Pattern Characteristics Research Articles

Nail Designs Research with Camouflage Patterns

This study aims to analyze the design characteristics of camouflage patterns and apply them to nail art to propose original and stylish designs. In line with the trend of modern women expressing their individuality through nail art, this research explores the concept of camouflage, its historical development, and other characteristics based on previous studies, and proposes nail art designs incorporating camouflage patterns. By utilizing various colors and materials, this study presents camouflage nail designs that add a unique touch to everyday life. The research results include five distinct nail art designs: First, a classic camouflage design using colors and patterns similar to natural environments; second, a geometric camouflage design utilizing geometric patterns; third, a unique camouflage design using mix-and-match patterns; fourth, an abstract camouflage design based on geometric patterns; and fifth, a minimalist camouflage design using black and white. By integrating camouflage patterns that have influenced numerous artists and designers, this study presents unique and character-filled nail art designs through a combination of various colors and patterns. The study explores the contemporary significance of camouflage patterns and their diversity, proposing new nail art designs that extend the scope of materials and techniques. It aims to expand the artistic domain of nail art, contributing to both academic development and the advancement of the nail industry. This study holds significance as a resource for expanding the practical and popular design domain of nail art, aiding in the development of new nail art designs.

The Spatial Patterns and Architectural Form Characteristics of Chinese Traditional Villages: A Case Study of Guanzhong, Shaanxi Province

This study examined the decline of traditional villages due to urbanization, focusing on their spatial patterns and architectural characteristics in China, particularly in the Guanzhong region. Using ArcGIS tools, kernel density and nearest-neighbor analyses quantitatively assessed the spatial distribution of these villages at macro- and micro-levels. Additionally, 3D laser scanning was employed to qualitatively analyze architectural features. The study demonstrated that (1) traditional villages are unevenly clustered nationwide, primarily in the southeast and southwest, creating a “three cores and multiple points” spatial pattern. (2) In the Guanzhong region, traditional village distribution also shows clustering with diverse patterns, including regiment, belt, and point formations. Higher densities are found in the eastern and northern regions, while the west and south are sparsely populated. Most villages are located at altitudes of 501–700 m, on slopes of 6–15°, and near water sources. (3) The basic residential structures in Guanzhong included the single, vertical multi-entry, and horizontal coupled courtyards, as well as the vertical and horizontal interleaved layouts; these buildings typically featured the foundations and walls made of earth, stone, and brick, combined with various wooden frames and single- or double-sloped roofs. This study overcomes the limitations of the traditional literature and field surveys by quantitatively and qualitatively analyzing the spatial patterns of traditional villages and the architectural forms of residential buildings from an architectural perspective. It graphically presents the data to provide an efficient and practical theoretical basis for the heritage preservation and development of traditional villages.

Association of Peripapillary Arterial Circle of Zinn-Haller with Glaucoma in Highly Myopic Eyes.

The visualization of circle of Zinn-Haller (CZH) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) or its pattern does not have a clear effect on glaucoma, while the location of CZH is associated with axial length in highly myopic eyes. To investigate the association between the CZH and the presence of glaucoma using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) images of the optic nerve of patients with high myopia (HM). This retrospective case series included 227 eyes with HM, comprising 134 and 93 eyes with and without glaucoma, respectively. The characteristics of CZH, including visualization, pattern, and location, were assessed using SS-OCTA. Vascular parameters, such as vessel density and microvascular dropout (MvD), were quantified. The factors affecting the presence of glaucoma and the correlations between the CZH distance and axial length (AXL) were identified using logistic regression analysis and Pearson correlation analysis, respectively. CZH was detected more frequently in HM patients with glaucoma (71.6%) than in patients without glaucoma (51.6%) (P<0.002). However, the visualization of CZH was not related to the presence of glaucoma in multivariate regression analysis (odds ratio [OR], 0.688; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.328-1.444; P=0.322). Moreover, compared to the annular pattern used as a reference, triangular and irregular patterns were not associated with the presence of glaucoma (OR: 1.043, 95% CI: 0.101-10.763, P=0.971; OR: 0.527, 95% CI: 0.255-1.092, P=0.085, respectively). MvD was significantly higher in patients with glaucoma (61.2%) than that in patients without glaucoma (2.2%) (P<0.001) and was identified as a significant factor affecting the presence of glaucoma (OR, 42.120; 95% CI, 9.416-188.413; P<0.001). AXL showed a significant correlation with CZH distance in all patients (R=0.399; P<0.001). CZH was more commonly detected in HM patients with glaucoma. However, no clear associations of glaucoma with the visualization, pattern, or location of CZH were observed in the present study. The correlation between AXL and CZH distance in eyes with HM warrants further investigation. These results may offer insights into the pathogenesis of glaucoma in eyes with HM as OCTA technology advances.

The role of m5C RNA methylation regulators in the diagnosis and immune microenvironment of osteoarthritis

The 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is a common post-transcriptional RNA methylation modification and is involved in the pathological process of many diseases. However, little is known about the role of m5C in osteoarthritis (OA). OA gene data and the corresponding information were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Based on 36 m5C regulators, we constructed the landscape and diagnostic model for OA. Later, two m5C modification patterns were identified, and functional analyses were performed to evaluate whether these patterns were related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial autophagy. We further comprehensively analyzed the immune cell infiltration characteristics in different modification patterns in OA. We also established the post-transcriptional regulatory networks and drug-gene networks. Our findings suggested that m5C regulators were differentially expressed between OA and normal samples and could serve as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of OA. Besides, m5C regulators may be involved in regulating ER stress, mitochondrial autophagy, and immune infiltration in OA. The m5C modification can influence the sensitivity to drugs and the potential post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms might provide promising targets.

Towards large-scale analyses of settlement patterns in urbanizing landscapes—findings of first studies for India, Egypt, and China

Improved ability to assess and categorize the spatial characteristics of settlement patterns is required for a deeper understanding of how urbanization is driving land use and land cover transformation and its effects. Two approaches to the globally available settlement maps of the World Settlement Footprint 3D support a detailed assessment of spatial characteristics of settlement patterns in rural to urban landscapes and across scales: graph-based spatial network analysis and elements of fractal theory. Based on first comprehensive tests for the Punjab (India), the Nile Delta (Egypt) and the North China Plain, the results of our study suggest that the presented methods allow a quantitative and qualitative characterization and comparison of settlement patterns between different regions of the world. The approache allows to generate standardized baseline data for arbitrary regions in the world to analyze structuring principles of settlement hierarchies (e.g., self-organized fractal geometries) and their dependence on - or interaction with - cultural, political, socioeconomic, or environmental conditions.

Changing patterns in clinical, echocardiographic and haemodynamic characteristics, and management strategies that may be translated to improved survival in pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Background and aims In this retrospective analysis of a single-center series on pulmonary hypertension (PH), we aimed to evaluate clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic characteristics, management strategies, morbidity, and mortality in PH subgroups across three consecutive periods. Methods The study included 1071 patients enrolled in the Evaluation of Pulmonary Hypertension Risk factors Associated with Survival study (EUPHRATES). In reference to enrollment time, patients were assessed in three periods ; before 2016, the era of primarily monotherapy or sequential combinations; between 2016 and 2019, post-approval and reimbursement of macitentan in our country, marking a shift towards more proactive sequential combinations; and after 2019, signifying the initiation of earlier sequential combinations with selexipag in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The ESC/ERS 2022 risk scoring, COMPERA 2.0 and REVEAL lite 2 models were used for risk predictions. Composite endpoint (CEP) definitions were adopted from the SERAPHIN and GRIPHON trials. Annual incidence curves for mortality and CEP were evaluated, but 2020 analysis was adjusted to account for the possible adverse effects of the COVID-19. Results During the 1st, 2nd and 3rd periods, 481, 352, and 238 patients with PH were diagnosed, respectively. Incident cases comprised 91% of them. Idiopathic PAH (IPAH), PAH-associated with congenital heart diseases (CHD-PAH), PAH-associated with connective tissue diseases (CTD-PAH), group II, III, IV and V PH were documented in 24 %, 28 %, 4.6 %, 4.3 %, 11%, 27 % and 0.7 % of patients, respectively. Age and female dominance remained unchanged. Incidences of Group 1 PH and CHD-PAH decreased while IPAH, drug-associated PAH, and Group II and IV PH increased across three periods (p-values varying from &amp;lt;0.001 to 0.03). Although baseline functional class became worse (p=0.013), six-minute walk distance, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide and risk scores showed no change (p=NS). Baseline echo and hemodynamic measures became better, and triple combinations increased after 2019 (p&amp;lt;0.001 for all). For overall PH, rates of all-cause mortality and CEPs at 1st, 2nd and 3rd periods were 52 % and 59 %, 30 % and 35 %, and 11 % and 13 %, respectively (p&amp;lt; 0.001, for all). Mortality rates for 1st, 2nd and 3rd periods were 36 %, 38 % and 26 % in IPAH, 60 %, 28 % and 13 % in CHD-PAH, 55 %, 22% and 22% in CTD-PAH, 38 %, 38% and 24 % in group IV PH, respectively (p&amp;lt; 0.001, for all). Mortality curves showed sudden increases in 2020, but excluding 2020, a steady improvement in the annual mortality was evident. Conclusions Our findings suggest a trend towards better clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic presentations and improved survival in the PAH subgroups, and Group IV PH across the three periods that might be attributed to more proactive management strategies favouring earlier initiation of combinations.

Development of Johnson-Cook-Distinct Lattice Spring Model and its application in projectile penetration into metal targets

Projectile penetration into metal targets plays an important role in modern protective structure engineering, damage assessmentin terrorist attacks, and car clash accident analysis, etc. The penetration process of metal target has been characterized by large deformation, high temperature, high pressure, and dynamic damage, which can be classified as a continuous-discontinuous dynamical process. To capture the dynamic responses of metal materials subjected to high-speed penetration, Johnson-Cook model has been implemented in a continuum-discrete model, namely, Distinct Lattice Spring Model (DLSM). This is achieved by redefining the constitutive model in DLSM, with plasticity hardening (plastic strain effects), strain rate, temperature, damage evolution, equation of state, etc., being taken into account, thus developing a new numerical model called JC-DLSM model. This model is validated through studying Taylor rod high-speed impact experiments, thin metal plate penetration experiments, and projectile impact experiments on titanium alloy targets. Good agreement between numerical modelling and experimental data has been achieved for all cases considered, thereby demonstrating the capability of JC-DLSM to reproduce the damage characteristics and ballistic limits of metals under high-speed impact/penetration. Then, the impacts of projectile shape, metal target surface configuration on the characteristics of penetration damage patterns have been investigated. This contributes to a better understanding of the damage mechanisms of metal targets upon penetration or impact, facilitating the computational means for analysing and optimizing the penetration resistance of protective engineering structures.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Spatiotemporal Clustering of Symptomatic Hepatitis E Virus Reinfection in Zhejiang Province, 2005-2023.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) reinfection is prevalent among the population, posing a significant burden on prevention and control efforts. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of data from China's Disease Prevention and Control Information System's infectious disease surveillance system to identify the epidemiological characteristics, spatiotemporal clustering, and high-risk populations of HEV reinfection. From 2005 to 2023, HEV reinfection in Zhejiang Province exhibited a fluctuating trend, peaking in 2020, with a 3-5-year lag compared to the pattern of HEV incidence. The Cox model indicated that individuals aged 40-50 and females are at higher risk of reinfection. Spatial autocorrelation was observed in reinfection cases from 2011 to 2016, with high-high clustering areas concentrated in downtown Hangzhou. Additionally, spatiotemporal scanning revealed that the clustering of reinfection cases has shifted from Hangzhou to coastal areas in recent years. Our findings suggest that targeted prevention and control measures for HEV rein fection should be implemented based on the characteristics of high-risk populations and spatiotemporal clustering patterns.

Real-time target recognition with all-optical neural networks for ghost imaging.

The generation and structural characteristics of random speckle patterns impact the implementation and imaging quality of computational ghost imaging. Their modulation is limited by traditional electronic hardware. We aim to address this limitation using the features of an all-optical neural network. This work proposes a real-time target recognition system based on an all-optical diffraction deep neural network for ghost imaging. We use a trained neural network to perform pure phase modulation on visible light, and directly complete the target recognition task by detecting the maximum value of light intensity signals at different positions. We optimized the system by simulating the effects of parameters, such as the number of layers of the network, photosensitive pixel, unit area etc., on the final recognition performance, and the accuracy of target recognition reached 91.73%. The trained neural network is materialised by 3D printing technology and experiments confirmed that the system successfully performs real-time target recognition at a low sampling rate of 1.25%. It also verified the feasibility and noise resistance of the system in practical application scenarios.

A reproducible representation of healthy tibiofemoral kinematics during stair descent using REFRAME – Part II: Exploring optimisation criteria and inter-subject differences

Kinematic analysis is a central component of movement biomechanics, describing the relative motion of joint segments during different activities, in different subject cohorts, and at different timepoints. Establishing whether two sets of kinematic signals represent fundamentally similar or different underlying motion patterns is especially challenging, given 1) the lack of consensus around reference frame and joint axis definition, and 2) the substantial effect that minimal variations in frame position and orientation are known to have on signal magnitude and characteristics. As such, enormous variability in the reporting of tibiofemoral kinematics has resulted in joint movement patterns that remain controversially discussed. Previously, we demonstrated the ability of the REference FRame Alignment MEthod (REFRAME) to reorientate and reposition differently aligned local segment frames to achieve convergence in signals representing the same underlying motion, thereby offering a novel approach to consistently report joint motion. In this study, for the first time, we apply REFRAME to assess the rotational and translational in vivo tibiofemoral motion of ten healthy subjects during stair descent based on kinematic signals collected using a moving videofluoroscope. Kinematics were analysed before and after different REFRAME implementations, revealing generally neutral ab/adduction behaviour, accompanied by varying degrees of a sinusoidal int/external tibial rotation pattern over the activity cycle. Our data demonstrate that different selected implementations of REFRAME are able to highlight different characteristics of the motion patterns: Minimisation of the translational root-mean-square revealed proximodistal translation patterns with overall neutral progression, while anteroposterior translation showed seemingly different levels of correlation with flexion/extension in different subjects. On the other hand, REFRAME minimisation of translational variances exposed differences in the relative mean displacement between the femoral and tibial origins between subjects, highlighting differences in mean centre of rotation positions. This early application of REFRAME for providing an understanding of tibiofemoral kinematics demonstrates the potential of this novel approach to bring clarity to an otherwise complex representation of highly variable time-series signals, while highlighting the philosophical challenges of clinically interpretating kinematic signals in the first place.

Unsteady numerical calculation of flow boiling heat transfer in microchannels with Kagome structures

A three-dimensional microchannel flow boiling model was developed based on the VOF model and the Lee model, and the flow and heat transfer in microchannels with Kagome structures were numerically simulated. The characteristics of bubble flow patterns, gas phase distribution, and heat transfer were analyzed under the heat fluxes of 5–8 MW/m2 and flow velocities of 0.2–0.5 m/s. The results show that at a flow velocity of 0.5 m/s, the disturbances caused by fluid impact on the Kagome structure result in bubble break-up, effectively suppressing the formation of large bubbles. However, at a flow velocity of 0.2 m/s, bubbles tend to be adhered on the surface of the Kagome structure, causing local blockage and deteriorating heat transfer. Compared to the flow velocity of 0.5 m/s, the average heat transfer coefficient in the microchannel decreases by up to 75.4 % and the pressure loss decreases by 45.38 % at the flow velocity of 0.2 m/s.

Geochemical (δ13C, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr, REEs) characterization of travertine in Tengchong, China: Insights into travertine origin and reservoir conditions

Geochemical characterization is extensively employed in travertine research, yet few studies have explored the potential of travertine geochemistry for elucidating the subterranean details of spring systems. In this study, we systematically characterized the geochemical signatures (δ13C, δ18O, 87Sr/86Sr, REEs, Zr, Th, Sr, Mn) of travertine from six spring systems in Tengchong (SW China) and compared them with those of potential reservoir rocks, aiming to understand travertine origin and assess reservoir conditions. Our results revealed substantial variations in the δ13C and δ18O of travertine among the examined systems, but the water temperature and parent CO2 assessments suggest a hot spring thermogene origin of the travertine. The 87Sr/86Sr of the studied travertine also varies significantly among the systems and overlaps with that of potential reservoir rocks. However, only the springs systems with reservoir temperatures exceeding 150 °C are likely to have precipitated travertine with 87Sr/86Sr resembling the whole-rock 87Sr/86Sr of the reservoir rocks. REE contamination by exogenous detritus and FeMn (oxyhydr)oxides was noted, emphasizing the need for careful REE contamination evaluation in travertine research. The REE comparison reveals that the studied travertine does not fully replicate the REE signature of its potential reservoir rocks, but the REE pattern, (Eu/Eu*)SN, and (Ce/Ce*)SN characteristics of the travertine reveal informative reservoir conditions. In summary, this study shows that the geochemistry of the travertine offers valuable insights into its origin and reservoir conditions. These findings could assist in the geochemical interpretation of travertine and the exaction of hypogean reservoir conditions from travertine.

Impact of hypertension on coronary artery plaques and FFR-CT in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: evaluation utilizing artificial intelligence processed coronary computed tomography angiography.

This study utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to quantify coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) images, aiming to compare plaque characteristics and CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with or without hypertension (HTN). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,151 patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent CCTA at a single center. Patients were grouped into T2DM (n = 133), HTN (n = 442), T2DM (HTN+) (n = 256), and control (n = 320). AI assessed various CCTA parameters, including plaque components, high-risk plaques (HRPs), FFR-CT, severity of coronary stenosis using Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System 2.0 (CAD-RADS 2.0), segment involvement score (SIS), and segment stenosis score (SSS). Statistical analysis compared these parameters among groups. The T2DM (HTN+) group had the highest plaque volume and length, SIS, SSS, and CAD-RADS 2.0 classification. In the T2DM group, 54.0% of the plaque volume was noncalcified and 46.0% was calcified, while in the HTN group, these values were 24.0 and 76.0%, respectively. The T2DM (HTN+) group had more calcified plaques (35.7% noncalcified, 64.3% calcified) than the T2DM group. The average necrotic core volume was 4.25 mm3 in the T2DM group and 5.23 mm3 in the T2DM (HTN+) group, with no significant difference (p > 0.05). HRPs were more prevalent in both T2DM and T2DM (HTN+) compared to HTN and control groups (p < 0.05). The T2DM (HTN+) group had a higher likelihood (26.1%) of FFR-CT ≤0.75 compared to the T2DM group (13.8%). FFR-CT ≤0.75 correlated with CAD-RADS 2.0 (OR = 7.986, 95% CI = 5.466-11.667, cutoff = 3, p < 0.001) and noncalcified plaque volume (OR = 1.006, 95% CI = 1.003-1.009, cutoff = 29.65 mm3, p < 0.001). HRPs were associated with HbA1c levels (OR = 1.631, 95% CI = 1.387-1.918). AI analysis of CCTA identifies patterns in quantitative plaque characteristics and FFR-CT values. Comorbid HTN exacerbates partially calcified plaques, leading to more severe coronary artery stenosis in patients with T2DM. T2DM is associated with partially noncalcified plaques, whereas HTN is linked to partially calcified plaques.

Evolution characteristics of landscape ecological risk patterns in Shangluo City in the Qinling Mountains, China

Landscape ecological risk assessment (LERA) is the basis of regional landscape pattern optimization, and a tool that can help achieve a win-win situation between regional development and ecological protection. The landscape ecological risk (LER) of the southern end of the Qinling Mountains, China exhibited an increasing trend after the year 2000, but the degree of increase and the spatial and temporal dynamics were not clear, limiting the formulation and implementation of landscape optimization measures in the area. Here, we constructed a landscape pattern risk index ERI by combining data on landscape disturbance and landscape vulnerability from land use information for Shangluo City for years 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020; then, we calculated a LER level and its spatial and temporal dynamics for Shangluo City for years 2000 to 2020. Moran’s I and LISA indices were used to characterize the spatial correlation of ERI in Shangluo City. We found that Shangluo had a large proportion of medium-risk areas, and its LER shifted from medium-high, high in year 2000 to medium risk, medium-low and low risk in year 2020, and LER of Shangluo was clustered in space but the degree of clustering decreased in the past 20 years. We conclude that the development strategy of Shangluo should depend on providing a sustainably-developed environment.

Spatiotemporal gait characteristics post-total hip arthroplasty and its impact on locomotive syndrome: a before-after comparative study in hip osteoarthritis patients.

Understanding the gait pattern of patients eligible for total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to hip osteoarthritis (OA) offers valuable information for improving locomotive syndrome (LS). This study aims to measure the gait patterns of THA-eligible patients using an optical motion capture system and to analyze these patterns using principal component analysis (PCA). Additionally, this study examines the relationship between THA-induced gait patterns and LS. This before-after study included 237 patients who underwent unilateral primary THA due to hip OA. The primary outcome measures were spatiotemporal gait parameters. Secondary outcome measures included three LS risk tests: a stand-up test, a two-step test, a 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25), and total clinical decision limits stages. PCA was performed using 16 spatiotemporal gait parameters collected before and three months after THA. Principal components (PC) were selected to achieve a cumulative contribution rate of 90% (0.9) or higher. Each summarized PC was compared using a paired t-test before and three months after THA. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine how changes in each PC between before and three months after THA related to changes in the four LS evaluation items. PCA identified three principal components (PC1, PC2, PC3) that accounted for a cumulative contribution rate of 0.910 using 16 spatiotemporal gait parameters. When comparing before and three months after THA for all three PCs, significant differences were observed in each PC (p<0.001), with overall walking ability and stance phase being higher three months after THA than before THA, while the asymmetry of support time was lower three months after THA. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that PC1, PC2, and PC3 were the most influential factors in total clinical decision limits stage. For each LS risk test, the factors related to the stand-up test were identified as PC1, PC2, and PC3, while the factors related to the two-step test were identified as PC1 and PC2. The factors related to the GLFS-25 were also identified as PC1 and PC2. The most important findings of this study indicate that the three PCs represent over 90% of the 16 spatiotemporal gait parameters, which are associated with total clinical decision limits stage and LS risk tests. The present results suggest that PC1 represents overall walking ability, PC2 represents the stance phase, and PC3 represents asymmetry of support time. Gait pattern characteristics, such as overall walking ability, stance phase, and asymmetry of support time, were clearly defined by these PCs. Regarding the relationship between PC and LS, all three PCs are related to total clinical decision limits stage. In addition, PC1 and PC2 related to all three LS risk tests, and PC3 related only to the stand-up test.

Analysis of the Spatial Pattern and Driving Forces of Linpan in Western Sichuan

Abstract. This study aims to explore the landscape pattern and its driving forces of Linpan in western Sichuan, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of this unique rural settlement form. The landscape indices and redundancy analysis method were employed to investigate the landscape pattern and driving forces of Linpan in the western Sichuan region. By extracting the spatial information of Linpan in the study area, quantitative analysis of their landscape pattern was conducted using landscape indices. The results reveal certain characteristics of the landscape pattern of Linpan in the study area, where Longquanyi exhibits the highest degree of landscape fragmentation, with the highest patch density and smaller average patch size, yet the highest landscape diversity, while Wenjiang shows the lowest diversity, and Xinjin exhibits a more dispersed distribution of patches, and Dujiangyan has the highest number of patches. Using redundancy analysis, this study reveals the influence of natural and social driving forces on the landscape pattern of Linpan in Western Sichuan. The results indicate that urbanization rate, patch density, mean patch size, and average elevation are significant factors influencing the distribution and morphology of Linpan. These factors affect the spatial layout and connectivity of Linpan, driving changes in the land use structure, and profoundly impacting the landscape pattern of Linpan. To achieve the ecological sustainability, it is essential to comprehensively consider the impacts of both natural and human factors, scientifically plan and manage Linpan, and promote their harmonious coexistence with the surrounding environment.

Assessing the Impact of Geospatial Susceptibility on the Rural Agricultural Landscapes of Village Settlements in Southwestern Nigeria

A theoretical framework for agricultural landscape pattern transitions in rural areas is proposed to fill the gap of current research with an empirical study in the Alabata farm settlement in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. Adopting the use of ArcGIS 10.8 and Surfer 27.3 the surface area and volume of the ground surface degraded and exposed to harsh weather conditions due to both natural and man-made anthropogenic activities causing runoffs and continuous soil erosion were calculated, which have affected agricultural production and sent some of the farmers packing, abandoning their farmlands. The farm settlement within the total sampled frame area of 1.50 km2 covers a total distance of 5.11 km. The sample frame was divided into 36 frames with similar ecological microclimates, topographical features, terrain, and soil types that fell into either of the two identified soil types: 1 and 2. The study involved the completion of a questionnaire onsite using three major criteria and only 23 farmers responded positively to the few questions as farmers who were either living on the farm or working as hired laborers on-site at the time of the visit. The transition characteristics of agricultural landscape patterns as represented in abandoned, degraded farmlands and orchards are analyzed from a local perspective.

Long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on bone mineral density.

In this study, we aimed to identify bone mineral density (BMD) trajectories of hospitalised patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to determine the prognostic role of the trajectory groups. This is a retrospective study of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 treated in our hospital from November 2022 to February 2023. BMD was manually measured from the thoracic 12 (T12) and lumbar one (L1) vertebra using chest computed tomography images. We constructed group trajectory models using group-based trajectory modelling. We performed the logistic regression analysis to associate the BMD trajectory pattern with clinical outcomes. This study included 1767 patients. The mean follow-up time after discharge was 181.5 days (standard deviation (SD) = 9.7). There were 1137 (64.3%) male patients, and more than 80% of patients were aged >60 years. We successfully identified three latent BMD trajectories to reveal the dynamic effects of COVID-19 infection on bone health in patients, namely, the early low-normal decline group, the average, and the early high-rapid decline group. All groups demonstrated consistent overall declining trends. A significant association was observed between BMD trajectory pattern (T12 or L1) and baseline characteristics of sex, age, and penetrating keratoplasty (P < 0.05). Our study showed that the BMD trajectories were significantly associated with mortality. Furthermore, we found that these trajectories were also associated with the length of hospital stay. This study provided evidence for the COVID-19 process to bone health, as well as evidence on strengthening bone health management before and after COVID-19 infection. BMD trajectories may help manage bone health and guide treatment in patients with COVID-19.

Structural modulation in colored polymer bands of methacrylic acid-based frontal polymerization

The periodic colored polymer bands have been investigated in frontal polymerization (FP) reaction containing methacrylic acid (MAA), hydroquinone, Benzoyl peroxide (BP), and N, N Dimethyl aniline (DMA) system. The MAA acts as a monomer, which was diluted adequately with methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), and butanol (BuOH) separately to observe the patterning characteristics in different reaction schemes. The structural modulations that include the periodicity of colored polymer bands, morphological changes, and spacings between two adjacent layers were studied. The colored variations of polymer bands and their dependency on the concentration of BP, hydroquinone and alcoholic compositions have been studied. The highly consistent pink-white colored polymer bands, loosely-packed band structures, and perfectly ordered band structures resulted in MeOH, EtOH, and BuOH systems, respectively, as discussed. The evolution of tiny bubbles and convection-type instability has been observed in different conditions of the FP reactions that significantly affect the planar movement of the polymer fronts. The hot spots, which usually represent the high-temperature regions of a typical frontal surface, have also been demonstrated in all reacting systems, which may cause spin mode propagation of the fronts and change the surface geometry, as described. The materials characterization was carried out using UV–visible spectrophotometer, NMR, FTIR, and FESEM techniques, providing information about the polymer phases involved in band structures, composition, and surface properties. The analytical data and results obtained during the study further emphasized that two different colored polymers, namely 1, 4-dihydroxy anthraquinone methacrylic acid and poly-methacrylic acid dihydroxy, anthraquinone produced simultaneously and crystallized periodically, results in the development of a colored polymer band structures. The possible reactions and associated chemical mechanisms concerning the observations, the nature of the monomer, and solvent characteristics have been proposed, which show a close agreement with the analytical data and results obtained during the study.

Spatiotemporal evolution and development path of healthcare services supply in China

ObjectPromoting the accessibility and equity of healthcare services, as well as enhancing service capacity, are crucial for building a sound healthcare system. Particularly in the past two years of the normalized COVID-19 situation, this issue has garnered widespread attention in the academic community. This study aims to investigate and analyze the characteristics and trends of the spatial-temporal evolution of healthcare service supply levels in China. It also seeks to explore the influencing factors and pathways for development, with the goal of optimizing the allocation of healthcare resources.MethodsThis article uses the entropy weight TOPSIS method combined with Dagum Gini coefficient and Kernel density to evaluate the supply level of healthcare services in 31 provinces and cities in China from 2012 to 2020, and explores its development and spatial pattern characteristics. Then, through Moran index, panel regression model and spatial econometric testing, the spatial correlation problem and its influencing factors are further analyzed, and targeted policy recommendations are proposed based on it, laying the foundation for further promoting the balanced development of healthcare service supply capacity.Results(1) Healthcare services supply levels in various provinces and cities in China have significantly increased, with a shift in spatial distribution from ‘higher in the east and lower in the west’ to ‘convergence between east and west, with lower levels in the central regions.’ (2) Relative differences among regions are narrowing annually, primarily due to interactions between the four regions rather than within each region, with expanding impact of overlapping regions. (3) Absolute differences among regions are also decreasing, moving towards uniformity with a contraction of extension and a restraint on the trend towards multipolarization. (4) Spatial correlation between adjacent regions is weakening, eventually becoming non-significant, with fading spatial effects. (5) The correlation between local economic development, population factors, institutional arrangements, and the current state of supply is significant, and the research design and conclusions remain robust even after thorough consideration of spatial effects. The study explores the development pathways based on the objective existence of regional development and the controllable government actions.ConclusionThe overall level of healthcare service supply in China has improved, but regional differences still exist. The objective level of regional development and the subjective behavior of local governments have a significant impact on the supply of healthcare services. Therefore, it is recommended that each region adapt to local conditions, identify its own strengths and weaknesses, coordinate resource supply and demand, consider the impact of key factors, and optimize the allocation of healthcare development resources.