Shape Characteristics Research Articles

Association of Anatomical Features of the Petrotympanic Fissure and Presence of Foramen of Huschke With Temporomandibular Disorders.

The foramen of Huschke (FH) and the petrotympanic fissure (PTF) are anatomical structures that can influence temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) by potentially affecting the movement and function of the mandibular condyle. This study investigates the relationship between patients with TMD and the presence of FH and PTF to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This retrospective study analyzed cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from 212 patients. Patients were categorised into TMD and control groups based on standardized DC/TMD protocols. An observer, blinded to the patient's clinical status, then analyzed the CBCT images. The CBCT images were evaluated for the presence and characteristics of FH, PTF, and condyle shape and position. A higher incidence of FH and PTF was observed in patients with TMD than in the control group. FH was present on the right side in 33.3% of patients with TMD and 18% of controls and on the left side in 23.8% of patients with TMD and 10.9% of controls. Open and semi-open FPT statistically differed between the TMD and control groups (p < 0.05). The length of FH in patients with TMD was significantly larger (2.11 ± 0.44 mm) than in the controls (1.67 ± 0.56 mm). The position of the condyle showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.05). FH and PTF subtypes are significantly associated with TMD, underscoring their importance in clinical practice.

Natural Bletilla striata Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels for Accelerating Hemostasis.

Most of the existing hydrogel dressings have inadequacies in mechanical performance, biological activities, compatibility, or versatility, which results in the development of rapid, green, and cost-effective approaches for hydrogels in biochemical and biomedical applications becoming a top-priority task. Herein, inspired by the inherent bioactivity, water retention properties, and biocompatibility of natural polysaccharide hydrogels, we have prepared self-healing gels. Using Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP), carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), and borax via borate ester linkages, we created hemostatic and self-healing Chinese herbal medicine hydrogels in varying concentrations (2.5%, 3.0%, and 4.0%). A rotational rheometer was used to describe the hydrogels' shape and rheological characteristics. At all concentrations, it was found that the hydrogels' elastic modulus (G') consistently and significantly outperformed their viscous modulus (G″), suggesting a robust internal structure. All of the hydrogels had cell viability levels as high as 100% and hemolysis rates below 1%, indicating the hydrogels' outstanding biocompatibility. Furthermore, the hydrogels demonstrated superior hemostatic qualities in an in vivo mouse tail amputation model, as well as in in vitro coagulation tests. The results show that the hydrogel possesses excellent self-healing properties, as well as a good biocompatibility and hemostatic performance, thus paving the way for the development of a potential hemostatic green hydrogel.

The Role of Cultural Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence in the Internationalization of SMEs: Does Global Mindset Matter?

AbstractSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increasingly face the imperative of internationalization to remain competitive. Owner-managers of SMEs, who predominantly act as decision-makers, encounter multifaceted challenges in navigating cross-cultural complexities. These challenges can pose significant obstacles to successful expansion into international markets, and prior research has often overlooked the role of owner-managers in SME internationalization models. This study investigates how specific managerial competencies, namely cultural intelligence (CQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ), influence the degree of internationalization (DOI) of SMEs. Additionally, it examines the mediating role of owner-managers’ global mindset (GM) in this relationship. Based on upper echelons theory, which posits that top managers’ characteristics shape organizational outcomes, the study reveals how these individual-level competencies impact SME internationalization efforts. Data were collected from 399 SME owner-managers in Norway and Azerbaijan, utilizing structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships. Results indicate that higher levels of CQ and EQ among owner-managers positively influence the DOI of SMEs, with GM partially mediating these relationships. This study enhances the body of knowledge on CQ, EQ, and SME internationalization by introducing a comprehensive DOI measurement approach that considers both the proportion and geographic dispersion of foreign sales. Furthermore, this research addresses a significant gap by incorporating GM into the explanation of the SME internationalization process. Finally, it extends theoretical understanding by exploring the often-overlooked application of upper echelons theory to the context of SME internationalization, highlighting the crucial role of specific managerial competencies as drivers of internationalization.

Morphological Characteristics of Leaf Color and Leaf Shape of Soybean Variety Anjasmoro (Glycine max (L.) Merril) under Water Stress

Anjasmoro soybean variety exhibits intolerance to water stress, which can significantly impact the growth of soybean plants, particularly concerning leaf morphological characteristics. This study aims to assess the effects of water stress on the leaf color and leaf shape of the Anjasmoro soybean variety. The research was conducted from June to July 2024 at the Gauze House of Food Crop Agribusiness at SMKN 1 Tambusai, Rokan Hulu, and the Integrated Laboratory of the Agrotechnology Study Program at the Faculty of Agriculture, Pasir Pengaraian University. The materials utilized in this study included Anjasmoro soybean seeds, soil, 35 x 40 cm polybags, and 15 kg of goat manure. This investigation employed a Non-Factorial, Completely Randomized Design (CRD), focusing on the variable of water stress (P) with three replications. The water stress treatments consisted of four levels: P0: 25% field capacity (KL) water stress applied twice daily, P1: 25% KL water stress applied twice daily, P2: 25% KL water stress applied once every three days, and P3: 25% KL water stress applied once every six days. The results indicated that water stress did not significantly affect the leaf color and leaf shape of the Anjasmoro soybean variety in the P0, P1, and P2 treatments. However, the P3 treatment resulted in observable leaf color and shape changes. These findings suggest that the Anjasmoro soybean variety has a low drought tolerance.

A large reverse-genetic screen identifies numerous regulators of testis nascent myotube collective cell migration and collective organ sculpting.

Collective cell migration is critical for morphogenesis, homeostasis, and wound healing. Migrating mesenchymal cells form tissues that shape the body's organs. We developed a powerful model, exploring how Drosophila nascent myotubes migrate onto the testis during pupal development, forming the muscles ensheathing it and creating its characteristic spiral shape. To define genes regulating this, we used RNAseq to identify genes expressed in myotubes during migration. Using this dataset, we curated a list of 131 ligands, receptors, and cytoskeletal regulators, including all Rho/Ras/Rap1 regulators, as candidates. We then expressed 279 shRNAs targeting these genes and examined adult testes. We identified 29 genes with diverse roles in morphogenesis. Some have phenotypes consistent with defective migration, while others alter testis shape in different ways, revealing the underlying logic of testis morphogenesis. We followed up the Rho-family GEF dPix in detail. dPix knockdown drastically reduced migration and thus muscle coverage. Our data suggest different isoforms of dPix play distinct roles in this process and reveal a role for its partner Git. We also explored whether dPix regulates Cdc42 activity or cell adhesion. Our RNAseq dataset and genetic analysis provide an important resource for the community to explore cell migration and organ morphogenesis.

Defining the Critical Requisites for Accurate Simulation of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Dynamics: Patient Characteristics and Data Collection Protocol.

Mathematical models of viral dynamics are crucial in understanding infection trajectories. However, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load data often includes limited sparse observations with significant heterogeneity. This study aims to: (1) understand the impact of patient characteristics in shaping the temporal viral load trajectory and (2) establish a data collection protocol (DCP) to reliably reconstruct individual viral load trajectories. We collected longitudinal viral load data for SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants from 243 patients in Singapore (2021-2022). A viral dynamics model was calibrated using patients' age, symptom presence, and vaccination status. We accessed associations between these patient characteristics and aspects of viral dynamics using linear regression models. We evaluated the accuracy of viral load trajectory estimation under different simulated DCPs by varying patient numbers, test frequencies, and test intervals. Older unvaccinated individuals had a longer viral shedding duration due to lower infection and cell death rates. Higher peak viral loads were found in older, symptomatic, and vaccinated individuals, with earlier peaks in younger vaccinated individuals. Symptom presence and vaccination resulted in a shorter time from infection to diagnosis. To accurately estimate viral dynamics, more frequent tests, longer test intervals, and larger patient samples are required. For 500 patients, a 21-day follow-up with measurements every 3 days and an 8-day follow-up with daily measurements was optimal for the Delta and Omicron variants, respectively. Patient characteristics significantly impacted viral dynamics. Our analytic approach and recommended DCPs can enhance preparedness and response to emerging pathogens beyond SARS-CoV-2.

Plastic pollution and marine mussels: Unravelling disparities in research efforts, biological effects and influences of global warming.

The ever-growing contamination of the environment by plastics is a major scientific and societal concern. Specifically, the study of microplastics (1μm to 5mm), nanoplastics (< 1μm), and their leachates is a critical research area as they have the potential to cause detrimental effects, especially when they impact key ecological species. Marine mussels, as ecosystem engineers and filter feeders, are particularly vulnerable to this type of pollution. In this study, we reviewed the 106 articles that focus on the impacts of plastic pollution on marine mussels. First, we examined the research efforts in terms of plastic characteristics (size, polymer, shape, and leachates) and exposure conditions (concentration, duration, species, life stages, and internal factors), their disparities, and their environmental relevance. Then, we provided an overview of the effects of plastics on mussels at each organisational levels, from the smaller scales (molecular, cellular, tissue and organ impacts) to the organism level (functional, physiological, and behavioural impacts) as well as larger-scale implications (associated community impacts). We finally discussed the limited research available on multi-stressor studies involving plastics, particularly in relation to temperature stress. We identified temperature as an underestimated factor that could shape the impacts of plastics, and proposed a roadmap for future research to address their combined effects. This review also highlights the impact of plastic pollution on mussels at multiple levels and emphasises the strong disparities in research effort and the need for more holistic research, notably through the consideration of multiple stressors, with a specific focus on temperature which is likely to become an increasingly relevant forcing factor in an era of global warming. By identifying critical gaps in current knowledge, we advocate for more coordinated interdisciplinary and international collaborations and raise awareness of the need for environmental coherence in the choice and implementation of experimental protocols.

Protocol for extracting flow hydrograph shape metrics for use in time-series flood hydrology analysis.

The shape characteristics of flow hydrographs hold essential information for understanding, monitoring and assessing changes in flow and flood hydrology at reach and catchment scales. However, the analysis of individual hydrographs is time consuming, making the analysis of hundreds or thousands of them unachievable. A method or protocol is needed to ensure that the datasets being generated, and the metrics produced, have been consistently derived and validated. In this lab protocol, we present workflows in Python for extracting flow hydrographs with any available temporal resolution from any Open Access or publicly available gauging station records. The workflow identifies morphologically-defined flow and flood types (i.e. in-channel fresh, high flow and overbank flood) and uses them to classify hydrographs. It then calculates several at-a-station and upstream-to-downstream hydrograph shape metrics including kurtosis, skewness, peak hydrograph stage, peak arrival time, rate-of-rise, peak-to-peak travel time, flood wave celerity, flood peak attenuation, and flood wave attenuation index. Some metrics require GIS-derived data, such as catchment area and upstream-to-downstream channel distance between gauges. The output dataset provides quantified hydrograph shape metrics which can be used to track changes in flow and flood hydrographs over time, or to characterise the flow and flood hydrology of catchments and regions. The workflows are flexible enough to allow for additional hydrograph shape indicators to be added or swapped out, or to use a different hydrograph classification method that suits local conditions. The protocol could be considered a change detection tool to identify where changes in hydrology are occurring and where to target more sophisticated modelling exercises to explain the changes detected. We demonstrate the workflow using 117 Open Access gauging station records that are available for coastal rivers of New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

A Geometric Morphometric Study on the Rat Mandible.

The aim of the study was to investigate the shape of the mandible in Wistar albino rats using the geometric morphometric method. However, 'Is the shape of the mandible different in rats depending on gender?' the question formed the hypothesis of the study. For this purpose, a total of 52 rat mandibles, 31 female and 21 male rats, were used in the study. The right mandible was photographed from the lateral aspect. A total of 16 landmarks were marked on the photographs. In the study, principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant function analysis were performed with the MorphoJ program. As a result of the study, 28 principal components (PC) were calculated. The values of variance of the first three PC were explained as 54.887% of the total shape difference. Principal component analysis showed the shape changes were more in mandibular ramus. However, no shape change was observed, especially the most top point of the ventral edge of the mandible at the rostral side. In the graph of PCA, the groups according to gender did not show a clear distinction. According to cross-validation scores, 24 females and 17 males showed correct grouping. In the study, the shape characteristics of the rat mandible from the lateral aspect were revealed. However, it was determined that the most difference in shape by gender was in the condylar process, coronoid process and angular process. As a result, despite the formal differences, when all the data were evaluated, it was concluded that gender discrimination could be made mostly (77% female, 80% male) according to shape of the rat mandible.

Spatial pattern of critical wetland patches and its influencing factors in a coastal area, North China.

Knowing the spatial pattern of critical wetland patches has an important significance for the restoration and protection of wetland ecosystems. However, the spatial pattern of critical wetland patches in coastal areas is not well understood, and its influencing factors are also unclear, especially in coastal areas. In this study, landscape indices were used to study the spatial pattern of the wetlands in the Hebei-Tianjin coastal area, North China. Correlation analysis, analysis of variance, and structural equation modeling were used to study the influences of environmental and human factors. The results revealed that a total of 211 important wetland patches were located in the Hebei-Tianjin coastal area. The average area of these patches was 182.38ha, the largest patch was 15,173.32ha, and the smallest patch was 1.10ha. The coefficient of variation of the patch area was 6.11, indicating a strong variation. The landscape indices that reflect the distribution characteristics (Distribution-Indices) had higher values in the south than in the north, while the landscape indices that reflect the shape characteristics (Shape-Indices) had lower values in the south than in the north. This indicates that the critical patches in the south were more aggregated, but their shapes were simpler than those in the north. The soil type and temperature were two important environmental factors, and the population density, gross domestic product, and aquaculture were important human factors that influenced the landscape pattern of the wetland patches. Both the environmental factors and human factors influenced the Distribution-Indices more than the Shape-Indices. The environmental factors mainly exerted direct effects on the Shape-Indices, while they had both direct and indirect effects on the Distribution-Indices. The human factor exerted a significantly higher effect on the distribution indices compared to the environmental factors, while their effects were similar for the shape index. The results of this study suggest that human disturbances should be controlled, especially in protecting the distribution of wetlands.

Physics-informed geometric operators to support surrogate, dimension reduction and generative models for engineering design

In this work, we propose a set of physics-informed geometric operators (GOs) to enrich the geometric data provided for training surrogate/discriminative models, dimension reduction, and generative models, typically employed for performance prediction, dimension reduction, and creating data-driven parameterisations, respectively. However, as both the input and output streams of these models consist of low-level shape representations, they often fail to capture shape characteristics essential for performance analyses. Therefore, the proposed GOs exploit the differential and integral properties of shapes — accessed through Fourier descriptors, curvature integrals, geometric moments, and their invariants — to infuse high-level intrinsic geometric information and physics into the feature vector used for training, even when employing simple model architectures or low-level parametric descriptions. We showed that for surrogate modelling, along with the inclusion of the notion of physics, GOs enact regularisation to reduce over-fitting and enhance generalisation to new, unseen designs. Furthermore, through extensive experimentation, we demonstrate that for dimension reduction and generative models, incorporating the proposed GOs enriches the training data with compact global and local geometric features. This significantly enhances the quality of the resulting latent space, thereby facilitating the generation of valid and diverse designs. Lastly, we also show that GOs can enable learning parametric sensitivities to a great extent. Consequently, these enhancements accelerate the convergence rate of shape optimisers towards optimal solutions.

An exploratory study of decoding signs of child maltreatment: How case and reporter characteristics shape reporting decisions

An exploratory study of decoding signs of child maltreatment: How case and reporter characteristics shape reporting decisions

Building Detection and Outlining in Multi-Modal Remote Sensor Data: A Stratified Approach

Exploitation of aerial sensor data for vectorized representation of urban structures is of great importance for urban modeling. Even if elevation data is available, extracting complex and irregular building shapes would become challenging. In this paper, we present a stratified approach for the extraction of building outlines consisting of two steps: Classification and vectorization. For classification, we use training data transfer to evaluate a dataset with no or little labeled data. Since the available reference data is also flawed, we use a self-developed interactive tool to adjust and improve the building shape before contrasting it with the classification results. Initial building polygons are slightly generalized and refined considering building shape characteristics. Hereby, Least-Squares adjustment is implemented to solve the best-fit problem of building edges with the input data by applying the Gauss-Helmert and Gauss-Markov Models. On the raster level, the resulting polygons achieved an accuracy of over 99% in the Potsdam dataset and almost 98% in the Munich dataset while on the vector level, the median building-wise deviations lie in sub-meter range. Although there were few mis-detections and, sometimes, considerable peak deviations for the Hausdorff distance, the compelling qualitative results attest to the robustness and validity of the proposed procedure.

Who they are, and what they do: perspectives on work–life balance among entrepreneurs and wage earners

Work–life balance (WLB) remains a pressing challenge in today’s fast-paced society. The current study addresses this prominent issue by examining whether employment type and individual characteristics shape perceptions of WLB among entrepreneurs and wage earners in Trinidad and Tobago. A structured survey was administered to a sample of entrepreneurs and wage earners and responses (n = 364) were statistically analysed to determine the main and interaction effects of employment type, age, ethnicity, relationship status, and sex on perceived WLB. Perceptions of WLB were lower among wage earners, though the observed differences were nonsignificant. Age and ethnicity emerged as significant main predictors of perceived WLB, with older persons and those of mixed ethnic backgrounds reporting higher levels of WLB. These main effects were moderated by the presence of a three-way interaction effect (sex × ethnicity × employment type) at p = 0.001. Our findings suggest that WLB is an intricate phenomenon that is not exclusively dependent on the occupational form, nor on an individual’s demographic composition but rather derived from the complex interactions between these two categories of variables. Thus, while entrepreneurship and wage employment both have the potential to improve standard of living, engaging in one type of employment versus the other may have an enhancing or diminishing effect on WLB based on life stages, ethnic affiliations and, possibly, other personal factors. This study’s findings also point to a need for more family-friendly policies and family-supportive working environments in Trinidad and Tobago. Though we move the field forward by addressing a critical gap in the literature, the explanatory variables tested in this study accounted for only 33.5% of the variance in the respondents’ WLB scores. We offer suggestions to overcome this limitation and others so that future studies can produce more nuanced and generalizable causal inferences.

Optimal Location Method of Urban and Rural Emergency Shelter Based on Improved Ant Colony Algorithm

In order to realize the automatic location of urban and rural emergency shelters, the optimal location method of urban and rural emergency shelters based on the improved ant colony algorithm is proposed. Combined with the method of urban and rural land block grid space planning, the spatial grid planning of urban and rural distribution and the method of remote sensing image covering big data detection are adopted to extract the spatial grid geospatial detection model of urban and rural emergency shelters. The remote sensing images of urban and rural emergency shelters and the wireless sensor information sampling method of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are adopted to establish the remote sensing images of urban and rural emergency shelters and the monitoring map database of UAV wireless sensor information. The improved ant colony optimization algorithm is adopted to optimize the path in the process of urban and rural emergency shelters’ site selection, and the overall geographical and geometric characteristics of urban and rural emergency shelters’ site selection are analyzed. The texture, color, shape and other characteristics related to the location of urban and rural emergency shelters are extracted, and the distributed optimization control method of dynamic ant colony is adopted to detect the distribution of geometric deformation characteristics and optimize the location of urban and rural emergency shelters. The location is realized by spatial enhancement of remote sensing dynamic information and the location of spatial feature points. The simulation results show that this method has a good positioning ability and a strong ability to optimize the location of emergency shelters in urban and rural areas.

A comparative study of Twin-Block and van Beek Headgear-Activator on the three-dimensional morphology of the upper airway in growing children with mandibular retraction in skeletal class II malocclusion.

To compare the variations in the upper airway of children with skeletal Class II mandibular retrognathism treated with van Beek Headgear-Activator (vBHGA) and Twin-Block (TB) appliances. 40 children were involved in this retrospective study and divided into two intervention groups: the vBHGA group and the TB group, each comprising 20 individuals with an average age of 11.13 years. Employing Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Geometric Morphometric analysis, a comprehensive assessment of the upper airway's volume, minimum cross-sectional area (m-CSA), and 3D shape characteristics was conducted pre-and post-treatment. The total volume, oropharynx volume, oropharynx m-CSA, and hypopharynx m-CSA significantly increased in both the vBHGA and TB groups (p < 0.05). The sole discrepancy between the two groups was observed in comparing the nasopharynx m-CSA (p < 0.05). A morphological difference was observed in the vBHGA group before and after treatment (p < 0.05), characterized by a wider and shorter airway, positioning of the posterior nasal spine closer to the anterior inferior area, and a more posterior nasopharyngeal wall. However, there were no significant shape differences between the two groups or before and after treatment within the TB group. It appears that both vBHGA and TB interventions contribute positively to alleviating upper airway constriction. Nonetheless, the vBHGA group exhibits more alterations in the configuration of the nasopharynx. Both orthodontic appliances have a positive impact on the upper airway but still have differences, emphasizing the need for individualized consideration when selecting orthodontic interventions. This study was also registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with registration number ChiCTR2400086867.

Peoples Character and National Identity: The Role of the 1955 European Tour of the Chinese Classical Dance and Music Troupe in Promoting New Chinas Diplomacy

In 1955, the Chinese Classical Theatre Troupe toured Europe in two groups, attracting significant interest from local audiences and introducing the art of New Chinese opera to the European media. European newspapers and periodicals consistently reported on the performances of Chinese opera through news articles, special features, and drama reviews, thereby establishing an artistic image of China with distinctive characteristics and illustrating the methods and characteristics of shaping the image of New China. This study, utilizing collections from the troupes tour, oral histories, overseas digital newspapers, and archival sources, reconstructs the tour process and related media coverage. It not only provides a comprehensive evaluation of the achievements of the 1955 tour but also examines the construction of Chinese art abroad. Furthermore, it discusses the specific role of Chinese opera in Chinas international cultural exchange, offering insights for the contemporary global promotion of Chinese opera.

Factors Influencing the Three-dimensional Distribution of Microplastics on Sandy Beaches: A Case Study from the Turkish Coast of the Black Sea

Microplastic pollution stands as an emerging threat to sandy beach ecosystems, globally. However, beaches are three-dimensional systems, and only a limited number of studies investigated the vertical and horizontal distribution of microplastics in these systems. Furthermore, the causative drivers behind the three-dimensional distribution of microplastics on sandy beaches have not been well understood. Therefore, 7 potential factors including total organic content, sand grain size, beach length, and width, the proximity of the study site to the closest city center (a proxy for the tourism influence), cleaning frequency of the beaches, and road type next to the beach on nine sandy beaches of the Turkish Coast of the Black Sea were collectively investigated as causative drivers. Microplastic abundance, size, and compositions were examined in sand samples collected at different depths between 0 and 105 cm. While microplastic abundance was evenly distributed horizontally, it showed a gradual decline with increasing depth. The abundance of microplastics varied between 21.18±0.98 item/kg-1 (at the beach surface) and 2.78±0.93 item/kg-1 (at the deepest sampling point). Potential factors examined here explained 84.7% of the variation in microplastic abundance with the highest relative influence by wave actions. Microplastic size showed a seaward decline on the beach surface with 1045.11±274.36 μm, but it seemed similar between depths. Other characteristics (color, shape, and polymer type) significantly differed between depths and tidal heights. The majority of the microplastics were fragments (38.4%) and foams (37.8%). White was the most available microplastic color with 30.23%. Microplastics detected on these sites were dominated by polystyrenes. The factors examined here explained their variations of microplastic characteristics between 84.25% and 89.14%. This study provides important insights into the current literature by examining multiple causative drivers for the three-dimensional microplastic distribution on sandy beaches, which should be useful for management strategies to reduce the impact of these contaminants on organisms.

Metaheuristic Optimization of Wind Turbine Airfoils with Maximum-Thickness and Angle-of-Attack Constraints

The shape of the blade strongly influences the aerodynamic behavior of wind turbines; therefore, it is essential to optimize its design to maximize the energy harvested from the wind. Some works address this optimized design problem using CFD, a tool that requires a lot of computational resources and time and starts from scratch. This work describes a new automated design method to generate aerodynamic profiles of wind turbines using existing blades as a base, which speeds up the design process. The optimization is performed using heuristic techniques, and the aim is to improve the characteristics of the blade shape which impact resilience and durability. Specifically, the glide ratio is maximized to capture maximum energy while ensuring specific design parameters, such as maximum thickness or optimal angle of attack. This methodology can obtain results more quickly and with lower computational cost, in addition to integrating these two design parameters into the optimization process, aspects that have been largely neglected in previous works. The analytical model of the blades is described by a class of two-dimensional shapes suitable for representing airfoils. The drag and lift coefficients are estimated, and a metaheuristic optimization technique, genetic algorithm, is applied to maximize the glide ratio while reducing the difference from the desired design parameters. Using this methodology, three new airfoils have been generated and compared with the existing starting models, S823, NACA 2424, and NACA 64418, achieving improvements in the maximum lift and maximum glide ratio of up to 13.8% and 39%, respectively. For validation purposes, a small 10 kW horizontal-axis wind turbine is simulated using the best design of the blades. The comparison with the existing blades focuses on the calculation of the generated power, the power coefficient, torque, and torque coefficient. For the new airfoils, improvements of 6.7% in the power coefficient and 5.5% in the torque coefficient were achieved. This validates the methodology for optimizing the blade airfoils.

Vertical distribution characteristics of microplastics and bacterial communities in the sediment columns of Jianhu lake in China.

Microorganisms change the properties of microplastics, at the same time, microplastics can also affect the distribution of microorganisms. To investigate this issue, we chose to study Jianhu Lake, a plateau lake in southwestern China, by collecting data at three sampling locations. The microplastics and bacterial communities in the sediment columns of Jianhu Lake were sampled within a 0 to 60cm profile, and the basic characteristics of microplastic abundance, shape, color, size, and polymer type were determined accordingly, via their collection, separation, extraction, and identification. The bacterial community in the sediment samples were identified using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, and we assessed whether those microplastic characteristics influenced the community composition and structure. We found the abundance of microplastics ranged from 624 to 3050 particles/kg (dw [dry weight]) in the three sediment columns. Line microplastics accounted for the largest proportion and these were found distributed in each layer. The polymer types present in the largest proportions were rayon (RY), polyester terephthalate (PET) and low-density styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS). Among the bacterial communities in the sediment columns, the dominant phyla were Chloroflexi, Sva0485, Acidobacteriota, etc. The co-occurrence network analysis between the bacterial community and microplastic features in the sediment columns of Jianhu Lake revealed that there was a correlation between them, and the network were more complex at a depth of 20-40cm. Our results demonstrate that microplastics can affect the diversity and structural characteristics of microbial communities in a lake ecosystem.