Mg alloy by the LPBF approach. Other than that, the recycling of Mg-alloy powder hasn't been investigated yet. Meanwhile, the post-processing approach, including a homogeneous coating on the porous scaffolds, will mark the suitability in terms of future advancements in Mg and Al-based alloys.

Influence of Dental Prostheses on Cognitive Functioning in Elderly Population: A Systematic Review.

AIM: The aim of the systematic review was to assess the influence of dental prostheses on cognitive functioning in elderly population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The initial electronic search was conducted using the following search databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. The search was limited to English language using the search items/keywords: "dental prostheses and cognitive functioning," "dental prostheses and brain function," "Tooth loss and cognitive loss," "mastication and prefrontal activity," and "prostheses on mental state." The search strategy was followed using the PICOS framework. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies were selected according to the selection criteria. Out of 19 studies, 15 studies were included and 4 studies were excluded from the review. CONCLUSION: With the available evidence in the literature, it can be concluded that dental prostheses have a very significant role in preventing the cognitive impairment and act as a protective factor in enhancing the cognitive function in patients with dementia-related diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.

Single-step chemical vapour deposition of anti-pyramid MoS2/WS2 vertical heterostructures.

Van der Waals heterostructures are the fundamental building blocks of electronic and optoelectronic devices. Here we report that, through a single-step chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process, high-quality vertical bilayer MoS2/WS2 heterostructures with a grain size up to ∼60 µm can be synthesized from molten salt precursors, Na2MoO4 and Na2WO4. Instead of normal pyramid vertical heterostructures grown by CVD, this method synthesizes an anti-pyramid MoS2/WS2 structure, which is characterized by Raman, photoluminescence and second harmonic generation microscopy. Our facile CVD strategy for synthesizing anti-pyramid structures unveils a new synthesis route for the products of two-dimensional heterostructures and their devices for application.

Fabrication of gallium nitride and nitrogen doped single layer graphene hybrid heterostructures for high performance photodetectors.

Gallium nitride (GaN) was epitaxially grown on nitrogen doped single layer graphene (N-SLG) substrates using chemical vapour deposition (CVD) technique. The results obtained using x-ray diffractometer (XRD) revealed the hexagonal crystal structure of GaN. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy revealed traces of oxygen, carbon and nitrogen occurring either as contamination or as an effect of doping during the GaN growth process. In addition, PL revealed a weak yellow luminescence peak in all the samples due to the presence of N-SLG. From the obtained results it was evident that, presence of N-SLG underneath GaN helped in improving the material properties. It was seen from the current-voltage (I-V) response that the barrier height estimated is in good agreement with the Schottky-Mott model, while the ideality factor is close to unity, emphasizing that there are no surface and interface related inhomogeneity in the samples. The photodetector fabricated with this material exhibit high device performances in terms of carrier mobility, sensitivity, responsivity and detectivity. The hall measurement values clearly portray that, the GaN thus grown possess high electron contents which was beneficial in attaining extraordinary device performance.

Sensitization to silk allergen among workers of silk filatures in India: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Sericulture plays an eminent role in development of rural economy in India. Silk filature is a unit where silk is unwound from the cocoons and the strands are collected into skeins. During the process workers are exposed to the high molecular weight proteins like Sericin and Fibroin which are potent allergens leading to sensitization over a period of time and subsequently occupational related health disorders. OBJECTIVE: To identify and compare the magnitude of silk allergen sensitization in workers of silk filatures. METHODS: A community based comparative descriptive study was conducted for a period of 1 year at Ramanagara in south India. One hundred twenty subjects working in the silk filatures formed the study group. For comparison, 2 types of controls were selected viz.120 subjects who were not working in the silk filatures but resided in the same geographical area (control A) and 360 subjects who were not working in silk filatures as well not residing in the same geographical area (control B). Skin prick test was used to identify the silk allergen sensitization. RESULTS: Mean age was 34.14 ± 2.84 years in the study group. Mean age was 40.59 ± 14.40 years and 38.54 ± 12.20 years in control A and control B, respectively. There were 35 males (29.16%) and 85 females (70.84%) in the study group. There were 58 (48.34%) males and 62 (51.66%) females and 152 (42.2%) males and 208 females (57.8%) in control A and control B, respectively. Sensitization to silk allergen was 35.83% in the study group and 20.83% in the control group A and 11.11% in control group B. There was difference in the allergen sensitivity between the study group and control groups and it was statistically significant (chi-square = 38.08; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is high burden of silk allergen sensitization among silk filature workers.