Continuous Section Research Articles

Automation of development of Win32 desktop applications: Practical approaches and strategies

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of modern approaches to automating the development of Win32 desktop applications using DevOps practices. Given the complexity and growing requirements of desktop applications in today's software industry, automation becomes an essential part of the development process. The article examines key phases such as Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD), which are vital for stream-lining the development lifecycle by automating builds, tests, and deployments. These practices help developers reduce the time spent on manual operations and mitigate the risk of human errors. The Continuous Integration section explores the benefits of setting up automated pipe-lines that compile and build applications whenever new code is committed. Automated tests are run as part of this process to ensure that changes do not introduce bugs or regressions. Continuous Deployment strategies are discussed in detail, with a focus on conditional de-ployment techniques that allow for gradual rollouts to production environments, ensuring stability and performance. Automated testing plays a central role in maintaining the quality and stability of Win32 desktop applications. This paper highlights different types of testing, including unit tests, functional tests, performance tests, and GUI-based tests. The integration of these tests into CI/CD pipelines enables continuous validation of the application throughout its lifecycle, en-suring that any issues are detected early and resolved promptly. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is another crucial topic discussed in the article. The con-cept of IaC allows development teams to automate the creation, configuration, and manage-ment of the infrastructure needed for the development and deployment of Win32 applications. The paper provides an overview of popular IaC tools such as Terraform, Ansible, and Power-Shell DSC, detailing how they can be used to standardize and automate the provisioning of environments across development, testing, and production stages. This automation contrib-utes to increased consistency, repeatability, and efficiency in managing infrastructure. In addition to automation in development and deployment, the article addresses the im-portance of cloud-based storage solutions for Win32 applications. Minio, an open-source, S3-compatible object storage system, is examined as a viable option for storing documents and application data in the cloud. The paper discusses Minio's scalability, reliability, and security features, emphasizing its role in providing efficient, secure, and resilient data storage for desktop applications. Overall, the article outlines how the adoption of DevOps practices, such as CI/CD, au-tomated testing, IaC, and cloud storage solutions, can significantly improve the development process of Win32 desktop applications. By reducing manual intervention and providing ro-bust automation, these practices help teams increase their productivity, ensure higher soft-ware quality, and accelerate time-to-market. This article is targeted at software developers, DevOps engineers, and technical profes-sionals interested in improving their knowledge of automation strategies and applying them to desktop application development. The provided insights and tools offer practical guidance for leveraging DevOps methodologies to streamline workflows and enhance the efficiency of Win32 application development.

Strandless rolling based on four-high modules in stands of continuous section mills

Strandless rolling based on four-high modules in stands of continuous section mills

Silurian–Devonian boundary in Northern Xinjiang, NW China

Silurian–Devonian boundary in Northern Xinjiang, NW China

Features of Consistent Powassan Virus Lineage II Focus in Southern Maine, United States.

Powassan virus lineage II or deer tick virus (DTV) is a rare but increasingly reported human infection in the United States transmitted by Ixodes scapularis ticks. The virus is thought to be maintained in environmental foci that are optimal for tick and vertebrate reservoirs, but details on DTV ecology are poorly understood. We investigated DTV tick infection rates and reservoir host abundance in a focus of consistent DTV activity in Maine, USA. Host and tick abundance, vegetation, and microclimate conditions were measured in three forest sites representing increasing invasive understory infestation. Sites were selected representing native understory, mixed vegetation with some invasive Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), and a highly invasive site dominated by Japanese barberry. Japanese barberry in the mixed vegetation site averaged 1 m in height with space between plants, whereas the highly invasive site had impenetrable Japanese barberry over 1.5 m. The DTV infection rate was greater in the highly invasive site. Density of I. scapularis ticks were significantly lower in the native forest site, and no DTV was found. Another feature of the DTV focus was more stable humid microclimate throughout the year compared with the other sites and a nearby continuous section of forest, consistent with reports from Connecticut, USA. We conclude that invasive Japanese barberry stands provide favorable and consistent microclimate conditions to maintain high DTV infection rates annually among questing I. scapularis ticks. Understanding environmental and landscape features that support high infection rates could lead to the identification of high-risk habitats for contracting DTV.

An Optimized Protocol for Multiple Immunohistochemical Staining of Fragile Tissue Samples.

Owing to the high occurrence of tissue detachment during the sample preparation process, the application of multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) technology is limited in the field of fragile tissue samples, such as tendons, ligaments, and bones. To optimize a method for preparing sections for mIHC on fragile tissue samples, taking the human anterior cruciate ligament as an example, paraffin-embedded continuous sections with a thickness of 4 μm were divided into two groups: baking groups underwent routine section processing, and after being mounted on glass slides, they were baked at 65°C for 4 h, 8 h, or 24 h; ultraviolet (UV) photosensitive cross-linking groups used adhesive-coated slides for mounting and were directly subjected to UV light-induced cross-linking, with the cross-linking time set at 0 s, 20 s, 40 s, 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 4 min, and 5 min, respectively. After deparaffinization and rehydration, we simulated the microwave step, which was most likely to cause tissue detachment during the mIHC experimental procedure, and then, the sections were stained with eosin. Finally, using the optimal cross-linking time selected from the UV cross-linking groups, mIHC staining of tendon and bone tissues was performed. After deparaffinization and rehydration, both groups were able to maintain the integrity of the tissue structure, except for the slides from the UV-sensitive cross-linking 0 s group, which showed complete tissue detachment. Following the seventh microwave treatment, the baking groups presented significant tissue detachment. The UV cross-linking groups were affected by the cross-linking time, and severe tissue detachment occurred with cross-linking times of 20 s, 40 s, and 5 min, whereas the tissues cross-linked for 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, and 4 min all maintained complete tissue morphology and structure. Finally, after 2 min of cross-linking, the results of spectral imaging revealed that the tissue morphology and structure were intact. During the process of mIHC staining, photocrosslinking with UV irradiation for 1-4 min effectively preserves the integrity of the tissue morphological structure.

Automated Mineralogy Analysis of the Apollo 17 73002 Continuous Core Thin Sections Using QEMSCAN Mapping Techniques.

The Apollo 17 73001/73002 double drive tube, collected at the base of the South Massif in the Taurus-Littrow Valley, was opened in 2019 as part of the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis program (ANGSA). A series of continuous thin sections were prepared capturing the full length of the upper portion of the double drive tube (73002). The aim of this study was to use Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by SCANing electron microscopy (QEMSCAN), to search for clasts of non-lunar meteoritic origin and to analyze the mineralogy and textures within the core. By highlighting mineral groups associated with meteoritic origins, we identified 232 clasts of interest. The elemental composition of 33 clasts was analyzed using electron microprobe analysis that revealed that all clasts were of lunar origin, suggesting that any meteoritic component in the regolith material we studied is not present in the form of lithic clasts. In the process of searching for meteorite fragments, we also identified a number of clast types including a group with highly magnesian olivine compositions (Fo92.2-96.5). We extracted raw pixel data to investigate changes in mineralogy with depth, used QEMSCAN processors to separate and group individual clasts based on mineralogy, and determined variations in particle size with depth. Our results show a decreasing abundance of glass and agglutinate clasts with depth, associated with a higher soil maturity in the upper portion of the core. The lack of stratigraphy and dominance of non-mare clasts is consistent with the landslide origin of the material from the South Massif.

Analysis of the biodrying and biostabilization efficiency of a continuous flow full-scale facility

The technological solution adopted for aerobic treatment of Waste Organic Fraction (WOF) can influence the evolution of the physical parameters of the process making the facility acting as a biostabilization or a biodrying system. In the present study, the continuous flow biological section of the full-scale mechanical biological treatment plant was experimentally investigated by means of evolution, during treatment period (day), of temperature (T) (° C), volatile solids (VS) (%TS) and oxygen uptake of the WOF under treatment. Oxygen uptake was measured by the Dynamic Respirometer Index Potential (DRIP) (mgO2/kgVSh). Main findings were that T (° C) and VS %TS remained quite constant among inlets and outlets of the biological treatment sections, about 70° C and 50 (%TS), respectively. DRIP (mgO2/kgVSh) values measured by several samples withdrawn along the basin width increased significantly in the first half portion of the basin of the aerobic section, remaining quite constant in the second half. This was mainly caused by the strong moisture reduction that rapidly achieved values lower than 40% causing inhibition to microbial activity. The simulation model developed in this work showed that the mean retention time (day) of the WOF inside the aerobic basin was about 14-16 days, this parameter being strongly influenced by the WOF inlet rate (tonnes/day). Finally, experimental evidence pointed out that the reduction of WOF DRIP (mgO2/kgVSh) stopped after the first days of treatment indicating that the facility operates mainly as biodrying system. Based on simulations, biostabilization can also be pursued by maintaining the moisture of WOF to proper values not lower than 40 (% w/w).

Rutting extraction from vehicle-borne laser point clouds

Rutting extraction from vehicle-borne laser point clouds

Free vibrations of a Continuous-discrete multi-span Beam taking into account inertial Rotation Forces

Objective. The aim of the study is to estimate free vibrations of a continuousdiscrete multi-span beam taking into account the inertial forces of rotation. The goal is to determine the spectra of natural frequencies, damping coefficients and natural modes. Method. The study is based on the methods of linear mechanics of structures; numerical and numericalanalytical calculation methods. The solution to the problem is found using the method of separation of variables. Rotational movements of particles of continuous sections are taken into account according to one of the models of the Timoshenko beam. The D'Alembert principle and hypotheses on the smallness of displacements and angles of rotation of sections are used. Result. A system of equations in matrix-vector form is obtained. The mathematical model of transverse vibrations consists of three systems of differential equations. The equation includes transverse forces, external concentrated forces, d'Alembert inertial forcesi, and linear-viscous resistance forces. The inertial forces of rotation of concentrated masses are taken into account. The boundary and other additional conditions to the equations correspond to the calculation scheme. The left end of the beam is hinged. The conjugation conditions are met at the junction of the sections. Conclusions. This random process of disturbances is very close to the processes used in deterministic problems. The amplitudes and standard deviations of displacements in the deterministic and stochastic problems almost coincide, which confirms the reliability of the proposed calculation theory. Analysis of the curves shows that the standard deviations significantly depend on the degree of correlation of the components of the vector random process of disturbances. The use of modern computing computer systems such as Matlab allows us to successfully combine the advantages of both numerical and graphical methods.

Additive manufacturing of continuous wave and pulsed wave L-PBF Ti64 thin cross sections

Additive manufacturing of continuous wave and pulsed wave L-PBF Ti64 thin cross sections

Managing a potential conflict between the protection of geological sites and the need to safeguard essential road infrastructure: the Coverack North Coast Protection Scheme and palaeo-Moho in Cornwall, UK

In alignment with the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Shoreline Management Plan (SMP2), adopted by Cornwall Council, the Coverack North Coast Protection Scheme comprised the construction of a c. 125 m-long rock armour revetment, and 55 m-long retaining wall, at Coverack Cove on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, UK. This was to prevent sea erosion impacting vehicle access via the B3294, the main public highway into Coverack. The site of the proposed works on Coverack Beach is part of a Natural England designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geology, specifically the exposure on the foreshore of an almost continuous cross-section of a palaeo-Moho, the former boundary between the Earth's crust and underlying mantle. Following a period of consultation, a set of management proposals and mitigation measures were agreed with Natural England and Cornwall Council to protect and offset the impact of the proposed works on the SSSI asset. It can be difficult to reconcile the issue of protecting communities from coastal erosion and ensuring the protection of geological assets. However, this can be mitigated if a balanced approach is adopted, and the work is sensitively managed to offset the impact of coastal protection schemes such as this.

Iskar Gorge and Ledenika cave - a brief overview

The Late Paleozoic and Mesozoic sequences in the Svoge, West Balkan and Fore-Balkan units (Western Bulgaria) are exposed in eight points. Most of the points are within the area of the Iskar Gorge. At point 1, SE of the village of Redina on the road to Svoge, the rocks of the Late Carboniferous Svoge Formation can be observed – terrigenous sediments of alluvial-limnic character with preserved megaflora. Triassic and Jurassic sequences are traced in the area of point 2 near the village of Zasele. Point 3 is in Triassic sediments and provides a view from the east of the Upper Carboniferous diorites of the Petrohan intrusion. Karst processes are developed in some sections of the Iskar Gorge and caves of different sizes can be seen. One of them is the Temnata Dupka Cave (point 4), which is formed in the Middle Triassic rocks of the Iskar Carbonate Group. In the area of the village of Cherepish (point 5), the lower part of the Lower Cretaceous Vratsa Urgonian Group (Cherepish Formation) is exposed. The upper level of the Vratsa Urgonian Group can be traced in the next point 6, where the geological phenomenon Ritlite (Lyutibrod Formation) is situated. In the area of the village of Chelopek (point 7), a continuous section between the Cretaceous and Paleogene is observed. Southwest of Vratsa, at point 8, the Ledenika Cave is revealed, located in the Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous carbonate sediments of the Gintsi Formation.

Enhanced measurement and optimization of railway profile parameters for large tamping machine operations

Abstract In the realm of modern railway maintenance, the employment of large tamping machine for the enhancement of track geometry and elasticity, and the minimization of disturbance to the roadbed, has become a key operational approach. However, factors such as repeated load applications, changes in topography and geology, and ongoing maintenance activities have been known to cause significant deviations of the actual track location from its original design. These deviations present challenges, such as increased construction difficulty and workload, during tamping operations predicated on the original design. Moreover, methods based on manual intervention have rendered large machine maintenance operations inefficient. In this paper, an optimisation method for railway profile parameters suitable for large tamping machine operations is proposed. The method integrates the total least squares method and the direct search method, enabling the accurate fitting of slope segments preceding and following the slope change points and the alignment of circular curve segments to determine the optimal curve radius. Consequently, optimised profile parameters for the continuous track section are obtained. Focusing on the Beijing–Guangzhou line, the operational efficacy of the proposed optimisation method is compared with that of the artificial slope method. The results showed that the proposed optimisation method is not only more accurate and efficient but also adheres to the principle of ‘prefer lifting rather than descending’ of the railways. The method further provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the optimisation of railway profile, underscoring the potential for improved maintenance efficiency and enhanced safety in train operations.

Actinopterygians from the continental Permian–Triassic boundary section at Babiy Kamen (Kuznetsk Basin, Siberia, Russia)

Actinopterygians from the continental Permian–Triassic boundary section at Babiy Kamen (Kuznetsk Basin, Siberia, Russia)

Deep learning-based hyperspectral technique identifies metastatic lymph nodes in oral squamous cell carcinoma-A pilot study.

To establish a system based on hyperspectral imaging and deep learning for the detection of cancer cells in metastatic lymph nodes. The continuous sections of metastatic lymph nodes from 45 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients were collected. An improved ResUNet algorithm was established for deep learning to analyze the spectral curve differences between cancer cells and lymphocytes, and that between tumor tissue and normal tissue. It was found that cancer cells, lymphocytes, and erythrocytes in the metastatic lymph nodes could be distinguished basing hyperspectral image, with overall accuracy (OA) as 87.30% and average accuracy (AA) as 85.46%. Cancerous area could be recognized by hyperspectral image and deep learning, and the average intersection over union (IOU) and accuracy were 0.6253 and 0.7692, respectively. This study indicated that deep learning-based hyperspectral techniques can identify tumor tissue in OSCC metastatic lymph nodes, achieving high accuracy of pathological diagnosis, high work efficiency, and reducing work burden. But these are preliminary results limited to a small sample.

Analysis of tumor regression after concurrent radiochemotherapy for locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the pathological characteristics of tumor regression and the expression level of chemoradiotherapy resistance-related molecular markers after preoperative concurrent radiochemotherapy in patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: The clinical data of 44 patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma who underwent preoperative concurrent radiochemotherapy in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery of Shandong Otolaryngology Hospital from August 2016 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received preoperative concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After radiochemotherapy, electronic laryngoscopy and imaging examination were performed to assess the tumor regression status. After 4 weeks, surgical resection was performed, and the specimens of the primary focus were processed as continuous pathological sections. After operation, HE staining and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method were used to detect the distribution characteristics and apoptosis of the remaining cancer focus, and immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the proliferation of the remaining cancer focus and the expression of radiation resistance-related molecular markers [signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α), sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), and P53]. Results: A total of 44 patients were included, all of whom were male, with a mean age of (58.3±3.5) years. There were 40 cases of pyriform sinus carcinoma and 4 cases of posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma. Twenty-nine cases were in stage T3 and 15 cases were in stage T4. There were 6 stage Ⅲ cases and 38 stage Ⅳ cases. According to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST), 13 patients achieved complete response (CR), 22 patients had partial response (PR), and 9 patients achieved stable disease (SD) after concurrent radiochemotherapy. The primary lesion resection methods included 19 cases of hypopharyngeal circumferential resection and 2 cases of total laryngectomy and partial hypopharyngeal resection. Twenty-three cases underwent supracricoid cartilage subtotal laryngectomy cricoid tongue fixation (CHP). Among 22 patients with PR, 10 had large PR (remission rate ≥70%) and 12 had small PR (remission rate <70%). The residual tumor was found in 30 patients (68.2%) after resection of all primary lesions by HE staining of pathological sections, of which 3 patients (3/13) with CR had residual cancer, all of which were focal residues. In large PR patients, residual cancer was detected in 6 cases (6/10), scattered in 4 cases, and focal residual in 2 cases, respectively. Large residual tumors were detected in small PR and SD patients. TUNEL method did not show any sign of apoptosis in 30 specimens with residual cancer focus, and the positive expression rate of Ki-67 was less than 10%. The expression of STAT3 (3.40±2.49 vs 5.23±3.02, t=-2.932, P=0.007) in 19 cases (63.3%) and HIF-1α (3.73±2.66 vs 6.97±3.05, t=-4.45, P<0.001) in 22 cases (73.3%) of residual cancer were significantly higher than those before radiochemotherapy. Other molecular markers showed no significant changes. All patients were followed up for 3 years. The 2-year survival rate was 59.3%, and the 3-year survival rate was 54.1%. Conclusions: Preoperative radiochemotherapy can make some patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma achieve complete or significant remission in clinical evaluation, but pathological detection still shows some residual cancer lesions with enhanced anti-apoptosis ability and decreased proliferation activity.

A revision of the Carnian/Norian boundary radiolarian assemblages: Insight from the biostratigraphic record of the Norian GSSP, Pizzo Mondello section (Sicily, Italy)

A revision of the Carnian/Norian boundary radiolarian assemblages: Insight from the biostratigraphic record of the Norian GSSP, Pizzo Mondello section (Sicily, Italy)

Design and Effect Evaluation of a Hydrogen–Natural Gas Mixing Device at Jingbian Compressor Station

Abstract Hydrogen gas is an environmentally friendly alternative energy source with zero emissions, making it highly valuable for replacing fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions. One effective method of transporting hydrogen gas is by injecting it into existing natural gas pipelines. In this research, we focus on the Jingbian compressor station. This station is used for hydrogenation, blending hydrogen with the natural gas flowing through the pipelines. We propose a suitable process for hydrogen blending and design a mixing device to facilitate this process. To evaluate the mixing effect of the blended gas, we conducted numerical simulations to analyze the velocity and concentration distribution along the continuous section of the hydrogen blending pipeline. The results indicated that achieving a hydrogen branch length of 1/2 the diameter of the natural gas main pipe and a hydrogen flowrate of 10% resulted in a nonuniformity of hydrogen concentration at L = 30D of less than 0.05. Furthermore, when the hydrogen concentration was set at 3%, 10%, and 30%, the hydrogen concentration in the cross section of the pipe gradually approached the expected concentration as the mixed gas flowed. It is worth noting that during transportation of hydrogen-containing natural gas to the outlet, the velocity distribution on the cross section remained asymmetric, potentially leading to measurement errors. However, the use of a flow conditioner resulted in a further reduction in hydrogen nonuniformity and minimized velocity fluctuations, resulting in a small and uniformly distributed flow, which is advantageous for accurate measurement and transportation purposes.

Continuity of inner-outer factorization and cross sections from invariant subspaces to inner functions

Continuity of inner-outer factorization and cross sections from invariant subspaces to inner functions

Abstract 2035: In-Depth Analysis Of Tibial Artery Calcification Through Microct And Histology

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) impacts over 200 million people worldwide. It is traditionally linked to atherosclerotic calcification, or intima arterial calcification (IAC). Recent findings emphasize the role of medial arterial calcification (MAC). Current studies have identified some factors in MAC and IAC, however, a comprehensive understanding of their distinct features and pathogenesis is lacking. This study addresses this gap by examining tibial arteries from PAD patients post-amputation. We characterized the calcification using microCT and histology. Methods: Human tibial arteries were obtained from PAD patients post amputation, and segmented into posterior, anterior, and peroneal arteries. The arteries were dissected, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, and stained with iodine. High-resolution microCT images were captured using a Scanco μCT40, and 3D models were reconstructed by ImageJ and Slicer3D. The samples were then processed for histological analysis, including Hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) stain and Alizarin red staining. Results: The study design is shown in Fig. A, featuring the serial dissection of a posterior artery as an example. The microCT scan protocol is designed for imaging continuous sections under a specific orientation. The 3D models enable a comprehensive assessment of calcification and quantification for distinct categorization, and the peroneal artery showed the least calcified lesions (*P&lt;0.05, ***P&lt;0.001; Fig. B &amp; C). MAC/IAC or co-existing lesions were characterized by cross-sectional images and H&amp;E staining. The results indicated a predominance of MAC in the highly calcified group, comprising over 98% of the entire tissue (Fig. D &amp; E). Conclusions: We characterized calcified lesions in tibial arteries by microCT and histology. Calcification categories were determined through 3D models. Histology and cross-section images enabled the assessment and quantification of MAC/IAC or co-existing lesions.