Fair and Diverse Group Formation Based on Multidimensional Features

The goal of group formation is to build a team to accomplish a specific task. Algorithms are being developed to improve the team\u27s effectiveness so formed and the efficiency of the group selection process. However, there is concern that team formation algorithms could be biased against minorities due to the algorithms themselves or the data on which they are trained. Hence, it is essential to build fair team formation systems that incorporate demographic information into the process of building the group. Although there has been extensive work on modeling individuals’ expertise for expert recommendation and/or team formation, there has been relatively little prior work on modeling demographics and incorporating demographics into the group formation process. We propose a novel method to represent experts’ demographic profiles based on multidimensional demographic features. Moreover, we introduce three diversity ranking algorithms that form a group by considering demographic features along with the minimum required skills. Unlike many ranking algorithms that consider one Boolean demographic feature (e.g., gender or race), our diversity ranking algorithms consider multiple demographic features simultaneously. Finally, we introduce a fair team formation algorithm that balances each candidate\u27s demographic information and expertise. We evaluate our proposed algorithms using real datasets based on members of a computer science program committee. The result shows that our algorithms form a program committee that is more diverse with an acceptable loss in utility

INFLUENCE OF MICRODAMAGE HEALING ON STRESS AND DISPLACEMENT FIELDS NEAR A CRACK TIP

Asphalt is one of the most common materials in pavement construction in the world. The United States has more than 4.3 million kilometers of roads and highways, with 94 percent of those being flexible pavement according to the National Asphalt Pavement Association. Moreover, the asphalt mixture is a complex material which is a blend of asphalt binder, aggregate, and air voids. The properties of these components have a major impact on the overall performance of the asphalt mixture. Furthermore, asphalt concrete pavement is affected by traffic loading, temperature, moisture, and aging. Pavement deteriorates under the abovementioned conditions; for example, cracking, raveling, and potholes can develop impacting pavement serviceability. Past studies have demonstrated that various asphalt mixtures have the ability to heal with time. Healing can counteract deterioration on asphalt pavements performance. Numerous researchers have proposed several models for predicting healing of microdamage in different materials. However, most of those models were developed to predict the responses under specific states, and consequently, usually do not represent the behavior of material accurately. The main purpose of this research is to study the influence of microdamage healing on stress intensity factor (SIF), displacement, and stress fields near a crack tip in the materials that have the ability to heal. The microdamage healing model that is used in this study considers the effects of both instantaneous healing and time-dependent bonding strength. The results indicate that an increase in the value of bonding strength and the length of the healing process zone lead to a reduction in both stress and displacement fields near the crack tip

The nutritional, hormonal and vitamin status in overweight and obesity

Background: Obesity is a global epidemic which is increasing dramatically in overwhelming rates among males and females of all age categories in developing and developed countries.Methods: The first phase of the project involves the questionnaires which apply to all the Participants in research. We also use the lab investigation to determine the abnormality in overweight and obese people. Then we will analysis and combine the results to others research and give output and recommendation that we hope helping us to limiting of increase incidence of obesity.Results: sample show that high cholesterol above normal average approximately in 31.05% of the participants while the triglyceride rate increased in 31.67%. A lack of vitamin D, as the rate did not exceed 18±6.8, in individuals with the BMI 25-29, and to be 13±8.82, in individuals with the BMI>30. Vitamin B12 rate became borderline in individuals with BMI 25-29, and deficient in individuals with BMI>30.Conclusions: Obese Saudi individuals have several nutritional deficiencies specifically in vitamins D and B12 despite their overweight. Efforts should be focused to increase awareness of healthy and weight control

Efficacy of Pluronic F-127 gel containing green tea catechin extract on chronic periodontitis – A clinical study

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of pluronic F-127 gel containing green tea catechin extract as a local drug delivery system in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Methods: A total of 20 chronic periodontitis patients participated as per the set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Complete scaling and root planing (SRP) was done for all subjects and pluronic F-127 gel containing green tea catechin was applied on one site. The contralateral site received SRP alone. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and probing pocket depth (PPD) were recorded at baseline and on the 28th day. Results: At the 28th-day follow-up, green tea catechin tooth sites showed significantly lower mean scores (GI = 0.55, p = 0.30 and PPD = 3.35 mm) than the corresponding SRP tooth sites (GI = 1.25, PI = 1.15, and PPD = 4.40 mm) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: When compared to scaling and root planing alone, the local drug delivery gel containing green tea catechin as an adjuvant was more effective in reducing the clinical parameters of periodontitis. Keywords: Adjuvant therapy, Camellia sinensis, Local drug delivery, Periodontal pocke

Comparison of xenograft and allograft bone graft for oral and maxillofacial surgical preparation prior to dental implantation: A systematic review [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Background The implantation of teeth by using dental implants can necessitate the use of bone grafting through xenograft and allograft to increase bone density in the place to induce the integration with the hard tissue. The most commonly used xenografts are usually bovine or porcine and are used in oral and maxillofacial surgery and allografts are those that are taken from the human cadaveric tissue. Objectives The aim of the study was to compare clinical usefulness of xenografts and allografts utilized in the front of dental implant placement in adult individuals experiencing oral and maxillofacial surgical procedure. Method The systematic search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library (2016 2024) on terms: bone graft AND (xenograft OR allograft) AND dental implant was used. The studies of adults using human xenografts versus allografts in English and published in English were included. Studies that use chemotherapy, cancer, heavy smoking, autografts, and use of animal models were avoided. The quality of studies was estimated with the Cochrane tool by two reviewers who screened and evaluated it. Result 12 of the 340 studies that included 395 patients (mean age 40–46; 29.9% male, 70.1% female) satisfied the inclusion criteria. Bovine allografts (41.9%) and bovine xenografts (58.1%) were among the grafts utilized. Alveolar ridge preservation (3), delayed (2), immediate (6), and sinus augmentation (2) were among the procedures. The sinus floor, premolars, anterior maxilla, and posterior mandible were frequently used as graft sites. A lack of demographic diversity and small sample sizes were among the limitations. The buccal wall dehiscence and aesthetics in anterior sites require more research. Conclusion According to the findings of this systematic review, the advantages of synthetic xenografts like Bio-Oss and synthetic allografts like PerioGlas are exactly the same. Registration: The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO: International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42025641250)

Influence of post space disinfection protocols on the push-out bond strength of fiber posts luted with self-adhesive cement

Optimizing the radicular dentin surface for adhesion while maintaining a microbe-free environment is critical for the long-term success of post-restored teeth. Accidental reinfection during post cementation highlights the importance of effective root canal disinfection. This study evaluated the effect of post space disinfection protocols on push-out bond strength of fiber posts cemented with self-adhesive cement (SARC). Sixty endodontically treated single-rooted premolars were randomly assigned to six disinfection groups (n = 10): saline control (C), BioPure MTAD (BMT), Q-Mix (QM), Chlor-XTRA (CX), MD Cleanser (MDC), and ethanol (ETH). Following post space preparation and disinfection, fiber posts were cemented with SARC. After thermal cycling, specimens were sectioned into 2 mm slices (coronal, middle, and apical) and subjected to push-out testing. Failure modes were assessed by electron microscopy, and data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). The MD Cleanser group demonstrated the highest push-out bond strength, followed by Chlor-XTRA, with statistically significant differences observed among all groups (p < 0.001). Proprietary irrigants containing surfactants (BioPure MTAD and Q-Mix) yielded significantly superior bond strength compared to the saline control (p < 0.001). Conversely, ethanol irrigation resulted in significantly lower values (p < 0.001). Coronal and middle segments exhibited superior bond strength compared to apical segments, with adhesive failures predominating. The findings indicate that post space disinfection with surface-active agents enhances fiber post retention, with MD Cleanser providing optimal results

Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Infection Control: The Role of Health Practitioners in Achieving Comprehensive Infection Control

Infections related to healthcare (HAI) are a serious public health issue that have an effect on quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. They also pose a significant financial strain on global health systems. On the other hand, a significant fraction of HAI can be avoided by using efficient infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies. Antimicrobial resistance must be successfully contained, and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) must be prevented, particularly outbreaks of highly transmissible diseases, by providing high-quality treatment in the framework of universal health coverage. Enhancements in IPC are critical, both nationally and within facilities. The World Health Organization (WHO), cognizant of the lack of IPC standards and guidelines, decided to give global recommendations on the critical components of effective IPC programmes at the national and acute care facility levels top priority. These recommendations are based on systematic literature reviews and expert consensus. The aim of the study is to ensure safe and effective infection prevention and control practices

Acute Appendicitis among Saudi and Non-Saudi Patients: A Cross-Sectional Based Study

Objective: We conduct this study to discuss the differences between Saudi and non- Saudi patients with acute appendicitis.Background: Acute appendicitis is one of emergency surgeries in developing and developed countries. Its symptoms are vomiting, lower abdominal pain and decreased appetite. Appendicitis needs urgent surgical prouder to avoid its perforation and associated complications which may lead to death. Method: We conduct cross-sectional based study in one of khamis Mushayt, Saudi Araba. 136 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis were included and their medical records were reviewed after getting their informed consent.Results: We included 136 patients, 90 were non-Saudi and 46 were Saudi. There were no statistically differences in their diagnosis but the distribution of the diagnosis was different.Conclusion: Acute appendicitis was more prevalent among non-Saudi patients, the diagnosis between both was with no significant differences. Keywords: acute appendicitis, Saudi, non-Saudi, diagnosis, cross-sectional, Saudi Arabia and khamis Mushayt

Patient perception and attitudes toward magnetic resonance imaging safety

BackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners use strong, static and fast magnetic fields to form images. Due to rapid developments in MRI technology, several accidents have been recorded in hospitals worldwide as a result of insufficient knowledge about the dangers of MRI on the part of the patient or a failure to follow safety guidelines. This study evaluates patients’ perception and attitudes about MRI safety.AimsThis is a cross sectional study to evaluate the perception and attitudes of patients regarding MRI safety procedures.MethodsA 21 items questionnaire was collected from 119 patients in the MRI waiting area before the commencement of examination. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 22.0, IBM Corp, Armonk, New York). The odds (OR) and 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) were used for analysis, the level of significance was set at p=0.05 using Chi-Square test to evaluate the relationship among the variables in the questionnaire.ResultsThe responses were collected from the patients and their relatives (46 male (38.6 per cent) and 73 female (61.4 per cent)). Approximately 71 per cent of the participants have already read or heard about MRI and the related safety aspects. 76 per cent of overall participants stated that they are aware of the need for preparation before an MRI exam with more awareness of MRI safety issues among younger patients (88 per cent). In this instance, females showed a higher level of knowledge (26 per cent) compared to males (11 per cent) with p=0.035.ConclusionPatients reported insufficient information about MRI safety which may increase the potential for accidents