Natural Features Research Articles

An Investigation of Structural Integrity and Dynamic Response of CSB in Case of Slanted Contact with RV Outlet Nozzle

One of the challenges in the current reactor is the gap between the outlet nozzle of the Reactor Vessel (RV) and the outlet opening of the Core Support Barrel (CSB). This gap causes bypass flow, reducing the overall efficiency. To address this issue, RV and CSB designs were modified with various configurations. Through finite element analysis, this study evaluated the structural integrity and dynamic response of an RV and CSB with these modified designs. The structural integrity was assessed against ASME code to determine the limits of design parameter changes that met code requirements. Additionally, the natural vibration characteristics of the CSB and RV were analyzed to evaluate improvements in the seismic response by modal analysis. The findings revealed that the CSB design in the case of 3-degree slanted contact with the RV outlet nozzle provided the most optimized results. Moreover, modal analysis indicated a substantial enhancement in seismic response, with the dominant CSB mode frequencies increasing by 30%. This shift, from the 15–20 Hz range to the 20–30 Hz range, is especially noteworthy given the concentration of seismic energy within the 1–20 Hz band.

Multilayer Ultratranslucent Monolithic Zirconia Crowns Treated With Multimode Universal Adhesive System Containing Zirconia Primer: A Clinical Report

ABSTRACTIntroductionUltratranslucent zirconia combines high mechanical strength and esthetics, making it ideal for monolithic restorations. This case report describes a total rehabilitation of the upper dental arch with single‐unit crowns made of multilayer ultratranslucent zirconia (Prettau 4 Anterior, Zirkonzahn), as well as the use of a simplified adhesive cementation protocol for this type of ceramic.Materials and MethodsA 64‐year‐old female patient sought rehabilitative treatment, after planning in a semi‐adjustable articulator, interim prostheses, from tooth 2 to 15, were installed to restore occlusal vertical dimension and esthetics. After all surgical, periodontal, and endodontic procedures, impressions of the upper and lower arches were taken. In the maxilla, 14 zirconia crowns with a color gradient were fabricated and cemented, with their internal surface treated with a multimode adhesive system containing zirconia primer (Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE). The same adhesive system was applied to the preparations, and the crowns were cemented with dual resin cement (RelyX Ultimate, 3M ESPE).ResultsAfter the crowns exhibited excellent esthetic results, with only a minor fracture observed on the palatal cusps of the right first upper premolars.ConclusionsThus, ultratranslucent zirconia appears to be a viable option for oral rehabilitation with single‐unit crowns due to its excellent clinical performance.Clinical SignificanceMonolithic ultratranslucent zirconia crowns are able to reproduce the natural characteristics of dental elements. Additionally, the application of 10‐methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate‐based primer has proven to be an efficient surface treatment for adhesive cementation of UT zirconia.

Assessing the health and scenic quality of sandy beaches: A large-scale evaluation using expert judgement

Sandy beaches, essential components of coastal landscapes, are increasingly threatened by urbanization, resource extraction, and climate change, jeopardizing their ecological integrity and scenic value. This study assesses the health and scenic quality of 100 sandy beaches along the Uruguayan coast, influenced by the Ro de la Plata estuary, using the Coastal Scenery Evaluation System (CSES) and a dune integrity assessment as indicators of ecosystem health. The analysis identified urbanization as the primary driver of beach degradation, with the most urbanized beaches, particularly those in the inner and outer estuary macrozones, exhibiting the lowest scenic and ecological values. In contrast, beaches with greater dune integrity and lower human impact, especially those in the oceanic macrozone, demonstrated better scenic quality and ecological health. This study emphasizes the role of natural features, such as dunes and natural vegetation, in sustaining beach health, while stressing the urgent need for sustainable management practices to safeguard the ecological and cultural value of these fragile ecosystems. The findings offer critical insights for coastal governance, management, and conservation, advocating for the protection of less developed beaches and the restoration of degraded beaches through scientifically robust management plans. This approach also emphasizes the importance of inclusive decision-making, fostering active societal engagement to enhance long-term resilience and sustainability in areas threatened by coastal grabbing.

Application of the River Habitat Survey Method in the Assessment of the Human Pressure Within the Lowland River Catchment: The Mollusc Biodiversity Versus Habitat Features

The objectives of our study were to analyse the degree of human pressure within the lowland river catchment in relation to the mollusc communities and to assess the usefulness of the River Habitat Survey as a field method in determining the human pressure in the mollusc biodiversity context. The River Habitat Survey (RHS), an essential method for hydromorphological studies of rivers under the requirements of the European Union Water Framework Directive, was applied. This study showed that the diversity of molluscs was impacted by several environmental factors acting simultaneously, including pH, concentration of ammonium nitrogen in water, and the habitat features depending on the degree of human pressure on the river. The result of the RHS method confirmed that the occurrence of molluscs including Unio crassus and Pseudanodonta complanata, the endangered species on a global scale, was associated with the extensive presence of several natural habitat features in the river channel. The RHS method proved to be an indispensable tool for assessing the relationships between the diversity of aquatic organisms and the degree of habitat anthropogenic modification of river environments. It seems innovative and necessary, especially in restoring the natural character of rivers.

Mapping Early Holocene to contemporary surface processes and human landscapes west of the lower White Nile (central Sudan)

Morphogenetic surface processes and anthropogenic landscape alterations have been tied together throughout the ages in the so-called human-environmental nexus since the inception of humankind as an active agent in the shaping of ecosystems. Here, we present instances of such interactions from an archaeologically paramount area west of the lower White Nile (central Sudan), where the sprawling mega conurbation of Sudan's capital city, and its peripheral infrastructural anthromes, intermingle with prehistoric human-inhabited landscapes, masking and disrupting natural and archaeological features while, in turn, increasing the rich and complex stratification of the human presence in the Sahel. A comprehensive examination of the geomorphological palimpsest, carried out in the field and through remote sensing, is provided, and is accompanied by a contextualised illustration of the known regional Holocene prehistoric, protohistoric and later archaeology.This research highlights the importance of carrying out geomorphological, geoarchaeological and remote sensing investigations to reach a fuller comprehension of the archaeological palimpsest of a region, while also providing a vivid tool for promoting survey activities in underexplored areas and stimulating novel research questions.

An Enhanced Empirical Model for Predicting Continuous Fracturing in Rock Masses

Abstract A reliable empirical prediction of the height of fracturing (HoF) is significant for mining impact assessment and mine sustainability. However, the prediction accuracy is often limited by the parameter and data coverage involved in empirical models. This paper develops a new predictive model that incorporates mining parameters, as well as the proportion and strength of stiff strata, as predictors for enhanced mining impact assessments. A HoF database has been established by sourcing 80 cases from 50 mines in Australia and China. Statistical interpretation identifies positive correlations of HoF to mining height, panel width, and cover depth. Numerical modelling and sensitivity analysis identify that both the proportion and strength of stiff units negatively correlate to HoF and are more significant than bedding plane frequency. The two critical rock parameters are statistically independent and should be considered for enhanced HoF predictions. A predictive model is established by nonlinear regression over the 80 datasets, with both rock parameters involved by mapping to a dimensionless indicator of strata competency considering dimensional consistency. The model is tested with an $${R}^{2}$$ R 2 of 0.84 and more accurate predictions than several historical models regarding 24 new cases. Prediction bounds with a confidence level of 95% are developed considering the rock parameter variability, providing conservative HoF predictions for cases where significant natural features should be preserved for sustainable mining practices. This paper assesses the influence of rock parameters that have not been considered in historical models on continuous fracturing and provides an enhanced empirical method for mining impact assessment.

Landscape Character Classification with a Deep Neural Network: A Case Study of the Jianghan Plain

Grounded in the theoretical and methodological frameworks of landscape character identification from the European Landscape Map (LANMAP) and landscape character assessment (LCA), this study developed an AI-based tool for landscape character analysis to classify the Jianghan Plain’s landscape more effectively. The proposed method leveraged a deep learning model, the artificial intelligence-based landscape character (AI-LC) classifier, along with specific naming and coding rules for the unique landscape character of the Jianghan Plain. Experimental results showed a significant improvement in classification accuracy, reaching 89% and 86% compared to traditional methods. The classifier identified 10 macro-level and 18 meso-level landscape character types within the region, which were further categorized into four primary zones—a lake network river basin, a hillfront terrace, surrounding mountains, and a lake network island hill—based on natural and social features. These advancements contributed to the theoretical framework of landscape character assessment, offering practical insights for landscape planning and conservation while highlighting AI’s transformative potential in environmental research and management.

The fight against malaria in Edo-North, Edo State, Nigeria: identifying risk factors for effective control.

This study investigated malaria epidemiology in Edo-North, Nigeria; a region within the equatorial rainforest belt that has lacked prior research on malaria prevalence. This research sought to investigate the prevalence of malaria and identify potential risk factors in Edo-North, Nigeria. Additionally, the study aimed to analyze trends in malaria cases to inform the development of effective malaria control measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted in six local government areas of Edo-North, Nigeria, between June and August 2023. Using systematic sampling, study zones, local governments, towns, villages, and households were selected. Data on sociodemographics and environmental risk factors were collected from 605 participants through questionnaires and blood samples. Blood smears were microscopically examined, binary and multivariate logistic regression was used for data analysis. Malaria disease rate trends were also analyzed from health records. Statistical analyses were performed using R software, with p-values less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. The overall malaria prevalence in the study area was 15.54%, with males more likely to be infected than females. Prevalence varied across localities, with Akoko-Edo having the highest rate. Children had the highest prevalence. Rural residents were more likely to have malaria than urban residents. Binary logistic regression identified several risk factors, including age, location, local government area, education, occupation, marital status, housing type, household size, water source, sanitation, surrounding environment, window net use, ceiling type, water storage, and parasite density. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several significant risk factors for malaria in the study population. Children, residents of Owan-East, individuals using pit latrines, and those not sleeping under LLINs were at significantly increased risk. Environmental factors such as proximity to bushes, streams/rivers, and storing water in open containers were also associated with higher malaria prevalence. History of malaria treatment at pharmacies and use of Chloroquine/Quinine medication were linked to recurrent infections. The study found a high average parasite density (5,146 parasites/μL) and low consistent LLIN use despite widespread ownership. Trend analysis from malaria records revealed a decline in malaria prevalence from 2020 to 2023. The study identified several demographic, environmental and behavioural factors associated with malaria risk in Edo North. Males, children, urban dwellers, those living in mud houses and those in large households, proximity to natural features such as bushes, rivers and streams and low LLIN were more likely to contract malaria. These findings highlight the importance of implementing targeted interventions to address these risk factors and reduce the burden of malaria.

Complex landscape, instream and anthropogenic environmental features drive genetic and morphological structuring amongst brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations in a dendritic river system

Abstract Untangling the patterns and proximate drivers of intraspecific genetic and phenotypic structuring informs our understanding of the evolutionary processes shaping diversity. This study investigated morphological and genetic structuring of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations across varying spatial scales in a single, complex, dendritic river catchment and examined the potential natural and anthropogenic environmental features driving this structuring. Morphometric and hierarchical genetic structuring analyses of fish from 22 sampling sites in the River Foyle catchment, Ireland (~ 4500km2) identified 19 morphologically distinct groups and 15 genetically distinct populations, separated by river distances ranging from 0.4 km to 188 km. Isolation by Distance was the main factor shaping both genetic and morphological divergence, indicating that strong philopatry is one of the major drivers of the observed population structuring in this system. However, both natural and anthropogenic environmental variables also explained pairwise genetic and morphological differences between sampling sites. Thus, the pairwise differences in the area of woodland in the upstream catchment, water phosphorus concentration, biological oxygen demand, catchment slope, urban area in upstream catchment, altitude, site specific percentage of canopy cover and dissolved oxygen concentration in the river channel were correlated with genetic divergence. The pairwise differences in the concentration of suspended solids, the extent of bankside overhang, the composition of bedrock, boulder and cobble substrates, watercourse width, catchment slope and site altitude were correlated with between-site morphological differences. We hypothesise that local differential selection pressures comprising both natural environmental variation and variation resulting from anthropogenic effects, in combination with strong philopatry and random genetic processes drive the clearly defined genetic and phenotypic patterns described here.

Empirical study of the impact of E-CNY on low-carbon economy from AI trust concerns

The low-carbon economy is the major objective of China’s economy, and its goal is to achieve sustainable economic development. The study enriches the literature on the relationship between digital Chinese yuan (E-CNY), low-carbon economy, AI trust concerns, and security intrusion. The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offered more ways to achieve a low-carbon economy. The digital Chinese yuan (E-CNY), based on the AI technique, has shown its nature and valid low-carbon characteristics in pilot cities of China, it will assume important responsibilities and become the key link. However, trust concerns about AI techniques result in a limitation of the scope and extent of E-CNY usage. The study conducts in-depth research from the perspective of AI trust concerns, explores the influence of E-CNY on the low-carbon economy, and discusses the moderating and mediating mechanisms of AI trust concerns in this process. The empirical data results showed that E-CNY positively affects China’s low-carbon economy, and AI trust concerns moderate the positive impact. When consumers with higher AI trust concerns use E-CNY, their feeling of security intrusion is also higher. It affects the growth of trading volume and scope of E-CNY usage. Still, it reduces the utility of China’s low-carbon economy. This study provides valuable management inspiration for China’s low-carbon economy.

Modal analysis of PE pipeline under seabed dynamic pressure

This paper presents a modal analysis conducted under seabed dynamic pressure conditions. The polyethylene (PE) pipeline was approximated as a thin-walled long cylindrical shell. The impact of pressure on the pipeline structure was considered, the study investigated the circumferential dynamic characteristics. The natural characteristics of the structure were solved using the energy method. To validate the model, an experimental testing system was established to measure the natural frequencies of the polyethylene (PE) pipeline, capturing the first three natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure. Additionally, we conduct a simulation analysis in COMSOL. The results showed that the discrepancies among the experimental, theoretical, and simulation results were within 6%, confirming the accuracy of the model. Building on this foundation, the simulation considered the impact of fluid-structure interaction on the natural frequencies of the cylindrical shell. Subsequently, the effects of pipe radius, pipe thickness, pipe length, variations in external load, and dimensionless parameters on the modal characteristics of the structure were further investigated. The comparison of simulation and theoretical results showed errors within 5%, further validating the reliability of the simulation outcomes.

From Natural to Artificial: The Transformation of the Concept of Logical Consequence in Bolzano, Carnap, and Tarski

From Natural to Artificial: The Transformation of the Concept of Logical Consequence in Bolzano, Carnap, and Tarski

Claw morphology of a ghost shrimp species across sandy beaches varying in natural features and human disturbances

Claw morphology of a ghost shrimp species across sandy beaches varying in natural features and human disturbances

Building a Postgraduate Supervision Model for Student Success in South Africa: How Masters and Doctoral Students’ Experiences can Assist?

A critical gap exists in South African higher education research on postgraduate supervision models. Research emphasis is placed in administrative aspects over the supervision praxis for student throughput. This paper investigates an effective postgraduate supervision model in South Africa to enhance student success. The literature underscores the need for an approach that balances the teaching and the supervising of research. Supervision is a supportive and collaborative journey between the student and the supervisor. However, there are complexities of postgraduate supervision pedagogy that are hardly explored in South Africa - the quality of supervision, time-to-degree, throughput rates, and perceived organisational support. Therefore, inadequate understanding of the elements constitutes supervision relationships issues for masters and doctoral students. Current practice falls short of addressing supervision praxis which necessitated this study to explore a tailored model of supervision. Therefore, how can experiences of masters, doctoral candidates and graduates assist to explain and propose an optimal postgraduate research supervision model that best supports the student success rates in South African universities? As a constructivist designed study, a quantitative digital survey and a snowball sampling method were used targeting masters and doctoral candidates and graduates across private and public universities in South Africa. An online survey was designed and administered using Microsoft Forms to over 500 participants. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted measuring position in percentile rankings. Results elucidate the nature and main feature of postgraduate supervisory relationships in South Africa. We found that a postgraduate research supervision model can be tailored to the South African context, and we contribute to the development of postgraduate supervision model as pedagogical tool related to metacognitive strategies and humanising pedagogy for research supervisors and students.

Makeup, An Attempt to Reach Eternal Beauty; Plastic Surgeon's View.

In this paper, the authors aim to explore the reasons behind human makeup from both medical and literary perspectives. In a PubMed search for "makeup and cosmetics," 509 titles were identified. Of these, 64 abstracts were reviewed, and ultimately, 8 full texts were referenced. The poem "A Woman Young and Old" written by William Butler Yeats was analyzed. In Research Information Sharing Service (https://www.riss.kr), 4 full texts about the poem "A Woman Young and Old" were found and referenced. Common motivations for using makeup include enhancing natural features, boosting confidence, expressing creativity, covering imperfections, fulfilling cultural and social expectations, and meeting professional requirements. Makeup can make women appear younger. Makeup enhances the reward value of human facial appearance. Makeup can conceal blemishes, scars, dark circles, and other skin imperfections, resulting in a more even and flawless complexion. In a poem by Yeats "A Woman Young and Old," he describes a young woman applying makeup and captures a moment in which she engages in the ritual of enhancing her beauty. The line "I'm looking for the face I had before the world was made" speaks to a longing for something beyond the mundane, a yearning for a deeper connection with existence. "Before this world was made" is a typical poetic turn of phrase that compares women to eternal beauty. The reasons why women use makeup are diverse and multifaceted, reflecting a combination of personal preferences, societal influences, and individual motivations. Makeup can be a powerful tool for expressing oneself, boosting one's confidence, and enhancing one's natural beauty.

Coacervate-pore complexes for selective molecular transport and dynamic reconfiguration

Despite surging interests on liquid-state coacervates and condensates, confinement within solid-state pores for selective permeation remains an unexplored area. Drawing inspiration from nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), we design and construct coacervate-pore complexes (CPCs) with regulatable permeability. We demonstrate universal CPC formation across 19 coacervate systems and 5 pore types, where capillarity drives the spontaneous imbibition of coacervate droplets into dispersed or interconnected pores. CPCs regulate through-pore transport by forming a fluidic network that modulates guest molecule permeability based on guest-coacervate affinity, mimicking NPC selectivity. While solid constructs of NPC mimicries are limited by spatial fixation of polymer chains, CPCs of a liquid nature feature dynamic healing and rapid phase transitioning for permeability recovery and regulation, respectively. Looking forward, we expect the current work to establish a basis for developing liquid-based NPC analogs using a large pool of synthetic coacervates and biomolecular condensates.

Effective management of urban water resources under various climate scenarios in semiarid mediterranean areas

Climate change has a significant impact on water resources, making it essential to re-evaluate water management strategies and incorporate climate scenarios in assessments. The Municipal Department of Aigeiros is located in the northern part of Greece. Water consumption is high in Aigeiros and the increased future temperatures projected during the summer period will create significant pressures on water resources. The water resources management study of the region is carried out using the simulations of the RCA4 Regional Climate Model (RCM) driven by the HadGEM-ES global climate model of the Met Office Hadley Centre (MOHC) under 3 different climate emission scenarios, namely RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. For the simulation of the urban water balance of Aigeiros, Komotini, Greece and the assessment of water demand and supply for three climate scenarios (RCP 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5) over a 30-year period, the Aquacycle software was used. The data used in the assessment included projected climatic conditions for the area (i.e., precipitation and evapotranspiration), domestic water consumption, and natural and spatial characteristics. The results indicate that drinking water demand is likely to increase in the coming decades for RCP 4.5 (1323 m3/d for 2041–2050) and RCP 8.5 (1330 m3/d for 2041–2050) scenarios compared to 2020 (1320 m3/d). However, simulations for water supply suggest an increase in groundwater recharge in the future, but also the potential for long drought periods during summer months in RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. The simulation results show both the current situation and the climate scenarios and can be the reference basis for recording the different types of water consumption in urban areas. Therefore, it is possible to control and predict how much of the total consumption is due to the consumer usage profile within a household or to the irrigation needs of green areas in line with the climatic conditions, consumer behavior and technical parameters.

The concept, legal nature, content and subjects of notarial legal relations under Russian law

The article examines the nature and main characteristics of the notarial legal relationship. The notarial legal relationship is considered as a kind of social relationship associated with the organization and functioning of the notary in Russia. Accordingly, a notarial legal relationship can be considered both in a narrow sense (relations between a notary and persons who applied for a notarial action), and in a broad sense, which also includes relations between notaries and notary chambers. Based on the comparative legal method, the author analyzes the theoretical foundations of civil procedural and notarial legal relations. It is proved that the notarial legal relationship is of a public law nature and of a substantive nature, due to which it cannot be attributed to procedural activities, and at the same time cannot be considered as a civil legal relationship. The obligatory subject of a notarial legal relationship (in the narrow sense) is a notary who performs a notarial act. The content of the notarial legal relationship is the rights and obligations regulated by Russian legislation on notaries and the Regulations for performing notarial acts.

Natural Conditions for Tourism Development in the Upper Drainage Area of the Rakitnica River

This scientific article presents a spatial- planning synthesis, natural characteristics of the area and various types of mountain tourism in the upper drainage area of the Rakitnica River. When preparing this scientific work related to the possibilities of tourism development, we primarily used field methods- observations with the use of scientific and professional literature. So research, in situ, by direct monitoring of natural processes, the occurrence of especially geomorphological, microclimatic, hydrological processes - for many years in all seasons. Based on the geological, geomorphological, climatological, hydrological, pedological and biogeographic characteristics of the area, with an emphasis on the additional diversity of the landscape, we determined the possibilities for the most acceptable types of tourism and recreation. From the aspect of spatial planning the study area located within the prospective National Park: "Bjelasnica, Igman – Treskavica with Rakitnica Canyon Valley".

An integrated deep learning model for intelligent recognition of long-distance natural gas pipeline features

Pipeline feature recognition is crucial for the reliability and safety of long-distance natural gas pipelines. Utilizing manual or machine learning methods to recognize pipeline features is not only inefficient, but also has problems such as high misjudgment rate and poor robustness. To overcome the above problems, this paper proposes a pipeline feature recognition method based on Multi-scale Attention Convolutional Neural Network (MACNN) and Gated_Twins_Transformer. MACNN is used to extract multi-scale information of pipeline features, and then the attention mechanism in it to focus on the more important feature information and suppress the less important feature information. It is then transmitted to the Gated_Twins_Transformer model, which uses the gated mechanism and the twins encoder module to determine the importance of the data length and input dimensions, focusing on the feature information of both with different weights, and the Transformer enhances the extraction of global features. Finally, the measured pipeline bending strain data are used as model input, trained and tested, and compared with other advanced models, the superiority of the proposed model in this paper is verified by comparing the metrics of Accuracy, Precision, Recall and F1-score.