A scoping review of the use and application of virtual reality in pre-clinical dental education

Introduction Virtual reality (VR) is gaining recognition as a valuable tool for training dental students and its use by dental schools around the world is growing. It is timely to review the literature relating to the use of VR in dental education, in order to ensure that educators are well-informed of current areas of inquiry, and those requiring further investigation, to enable appropriate decisions about whether to employ VR as a teaching tool. Method A scoping review using the method outlined by Arksey and O'Malley was conducted. Both Web of Science and ERIC databases were searched. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to filter results. The data were collected and categorised using a custom data collection spreadsheet. Results The review identified 68 relevant articles. Following review, four educational thematic areas relating to the 'simulation hardware', the 'realism of the simulation', 'scoring systems' and 'validation' of the systems emerged. Conclusion This paper summarises and draws out themes from the current areas of inquiry in the literature, uncovering a number of weaknesses and assumptions. It recommends areas where additional investigation is required in order to form a better evidence base for the utility of VR in dental education, as well as to inform its future development

Optimization of Operation Sequencing in CAPP Using Hybrid Genetic Algorithm and Simulated Annealing Approach

In any CAPP system, one of the most important process planning functions is selection of the operations and corresponding machines in order to generate the optimal operation sequence. In this paper, the hybrid GA-SA algorithm is used to solve this combinatorial optimization NP (Non-deterministic Polynomial) problem. The network representation is adopted to describe operation and sequencing flexibility in process planning and the mathematical model for process planning is described with the objective of minimizing the production time. Experimental results show effectiveness of the hybrid algorithm that, in comparison with the GA and SA standalone algorithms, gives optimal operation sequence with lesser computational time and lesser number of iterations

Optimization of Operation Sequencing in CAPP Using Hybrid Genetic Algorithm and Simulated Annealing Approach

In any CAPP system, one of the most important process planning functions is selection of the operations and corresponding machines in order to generate the optimal operation sequence. In this paper, the hybrid GA-SA algorithm is used to solve this combinatorial optimization NP (Non-deterministic Polynomial) problem. The network representation is adopted to describe operation and sequencing flexibility in process planning and the mathematical model for process planning is described with the objective of minimizing the production time. Experimental results show effectiveness of the hybrid algorithm that, in comparison with the GA and SA standalone algorithms, gives optimal operation sequence with lesser computational time and lesser number of iterations

Autonomous Navigation of Automated Guided Vehicle Using Monocular Camera

This paper presents a hybrid control algorithm for Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) consisting of two independent control loops: Position Based Control (PBC) for global navigation within manufacturing environment and Image Based Visual Servoing (IBVS) for fine motions needed for accurate steering towards loading/unloading point. The proposed hybrid control separates the initial transportation task into global navigation towards the goal point, and fine motion from the goal point to the loading/unloading point. In this manner, the need for artificial landmarks or accurate map of the environment is bypassed. Initial experimental results show the usefulness of the proposed approach.COBISS.SR-ID 27383808

Autonomous Navigation of Automated Guided Vehicle Using Monocular Camera

This paper presents a hybrid control algorithm for Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) consisting of two independent control loops: Position Based Control (PBC) for global navigation within manufacturing environment and Image Based Visual Servoing (IBVS) for fine motions needed for accurate steering towards loading/unloading point. The proposed hybrid control separates the initial transportation task into global navigation towards the goal point, and fine motion from the goal point to the loading/unloading point. In this manner, the need for artificial landmarks or accurate map of the environment is bypassed. Initial experimental results show the usefulness of the proposed approach.COBISS.SR-ID 27383808

Surgical Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children: Risk Stratification and Prediction of Outcomes

Introduction: Since the 1980s fundoplication, an operation developed for adults with hiatus hernia and reflux symptoms, has been performed in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). When compared to adult outcomes, paediatric fundoplication has resulted in higher failure and revision rates. In the first chapter we explore differences in paradigm, patient population and outcomes. Firstly, symptoms are poorly defined and are measured by instruments of varying quality. Secondly, neurological impairment (NI), prematurity and congenital anomalies (oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia) are prevalent in children. / Purpose: To develop methods for stratifying paediatric fundoplication risk and predicting outcomes based on symptom profile, demographic factors, congenital and medical history. / Methods: Study objectives are addressed in three opera: a symptom questionnaire development (TARDIS:REFLUX), a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and a retrospective database study (RDS). TARDIS: REFLUX: In the second chapter, digital research methods are used to design and validate a symptom questionnaire for paediatric GORD. The questionnaire is a market-viable smartphone app hosted on a commercial platform and trialed in a clinical pilot study. / RCT: In the third chapter, the REMOS trial is reported. The trial addresses the subset of children with NI and feeding difficulties. Participants are randomized to gastrostomy with or without fundoplication. Notably, pre- and post-operative reflux is quantified using pH-impedance. / RDS: In the fourth chapter, data mining and machine learning strategies are applied to a retrospective paediatric GORD database. Predictive modelling techniques applied include logistic regression, decision trees, random forests and market basket analysis. / Results and conclusion: This work makes two key contributions. Firstly, an effective methodology for development of digital research tools is presented here. Secondly, a synthesis is made of literature, the randomised controlled trial and retrospective database modelling. The resulting product is an evidence-based algorithm for the surgical management of children with GORD

Molecular phylogeny of horseshoe crab using mitochondrial Cox1 gene as a benchmark sequence

An effort to assess the utility of 650 bp Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (DNA barcode) gene in delineating the members horseshoe crabs (Family: xiphosura) with closely related sister taxa was made. A total of 33 sequences were extracted from National Center for Biotechnological Information (NCBI) which include horseshoe crabs, beetles, common crabs and scorpion sequences. Constructed phylogram showed beetles are closely related with horseshoe crabs than common crabs. Scorpion spp were distantly related to xiphosurans. Phylogram and observed genetic distance (GD) date were also revealed that Limulus polyphemus was closely related with Tachypleus tridentatus than with T.gigas. Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda was distantly related with L.polyphemus. The observed mean Genetic Distance (GD) value was higher in 3rd codon position in all the selected group of organisms. Among the horseshoe crabs high GC content was observed in L.polyphemus (38.32%) and lowest was observed in T.tridentatus (32.35%). We conclude that COI sequencing (barcoding) could be used in identifying and delineating evolutionary relatedness with closely related specie