Journal articles on the topic 'Global market scanning'
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Lin, Hsiu-Fen, and Kai-Lin Chang. "Key success factors of international market development." Maritime Business Review 2, no. 2 (June 15, 2017): 79–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/mabr-09-2016-0025.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an evaluation model to determine the relative weights of key factors influencing international market development (IMD) success through analysis network process (ANP) during group decision-making. An empirical case of the Taiwan bulk shipping industry is used to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. Design/methodology/approach The literature review is performed to generate 20 key success factors (KSFs) along with four factor categories in IMD (such as organizational capability, environmental scanning, international strategy and internationalization behavior). Then, ANP is applied to develop an evaluation model that prioritizes the relative importance linking the above four factor categories with 20 evaluated KSFs. Findings With respect to the final weights for factor categories, “international strategy” and “environmental scanning” are the two most important criteria, followed by “organizational capability” and “internationalization behavior”. The results also showed that by reviewing the global weights of the 20 KSFs of IMD, “service as competitive advantage”, “market potential” and “risk taking” have the highest rankings. Practical implications The findings indicate that firm expansion into international markets typically depends on a successful international strategy. Hence, to enhance their global market competitiveness, Taiwan bulk shipping firms should focus their efforts on planning international market entry strategy and prioritizing shipping services with high-potential target markets. Originality/value Theoretically, the study results can provide both theoretical basis and empirical evidence, indicating the relative weights and priorities of KSFs of IMD for the Taiwan bulk shipping industry. From the managerial perspective, the analytical results can help managers focus on main factors and identify the best policy to improve their IMD practice and performance.
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Wei Li, Liew, and Khairul Hamimah Abas. "Three Dimension Scanning using Infrared Coded Light." ELEKTRIKA- Journal of Electrical Engineering 19, no. 2 (August 29, 2020): 46–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.11113/elektrika.v19n2.229.
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In this competitive market, reverse engineering is introduced to shorten a new product development time by digitizing an existing product for rapid redesign. In this project, a low cost and standalone 3D scanner is being developed to achieve this purpose. Research is done comparing advantages and limitation of different hardware and method for 3D scanning. Scanner is assisted by automated rotating and illumination scanning platform to improve its performance. Software is developed for scanning of object using a Red-Green-Blue-Depth (RGBD) camera. The scanned result is processed and refined using global and local registration method. Poisson surface reconstruction is performed on the processed point clouds for generating triangular mesh. This scanner able to scan the object with the accuracy up to 5mm with computational time around 25 minutes.
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Vos, Bart, and Edwin van den Berg. "Assessing International Allocation Strategies." International Journal of Logistics Management 7, no. 2 (July 1, 1996): 69–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09574099610805539.
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Allocating the operations of multinational enterprises to geographic locations where performance can be optimized has become an important strategic issue. In view of the continuing growth of international trade and foreign direct investment, managers need systematic procedures to determine global allocation strategies. Available frameworks on global business strategy are typically abstract and generalized, making them less suited for the development of tailor‐made allocation strategies. Quantitative allocation models in operations research tend to be biased towards optimizing mathematical algorithms, making them less suited to support managerial decision making. This paper bridges the gap between generic strategy frameworks and highly quantitative operations research models by presenting a scanning tool to support decision making on strategic allocation issues. An important feature of this tool is to systematically filter available data, intended to quality and quantify critical product, process and market characteristics for specific product classes. The scanning tool has been applied in two cases, involving allocation decisions of a European multinational in the fast moving consumer goods industry.
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Balle, Bernd. "Forging success." Advanced Technologies in Mechanics 3, no. 2(7) (March 3, 2017): 22. http://dx.doi.org/10.17814/atim.2016.2(7).41.
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Always use the latest production technology: Aluline, a manufacturer of aluminum components and solutions from high-wage country Denmark, has operated on this principle to excel on the global market. In order to stay competitive and up to date, the family-run company is intensely focused on process innovation and also uddates its measuring technology on a regular basis: the Danish enterprise recently introduced two ZEISS ACCURA coordinate measuring machines with a new scanning probe. This made the company not only the first in Scandinavia to rely on this technology, but also allowed it to reduce measuring times by up to 70 percent.
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Linec, Mitja, and Branka Mušič. "The Effects of Silica-Based Fillers on the Properties of Epoxy Molding Compounds." Materials 12, no. 11 (June 4, 2019): 1811. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ma12111811.
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Global design and manufacturing of the materials with superb properties remain one of the greatest challenges on the market. The future progress is orientated towards researches into the material development for the production of composites of better mechanical properties to the existing materials. In the field of advanced composites, epoxy molding compounds (EMCs) have attained dominance among the common materials due to their excellent properties that can be altered by adding different fillers. One of the main fillers is often based on silicon dioxide (SiO2). The concept of this study was to evaluate the effects of the selected silica-based fillers on the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of EMCs. Various types of fillers with SiO2, including crystalline silica and fused silica, were experimentally studied to clarify the impact of filler on final product. Fillers with different shape (scanning electron microscope, SEM), along with different specific surface area (specific surface area analyzer, BET method) and different chemical structure, were tested to explore their modifications on the EMCs. The influence of the fillers on the compound materials was determined with the spiral flow length (spiral flow test, EMMI), glass transition temperature (differential scanning calorimetry, DSC), and the viscosity (Torque Rheometer) of the composites.
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Nady, Baha`a Abdul-Hafez Attallah Al, Ahed Saket Al Haraizah, and Sulieman Ibraheem Shelash Al Hawary. "Environmental Scanning and Communication Technology as a Gate for Sustainable Competitive advantage of Sanitary Ware (bathtub) Suppliers in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY 13, no. 3 (April 24, 2014): 4335–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.24297/ijct.v13i3.2764.
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Today globalization turned the world into a global village where event in one region transmits to others almost immediately. Communication technology has played big role and transformed many aspects of business; Internet is one of most important technology which has created e-commerce and a global digital economy with new opportunities. Social media such as websites Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest have already demonstrated their potential for getting information also mobile technology have a lot of potential for gathering information. In spite of environmental turbulence, organizations must effectively depend on scanning environment and useful communication technology for operations and survival. It is crucial for every company to analyze strengths and weaknesses of the internal and external environment to enable the business sustain and growth. Both internal and external environmental scanning is important to be conducted but basically internal scanning will be done first as it will be the ground analysis to determine further direction of an organization. Increasing risk of error, failure to analyze environment included strength and weaknesses internally, opportunities and threats externally, and inefficient of communication technology may resulting to unsustainable the business in long term. Additionally a growing number of companies in Jeddah city led to the business competition between companies that increasingly tight and competitive. This paper sought the place of environmental scanning and role of communication technology as a way for providing information helpfully and as a means of business survival and sustainable competitive advantage. In this study we will focus on Suppliers who deal with sanitary ware (Bathtub) in Jeddah city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mostly people in Jeddah City prefer to purchase from various outlets vendors / retailers who are available usually in same area, according to their convenience, preference and selection. Increases in expectations and changing culinary style of consumers make the Sanitary Ware (Bathtub) business dynamic in general. Despite the increasing interest in the area there are very little researches on sustainable competitive advantage of sanitary ware vending service in our domestic market. Keeping these conditions in view, this study tries to explore the current scenario in which Sanitary Ware (Bathtub) has become a flourishing business for a lot of Suppliers as it has been successful in attracting a large mass of customers and projects.This study analyses environmental scanning and communication technology as a gate for sustainable competitive advantage of sanitary ware (Bathtub) in Jeddah city. The data analysis was based on 108 retailers who purchase bathtub sanitary ware from sanitary ware suppliers companies in Jeddah city, the data analysis was based on multivariate statistical techniques encompassing Factor analysis to test reliability, Percentage and frequency, descriptive analysis to describe the sample, multiple linear regressions via using SPSS analysis software. It identifies the most relevant understanding of environmental scanning and role of communication technology as agate for sustainable competitive advantage, and determines their influence in choosing of sanitary ware outlets. The results show that as environmental scanning and communication technologies (independent variables) have a positive influence on sustainable competitive advantage (dependent variable) of bathtub sanitary ware suppliers in Jeddah city.
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Vishnevskiy, Konstantin, and Andrei Yaroslavtsev. "Russian S&T Foresight 2030: case of nanotechnologies and new materials." foresight 19, no. 2 (April 10, 2017): 198–217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/fs-08-2016-0041.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply Foresight methodology to the area of nanotechnologies and new materials within the framework of Russian S&T Foresight 2030 aimed at revelation of major trends, most promising products and technologies. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this goal, best international practice was analyzed that provided a solid basis for Russian S&T Foresight 2030 (section “Nanotechnology and new materials”). The study used a wide range of advanced Foresight methods adapted to Russian circumstances. During the Foresight study, the authors integrated “market pull” and research “technology push” approaches including both traditional methods (priority-setting, roadmaps, global challenges analysis) and relatively new approaches (horizon scanning, weak signals, wild cards, etc.). Findings Using the methods of the Foresight, the authors identified trends with the greatest impact on the sphere of nanotechnology and new materials, promising markets, product groups and potential areas of demand for Russian innovation technologies and developments in this field. The authors assessed the state-of-the-art of the domestic research in the area of nanotechnologies and new materials to identify “white spots”, as well as parity zone and leadership, which can be the basis for integration into international alliances and positioning of Russia as a center of global technological development in this field. Originality/value The results of applying Foresight methodology toward revelation of the most prospective S&T areas in the field of nanotechnologies and new materials can be used by a variety of stakeholders including federal and regional authorities, technology platforms and innovation and industrial clusters, leading universities and scientific organizations in formulation of their research and strategic agenda. Russian businesses including both large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises can use results of the study in creating their strategic R&D programs and finding appropriate partners.
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Pezzuto, Ivo. "Turning globalization 4.0 into a real and sustainable success for all stakeholders." Journal of Governance and Regulation 8, no. 1 (2019): 8–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.22495/jgr_v8_i1_p1.
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The paper aims to provide an overview of the major opportunities and challenges of the fourth phase of globalization in the current macro scenario characterized by a high level of economic and geopolitical complexity and uncertainty. The assumptions and results reported in this work are based mostly on the judgmental opinion of the author and on his critical analysis of macroeconomic data and global trends. The author of the paper is a seasoned chief economic advisor and professor of global economics and disruptive innovation. Forecasting global market trends and future scenarios in a highly unpredictable business environment is always a complex task which cannot be undertaken simply relying on quantitative research techniques based on historical datasets since the past is not always a good predictor of future events. The qualitative approach adopted for this research is based on multiple forms of data sources and the following activities: (1) identification of the key forces and trends in the environment (i.e. environmental scanning); (2) assessing the driving forces and trends by importance and uncertainty; (3) envisioning potential alternative scenarios; and (4) assessing the potential implications of each trend and scenario. The result of this analysis confirms the central role that technological development is likely to have in the near future as a major driver of disruptive change in the economic and social models of many countries and leads to the conclusion that the groundbreaking and disruptive innovations of the future should be perceived as a potential opportunity and not just as a threat by stakeholders in the international community.
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Kortaberria, Gorka, Unai Mutilba, Eneko Gomez-Acedo, Alberto Tellaeche, and Rikardo Minguez. "Accuracy Evaluation of Dense Matching Techniques for Casting Part Dimensional Verification." Sensors 18, no. 9 (September 13, 2018): 3074. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/s18093074.
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Product optimization for casting and post-casting manufacturing processes is becoming compulsory to compete in the current global manufacturing scenario. Casting design, simulation and verification tools are becoming crucial for eliminating oversized dimensions without affecting the casting component functionality. Thus, material and production costs decrease to maintain the foundry process profitable on the large-scale component supplier market. New measurement methods, such as dense matching techniques, rely on surface texture of casting parts to enable the 3D dense reconstruction of surface points without the need of an active light source as usually applied with 3D scanning optical sensors. This paper presents the accuracy evaluation of dense matching based approaches for casting part verification. It compares the accuracy obtained by dense matching technique with already certified and validated optical measuring methods. This uncertainty evaluation exercise considers both artificial targets and key natural points to quantify the possibilities and scope of each approximation. Obtained results, for both lab and workshop conditions, show that this image data processing procedure is fit for purpose to fulfill the required measurement tolerances for casting part manufacturing processes.
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Willberg-Keyriläinen, Pia, Hannes Orelma, and Jarmo Ropponen. "Injection Molding of Thermoplastic Cellulose Esters and Their Compatibility with Poly(Lactic Acid) and Polyethylene." Materials 11, no. 12 (November 23, 2018): 2358. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ma11122358.
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Interest in biobased polymers from renewable resources has grown in recent years due to environmental concerns, but they still have a minimal fraction of the total global market. In this study, the injection molding of thermoplastic cellulose octanate (cellulose C8) and cellulose palmitate (cellulose C16) were studied. The mechanical properties of injection-molded test specimens were analyzed by using tensile testing, and the internal structure of injection-molded objects was studied by using a field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). We showed that thermoplastic cellulose C8 and cellulose C16 were completely processable without the addition of a plasticizer, which is very unusual in the case of cellulose esters. The compatibility of cellulose esters with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and biopolyethylene (bio-PE) was also tested. By compounding the cellulose esters with PLA, the elongation of PLA-based blends could be improved and the density could be reduced. The tested thermoplastic cellulose materials were fully biobased, and have good future potential to be used in injection molding applications.
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Serebryakova, N. S., and A. V. Petrikov. "The principles of design and the organization of functioning of innovative infrastructures in the conditions of the Industry 4.0." Proceedings of the Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies 80, no. 4 (March 21, 2019): 384–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.20914/2310-1202-2018-4-384-387.
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The number of the innovative centers in a total amount of technological infrastructure in the world increases. One of trends of development of global economy is growth of speed of changes, including entry into the market of new types of products and services. The key trigger of these changes are "blasting" innovations which are characteristic of the fourth technological revolution which is taking place now. The program of support of clusters which is implemented since 2013 by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation receives the logical continuation, including in the innovative scientific and technological centers. In article the review of uncontested global trends of scientific and technological and innovative development in the conditions of the Fourth industrial revolution and the Industry 4.0 on the basis of which the principles of design and the organization of functioning of innovative infrastructures are created is carried out. The research of the systems of strategic management of breakthrough technological development, best in the class, is conducted. It is shown that for realization of breakthrough technological development it is necessary to create basic technological packages and technological packages of the second order on the basis of basic research packages. In a research the approach of intellectual and strategic scanning ("Strategic Intelligence") which is the significant instrument of management, concentrated on the solution of specific questions by scanning of a business environment is applied, marking out at the same time risks, threats and opportunities. The growing practical application of such approach is caused by need to solve unique research problems in new subject domains on which there is no saved-up knowledge base. A number of the methods which are originally used for the solution of separate planned and expected tasks unites thus in the uniform complete concept. Results of a research can be used as a theoretical basis for carrying out transformation of the innovative environment in the industries, regions, industrial complexes.
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Singh, Rina Rani, Naresh Kumar Saini, and Surendra Prakash Goyal. "Scanning electron microscopy: a potential forensic tool to identify a piece of rhinoceros horn." International Journal of Scientific Reports 3, no. 2 (January 26, 2017): 33. http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20170355.
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<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Illegal trade of rhinoceros horn in the global market has posed a serious threat to the long-term survival and the conservation of endangered one horn rhinoceros. Presence of fake horns imitating rhinoceros horn makes the situation graver. Thus, to curb the trade it is very important to scientifically identify the horns used in trade to support and strengthen the enforcement agencies. The presence of fake items makes the identification task much more difficult thus, a project entitled “Characterization of species from bone, tusk, rhino horn and antler to deal wildlife offence cases” was developed to identify rhinoceros (<em>Rhinoceros unicornis</em>) horn in complete to pulverized form.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Various bio-scientific techniques like morphological, analytical and molecular were applied to identify the rhinoceros horn. Most of these techniques are promising in identifying rhinoceros horn in different forms. In present paper, we discuss on identification of a piece of rhinoceros horn using Scanning Electron Microscope and total nine<strong> </strong>horns were examined.<strong> </strong>The required micrographs were saved using software Digital Image Scanning System (DISS 5, Point Electronics, Germany). Scanned images for both rhinoceros horn from wild and zoo were similar. To find the specific signature, the micrographs of the rhinoceros horn were compared with buffalo and fake horns<span lang="EN-IN">. </span><span lang="EN-IN"> </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Differences were noted on both dorsal and ventral surfaces of rhinoceros horns examined under scanning electron microscope. On ventral surface numerous uniformly placed circular pores with mean diameter of 320 µm and had characteristic “sub pores within a pore”. Instead, in fake horn only few non-uniform pores were visible without any sub pores. The ventral portion of buffalo horn does not indicate presence of any such pores.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The characteristic “sub pores within a pore” signature of the ventral portion of rhinoceros horn has high potential for forensic identification and consequently, proving offences and convicting offenders<span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p>
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Cosnita, Mihaela, Ileana Manciulea, and Cristina Cazan. "All-Waste Hybrid Composites with Waste Silicon Photovoltaic Module." Polymers 12, no. 1 (December 31, 2019): 53. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym12010053.
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Nowadays, global warming, energy issues and environmental concern have forced energy production stakeholders to find new low carbon solutions. Photovoltaic technologies as renewable energy resources represent a competitive way for the transition from conventional fossil fuels towards a renewable energy economy. The highest renewable energy systems (RES) market share is based on silicon photovoltaic (Si-PV). The installed RES have rapidly increased over the last two decades, but, after the end of their service life, they will be disposed of. Therefore, the constant increase of the installed RES has attracted the global concern due to their impact on the environment and, most of all, due to the content of their valuable resources. However, the rational management of RES waste has not been addressed so far. The paper represents an extension of a previous work focused on Si-PV recycling by developing all waste hybrid composites. The extension research conducted in this paper is related to the influence of Si-PV characteristics on the mechanical performances and water stability of the hybrid composites. All waste hybrid composites developed by embedding different Si-PV grain sizes were tested before and after water immersion in terms of mechanical strength, interfacial adhesion, crystallinity and morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The results revealed the better performance of such Si-PV composites compared to that of sieved composites even after long term water immersion. Therefore, high-content Si-PV hybrid composites could be developed without Si-PV powder sieving. Further on, all waste hybrid composites could be used as paving slabs, protective barriers for outdoor applications.
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Civi, Emin, Elif S. Persinger, and Aziz Sunje. "Gaining Strength For A New Future: Bosnia And Herzegovinas Export Opportunities." Journal of Diversity Management (JDM) 2, no. 4 (October 1, 2007): 43–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.19030/jdm.v2i4.5022.
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International trade is crucial for Bosnia and Herzegovinas (B&H) economic prosperity. In this study guidance to B&H exporters is provided by identifying potential markets and products to focus on when designing future trade strategies. To this end trends in the world trade and trade patterns are examined using various approaches.First approach to identify the potential markets for the B&H exports called for identifying the countries with highest general demand for Bosnia and Herzegovinas current export products. The products Bosnia and Herzegovina exports most along with the countries that demand these products the most in the world are identified. The second approach for identifying the potential export markets for B&H products examine the import volumes of other countries in the world. Still a more fruitful approach for the B&H exporters, at least in the short term, is to target the markets with the fastest growth of import volumes (the third approach). In the fourth approach, untapped trade and highly untapped trade countries that should be targeted by B&H exporters are presented. The fifth approach for identifying the potential export markets for B&H products is based on examining the products whose imports increased fastest in recent years and the countries that imported these products most.The products/product groups that have the highest potential for B&H export success are also identified. First, most imported products as well as the products/product groups whose exports increased the fastest in recent years are examined. Second, the import volumes ten countries with the highest total imports are examined on a product basis to identify the products they import most as well as the products with the highest growth rate of imports. Third, product categories with untapped trade potential and highly untapped trade potential along with their respective markets are presented.Long term sustainable success in the ever changing global economy requires a close and continuous scanning of the trends in the environment. The analysis approaches described above provide B&H exporters a starting point in evaluating their product and market selection strategies and designing new ones for the future.
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Theuer, Frauke, Marijn Floris van Dooren, Lueder von Bremen, and Martin Kühn. "Minute-scale power forecast of offshore wind turbines using long-range single-Doppler lidar measurements." Wind Energy Science 5, no. 4 (November 3, 2020): 1449–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/wes-5-1449-2020.
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Abstract. Decreasing gate closure times on the electricity stock exchange market and the rising share of renewables in today's energy system causes an increasing demand for very short-term power forecasts. While the potential of dual-Doppler radar data for that purpose was recently shown, the utilization of single-Doppler lidar measurements needs to be explored further to make remote-sensing-based very short-term forecasts more feasible for offshore sites. The aim of this work was to develop a lidar-based forecasting methodology, which addresses a lidar's comparatively low scanning speed. We developed a lidar-based forecast methodology using horizontal plan position indicator (PPI) lidar scans. It comprises a filtering methodology to recover data at far ranges, a wind field reconstruction, a time synchronization to account for time shifts within the lidar scans and a wind speed extrapolation to hub height. Applying the methodology to seven free-flow turbines in the offshore wind farm Global Tech I revealed the model's ability to outperform the benchmark persistence during unstable stratification, in terms of deterministic as well as probabilistic scores. The performance during stable and neutral situations was significantly lower, which we attribute mainly to errors in the extrapolation of wind speed to hub height.
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Savitskaya, Tatiana E. "Creating New Information and Communication Models in Working with Users within the Google Library Project." Observatory of Culture 17, no. 3 (August 6, 2020): 251–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.25281/2072-3156-2020-17-3-251-261.
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The article analyzes characteristic features and development logic of the library project by Google, which started from the famous Google Book Search project (also known as Google Books and Google Print), and later as Google Play Books within the multi-platform multimedia service Google Play. For decades, a constant trend of the corporation’s activity has been the development and testing of new social and communication models in working with users, combining the complexity and global reach of the audience with the use of its interactive potential. In the early 2000s, the company initiated mass scanning of library collections, thus starting the development of a new institutional paradigm for electronic libraries. Later, having developed new business models for the distribution of electronic copies of printed products in the course of numerous legal proceedings on charges of copyright infringement, it also pioneered the new information market development.From the very beginning, Google Book Search was aimed at the mass user, which was facilitated by its constantly expanding set of options and increasing level of comfort of access to the resource. In 2006—2010, the service presented an opportunity for users to download, in pdf format, books free of copyright law; a new viewing interface “About this book” was added; an opportunity to operate texts using “My library” option was provided; a mobile version of the service was launched; access to statistical information on diachronic frequency dynamics of word usage based on the collected database was provided.The article analyzes the further development of the library project within the Google Play Books service, which allows users to read, buy and sell e-books, use bookmarks, download their own books in pdf and EPUB formats, and synchronize data on all user’s devices. There is assessed the social significance of the project in the context of the global electronic civilization development.
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Píštěk, Václav, Pavel Kučera, Oleksij Fomin, and Alyona Lovska. "Effective Mistuning Identification Method of Integrated Bladed Discs of Marine Engine Turbochargers." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 8, no. 5 (May 25, 2020): 379. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jmse8050379.
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Radial turbine and compressor wheels form essential cornerstones of modern internal combustion engines in terms of economy, efficiency and, in particular, environmental compatibility. As a result of the introduction of exhaust gas turbochargers in the extremely important global market for diesel engines, higher engine efficiencies are possible, which in turn reduce fuel consumption. The associated reduced exhaust emissions can answer questions that results from environmentally relevant aspects of the engine development. In shipping, the international Maritime Organisation (IMO) prescribes the step-by-step reduction of nitrogen oxide and other types of emissions. To reduce these emissions, various systems are being developed, in which turbochargers are an important part. The requirements for the reliability and service life of turbochargers are constantly increasing. Turbocharger blade vibration is one of the most important problems to be solved when designing the rotors. In the case of real rotors, so-called mistuning arises, which is a slight deviation of the properties of the individual blades from the design parameters. The article deals with an effective method of mistuning identification for cases of integrated bladed discs of marine engine turbochargers. Unlike approaches that use costly scanning laser Doppler vibrometers, this method is based on using only a simple laser vibrometer in combination with a computational model of the integrated bladed disc. The added value of this method is, in particular, a significant reduction in the cost of laboratory equipment and a reduction in the time required to obtain the results.
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Gama, Renann Pereira, and Marcos Valério Ribeiro. "Effects of Cutting Fluid Application in the Performance of the Nimomic 80A Turning." Key Engineering Materials 656-657 (July 2015): 243–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.656-657.243.
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The increase of world requirements for improved products joined to growing competition between companies in the global market makes the same seek processes that ensure lower costs allied to high productivity and high quality product. Therefore, the great industrial and technological development has been increased the search for machining processes that promote, for example, high performance as regards the chip removal, less tool wear, failure and reduced impact on the environment. Regarding nickel-based superalloys, they have an extremely important role in the aeronautical and automotive industries among others. The nickel-based superalloy studied is the Nimonic 80A, hard machine material that has high mechanical strength and corrosion resistance on higher temperatures. The objective of this report is to study the influence of the application of cutting fluids in turning and the machining parameters in order to achieve high performance and optimization of machining this alloy. This one was machined using various machining parameters: cutting speed, feed rate, cutting depth, Minimum Quantity fluid (MQF), and Fluid abundant. After turning chip samples were obtained, was measured the surface roughness, volume of chip removed, cutting length and macro structural, some analyzes were performed and of lifetime of the tools were used in order to detect possible wear, as well as, microstructural observation of the chips by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).On this report, we can observe the behavior of the materials and tools in the two cooling conditions used, and also, the impacts of the parameter variations in the surface finish, on the structure of the material and performance of the tools in respect chip removal regarding volume removed and machined length. Application by MQF was promising, but there is an abundant beyond the traditional application.
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Oughton, Edward J., Zoraida Frias, Mischa Dohler, Jason Whalley, Douglas Sicker, Jim W. Hall, Jon Crowcroft, and David D. Cleevely. "The strategic national infrastructure assessment of digital communications." Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance 20, no. 3 (May 14, 2018): 197–210. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/dprg-02-2018-0004.
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Purpose Public policy requires effective identification of the current and emerging issues being faced in industry and beyond. This paper aims to identify a set of key issues currently facing digital communications and reviews their relevance for the strategic provision of infrastructure, particularly within the UK context. Design/methodology/approach The methodology focusses on taking a horizon-scanning approach to obtaining current information from a range of authoritative decision makers across industry, government and academia. After structuring the issues identified, these areas are explored by a multi-disciplinary research team covering engineering, economics and computer science. Findings Five key categories were identified including future demand; coverage and capacity; policy and regulation; economics and business models; and technology. The results are reported for both fixed and wireless networks. Shared issues affecting the wider digital ecosystem are also identified including Brexit, connecting remote areas and the degree to which the economics of infrastructure allows for building multiple overlapping infrastructures. The authors find that future demand uncertainty is one of the major issues affecting the digital communications sector driven by rigid willingness-to-pay, weak revenue and an increasing shift from fixed to wireless technologies. Policy must create the market conditions that encourage the entry of new competitors with innovative thinking and disruptive business models. Research limitations/implications A limitation of the analysis is that it is quite UK-focussed; hence, further research could broaden this analysis to assessing issues at a continental or global scale. Originality/value The value of this paper originates from the breadth of the expert elicitation exercise carried out to gather the initial set of issues, followed by the analysis of this data by a multi-disciplinary team of researchers. The results direct a future research agenda, as many issues are indicative of a lack of existing evidence to support effective decision-making.
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Trinh, Hue Thi Kim, and Mai Hương Bùi. "The Improving properties of Viscose fabric by water repellent finish." Science & Technology Development Journal - Engineering and Technology 4, no. 1 (March 13, 2021): first. http://dx.doi.org/10.32508/stdjet.v4i1.788.
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Viscose as cellulosic origin, the cheapest of all cellulosic fabrics could be the best alternative. Viscose is manufactured from regenerated cellulose. In order to manufacture viscose, pulp of bamboo is treated with aqueous sodium hydroxide to form alkali cellulose. This alkali cellulose is then treated with carbon disulfide to form sodium cellulose xanthate. The xanthate is then dissolved in aqueous sodium hydroxide and allowed to depolymerize. After depolymerization, rayon fiber is produced from the ripened solution. Viscose is primarily employed in apparels, upholstery fabric, industrial clothing, and medical hygiene. Apparels, upholstery fabric, and industrial clothing segments account for key share of the viscose market. The medical hygiene segment is anticipated to expand during the forecast period. Demand for viscose fiber is anticipated to increase significantly in the near future due to the rise in global population, increase in standard of living, and growth in disposable income. Viscose is an eco-friendly product; thus, increase in awareness about eco-friendly products and decrease in production of cotton are estimated to augment the demand for viscose fiber. Viscose fabric exhibits some similar properties compared to cotton except its poor wet strength due to higher moisture regain. In this study, chemical finishes by different cross-linkers were applied to improve the wet strength of the viscose fabric. For this purpose, water repellent finishes were applied. Water repellent finish helped in reducing the molecular barrier around the individual fibres that lowered the surface tension of the fabric. It reduces the absorbency of viscose fabric hence leads to higher wet strength. Therefore, the treated viscose fabric exhibited better wet strength after applying water repellent finishes on it. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the surface of the fabric treated with chemicals. Tensile strength of viscose was increased 24.6%.
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Wang, Rong Hua, Hua Zhang, Feng Xu, and Li Yue. "Multi-View Registration Based on Triangle Constraint and Global Optimization." Applied Mechanics and Materials 722 (December 2014): 327–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.722.327.
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The measurement technology of 3D scanning in automation level is low, its measurement process is not stable, and the measurement error is large. After the principle of binocular structured light measurement was analyzed, match the marked point to multi-view registration based on the relative distance of any two marked point in space is unchanged. A multi-view registration is proposed using triangle constraint and global optimization. The method includes: remove the false matching points in possible matching points by joining triple constraint; after the first registration, use the center of marking points to global optimization through least squares principle method. The realization of the algorithm by use of tools such as VC++ and Open CV demonstrates that this method has the advantage of better restraining the accumulative error, keeping the process stable, and fast and realizing automatic registration.
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Costa, Jorge, Mónica Montenegro, and João Gomes. "Global trends challenging tourism organisations and destinations today." Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes 8, no. 6 (December 5, 2016): 716–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/whatt-09-2016-0057.
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Purpose The main purpose of this paper is to critically review the contributions made by this theme issue to the literature by examining key trends in worldwide tourism and approaches for scanning its business environment. Design/methodology/approach A critical content analysis of the articles selected for the theme issue was undertaken. Findings From the various contributions made to the theme issue, it is possible to identify some major challenges that the tourism industry will face, these resulting from new tourist profiles, a growing middle-class, political tensions and terrorism, technological evolution and the decline in customers’ loyalty. Research limitations/implications Collectively, the articles in this theme issue provide rich insights on key trends impacting the worldwide tourism industry, as well as suggestions on how to explore the opportunities arising from the highly competitive tourism markets. The complexity of the information generated today call for innovative approaches on scanning the tourism business environment, to overcome the financial and operational constraints that those processes normally imply. Originality/value The articles selected for this theme issue present state-of-the-art research and experts’ viewpoints on tourism trends. These allow a deeper understanding of the challenges tourism organisations and destinations face today and the best-suited answers to explore the opportunities they provide.
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Yang, B., Y. Li, X. Zou, and Z. Dong. "A MARKER-FREE CALIBRATION METHOD FOR MOBILE LASER SCANNING POINT CLOUDS CORRECTION." ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences XLIII-B2-2020 (August 12, 2020): 347–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-xliii-b2-2020-347-2020.
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Abstract. Mobile laser scanning systems (MLS) have been widely used in collecting three-dimensional point clouds for many applications, such as 3D mapping, road facilities inventory and high definition map. Although MLS is calibrated accurately to obtain precise locations of point clouds, it is still challenging to obtain precise locations of point clouds in the areas of GPS signal denied or narrow streets with high dense buildings, resulting in uneven position deviations of point clouds between the overlapping trajectory areas. In this paper, a marker-free calibration method is proposed to solve the above problems. The proposed method firstly partitions the trajectory into segments according to the error distribution while collecting the point clouds. Secondly, the features in each overlapped area are extracted and a kind of Locally Aggregated Descriptors are built for the matching. Thirdly, a coarse-to-fine pairwise point clouds alignment is applied on the overlapping areas. Finally, the global alignment of point clouds is fulfilled with minimizing the position deviations between the overlapping areas and the adjacent segments. The proposed method has been used to correct the point clouds from several different MLSs. Experiments show that this method automatically locates and corrects the uneven position deviations in terms of good robustness and efficiencies. Besides, it proves that the proposed method is also an easy-to-use tool for the automatic correction of MLS point clouds position and boresights.
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Dobrzańska, Joanna, Lech B. Dobrzański, Klaudiusz Gołombek, Leszek A. Dobrzański, and Anna D. Dobrzańska-Danikiewicz. "Virtual Approach to the Comparative Analysis of Biomaterials Used in Endodontic Treatment." Processes 9, no. 6 (May 25, 2021): 926. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pr9060926.
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The importance of endodontics is presented within our own concept of Dentistry Sustainable Development (DSD) consisting of three inseparable elements; i.e., Advanced Interventionist Dentistry 4.0 (AID 4.0), Global Dental Prevention (GDP), and the Dentistry Safety System (DSS) as a polemic, with the hypothesis of the need to abandon interventionist dentistry in favour of the domination of dental prevention. In view of the numerous systemic complications of caries that affect 3−5 billion people globally, endodontic treatment effectively counteracts them. Regardless of this, the prevention of oral diseases should be developed very widely, and in many countries dental care should reach the poorest sections of society. The materials and methods of clinical management in endodontic procedures are characterized. The progress in the field of filling materials and techniques for the development and obturation of root canals is presented. The endodontics market is forecast to reach USD 2.1 billion in 2026, with a CAGR of 4.1%. The most widely used and recognized material for filling root canals is gutta-percha, recognized as the “gold standard”. An alternative is a synthetic thermoplastic filler material based on polyester materials, known mainly under the trade name Resilon. There are still sceptical opinions about the need to replace gutta-percha with this synthetic material, and many dentists still believe that this material cannot compete with gutta-percha. The results of studies carried out so far do not allow for the formulation of a substantively and ethically unambiguous view that gutta-percha should be replaced with another material. There is still insufficient clinical evidence to formulate firm opinions in this regard. In essence, materials and technologies used in endodontics do not differ from other groups of materials, which justifies using material engineering methodology for their research. Therefore, a detailed methodological approach is presented to objectify the assessment of endodontic treatment. Theoretical analysis was carried out using the methods of procedural benchmarking and comparative analysis with the use of contextual matrices to virtually optimize the selection of materials, techniques for the development and obturation of root canals, and methods for assessing the effectiveness of filling, which methods are usually used, e.g., in management science, and especially in foresight research as part of knowledge management. The results of these analyses are presented in the form of appropriate context matrices. The full usefulness of the research on the effectiveness and tightness of root canal filling using scanning electron microscopy is indicated. The analysis results are a practical application of the so-called “digital twins” approach concerning the virtual comparative analysis of biomaterials used in endodontic treatment.
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Ekimova, Irina A., Tatiana I. Antokhina, and Dimitry М. Schepetov. "“Invasion” in the Russian Arctic: is global Climate Changea real driver? A remarkable case of two nudibranch species." Ruthenica, Russian Malacological Journal 29, no. 2 (March 5, 2019): 103–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.35885/ruthenica.2019.29(2).4.
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In present paper, we report the first findings of two large and conspicuous nudibranch species for Russian waters - Goniodoris nodosa and Flabellina pellucida. Both species show wide distribution in the northeastern Atlantic waters or even in the north-western Atlantic in the case of F. pellucida. The morphology of both species was studied using anatomical dissections and scanning electron microscopy. Molecular diversity was assessed by sequencing of COI marker and reconstruction of haplotype networks. In the Barents Sea, both species show minor genetic differences from their European relatives and similar morphological characters. Putative explanations of new findings for Russian Arctic are discussed.
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Costa, Jorge, Mónica Montenegro, and João Gomes. "What global trends are challenging tourism organizations and destinations today?" Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes 8, no. 6 (December 5, 2016): 620–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/whatt-09-2016-0055.
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Purpose The main aim of this paper is to introduce the articles of this theme issue and explain the pertinence of the strategic question. Design/methodology/approach A brief context for the strategic question is provided, as well as the issue alignment and a content analysis of the articles selected. Findings The profile of current and future tourists is changing. Travel consumers now want and expect accurate information to guide their choices, and these are increasingly based on quality, experimentation, willingness to undertake active holidays and to travel to sites with diverse and unique tourism products. Practical implications Collectively, the articles in this theme issue provide rich insights on key trends impacting the worldwide tourism industry, as well as suggestions on how to explore the opportunities arising from the highly competitive tourism markets. Proposals on scanning the tourism business environment are also presented and their importance discussed and illustrated. Originality/value From various angles of analysis, the final articles for this issue explore the trends and issues affecting the tourism industry, as well as approaches to scan the tourism business environment.
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Zhang, Wuming, Jie Shao, Shuangna Jin, Lei Luo, Junling Ge, Xinyue Peng, and Guoqing Zhou. "Automated Marker-Free Registration of Multisource Forest Point Clouds Using a Coarse-to-Global Adjustment Strategy." Forests 12, no. 3 (February 26, 2021): 269. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f12030269.
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Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are two effective platforms for acquiring forest point clouds. TLS has an advantage in the acquisition of below-canopy information but does not include the data above the canopy. UAVs acquire data from the top viewpoint but are confined to the information above the canopy. To obtain complete forest point clouds and exploit the application potential of multiple platforms in large-scale forest scenarios, we propose a practical pipeline to register multisource point clouds automatically. We consider the spatial distribution differences of trees and achieve the coarse alignment of multisource point clouds without artificial markers; then, the iterative closest point method is used to improve the alignment accuracy. Finally, a graph-based adjustment is designed to remove accumulative errors and achieve the gapless registration. The experimental results indicate high efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. The mean errors for the registration of multi-scan TLS point clouds subsampled at 0.03 m are approximately 0.01 m, and the mean errors for registration of the TLS and UAV data are less than 0.03 m in the horizontal direction and approximately 0.01 m in the vertical direction.
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Gorobtsov, Sergey, and Vladimir Obidenko. "GEODESIC METHODS FOR CREATION OF UNIQUE GEOINFORMATION SPACE." Interexpo GEO-Siberia 1, no. 1 (2019): 173–83. http://dx.doi.org/10.33764/2618-981x-2019-1-1-173-183.
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Modern geodesic support is an integral and essential element of the process of collecting spatial information. The article considers geodesic methods for creating a unique geoinformation space: digitization of cartographic materials, ground survey methods (electronic total stations, 3D laser scanning), remote sensing and methods of the global navigation satellite systems GLONASS and GPS. The article also contains recommended conversion options between the coordinate systems SK-95 and GSK-2011. A comparative analysis of the surveyed geodesic methods for geodata col-lection was carried out. Russian and foreign markets of specialized software for processing geodata are considered, appropriate conclusions are made.
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Murphy, Glen E., Mauricio A. Acuna, and Ian Dumbrell. "Tree value and log product yield determination in radiata pine (Pinus radiata) plantations in Australia: comparisons of terrestrial laser scanning with a forest inventory system and manual measurements." Canadian Journal of Forest Research 40, no. 11 (November 2010): 2223–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/x10-171.
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New sensor-based approaches for assessing the quantity, quality, and value of timber are being developed with the goals of improving the accuracy and economics of forest measurements. One new approach is based on terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). Thirty-three plots in six radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) stands were scanned using TLS. Tree locations were automatically detected. Stem profiles were measured using three methods: (i) TLS scans, (ii) Atlas Cruiser inventory procedures, and (iii) manual measurement after harvesting. Stems were optimally bucked based on log specifications and prices for Australian markets. Tree values and log product yields were estimated for the TLS data and compared with estimates based on Cruiser and actual manual measurements of stem profiles. TLS volume and value recovery were within 8% and 7%, respectively, of actual harvester recovery for five of the six stands in which it was used. Cruiser volume and value estimates were both within 4% of actual harvester recovery. Plot preparation procedures, tree characteristics, and taper equations used to model diameters on hidden stem sections affected the accuracy of automated stem detection and profile measurements for the TLS system. Improvements in data capture and analytical procedures should improve the accuracy of TLS-based volume and value estimates.
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Venter, Santa-Marie, Roopam Dey, Vikas Khanduja, Richard PB von Bormann, and Michael Held. "The management of acute knee dislocations: A global survey of orthopaedic surgeons’ strategies." SICOT-J 7 (2021): 21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/sicotj/2021017.
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Purpose: Great variety and controversies surround the management strategies of acute multiligament knee injuries (aMKLIs) and no established guidelines exist for resource-limited practices. The aim of this study was to compare the management approach of acute knee dislocations (AKDs) by orthopedic surgeons from nations with different economic status. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional scenario-based survey compares different management strategies for aMLKIs of surgeons in developed economic nations (DEN) and emerging markets and developing nations (EMDN). The main areas of focus were operative versus non-operative management, timing and staging of surgery, graft choice and vascular assessment strategies. The members of the Societe Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopedique et de Traumatologie (SICOT) were approached to participate and information was collected regarding their demographics, experience, hospital setting and management strategies of aMLKIs. These were analyzed after categorizing participants into DEN and EMDN based on the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Results: One-hundred and thirty-eight orthopedic surgeons from 47 countries participated in this study, 67 from DEN and 71 (51.4%) from EMDN. DEN surgeons had more years of experience and were older (p < 0.05). Surgeons from EMDN mostly worked in public sector hospitals, were general orthopedic surgeons and treated patients from a low-income background. They preferred conservative management and delayed reconstruction with autograft (p < 0.05) if surgery was necessary. Surgeons from DEN favored early, single stage arthroscopic ligament reconstruction. Selective Computerized Tomography Angiography (CTA) was the most preferred choice of arterial examination for both groups. Significantly more EMDN surgeons preferred clinical examination (p < 0.05) and duplex doppler scanning (p < 0.05) compared to DEN surgeons. More surgeons from EMDN did not have access to a physiotherapist for their patients. Conclusions: Treatment of aMLKIs vary significantly based on the economic status of the country. Surgeons from DEN prefer early, single stage arthroscopic ligament reconstruction, while conservative management is favored in EMDN. Ligament surgery in EMDN is often delayed and staged. EMDN respondents utilize duplex doppler scanning and clinical examination more readily in their vascular assessment of aMLKIs. These findings highlight very distinct approaches to MLKIs in low-resource settings which are often neglected when guidelines are generated.
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Keränen, Juha, Jussi Peuhkurinen, Petteri Packalen, and Matti Maltamo. "Effect of minimum diameter at breast height and standing dead wood field measurements on the accuracy of ALS-based forest inventory." Canadian Journal of Forest Research 45, no. 10 (October 2015): 1280–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjfr-2015-0103.
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Where airborne laser scanning (ALS) measures the entire aboveground vegetation, the target of a stand-level forest inventory is usually the living tree stock above a given diameter but excluding standing dead trees. The aim here was to investigate the effects of varying field-measured minimum diameters (3–10 cm) and standing dead wood on ALS-based forest inventories. The characteristics considered in this case were volume, basal area, number of stems, mean diameter, and mean height for each species, as well as the total growing stock and the total aboveground biomass. The field data comprised measurements of all trees that were ≥3 cm at breast height (1.3 m) on 601 sample plots located in pine-dominated managed forests in eastern Finland. The results showed that the minimum diameter had a significant effect on the estimates obtained in young forests, for which the three smallest minimum diameter datasets (3, 4, and 5 cm) gave the most accurate estimates. Minimum diameter had no marked influence in the case of middle-aged or mature forests. The inclusion of standing dead trees did not have any effect on the estimates of living tree characteristics. The effect of minimum diameter is minor where large-area inventory applications are concerned; however, especially from a silvicultural point of a view, a minimum diameter of 3 cm should be employed in young forests, for which a large proportion of the tree stock usually consists of small trees, i.e., with diameters of <5 cm.
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Lapkovska, Eva, and Inga Dāboliņa. "SIZING FOR A SPECIAL GROUP OF PEOPLE: BEST PRACTICE OF HUMAN BODY SCANNING." ENVIRONMENT. TECHNOLOGIES. RESOURCES. Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference 1 (June 20, 2019): 136. http://dx.doi.org/10.17770/etr2019vol1.4137.
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Due to new circumstances of living, climate and environmental changes, varieties of human body shapes are growing. Therefore, obtaining uniformly clothes for special issues in the group of people with similar interests (dancing groups, choirs, etc.) are getting more and more complex. Besides the self-estimation and perception about the shape and size of the person varies due to different sizing from brand to brand. To dress-up the group of people with different sizes in uniformly way is not an easy task for the supplier – even if the model chosen for the gown is casual, most of the producers doesn’t apply a large scale of sizes. Frequently sizing systems do not fit to the needs of the end-users. Size marked on the clothing describes only some information about body size, if any. Therefore, part of clothing supplied is not suitable for end-user groups, but if already purchased it is decided to discard them. Such a set of circumstances, in contrast to global progress towards sustainable development, which is also based on environmental responsibility, can serve as a contributing factor to further growth in clothing consumption. The main purpose of this study is to make an insight into sizing approaches for a special group of people focusing on the best practice of human body 3D scanning. The paper outlines a certain target group’s understanding of the clothing size correspondence to their individual body characteristics. Advantages of human body scanning for analysing of body characteristics and solving sizing issues are discussed. Within the study, anthropometric data sets of 50 women group were obtained using a 3D scanner to develop the distribution of this special group into size groups and analyse individual body measurements that are significant for the design of appropriate garment patterns. Conclusions made in this paper acknowledge 3D scanning as an advantageous method for anthropometric data obtaining which are determinate for garment design and sizing system development.
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Jones, Lee, and Peter Hobbs. "The Application of Terrestrial LiDAR for Geohazard Mapping, Monitoring and Modelling in the British Geological Survey." Remote Sensing 13, no. 3 (January 23, 2021): 395. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/rs13030395.
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Geomatics is the discipline of electronically gathering, storing, processing, and delivering spatially related digital information; it continues to be one of the fastest expanding global markets, driven by technology. The British Geological Survey (BGS) geomatics capabilities have been utilized in a variety of scientific studies such as the monitoring of actively growing volcanic lava domes and rapidly retreating glaciers; coastal erosion and platform evolution; inland and coastal landslide modelling; mapping of geological structures and fault boundaries; rock stability and subsidence feature analysis, and geo-conservation. In 2000, the BGS became the first organization outside the mining industry to use Terrestrial LiDAR Scanning (TLS) as a tool for measuring change; paired with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), BGS were able to measure, monitor, and model geomorphological features of landslides in the United Kingdom (UK) digitally. Many technologies are used by the BGS to monitor the earth, employed on satellites, airplanes, drones, and ground-based equipment, in both research and commercial settings to carry out mapping, monitoring, and modelling of earth surfaces and processes. Outside BGS, these technologies are used for close-range, high-accuracy applications such as bridge and dam monitoring, crime and accident scene analysis, forest canopy and biomass measurements and military applications.
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Hansen, Katrine Elnegaard, Jacques Giraudeau, Lukas Wacker, Christof Pearce, and Marit-Solveig Seidenkrantz. "Reconstruction of Holocene oceanographic conditions in eastern Baffin Bay." Climate of the Past 16, no. 3 (June 22, 2020): 1075–95. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/cp-16-1075-2020.
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Abstract. Baffin Bay is a semi-enclosed basin connecting the Arctic Ocean and the western North Atlantic, thus making out a significant pathway for heat exchange. Here we reconstruct the alternating advection of relatively warmer and saline Atlantic waters versus the incursion of colder Arctic water masses entering Baffin Bay through the multiple gateways in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and the Nares Strait during the Holocene. We carried out benthic foraminiferal assemblage analyses, X-ray fluorescence scanning, and radiocarbon dating of a 738 cm long marine sediment core retrieved from eastern Baffin Bay near Upernavik, Greenland (Core AMD14-204C; 987 m water depth). Results reveal that eastern Baffin Bay was subjected to several oceanographic changes during the last 9.2 kyr. Waning deglacial conditions with enhanced meltwater influxes and an extensive sea-ice cover prevailed in eastern Baffin Bay from 9.2 to 7.9 ka. A transition towards bottom water amelioration is recorded at 7.9 ka by increased advection of Atlantic water masses, encompassing the Holocene Thermal Maximum. A cold period with growing sea-ice cover at 6.7 ka interrupts the overall warm subsurface water conditions, promoted by a weaker northward flow of Atlantic waters. The onset of the neoglaciation at ca. 2.9 ka is marked by an abrupt transition towards a benthic fauna dominated by agglutinated species, likely in part explained by a reduction of the influx of Atlantic Water, allowing an increased influx of the cold, corrosive Baffin Bay Deep Water originating from the Arctic Ocean to enter Baffin Bay through the Nares Strait. These cold subsurface water conditions persisted throughout the Late Holocene, only interrupted by short-lived warmings superimposed on this cooling trend.
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Faiola, C. L., M. Wen, and T. M. VanReken. "Chemical characterization of biogenic SOA generated from plant emissions under baseline and stressed conditions: inter- and intra-species variability for six coniferous species." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions 14, no. 18 (October 1, 2014): 25167–212. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acpd-14-25167-2014.
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Abstract. The largest global source of secondary organic aerosol in the atmosphere is derived from the oxidation of biogenic emissions. Plant stressors associated with a changing environment can alter both the quantity and composition of the compounds that are emitted. Alterations to the biogenic VOC profile could impact the characteristics of the SOA formed from those emissions. This study investigated the impacts of one global change stressor, increased herbivory, on the composition of SOA derived from real plant emissions. Herbivory was simulated via application of methyl jasmonate, a proxy compound. Experiments were repeated under pre- and post-treatment conditions for six different coniferous plant types. VOCs emitted from the plants were oxidized to form SOA via dark ozone-initiated chemistry. The SOA particle size distribution and chemical composition were measured using a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and Aerodyne high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-AMS), respectively. The aerosol mass spectra of pre-treatment biogenic SOA from all plant types tended to be similar with correlations usually greater than or equal to 0.90. The presence of a stressor produced characteristic differences in the SOA mass spectra. Specifically, the following m/z were identified as a possible biogenic stress AMS marker with the corresponding HR ion(s) shown in parentheses: m/z 31 (CH3O+), m/z 58 (C2H2O2+, C3H6O+) m/z 29 (C2H5+), m/z 57 (C3H5O+), m/z 59 (C2H3O2+, C3H7O+), m/z 71 (C3H3O2+, C4H7O+), and m/z 83 (C5H7O+). The first aerosol mass spectrum of SOA generated from the oxidation of the plant stress hormone, methyl jasmonate, is also presented. Elemental analysis results demonstrated an O:C range of baseline biogenic SOA between 0.3–0.47. The O:C of standard methyl jasmonate SOA was 0.52. Results presented here could be used to help identify a biogenic plant stress marker in ambient datasets collected in forest environments.
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Chen, Yang, Guanlan Liu, Yaming Xu, Pai Pan, and Yin Xing. "PointNet++ Network Architecture with Individual Point Level and Global Features on Centroid for ALS Point Cloud Classification." Remote Sensing 13, no. 3 (January 29, 2021): 472. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/rs13030472.
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Airborne laser scanning (ALS) point cloud has been widely used in the fields of ground powerline surveying, forest monitoring, urban modeling, and so on because of the great convenience it brings to people’s daily life. However, the sparsity and uneven distribution of point clouds increases the difficulty of setting uniform parameters for semantic classification. The PointNet++ network is an end-to-end learning network for irregular point data and highly robust to small perturbations of input points along with corruption. It eliminates the need to calculate costly handcrafted features and provides a new paradigm for 3D understanding. However, each local region in the output is abstracted by its centroid and local feature that encodes the centroid’s neighborhood. The feature learned on the centroid point may not contain relevant information of itself for random sampling, especially in large-scale neighborhood balls. Moreover, the centroid point’s global-level information in each sample layer is also not marked. Therefore, this study proposed a modified PointNet++ network architecture which concentrates the point-level and global features on the centroid point towards the local features to facilitate classification. The proposed approach also utilizes a modified Focal Loss function to solve the extremely uneven category distribution on ALS point clouds. An elevation- and distance-based interpolation method is also proposed for the objects in ALS point clouds which exhibit discrepancies in elevation distributions. The experiments on the Vaihingen dataset of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and the GML(B) 3D dataset demonstrate that the proposed method which provides additional contextual information to support classification achieves high accuracy with simple discriminative models and new state-of-the-art performance in power line categories.
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Christensen, Tom, Dong Lisheng, and Martin Painter. "Administrative reform in China's central government — how much `learning from the West'?" International Review of Administrative Sciences 74, no. 3 (September 2008): 351–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0020852308095308.
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The prevailing interpretation in the scholarly literature is that public sector reform in China during the period of marketization has been driven primarily by internal, contextual factors rather than being under the sway of particular global reform models or theories such as New Public Management. The aim of this article is to move beyond arguing from inference that `Chinese characteristics' continue to be dominant and to inquire into the manner and extent of external influences on central government reform actors. We assume a `multi-causal' model in which both internal and external factors are present. From a survey of the literature on the reforms, we conclude that, while there are some `unique' features, most of the themes (and even the results) of modern Chinese reforms are not unique and have parallels in Western countries. Moreover, aside from the similarities in the content and substance of administrative reforms, the patterns and styles of reform in China and in the West in the past 20 years show marked similarities and parallels. Thus, external reform ideas and influences are being diffused through reform processes. Further empirical and theoretical analysis is required to establish the more specific nature of scanning and dissemination, or other forms of diffusion; the kind of learning that is taking place; and the impact that any imported models or templates actually have on reform proposals and outcomes in particular reform episodes. Points for practitioners • Whereas many scholars tend to believe the lip service the Chinese leaders pay to the `uniqueness' of China's public sector reforms and their `Chinese characteristics', their leaders have been very eager to `learn from the West'. • Emulation and learning at a global level are key aspects of contemporary public sector innovation and reform, even between jurisdictions that are seemingly very different from each other. • The development of sophisticated mechanisms for scanning and selective learning are key requirements for a rapidly developing public sector such as China's.
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Nehrke, G., N. Keul, G. Langer, L. J. de Nooijer, J. Bijma, and A. Meibom. "A new model for biomineralization and trace-element signatures of Foraminifera tests." Biogeosciences 10, no. 10 (October 29, 2013): 6759–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-6759-2013.
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Abstract. The Mg/Ca ratio of Foraminifera calcium carbonate tests is used as proxy for seawater temperature and widely applied to reconstruct global paleo-climatic changes. However, the mechanisms involved in the carbonate biomineralization process are poorly understood. The current paradigm holds that calcium ions for the test are supplied primarily by endocytosis of seawater. Here, we combine confocal-laser scanning-microscopy observations of a membrane-impermeable fluorescent marker in the extant benthic species Ammonia aomoriensis with dynamic 44Ca-labeling and NanoSIMS isotopic imaging of its test. We infer that Ca for the test in A. aomoriensis is supplied primarily via trans-membrane transport, but that a small component of passively transported (e.g., by endocytosis) seawater to the site of calcification plays a key role in defining the trace-element composition of the test. Our model accounts for the full range of Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca observed for benthic Foraminifera tests and predicts the effect of changing seawater Mg/Ca ratio. This places foram-based paleoclimatology into a strong conceptual framework.
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Nehrke, G., N. Keul, G. Langer, L. J. de Nooijer, J. Bijma, and A. Meibom. "A new model for biomineralization and trace-element signatures of foraminifera tests." Biogeosciences Discussions 10, no. 6 (June 18, 2013): 9797–818. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/bgd-10-9797-2013.
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Abstract. The Mg / Ca ratio of foraminifera calcium-carbonate tests is used as proxy for seawater temperature and widely applied to reconstruct global paleo-climatic changes. However, the mechanisms involved in the carbonate biomineralization process are poorly understood. The current paradigm holds that calcium ions for the test are supplied primarily by endocytosis of seawater. Here, we combine confocal-laser scanning-microscopy observations of a membrane-impermeable fluorescent marker in the extant benthic species Ammonia aomoriensis with dynamic 44Ca-labeling and NanoSIMS isotopic imaging of its test. We infer that Ca for the test in A. aomoriensis is supplied primarily via trans-membrane transport, but that a small component of passively transported (e.g. by endocytosis) seawater to the site of calcification plays a key role in defining the trace-element composition of the test. Our model accounts for the full range of Mg / Ca and Sr / Ca observed for benthic foraminifera tests and predicts the effect of changing seawater Mg / Ca ratio. This places foram-based paleoclimatology into a strong conceptual framework.
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Lu, Hanna, Suk Ling Ma, Sandra Sau Man Chan, and Linda Chiu Wa Lam. "The effects of apolipoproteinε4 on aging brain in cognitively normal Chinese elderly: a surface-based morphometry study." International Psychogeriatrics 28, no. 9 (April 21, 2016): 1503–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1041610216000624.
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ABSTRACTBackground:Default mode network (DMN) has been reported to be susceptible to APOEε4 genotype. However, the APOEε4-related brain changes in young carriers are different from the ones in elderly carriers. The current study aimed to evaluate the cortical morphometry of DMN subregions in cognitively normal elderly with APOEε4.Method:11 cognitively normal senior APOEε4 carriers and 27 matched healthy controls (HC) participated the neuropsychological tests, genotyping, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis was used to assess the global volumetric changes. Surface-based morphometry (SBM) analysis was performed to measure regional gray matter volume (GMV) and gray matter thickness (GMT).Results:Advancing age was associated with decreased GMV of DMN subregions. Compared to HC, APOEε4 carriers presented cortical atrophy in right cingulate gyrus (R_CG) (GMV: APOE carriers: 8475.23 ± 1940.73 mm3, HC: 9727.34 ± 1311.57 mm3,t= 2.314,p= 0.026, corrected) and left insular (GMT: APOEε4 carriers: 3.83 ± 0.37 mm, HC: 4.05 ± 0.25 mm,t= 2.197,p= 0.033, corrected).Conclusions:Our results highlight the difference between different cortical measures and suggest that the cortical reduction of CG and insular maybe a potential neuroimaging marker for APOE 4εsenior carriers, even in the context of relatively intact cognition.
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Vauhkonen, Jari, and Lauri Mehtätalo. "Matching remotely sensed and field-measured tree size distributions." Canadian Journal of Forest Research 45, no. 3 (March 2015): 353–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjfr-2014-0285.
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Undetected trees and inaccuracies in the predicted allometric relationships of tree stem attributes seriously constrain single-tree remote sensing of seminatural forests. A new approach to compensate for these error sources was developed by applying a histogram matching technique to map the transformation between the cumulative distribution functions of crown radii extracted from airborne laser scanning (ALS) data and field-measured stem diameters (dbh, outside bark measured at 1.3 m aboveground). The ALS-based crown data were corrected for the censoring effect caused by overlapping tree crowns, assuming that the forest is an outcome of a homogeneous, marked Poisson process with independent marks of the crown radii. The transformation between the cumulative distribution functions was described by a polynomial regression model. The approach was tested for the prediction of plot-level stem number (N), quadratic mean diameter (DQM), and basal area (G) in a managed boreal forest. Of the 40 plots studied, a total of 18 plots met the assumptions of the Poisson process and independent marks. In these plots, the predicted N, DQM, and G had best-case root mean squared errors of 299 stems·ha−1 (27.6%), 2.1 cm (13.1%), and 2.9 m2·ha−1 (13.0%), respectively, and the null hypothesis that the mean difference between the measured and predicted values was 0 was not rejected (p > 0.05). Considerably less accurate results were obtained for the plots that did not meet the assumptions. However, the goodness-of-fit of the predicted diameter distribution was especially improved compared with the single-tree remote sensing prediction, and observations realistically obtainable with ALS data showed potential to further localize the predictions. Remarkably, predictions of N showing no evidence against zero bias were derived solely based on the ALS data for the plots meeting the assumptions made, and limited training data are proposed to be adequate for predicting the stem diameter distribution, DQM, and G. Although this study was based on ALS data, we discuss the possibility of using other remotely sensed data as well. Taken together with the low requirements for field reference data, the presented approach provides interesting practical possibilities that are not typically proposed in the forest remote sensing literature.
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Schaub, D., K. F. Boersma, J. Keller, D. Folini, D. Brunner, B. Buchmann, H. Berresheim, and J. Staehelin. "SCIAMACHY tropospheric NO<sub>2</sub> over the Alpine region and importance of pixel surface pressure for the column retrieval." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions 7, no. 1 (January 12, 2007): 429–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acpd-7-429-2007.
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Abstract. This study evaluates NO2 vertical tropospheric column densities (VTCs) retrieved from measurements of the Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography (SCIAMACHY) above Switzerland and the Alpine region. A clear relationship between a spatially and temporally highly resolved Swiss NOx emission inventory and SCIAMACHY NO2 columns under anticyclonic meteorological conditions supports the general ability of SCIAMACHY to detect sources of NOx pollution in Switzerland. Summertime NOx lifetime estimates derived from this relation agree reasonably with values from literature. A further evaluation of the SCIAMACHY data is based on the comparison with NO2 VTCs retrieved from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME). The annual mean NO2 VTCs calculated from both data sets clearly show the advantage of the improved SCIAMACHY pixel resolution for qualitatively estimating the NOx pollution distribution in a small country such as Switzerland. However, a more quantitative comparison of seasonally averaged NO2 VTCs gives evidence for SCIAMACHY NO2 VTCs being systematically underestimated over the Swiss Plateau during winter. A possible explanation for this problem (not reported in earlier literature) is the use of inaccurate satellite pixel surface pressures derived from coarsely resolved global models in the retrieval. The marked topography in the Alpine region can lead to deviations of several hundred meters between the assumed and the real mean surface height over a pixel. A sensitivity study based on selected clear sky SCIAMACHY NO2 VTCs over the Swiss Plateau and two fixed a priori NO2 profile shapes indicates that inaccurate pixel surface pressures have a considerable effect of up to 40% on the retrieved NO2 columns. For retrievals in the UV-visible spectral range with a decreasing sensitivity towards the earth's surface, this effect is of major importance when the NO2 resides close to the ground, which occurs most pronounced during the winter season.
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Funes, Estrella, Yosra Allouche, Gabriel Beltrán, M. Paz Aguliera, and Antonio Jiménez. "A predictive artificial neural network model as a simulator of the extra virgin olive oil elaboration process." Journal of Near Infrared Spectroscopy 25, no. 4 (August 2017): 278–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0967033517725639.
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Nine neural models were created to predict the characteristics of the extra virgin olive oil developed as a quality objective and by-products. These models are designed with the help of data of process variables from physical sensors such as temperature, flows, current intensity, etc. and physicochemical ones like the near infrared spectrum of the olive mass. The results obtained for the extractability of the process (fatty content and moisture) were highly significant correlations (r2≥0.90) and with similar prediction errors (root mean of squared error of prediction) relative to other analysis techniques which measure the by-product directly. For prediction the models gave correlations above 0.94, with the exception of ultraviolet absorption coefficients (0.72–0.84), with small prediction errors and the quality indicator relative error range with values above the optimal 10. The set of developed artificial neural networks models constitute the basis of the global ‘simulator’ tool of the extra virgin olive oil process. This simulator can perform a predictive optimization of the process to pre-adjust the process variables according to the goals marked in productivity or quality, from an near infrared spectral database or by real-time scanning. This simulator could be integrated into a control system that performs the function of a ‘virtual plant’ that allows the said system to adjust in real time the appropriate variables to meet the objectives.
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Odetunde, Simeon, Stephen Fapohunda, and Segun Jonathan. "Isolation and Characterization of Fungi strains associated with Mycotoxin Production from Bambara (Vigna subterranea (L) verdc) nuts Recovered in Nigeria." Journal of Tropical Life Science 11, no. 1 (February 3, 2021): 25–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.11594/jtls.11.01.04.
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Fungal contamination of food commodities is a global food security challenge that impacts negatively on the health of consumers. Mycotoxins are produced as secondary metabolites by some pathogenic fungi and may contaminate agricultural products while on the field or during harvesting and storage. A field survey was conducted in order to isolate and identify the mycotoxin-producing fungal strains in Bambara nut collected from major markets in eight States in Nigeria including Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Abuja, and Nasarawa. Samples per site were pooled, processed and screened for the presence of mycotoxin-producing fungi by culture technique and intergenic spacer sequencing (ITS). Mycotoxin production was determined using thin layer chromatography (TLC) with scanning densitometer. Twenty-four mycotoxin-producing fungal species were isolated from Bambara samples, which were identified as Talaromyces pinophilus, Macrophomina phaseolina (6), Fusarium oxysporum (2), Aspergillus foetidus, Aspergillus flavipes, Rhizopus oryzae (2), Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Aspergillus flavus (2), Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus welwitschiae, Rhizopus microsporus, Ceriporia lacerate and Fusarium verticillioides (accession numbers of MN42329- MN4233323) from Bambara nuts. The genera Macrophomina were the most dominant. Some of the identified fungi are noted for the production of mycotoxins and mycotoxins exert toxic effects on animals and humans. The fungi associated with Bambara nut diseases were identified and can be taken as targets in varietal improvement of Bambara nut for resistance to fungal diseases in Nigeria.
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Schaub, D., D. Brunner, K. F. Boersma, J. Keller, D. Folini, B. Buchmann, H. Berresheim, and J. Staehelin. "SCIAMACHY tropospheric NO<sub>2</sub> over Switzerland: estimates of NO<sub>x</sub> lifetimes and impact of the complex Alpine topography on the retrieval." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 7, no. 23 (December 7, 2007): 5971–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acp-7-5971-2007.
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Abstract. This study evaluates NO2 vertical tropospheric column densities (VTCs) retrieved from measurements of the Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography (SCIAMACHY) above Switzerland and the Alpine region. The close correlation between pixel averaged NOx emission rates from a spatially and temporally highly resolved inventory and the NO2 VTCs under anticyclonic meteorological conditions demonstrates the general ability of SCIAMACHY to detect sources of NOx pollution in Switzerland. This correlation is further used to infer seasonal mean NOx lifetimes carefully taking into account the influence of the strong diurnal cycle in NOx emissions on these estimates. Lifetimes are estimated to 3.6 (±0.8) hours in summer and 13.1 (±3.8) hours in winter, the winter value being somewhat lower than previous estimates. A comparison between the 2003-2005 mean NO2 VTC distribution over Switzerland and the corresponding 1996–2003 mean from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) illustrates the much better capability of SCIAMACHY to resolve regional scale pollution features. However, the comparison of seasonal averages over the Swiss Plateau with GOME and ground based in situ observations indicates that SCIAMACHY exhibits a too weak seasonal cycle with comparatively high values in summer and low values in winter. A problem likely contributing to the reduced values in winter (not reported in earlier literature) is the use of inaccurate satellite pixel surface pressures derived from a coarse resolution global model in the retrieval. The marked topography in the Alpine region can lead to deviations of several hundred meters between the model assumed and the real pixel-averaged surface height. A sensitivity study based on selected clear sky SCIAMACHY NO2 VTCs over the Swiss Plateau and two fixed a priori NO2 profile shapes indicates that inaccurate pixel surface pressures affect retrieved NO2 columns over complex terrain by up to 40%. For retrievals in the UV-visible spectral range with a decreasing sensitivity towards the earth's surface, this effect is of major importance when the NO2 resides close to the ground, a situation most frequently observed during winter.
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Lin, Pei-Yu, Shih-Jung Peng, Chia-Ning Shen, Pankaj J. Pasricha, and Shiue-Cheng Tang. "PanIN-associated pericyte, glial, and islet remodeling in mice revealed by 3D pancreatic duct lesion histology." American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 311, no. 3 (September 1, 2016): G412—G422. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.00071.2016.
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Pericytes and glial cells are accessory cells of neurovascular networks, which have been reported to participate in scar formation after tissue injury. However, it remains unclear whether similar reactive cellular responses occur in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). In this study we developed three-dimensional (3D) duct lesion histology to investigate PanIN and the associated pericyte, glial, and islet remodeling. Transparent mouse pancreata with a KrasG12D mutation were used to develop 3D duct lesion histology. Deep-tissue, tile-scanning microscopy was performed to generate panoramic views of the diseased pancreas for global examination of early stage and advanced duct lesion formation. Fluorescence signals of ductal and neurovascular networks were simultaneously detected to reveal associated remodeling. Significantly, in KrasG12D-mutant mice, when the low-grade PanINs emerge, duct lesions appear as epithelial buds with perilesional pericyte and glial activation. When PanINs occur in large scale (induced by cerulein injections to the mutant mice), the 3D image data identifies 1) aggregation of PanINs in clusters in space; 2) overexpression of the pericyte marker NG2 in the PanIN microenvironment; and 3) epithelial in-growth to islets, forming the PanIN-islet complexes. Particularly, the PanIN-islet complexes associate with proliferating epithelial and stromal cells and receive substantial neurovascular supplies, making them landmarks in the atrophic lobe. Overall, perilesional pericyte and glial activation and formation of the PanIN-islet complex underline cellular heterogeneity in the duct lesion microenvironment. The results also illustrate the advantage of using 3D histology to reveal previously unknown details of neurovascular and endocrine links to the disease.
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Petrova, Marjana, Hosen Kiat, Alex Gavino, and Craig S. McLachlan. "Carotid Ultrasound Screening Programs in Rural Communities: A Systematic Review." Journal of Personalized Medicine 11, no. 9 (September 8, 2021): 897. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jpm11090897.
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Carotid atherosclerosis assessments inform about stroke and cardiovascular risk. It is known that stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence is higher in rural communities than in urban communities. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of rural carotid ultrasound screening programs to define carotid atherosclerosis using traditional and emerging imaging biomarkers, prevalence, and risk factors. We searched Ovid/MEDLINE, Ovid/EMBASE, SCOPUS and CINAHL from inception to 3 April 2020 for rural population studies that utilized carotid ultrasound screening for adults ≥40 years of age and free of known cerebrovascular disease. Studies were included if participants received a bilateral ultrasound scanning of the carotid arteries and reported at least one marker of carotid atherosclerosis pathology. A random effect meta-analyses calculated the estimated prevalence of carotid plaque. In total, 22/3461 articles that met all of the inclusion criteria were included. Studies reported increased intima media thickness (IMT), carotid plaque presence and carotid artery stenosis. There were no studies reporting on novel imaging markers, such as carotid stiffness, carotid plaque morphology or neovascularization. The overall random effect pooled prevalence of carotid plaque was 34.1% (95% CI, 33.6–35.0); the prevalence of increased IMT was 11.2–41.5%, and the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis was 0.4–16.0%. There is an absence of data necessary to understand the carotid atherosclerosis prevalence across global rural populations. Represented studies have focused on East Asian countries where a high burden of rural carotid artery disease has been reported. There is no rural evidence to guide the use of novel ultrasound carotid biomarkers such as stiffness or neovascularization.
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Valieva, R. I., S. A. Lisovskaya, K. A. Mayanskaya, D. V. Samigullin, and G. Sh Isaeva. "Features of antifungal therapy during long-lasting infectious process: a clinical case of fungal keratitis and profile of antifungal sensitivity based on assessing biofilm formation." Russian Journal of Infection and Immunity 11, no. 4 (September 20, 2021): 789–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.15789/2220-7619-foa-1495.
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Among infectious diseases, opportunistic mycoses hold a special place. There has been accumulating a lot of evidence regarding the clinical and epidemiological aspects of infection caused by Fusarium spp., which global incidence rate among microbial keratitis ranges from 2 to 40% depending on the geographical location of the country. Colonizing mucous membranes, fungi can exist not only in the form of plankton, but form biofilms after surface attachment, which leads to elevated resistance to multiple antifungal agents. Here we describe a clinical case of fungal keratitis due to Fusarium solani by determining profile of the antifungal sensitivity for isolated fungal strains, by taking into account their potential for biofilm formation. We used an F. solani culture isolated from the patient as well as F. solani test culture obtained from the Russian National Collection of Microorganisms. While determining the sensitivity of fungal planktonic cultures to antifungal agents from the azole group (fluconazole, voriconazole), amphotericin B and terbinafine, it was revealed that antimycotics amphotericin B and voriconazole exerted a marked antifungal activity against clinical isolate, whereas the plankton F. solani test culture was more sensitive to all groups of antifungal agents. Due to a long-lasting progressive course of the infectious process and the high biofilm-forming ability of the clinical strain F. solani, the activity of antifungal agents on biofilm cells was modeled and examined in vitro. It was shown that regarding to the fungal biofilms, value of the minimally inhibitory concentration exceeded those for planktonic cultures by 100-fold. The mechanisms of action for antifungal agents on vital parameters of fungal cell structures were analyzed by using confocal laser scanning microscopy after staining samples with propidium iodide and acridine orange for 15 min to detect changes between intact and damaged cell surface. It was found that within the biofilm fungal cells preserved viability even after exposure to high concentrations of antifungals. In addition, despite the fungicidal drug activity at substantial concentrations acting on the biofilm cell membrane, the cell nuclei remained viable. Owing to the presence ot the mechanism of resistance in mycelial fungi shown in the study, it is necessary to take into account and investigate characteristics of biofilms in terms of drug sensitivity that will allow to optimize a choice of antimicrobial therapy.
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Sasabayashi, Daiki, Yoichiro Takayanagi, Tsutomu Takahashi, Yuko Mizukami, Naoyuki Katagiri, Atsushi Sakuma, Chika Obara, et al. "T22. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CORTICAL THICKNESS AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME IN INDIVIDUALS AT RISK OF PSYCHOSIS." Schizophrenia Bulletin 46, Supplement_1 (April 2020): S239—S240. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbaa029.582.
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Abstract Background Previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in patients with schizophrenia have demonstrated reduced cortical thickness predominantly in the fronto-temporal regions, but several MRI studies of regional cortical thickness in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis have reported inconsistent results. In addition, it remains elusive whether abnormalities of the cortical thickness in individuals at risk of psychosis, if present, are related to their functional outcome. Methods T1-weighted structural MR scans were obtained from 107 individuals with at-risk mental state (ARMS), of whom 21 (19.6%) later developed psychosis during clinical follow-up (mean = 4.9 years, SD = 2.6 years), as well as 104 age- and gender- matched healthy control subjects recruited at 4 scanning sites (University of Toyama, Toho University, Tohoku University, and The University of Tokyo). ARMS individuals were subdivided into good (ARMS-G, n = 77) and poor (ARMS-P, n = 13) outcome groups based on the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores both at baseline and 1-year follow-up. After preprocessing MR images using FreeSurfer software (ver.5.3.), we continuously measured the cortical thickness of entire cortex. A general linear model controlling for age, gender, and sites was used to estimate group differences. To correct for multiple comparisons, a Monte Carlo simulation procedure was used. This study was approved by the Committees on Medical Ethics of each site. After a complete description of the study was provided, written informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Results Compared with the controls, ARMS individuals exhibited significantly reduced cortical thickness in the superior and inferior frontal gyri, parahippocampal gyri, fusiform gyri, temporal pole cortices, and insula cortices bilaterally, as well as in the left middle frontal gyrus and right precuneus cortex. ARMS individuals also showed significantly increased cortical thickness in the left pre- and postcentral gyrus and right pericalcarine cortex in comparison to the controls. Within ARMS population, ARMS-P individuals had significantly reduced cortical thickness in the right paracentral lobule compared with ARMS-G individuals. Discussion Cortical thinning in the fronto-temporal regions as well as cortical thickening in the posterior cortices seen in ARMS individuals might be associated with general vulnerability to psychopathology. Furthermore, cortical thickness of the right paracentral lobule could be a predictive marker for functional outcome in ARMS population.
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Draeger, A., W. B. Amos, M. Ikebe, and J. V. Small. "The cytoskeletal and contractile apparatus of smooth muscle: contraction bands and segmentation of the contractile elements." Journal of Cell Biology 111, no. 6 (December 1, 1990): 2463–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.111.6.2463.
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Confocal laser scanning microscopy of isolated and antibody-labeled avian gizzard smooth muscle cells has revealed the global organization of the contractile and cytoskeletal elements. The cytoskeleton, marked by antibodies to desmin and filamin is composed of a mainly longitudinal, meandering and branched system of fibrils that contrasts with the plait-like, interdigitating arrangement of linear fibrils of the contractile apparatus, labeled with antibodies to myosin and tropomyosin. Although desmin and filamin were colocalized in the body of the cell, filamin antibodies labeled additionally the vinculin-containing surface plaques. In confocal optical sections the contractile fibrils showed a continuous label for myosin for at least 5 microns along their length: there was no obvious or regular interruption of label as might be expected for registered myosin filaments. The cytoplasmic dense bodies, labeled with antibodies to alpha-actinin exhibited a regular, diagonal arrangement in both extended cells and in cells shortened in solution to one-fifth of their extended length: after the same shortening, the fibrils of the cytoskeleton that showed colocalization with the dense bodies in extended cells became crumpled and disordered. It is concluded that the dense bodies serve as coupling elements between the cytoskeletal and contractile systems. After extraction with Triton X-100, isolated cells bound so firmly to a glass substrate that they were unable to shorten as a whole when exposed to exogenous Mg ATP. Instead, they contracted internally, producing integral of 10 regularly spaced contraction nodes along their length. On the basis of differences of actin distribution two types of nodes could be distinguished: actin-positive nodes, in which actin straddled the node, and actin-negative nodes, characterized by an actin-free center flanked by actin fringes of 4.5 microns minimum length on either side. Myosin was concentrated in the center of the node in both cases. The differences in node morphology could be correlated with different degrees of coupling of the contractile with the cytoskeletal elements, effected by a preparation-dependent variability of proteolysis of the cells. The nodes were shown to be closely related to the supercontracted cell fragments shown in the accompanying paper (Small et al., 1990) and furnished further evidence for long actin filaments in smooth muscle. Further, the segmentation of the contractile elements pointed to a hierarchial organization of the myofilaments governed by as yet undetected elements.