Search

Objective: For transradial amputees, robotic prosthetic hands promise to regain the capability to perform daily living activities. Current control methods based on physiological signals such as electromyography (EMG) are prone to yielding poor inference outcomes due to motion artifacts, muscle fatigue, and many more. Vision sensors are a major source of information about the environment state and can play a vital role in inferring feasible and intended gestures. However, visual evidence is also susceptible to its own artifacts, most often due to object occlusion, lighting changes, etc. Multimodal evidence fusion using physiological and vision sensor measurements is a natural approach due to the complementary strengths of these modalities. Methods: In this paper, we present a Bayesian evidence fusion framework for grasp intent inference using eye-view video, eye-gaze, and EMG from the forearm processed by neural network models. We analyze individual and fused performance as a function of time as the hand approaches the object to grasp it. For this purpose, we have also developed novel data processing and augmentation techniques to train neural network components. Results: Our results indicate that, on average, fusion improves the instantaneous upcoming grasp type classification accuracy while in the reaching phase by 13.66% and 14.8%, relative to EMG (81.64% non-fused) and visual evidence (80.5% non-fused) individually, resulting in an overall fusion accuracy of 95.3%. Conclusion: Our experimental data analyses demonstrate that EMG and visual evidence show complementary strengths, and as a consequence, fusion of multimodal evidence can outperform each individual evidence modality at any given time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, different food‐contact experimental and commercial aqueous polymeric dispersions were applied to paperboard via rod coating technology to achieve <5% non‐cellulosic content. Barrier (water, moisture and grease), mechanical (tensile and bending) and converting (heat‐sealing and creasing) properties were analysed before tray formation trials on pilot‐scale equipment. Dispersion‐coated samples were compared against polyethylene terephthalate (PET) extrusion‐coated paperboard, the principal industrial material used for food trays. Results show that, within the investigated properties, waterborne dispersions can achieve similar barrier properties compared with PET, yet at lower dry coat grammage (12 g/m2 vs. 40 g/m2 of PET‐coated paperboard). Additionally, the investigated coatings heat‐sealed at temperatures as low as 80–90°C, almost 100°C less than PET; however, lower seal forces could be achieved (15–20 N/(25 mm) vs. 23 N/(25 mm) of PET‐coated paperboard). Paperboard delamination occurred at the highest seal forces. Dispersion‐coated trays were obtained at 4.5–5.0% blank moisture content. Formed trays at industrial processing parameters showed critical coating damage during converting due to tensile stresses. This work shows that milder processing conditions allow a reduction in coat defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging waste correct sorting hugely impacts fiber-based packaging circularity. Currently, this is more crucial than ever, also due to the increased market share of fiber-based packaging. This study evaluated the relationship between the aesthetic properties and user material sorting actions of lightweight dispersion-coated and uncoated paper substrates. Unlike previous literature, no labeling or graphics were involved in this study, focusing on the physical and aesthetic properties of both coatings and substrates. Untrained panelists participated in a multi-phase (descriptive and hedonic) analysis involving a questionnaire and antonym scales about samples' visual and tactile properties, which were also characterized. The results highlight a remarkable panelist's ability to assess the relative gloss and roughness. Perceived roughness and mattness statistically significantly correlated to cellulosic material identification. Moreover, material sorting into the paper recycling stream was statistically significantly regulated by sample mattness, followed by sample roughness. This work suggests that, without any graphic or textual information, the combination of substrate characteristics and coating formulation strongly impacts the packaging aesthetics, hence packaging perception as paper-based material. Consequently, the correct material identification and sorting can be encouraged by proper packaging materials selection and coating development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 deeply changed traditional teaching, forcing the adoption of emergency remote teaching (ERT). ERT provided flexibility to teaching/learning activities (TLAs) yet affecting face-to-face communication and sociality. In this work, we present specific constructive alignment for an ERT/extended classroom course at Politecnico di Milano, as well as the tools involved. Two tutorials introduced the learners to the final essay, encouraged collaborative discussion, and promoted self-learning. The final essay, to be done individually or by joining a group, was part of the evaluation alongside a written exam. An evaluation rubric was shared when launching the topics of the essay, and setting the evaluation criteria. Results show how almost half of the essays were delivered by learners working alone, despite the attempts to promote collaborative interaction. Additionally, synchronous class attendance was only 55%, attributed to the availability of recordings and slides. Among the unattended results, the learners positively perceived TLAs and generated new collective knowledge, which was shared on the research group's Instagram profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dentoskeletal effects of early treatment in the primary or early mixed dentition with a removable appliance with expansion springs, assessed on postero-anterior (PA) cephalograms, in patients with a unilateral posterior crossbite when compared with untreated subjects. The treatment group consisted of 23 subjects, 8 males, and 15 females treated with a removable appliance for the expansion of the maxillary arch. The mean age at the start of expansion (T1) was 6 years 2 ± 17 months, and 8 years ± 18 months at the end of active therapy and after 1 year of retention (T2), with an observation interval of 22 + 7 months. The control group comprised 20 subjects (9 males and 11 females) with an untreated unilateral posterior crossbite. Their mean age was 5 years 9 ± 15 months at the first observation and 7 years and 4 ± 16 months at the second examination. The interval between the two observations was 18 ± 7 months. Nine skeletal and two dental measurements on the transverse plane were assessed. The data from the two groups were compared by means of a Student's t-test for independent samples (P<0.05). Positive dental and skeletal effects induced by the therapy were observed at T2. The width of the upper dental arch and that of the skeletal maxillary transverse dimension were significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the treatment group when compared with the controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare the dental arch dimensions in the mixed dentition in two modern samples living in the same geographic area and separated by almost 35 years. A group of 83 subjects (39 boys and 44 girls) born between 1953 and 1959 (mean age: eight years and three months ±15 months for the boys and seven years and 11 months ±12 months for the girls) were compared with a group of 84 subjects (38 boys and 46 girls) born between 1990 and 1998 (mean age: eight years and eight months ±12 months for the boys and eight years and four months ±11 months for the girls). Measurements were taken on dental casts for posterior and anterior arch segments, intermolar and intercanine width, and mesiodistal size of incisors. The available anterior space in both arches and the posterior and anterior transverse dimensions were calculated. Groups were compared using a nonparametric test (Mann-Whitney U-test) for independent samples (P < .05). Results show that both boys and girls of 1990s showed significantly smaller maxillary intermolar width when compared with 1950s. Posterior transverse interarch discrepancy was significantly minor in girls of 1990s. The present population has a greater probability of developing a malocclusion as a consequence of the secular trend toward the reduction of the width of the upper arch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the skeletal characteristics of Class II malocclusion with maxillary protrusion in the deciduous dentition and to describe the growth features of this type of skeletal imbalance during the transition from the deciduous through the mixed dentition. A group of 17 subjects having skeletal Class II malocclusions in the deciduous dentition due to maxillary protrusion was compared with a control group of 30 untreated subjects with ideal occlusion at the same stage of development. Both groups were observed for the first time in the deciduous dentition (T1) and followed during the transition from the deciduous to the mixed dentition (T2). During this time no orthodontic treatment was provided. Lateral cephalograms were taken for all subjects at T1 and T2. A cephalometric analysis was performed based on a reference system that consisted of two perpendicular lines traced through stable basicranical structures. The results indicate that a Class II skeletal pattern due to a maxillary protrusion is established early in the deciduous dentition and remains unmodified in the transition to the mixed dentition. The maxilla appeared to be displaced forward in Class II subjects, whereas the mandibles of the Class I and Class II subjects did not show any significant differences at this stage of growth. In the passage from the deciduous through the mixed dentition, Class I and Class II subjects showed growth increments that were not significantly different from each other. Sucking habits appeared to be correlated with the skeletal maxillary protrusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morquio syndrome or MPS4A is an autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disease, due to a deficiency of N-acetil-galactosamine-6-sulfatase (OMIM 253000). Hypoplastic odontoid processes causing atlantoaxial subluxation and cervical myelopathy are usual clinical findings. Surgical intervention of craniocervical fusion is often performed to prevent this complication. Clinical and cephalometric findings in a patient affected by Morquio syndrome after craniovertebral surgery are described. Facial growth pattern in the lateral plane changed dramatically. The mandibular gonial angle (ArGoMe), the body of the mandible (GoGn), and the total length of the mandible (CoGn) increased abnormally, whereas the mandibular ramus (CoGo) exhibited normal growth. Knowledge of the possibility of abnormal mandibular growth may contribute in long-term orthodontic management of such subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of tooth wear in posterior deciduous teeth of 100 subjects in the second phase of mixed dentition who were born in the 1950s (50sG) and 100 subjects born in the 1990s (90sG). The degree of abrasion for each posterior deciduous tooth was scored ranging from 0 to 3. The comparison of the degree of abrasion showed significant differences between the two groups for alt examined teeth (upper and lower deciduous canines and first and second primary molars) all of which appeared to be more abraded in the 50sG. The findings of the present study indicate that subjects who were born in the 1950s exhibited a significantly greater degree of tooth wear on the posterior deciduous teeth when compared with contemporary subjects, along with a well-recognized lower prevalence of malocclusions. Changes in dietary habits and a diet based on processed foods may be postulated as factors involved with a decrease of dental attrition in contemporary populations. An increase in the prevalence of mouth breathing (tested in the present study) appears to be associated with a decrease in tooth wear in the contemporary population as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]