The operator effect is a well-known analytical bias already quantified in some taphonomic studies. However, the influence of operator bias in the replicability on taphonomic studies has still not been considered. Here, we quantified for the first time this bias using different multivariate statistical techniques, testing if the operator effect is related to the replicability. We analyzed the results reported by 15 operators working on the same dataset. Each operator analyzed 30 bioclasts (bivalve shells) by site, from a total of five sites, considering the following taphonomic attributes: shell fragmentation, edge rounding, corrasion, bioerosion, and color alteration. The operator effect followed the same pattern reported in previous studies, characterized by a worse correspondence for those attributes having more than two levels of damage categories. However, the effect did not appear to have relation to replicability, because nearly all operators found differences among sites. The binary attribute bioerosion exhibited 83{%} of correspondence among operators, but at the same time, it was the taphonomic attribute that showed the highest dispersion among operators (28{%}). Therefore, we concluded that binary attributes, despite indicating a reduction of the operator effect diminishes replicability, result in different interpretations of concordant data. We found that a variance value of nearly 8{%} among operators was enough to generate a different taphonomic interpretation, in a Q-mode cluster analysis. The results reported here showed that the statistical method employed influences the level of replicability and comparability of a study and that the availability of results may be a valid alternative to reduce bias.

Wireless networks are gaining space in industrial environments due to the low installation costs and low maintenance. Robustness is also one of the main requirements for these systems to be adopted, and, in this context, WirelessHART (WH), ISA SP100.11a, and WIA-PA protocols met these characteristics. In order to provide low maintenance, these protocols must provide reliable radio links while keeping low power consumption to allow battery powered devices. Unfortunately, the standards of these protocols do not impose any RF power modulation technique, which is a form to increase even more the battery endurance of a wireless field device. Instead, RF power levels are fixed and selected by commissioning, and must allow the longest link per device. In this case, devices in closer ranges waste energy during transmissions, as they could save energy by modulating the RF power. This paper presents a RF power modulation technique that employs a proportional-integral controller and allows reduction of energy consumption while keeping the robustness of RF links. A proof of concept of the power modulation technique is implemented and verified showing good results and proving that the proposed controller is feasible. The proposal has the advantage to be fully compatible with the standard.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: An association between alcohol consumption and periodontitis has been suggested in the literature, but the evidence is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and periodontitis in a probability sample of adults from south Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This analysis included 1115 subjects aged 18-65 years derived from a representative sample from south Brazil. Data were collected from participants from clinical examination and structured interviews. Alcohol consumption was assessed by asking participants about the usual number of drinks consumed in a week. Four categories of alcohol consumption were defined: non-drinker, 1 glass/wk, 1 glass/d. Individuals with >/= 30% teeth with periodontal attachment loss >/= 5 mm were classified as having periodontitis. Logistic models adjusting for age, race, socioeconomic status, dental care, body mass index, self-reported diabetes and smoking were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: After adjusting for co-factors, females who reported drinking > 1 glass/d were more likely to have periodontitis (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.4-10.1), whereas females who reported drinking up to 1 glass/d were 50% less likely to have periodontitis (OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.3-0.8). No significant associations between overall alcohol intake and periodontitis were observed for males. In an exploratory analysis, wine consumption was associated with a lower likelihood of periodontitis among males (OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1-0.5) but not females. CONCLUSION: The periodontal health of males and females appears to be affected differently by alcohol consumption. Moderate wine consumption may have a beneficial effect in males.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the 24-months survival of composite restorations in primary molars after partial caries removal (PCR) and total caries removal (TCR). METHODS: Forty-eight children aged 3-8 years with at least one molar with a deep carious lesion were included (PCR; n=66; TCR; n=54). For PCR, excavation was stopped when dentine with a leathery consistency was achieved; in the TCR group, total absence of carious tissue was confirmed using a blunt-tipped probe. Pulpotomy was performed in cases of pulp exposure. Success was assessed by modified USPHS criteria with Alpha and Bravo scores recorded as success. RESULTS: Pulp exposure occurred in 1 and 15 of the teeth treated with PCR and TCR respectively (p<0.01). The restorations survival rate after 24 months was 66% (PCR) and 86% (TCR) (p=0.03). When teeth that received pulpotomy were analyzed separately, the survival rate was 92% (p=0.09). PCR performed in occlusoproximal restorations demonstrated the lowest success rate (p=0.002). PCR increases 2.90 times the probability of having a restorative failure compared to TCR (p=0.03), after adjusting for cavity type. When pulp exposure and restoration failure were considered as the outcome, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.10) with success rates of 64% (PCR) and 61% (TCR). CONCLUSION: Collectively, deciduous teeth submitted to PCR prevented pulp exposure and, consequently, more invasive treatments; otherwise, PCR yielded lower longevity for composite restoration compared to TCR, suggesting that PCR restorations need to be followed over time, especially when multi-surface restorations are involved. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Composite restorations on carious remaining tissue require monitoring over time, especially those performed in more than one surface. Even if the restorations present shortcomings over the time, the majority of them are subject to repair, allowing more conservative approaches for teeth with deep caries lesions.

Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease. Recent studies suggest that periodontal infection and the ensuing increase in the levels of inflammatory markers may be associated with myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease. The present article aimed at reviewing contemporary data on the pathophysiology of vascular endothelium and its association with periodontitis in the scenario of cardiovascular disease.

A decade has passed since we first reviewed the epidemiology of periodontal diseases in Latin America. At that time, lack of population-based studies was the norm and our conclusions were based on very limited evidence. The aim of the present comprehensive review was to update and expand our previous work by providing a broad overview of Latin America and its current social, economic and demographic status and by focusing on the epidemiology of periodontal diseases in Latin American adults published in the last 15 years. The amount of periodontal epidemiological data available has increased but is still restricted to a few countries only. The scope of the literature available has also broadened to include oral health-related quality of life and systemic interactions; however, most studies had methodological limitations that might have biased their results. In general, periodontitis was very prevalent, but severe periodontal destruction was localized. Besides being associated with well-established risk factors, periodontitis was associated with demographics and socio-economic factors in Latin American populations. To advance epidemiological knowledge, population-based cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, using appropriate methodologies, should be the future focus of the research agenda of researchers and public health planners in Latin American countries.

Few population-based cohort studies have been established in Dentistry and this is especially true for Latin America. We conducted a population-based prospective study focusing on oral health in Porto Alegre, south Brazil, and herein we describe its methodology and discuss directions for further research. The cohort was established in 2001 using a multistage probability sample of 1,465 toothed and 121 edentulous subjects. A 5-year follow-up was performed in 2006 that included 755 individuals. The main aim of this study was to determine the pattern and risk factors for periodontal disease progression and tooth loss incidence. A full-mouth protocol was used including periodontal assessments at six sites per tooth. Primary outcomes were periodontal attachment loss and tooth loss. Oral mucosal lesions, dental plaque, gingivitis, supragingival calculus, probing depths, gingival recession, and dental caries were also assessed. This is the first population-based cohort study to focus on periodontal disease in Latin America. Findings will contribute to our understanding of the epidemiology of periodontal disease and provide valuable data for the planning and implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies.

The purpose is to evaluate models obtained by different 3D scanning systems, and that the geometric variations can generate implications for anthropometric measurements for custom product design. For comparison and analysis, the right leg of a subject was scanned by white light 3D scanner (Artec Eva) and the infrared scanner (Microsoft Kinect). 3D models obtained by the scanners were compared using the Geomagic Qualify software. Also, by CNC machining of visual comparisons were performed analysis, for pressure mapping and thermography. The results were satisfactory both for the use of Kinect scanner and for Artec Eve. However, there was a dimensional difference of about 7 mm between the 3D models, which shows higher accuracy measures the models obtained by Eve Artec scanner. However, does not invalidate the use of Kinect for developing custom product designs. What will determine the most suitable for each type 3D scanner product is the degree of accuracy necessary for the product to perform its function with greater comfort and efficiency.