Natural Features Research Articles

Modeling of artificial intelligence-based respiratory motion prediction in MRI-guided radiotherapy: a review.

The advancement of precision radiotherapy techniques, such as volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and particle therapy, highlights the importance of radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer, while also posing challenges for respiratory motion management in thoracic and abdominal tumors. MRI-guided radiotherapy (MRIgRT) stands out as state-of-art real-time respiratory motion management approach owing to the non-ionizing radiation nature and superior soft-tissue contrast characteristic of MR imaging. In clinical practice, MR imaging often operates at a frequency of 4Hz, resulting in approximately a 300 ms system latency of MRIgRT. This system latency decreases the accuracy of respiratory motion management in MRIgRT. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based respiratory motion prediction has recently emerged as a promising solution to address the system latency issues in MRIgRT, particularly for advanced contour prediction and volumetric prediction. However, implementing AI-based respiratory motion prediction faces several challenges including the collection of training datasets, the selection of prediction methods, and the formulation of complex contour and volumetric prediction problems. This review presents modeling approaches of AI-based respiratory motion prediction in MRIgRT, and provides recommendations for achieving consistent and generalizable results in this field.

Thermal characteristics of conical heat storage tank filled by metal foam: Optimization by response surface analysis

The heat storage efficiency of heat storage tank is a challenge to optimize the utilization of solar energy. Therefore, improving the efficiency of heat storage tank has become the main research focus. In this study, the conical tank design optimized for natural convection and the metal foam addition enhanced for thermal conduction are combined. However, there are some mutual constraints between two optimization methods. Therefore, the single factor analysis coupled response surface optimization method was used in this study to optimize the conical heat storage tank filled with metal foam. Firstly, the influence and optimization interval of each factor are discussed through single factor analysis. Then, the comprehensive influence of three factors is analyzed by response surface method. Finally, the heat storage characteristics, natural convection characteristics, melting fraction and temperature uniformity of the optimized model were evaluated. The results show that the optimized heat storage tank has stronger natural convection intensity and stronger melting heat storage performance than three comparative heat storage tanks.

Psychological traits of extreme sport participants: a scoping review.

Extreme sports have increased in popularity, particularly over the past two decades. Theories explaining participation in extreme sports tend to focus on risk. Consequently, extreme sports participants are often characterized by an accentuated desire for risk and abnormal personal traits, but the positive aspects of extreme sports are often neglected in the literature. This scoping review summarizes extreme sport motives, emotions and personal characteristics. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist, three databases were searched (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SportDiscus and, PsycInfo) on 20th April 2023. Studies were included if they were originally articles written in English and examined psychology traits in extreme sport participants. In total, 39 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in the present review. There is no unique profile for individuals involved in extreme sports. Risk and fear are considered natural characteristic of participation, and many positive aspects are associated with involvement in extreme sports (e.g., organization, planning, confidence). The quality of experience is often reported to justify extreme sport participation. Changes in emotions and motives characterized the reversal theory, which in combination with the flow approach, could explain the participation in extreme activities. A dynamic ecological approach considering the interaction between individuals and the environment should be adopted to understand individual motives, behaviour and emotions.

Capacity and current use of the Formoso river watershed, bonito municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: conflicts and land use recommendations

The lack of planning and feasibility of controlling actions over land use and land cover lead to relationship problems between the support capacity that environmental systems present and their current use. The goal of this study is to figure out how much land can be used based on its natural and physical features and to find problems that come up because of the heavy use in the Formoso River watershed. It is one of the most recognized Brazilian watersheds, due to its turistic, karst, and environmental characteristics. The methodology consists in handling and generating data in a GIS environment by performing a synthesis map, as well as adopting geoprocessing criteria and techniques in the field to validate the collected data. The results indicate that the watershed presents large areas without conflicts due to its numerous conservation units. However, major conflicts are identified in other areas, affecting the balance and dynamics of the landscape and its water resources. Such conflicts arise because soybean crops advance in fragile and karst areas. The highest concentration of confit is only 1.61%, particularly near the Formoso River marsh. Therefore, the present work considers a methodology that assesses the capacity of use through a method that has produced a summary document that is applicable and compatible with the karst system.

Natural convection heat transfer characteristics of a solid/hollow body with vertical barrel-shaped surface in infinite surroundings: a numerical approach

Natural convection heat transfer characteristics of a solid/hollow body with vertical barrel-shaped surface in infinite surroundings: a numerical approach

Site Suitability Analysis for Urban Development: A Case of Ranikhet, Uttrakhand

Identifying potential sites for urban development in hilly regions is a crucial aspect of planning. Conducting site suitability analysis is essential for determining appropriate locations for various developmental projects, particularly in the challenging terrain of hills. Unregulated and disorganized urban expansion, driven by population pressure, is a widespread issue in many cities within developing countries, leading to urban sprawl that encroaches on natural environments. As a result, selecting suitable areas for urban development while maintaining ecological balance has become a critical component of effective urban planning. This work demonstrates the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) and the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) technique for identifying appropriate sites for urban development in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand. The aim is to identify optimal locations for future urban growth that minimize impacts on natural features. The work also calculates the potential transfer of land suitability from various land use and land cover categories, a unique aspect of this research. Eight criteria distance from roads, land use/cover, distance from water bodies, slope, elevation, soil, geological formation, and population density were used for land evaluation. The thematic maps generated for these criteria were standardized using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which involved creating a pairwise comparison matrix. Each criterion was assigned a weight based on its relative importance, leading to the creation of a final site suitability map with five categories: very high suitable, high suitable, moderately suitable, less suitable, and restricted or not suitable. The study highlights the potential zones within the study area and offers valuable insights for sustainable urban development planning. The results are expected to assist planners, stakeholders, and policymakers in identifying the most suitable locations for future intensive development projects.

Exploring novel Na4XS (X = Se, Te) materials for UV protection and photovoltaic efficiency: First-principles approach

Novel chalcogenide materials exhibit remarkable thermal stability along with regulating optoelectronic properties. The structural, optoelectronic, and transport properties of Na4XS (X = Se, Te) materials were investigated using the most advanced density function theory. The calculated cohesive and formation energies confirm the stable nature of the studied materials. The study of their band structure profile reveals that their materials have a direct band gap and exhibit characteristics of a semiconducting nature. The determined peaks in the materials’ computed reflectance spectra suggest that they have the potential to be UV-reflective materials. This could lead to their potential use in UV-shielding devices. The negative Seebeck coefficients of the studied materials specify that they possess an n-type conductivity nature. Based on their direct energy gap, stable structure, adjustable optoelectronic performance, and remarkable thermal nature, they have significant potential for a wide range of novel and advanced technological applications.

Addressing cybersecurity challenges in robotics: A comprehensive overview

As robotics technology becomes increasingly integrated into various sectors, ensuring the cybersecurity of robotic systems is paramount. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the cybersecurity challenges confronting robotics and offers strategies to address these concerns. With the growing connectivity and networking capabilities of robots, vulnerabilities such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and network attacks are significant threats [1]. Protecting sensitive data collected and processed by robots is crucial to preserving privacy and trust. Remote access features, while enhancing operational flexibility, also pose security risks if not adequately secured. Weak authentication mechanisms and insecure interfaces could allow malicious actors to compromise robot functionality. Furthermore, robots are susceptible to malware and cyber-attacks, including viruses, worms, and ransomware. To mitigate these risks, a comprehensive approach is necessary, incorporating secure design principles, robust authentication mechanisms, encryption techniques, and cybersecurity training. Collaboration among industry stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, and cybersecurity experts is essential to develop resilient robotic systems capable of withstanding evolving cyber threats. This article underscores the importance of addressing cybersecurity challenges in robotics to ensure the safety and security of robotic deployments across diverse domains. As robotics technology evolves and becomes integral across various sectors, prioritizing cybersecurity [2] is crucial to protect these systems from unauthorized access, data breaches, and network attacks. The interconnected nature and remote access features of robots pose significant vulnerabilities. Comprehensive measures, including secure design, encryption, and cybersecurity training, are essential. Collaboration among industry stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, and cybersecurity experts is vital for developing resilient robotic systems. This article highlights the urgent need to address cybersecurity challenges to ensure the safety and integrity of robotic deployments.

Green infrastructure and well-being nexus within slums: a Lagos case

ABSTRACT Green infrastructure includes network of natural systems and environmental features that deliver ecosystem services which improves human well-being. This article reports a study dealing with health-related impacts of green infrastructure within a low-income informal urban setting. The study utilized a quantitative approach through survey data collection from residents in Ajegunle-Ikorodu community in Lagos, Nigeria. The residents’ survey (sample size = 455) was conducted to understand socio-economic and housing characteristics of the residents; green features available; pattern of Park Use. It elicited self-reported health information on physiological well-being and mental health. The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was used for mental health assessment. Inferential and descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the data collected. This study shows a generally low presence of Green Infrastructure. Regression analysis (p = 0.033) affirms the positive link between green spaces and mental health. Contrary to popular opinion, the study revealed no correlation between some aspects of self-reported health and green features. The findings highlight the need to develop and maintain green spaces to optimize health benefits. By exploring the connections between greening and well-being in slums, the study contributes to knowledge on human health-nature linkages among low-income urban residents in context of developing countries.

Spatial patterns and its influencing factors on villages around the Ji-shape bend of the Yellow River

Population migration brings about many problems in villages. The Ji (几)-shape bend of the Yellow River is an important ecological sensitivity study area, and some progress exists in the study of villages, still has many problems. This article addresses the inadequacy of the existing research and mainly solves the problems in three areas. It primarily used the research method of Arc GIS10.8, the big data research methods such as imbalance index, Gini coefficient, geographic concentration index, Geodetector, and other methods were used, laying the groundwork for additional analysis of various factors. Hence, the subsequent study findings were attained. 1) The distribution pattern in the village system around the Ji-shape bend of the Yellow River seems to be a positive spatial correlation, with the characteristics of random distribution, uneven spatial distribution, and low concentration, with Hohhot-Baotou serving as a center. 2) Natural factors are the most important factors in the distribution of villages. 3) Among the natural factors, elevation (0.244619), the value of slope (0.319805), and the aspect of slope (0.074089) appear to be the strongest explanatory power. Among the social factors, the rate of urbanization (0.019082), highway density (0.019082), and percentage of tertiary industry (0.018422) show the strongest explanatory power on socioeconomic factors. The natural and social characteristics of villages are important for the siting of villages. This paper put forward some suggestions for the protection and development of villages in ecologically sensitive areas.

Medical geographical zoning in part of Uzbekistan – A regional synthesis

This study delves into the nuanced realm of medical geography, focusing on the intricate interplay between geographical factors and public health outcomes in the Samarkand and Navoi regions of Uzbekistan. Over the decades, the field of medical geography has evolved, embracing a holistic perspective that integrates ecological, socioeconomic, and accessibility elements to elucidate the complex dynamics of disease distribution and healthcare provision. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology, this research employs a combination of GIS tools, statistical analysis, and expert input to delineate medical geographical zones within the study area. By synthesizing data from diverse sources including administrative records, environmental assessments, and demographic surveys, the study constructs a detailed picture of the region's health landscape. The analysis revealed five primary medical geographical zones and a sub-zone, each characterized by distinct natural features, economic activities, and health challenges. From the bustling urban centers of Samarkand and Navoi to the remote desert expanses of Uzguduk - Tomdi North, each zone presents unique opportunities and obstacles for healthcare delivery and environmental management. Key findings highlight the disproportionate distribution of healthcare resources, with densely populated areas in the southern part of the study area benefitting from greater accessibility to medical facilities compared to remote rural regions. Moreover, environmental factors such as air pollution, water contamination, and climatic variability emerge as significant determinants of public health, exacerbating respiratory ailments, cardiovascular diseases, and other health conditions. The study underscores the importance of spatial analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex health issues within diverse geographical landscapes. By mapping medical geographical zones and understanding their specific health concerns, policymakers and healthcare professionals can develop targeted interventions to improve healthcare access, mitigate environmental hazards, and promote community well-being. In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights to the field of medical geography, shedding light on the multifaceted interactions between geography, environment, and health in the Samarkand and Navoi regions of Uzbekistan. Moving forward, further research and collaborative efforts are needed to address the underlying determinants of health disparities and foster sustainable development in the region.

A method for evaluating the visual quality of wetland park landscapes: a case study of qianlu lake wetland park in Wuping, China

Wetland parks are an important part of urban ecosystems, characterized by artificial and natural features. While providing outdoor recreational space for urban residents, the aesthetics of the landscape also affect residents’ willingness to visit the wetland park. Previous studies of wetland parks focused on the ecological benefit. However, fewer systematic studies analyzed the aesthetic qualities and influencing elements of wetland parks. In this study, the Wuping Qianlu Lake Wetland Park in Fujian Province, China was used to evaluate the landscape visual quality of the wetland park using the the Scenic Beauty Estimation method (SBE), and the landscape features of the wetland park were obtained through the Semantic Differential (SD) method and semantic segmentation technique. The regression model of landscape visual quality and landscape features in wetland parks was established using SBE values as the dependent variable, and 23 landscape features as independent variables. The SBE values and accessibility were also combined to create four quadrants, which were combined with K-means clustering to diagnose existing problems. The results of the study showed that two landscape features, approach and proportion of water area were weaker among the four types of wetland park landscapes. The SBE values of the man-made landscape type were the most significant. Meanwhile, the high enclosure landscape type had a significant sense of rusticity, accentuating the wildness of the plants. It was less aesthetically pleasing and had the poorest landscape visual quality of the four types. This study provides a systematic method for diagnosing landscape problems in wetland parks, evaluating landscape visual quality assessment, and providing theoretical and technical support for urban wetland park renewal and construction.

‘The Great Distinction of Our Nature’: Imagination and Commerce in the Later Wollstonecraft

This article elucidates a central but underexplored theme in Wollstonecraft's later writing: the distinction between the imagination and commerce. After the French Terror, Wollstonecraft begins to write of the imagination, rather than reason, as the defining feature of human nature. It is the imagination, she argues, that will enable the continuation of civilisational progress in the face of the retrogressive forces of commerce. This article argues that Wollstonecraft distinguishes between the two in accordance with three areas of concern: the distinction between humans and animals; the difference between higher and lower pleasures; the distinction between self-interest and social being. It also argues that Wollstonecraft's perspective in these three areas is shaped by her particular intellectual background, that is, by her reading of Rousseau, her civic humanism, and by her Socratic ethics.

Conditional Adversarial Motion Priors by a Novel Retargeting Method for Versatile Humanoid Robot Control

ABSTRACTSignificant advancements have been made in the field of humanoid robot, particularly in walking control strategies. However, achieving straight‐legged walking remains a challenge. Both the traditional model‐based and the learning‐based control methods confront with difficulties in achieving natural humanoid gait feature. To address this issue, a general motion retargeting method is developed and also evaluated for humanoid robots with different structure, size and degrees of freedom. Moreover, a conditional adversarial motion priors method is proposed based on reinforcement learning and validated on the humanoid robot GTX‐III. Through various motion segments from the motion capture database, it is shown that this method can successfully enable the humanoid robot to perform straight‐legged walking with flexible and natural transitions between different gaits within a single discriminator network.

Prevalence and influencing factors of pulmonary nodules in hospitalized patients with diabetes.

Pulmonary nodules are an early manifestation of many lung cancers, and patients with diabetes are at high risk for lung cancer. However, there is a lack of epidemiological data on pulmonary nodules in patients with diabetes. This study investigated the prevalence rate of pulmonary nodules in hospitalized patients with diabetes and analyzed its influencing factors, with the aim of generating data to inform the management of pulmonary nodules in patients with diabetes. This retrospective study included 1,864 patients with diabetes admitted to the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism in the North District of Suzhou City Hospital from January 2020 to November 2022. According to the chest computed tomography (CT) examination, the patients were divided into two groups: a no pulmonary nodules group and a pulmonary nodules group. The prevalence rate of pulmonary nodules was calculated, and the number, size, nature, and other imaging characteristics of pulmonary nodules were compared. The pulmonary nodule group was divided into three subgroups according to the following nodule diameters: <5, ≥5 and <10, and ≥10 and ≤30 mm. The clinical data, blood biochemistry, insulin resistance index, and serum tumor marker levels were recorded. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of pulmonary nodule in diabetic patients. Among the 1,864 hospitalized patients with diabetes, 1,407 were found to have pulmonary nodules, representing a total prevalence rate of 75.48%. Compared with the pulmonary nodules subgroups, the no pulmonary nodules group had a higher proportion of males, a lower smoking rate, and higher incidence of proteinuria (all P values <0.05). Compared with the group with a nodule diameter ≥5 and <10 mm and that with a nodule diameter ≥10 and ≤30 mm, the no pulmonary nodules group had a lower age, insulin use rate, and homocysteine (Hcy) levels but higher fasting and 2-hour postprandial C-peptide level, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level and insulin resistance index [Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance 2 (HOMA2IR)] (all P values <0.05). The usage rate of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitor in the no pulmonary nodules group was lower than that in the subgroup with a nodule diameter ≥5 and <10 mm (P<0.05). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that age, smoking, and use of DPP4 inhibitors were independent risk factors for pulmonary nodules. DPP4 inhibitors increased the risk of nodules ≥5 and <10 mm in size, while older age and smoking increased the risk of nodules ≥5 mm in size (all P values <0.05). The prevalence of pulmonary nodules in hospitalized patients with diabetes is up to 75.48%. Older age, smoking, and use of DPP4 inhibitors were found to be independent risk factors for pulmonary nodule development in diabetic patients.

33P Description of natural history baseline characteristics of a paediatric cohort of recessive TTN myopathy patients in the UK – a prospective study

33P Description of natural history baseline characteristics of a paediatric cohort of recessive TTN myopathy patients in the UK – a prospective study

Shrimp-shaped structure and period-bubbling route to chaos in a one-dimensional economic model.

A beautiful feature of nature is its complexity. The chaos theory has proved useful in a variety of fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and economics. In the present article, we explore the complex dynamics of a rather simple one-dimensional economic model in a parameter plane. We find several organized zones of "chaos and non-chaos" and different routes to chaos in this model. The study reveals that even this one-dimensional model can generate intriguing shrimp-shaped structures immersed within the chaotic regime of the parameter plane. We also observe shrimp-induced period-bubbling phenomenon, three times self-similarity of shrimp-shaped structures, and a variety of bistable behaviors. The emergence of shrimp-shaped structures in chaotic regimes can enable us to achieve favorable economic scenarios (periodic) from unfavorable ones (chaotic) by adjusting either one or both of the control parameters over broad regions of these structures. Moreover, our results suggest that depending on the parameters and initial conditions, a company may go bankrupt, or its capital may rise or fall in a regular or irregular manner.

Research on Mixed Reality Hand Interaction Technology in Flight Simulation Teaching

Abstract The integration of mixed reality simulation training in institutional education and teaching processes can yield significant quality benefits. Non-wearable interactive methods represent a more natural form of hand interaction within flight cockpits, covering various emerging fields such as mixed reality, computer vision, and human-computer interaction. This paper is guided by a “human-centered” approach to natural human-computer interaction and proposes a virtual hand mixed reality interaction scheme based on hand natural feature points. This study introduces a hand detection, segmentation, and recognition algorithm based on skin colour and key hand feature points. Initially, the algorithm uses the Otsu adaptive threshold algorithm in the YCbCr space for skin colour detection to accommodate varying image brightness levels. Subsequently, it employs a hand Keypoint model for rapid hand detection within skin-like areas while excluding interference from other regions. During the process of hand tracking, optimization prediction is performed using the particle filter algorithm combined with the artificial fish swarm algorithm to achieve tracking accuracy within six pixels in both horizontal and vertical directions. Gesture recognition involves extracting Fourier descriptive contour features of the hand bone structure through identification of feature points. Furthermore, this study combines the optimization capabilities of the artificial fish swarm algorithm to enhance support vector machine model parameter optimization for improved recognition rates. Testing involved 800 processed images as part of a test set for gesture recognition; only five commonly used gestures within flight cockpits were recognized and classified with an accuracy rate reaching up to 98%. Finally, this research presents virtual representations of common operational gestures including natural hand states, control stick manipulation, and throttle handling positions, button activations, and rotational movements via head-mounted displays or screens. The proposed mixed reality-based hand gesture interaction system addresses challenges related to complex background interference during hand detection in cockpit environments as well as issues arising from lighting disturbances. Additionally it resolves problems associated with insufficient particles leading to tracking failures while significantly enhancing registration effects during tracking processes. Moreover it mitigates issues related to Fourier descriptive features being influenced by background variations or changes in pose along with limitations pertaining to expressing singular forms of gestures thereby improving overall classification accuracy.

Geosite Kahuripan Evaluation as Gili Genting Potential Asset for Archipelagic Geotourism Development

Abstract There is a growing global interest in natural tourism, which presents new opportunities for the development of small island regions. Several studies have shown that the development of tourism in the Indonesian Archipelago has led to several significant issues, so within the eastern islands of Sumenep— including Gili genting. The richness of natural features and the unique Maduranese Archipelago community, shown by Kahuripan area. However, the potential for developing a nature-based tourism sector (geosite) with the richness of geotourism, has not been adequately considered yet. Therefore, this study aimed to: 1) conducting inventory of the educational geotourism potential; 2) carrying out evaluations using GAM; 3) developing recommendations for future development of Gili Genting Potential Asset as Archipelagic Geotourism Development. According to inventory analysis, the Kahuripan Geosite consists of six Stop site with various information. The MV assessed 4.25 and AV counted of 4.75. The GAM diagram results indicate that the Kahuripan Geosite lies on Q22 tend to be moderate class of MV and AV. This quadrant suggests that the physical aspects of the geosites are quite interesting, while the tourism management that has begun to be developed needs to be further elaborated towards the geotourism-based education concept.

HYDROGRAPHIC NAMES AND TERMS OF SARYARKA

The purpose of the article is to consider in detail the system of hydronyms found in Saryarka. The article describes in detail the meaning of hydronyms, which provide rich information about natural conditions and landscape features. Research materials and methods of hydronymic names were considered. The scientists who studied the system of hydronyms of Saryarka and their respective contributions to the field were duly acknowledged. The study of the names of water bodies of Saryarka is an urgent task that requires in-depth study. It is possible to obtain a variety of geographical data regarding the formation of hydronyms, including their location and nomination. In this article, we determined the origin of toponymic names, which received the hydronymic name Saryarka, and divided them into groups. The classification of the system of potamonyms describing natural conditions and landscape features was presented in the form of a table. In the course of the study of this work, the physical and geographical features of water bodies were identified: properties, quality, color, flow, location, channel, origin, Coast, shape, depth, as well as their role in economic management (anthropogenic activity). In Saryarka, hydronyms formed on the basis of the names of plants and animals, the names of man, tribes and descendants are widespread. In the course of the study, a system of hydronymic names and terms was grouped, and a map of Saryarka microhydronyms was compiled based on specific data. About 3,000 names of Saryarka water bodies were grouped (based on a top map on a scale of 1: 500,000), and their etymology was determined.