Curvature Index Research Articles

Local stability and long distance reliability of tongue ultrasound spline metrics

Tongue ultrasound data arecommonly analyzed by using different metrics. In this study, we evaluate the local stability and long distance reliability of Average Nearest Neighbour Distance (Zharkova and Hewlett, 2009), Median Point-by-Point Distance (Palo, 2020), Procrustes analysis and Modified Curvature Index (Dawson et al., 2015). A metric which has good local stability should map a time-series of splines to a smooth scalar (or vector) time-series and not be very sensitive to small errors in the splining. Similarly, a metric with good long distance reliability should differentiate dissimilar tongue contours—such as different phoneme targets—reliably and without small splining errors significantly affecting the results. We test the metrics with simulated data generated from actual spline data. First, we select keyframes at phoneme target positions. Second, we vary the sampling frequency artificially by interpolating the splines between the keyframes. Third, we vary the level of splining noise by adding small perturbations to the splines at varying magnitudes and frequencies. Based on the simulation results, we will calculate the distributions of each of the metrics as conditioned by sampling frequency and noise level. The code and simulation data will be publicly available.

Preoperative Range of Motion in Extension May Influence Postoperative Cervical Kyphosis After Laminoplasty.

Retrospective observational study. The objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with cervical kyphosis after laminoplasty. Many factors are reportedly associated with the deterioration of cervical curvature after laminoplasty, including cervical lordosis angle, cervical spine range of motion (ROM), T1 slope, and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis. Postlaminoplasty kyphosis or deterioration of cervical curvature is likely caused by multiple factors. There is currently no consensus on these issues. Data of patients treated with laminoplasty for degenerative cervical myelopathy at our institution during 2008-2018 were reviewed. The following variables were collected for each patient: age and sex; follow-up time; surgery involving C3 (yes or no); surgery involving C7 (yes or no); distribution of segments operated on; number of laminae operated on; flexion, extension, and total ROM; cervical lordotic angle; longitudinal distance index; curvature index; C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis; and T1 slope. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess possible risk factors for postoperative kyphosis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the cutoff values of risk factors. The study cohort comprised 151 patients. Logistic regression analysis indicated that sex, number of laminae operated on, and preoperative extension ROM were significantly associated with postoperative cervical kyphosis ( P <0.05). There was significantly greater postoperative kyphosis in women than in men; the more segments operated on, the greater the risk of postoperative kyphosis, and the larger the preoperative extension ROM, the lower the risk of postlaminoplasty kyphosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the cutoff value for preoperative extension ROM is 22.1°. Preoperative extension ROM may be associated with the development of postoperative kyphosis. The cutoff value of preoperative extension ROM that suggested the prospect of postoperative kyphosis in our sample was 22.1°.

Laminoplasty Versus Laminectomy and Fusion in the Surgery Approach for Multilevel Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Current Perspective and Meta-Analysis

Background: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a clinical disease which characterized by degeneration of the intervertebral discs and nearby spinal structures. The goal of this study is to compare laminoplasty (LP) versus laminectomy and fusion (LF) for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) in terms of clinical safety and effectiveness. Methods: This study is a meta-analysis from randomized and non-randomized control study. The database being used were PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Registry, and Embase. The authors extensively searched the relevant papers comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of LF and LP for the therapy of multilayer CSM. The outcome measures recorded were visual analog scale (VAS), cervical curvature index (CCI), The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, Nurich grade, reoperation rate, complications, and rate of nerve palsies. The analysis were performed by using RevMan 5.3. Results: Our meta-analysis includes a total of 14 papers. The pooled mean difference between LF and LP was insignificant in terms of VAS of neck pain (p=0.54), post-operative CCI (p=0.24), JOA score (p=0.29), Nurich grade (p=0.16) and reoperation rate (p=0.21). The complication and nerve palsies rate was higher in LF group compared to LP group (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.85, 3.64, I2=26%, P &lt; .00001) and (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.66, 6.11, I2=47%, P=.0005) respectively. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that the majority of clinical outcomes for surgical treatments of multilevel CSM utilizing LF and LP are comparable. However, it was discovered that LP was superior compared to LF in terms of nerve palsy rate. This needs additional validation and research in more extensive sample-size and randomized studies.

LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY MAPPING USING MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS STUDY CASE AL HOCEIMA REGION, NORTHERN MOROCCO

Abstract. Landslides are one of the most dangerous natural disasters worldwide. Al Hoceima region, Part of the Moroccan mountain chain of the Rif is not an exception, since it’s dominated by relatively young reliefs and marked by its dynamics compared to other regions. The main goal of this study is to assess the performance of Machine learning algorithms and identify the optimal method for the mapping of the area susceptible to landslides, in Al Hoceima city and its periphery, The current study aimed at evaluating the capabilities of six advanced machine learning algorithms including, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Naïve Bayes (NB), XGBoost (XGB) and Logistic Regression (LR). A total of 114 landslides were mapped from various sources. 70% of this database was used for model building and 30% for validation. Ten landslide factors are selected to detect the most sensitive areas: altitude, slope, aspect, distance to faults, distance from roads, lithology, curvature, plan curvature, profile curvature, and vegetation index (NDVI). The outcome of the landslide susceptibility analysis was verified using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and precision-recall curves (PRC), acknowledging XGBoost and Random Forest as the optimal methods with AUCROC (96% and 95.5% accordingly), a severe imbalanced classification was detected by the PRC, solved by undersampling the majority class, to obtain major improvement in models performance according to AUCPRC (from 40% to 87% for XGBoost) and slight decrease according to AUCROC (from 96% to 94% for XGBoost). The outcome of this study and the landslide susceptibility maps would be useful for environmental, economic, and social protection and to help formulate suggestions for optimizing landslide risk assessment in areas exposed to this phenomenon.

Spectral Reflectance Indices’ Performance to Identify Seawater Salinity Tolerance in Bread Wheat Genotypes Using Genotype by Yield*Trait Biplot Approach

Salinity stress harms crop yield and productivity worldwide. This study aimed to identify genotypes with higher grain yield and/or salinity tolerance from forty bread wheat genotypes evaluated under seawater diluted at 4.0, 8.0, or 12.0 dS/m or control (0.4 dS/m) in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons. Six elite genotypes, namely 6, 16, 31, 33, 34, and 36, were chosen and tested in a lysimeter under diluted seawater stress in 2020/21. The results showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) among the genotypes for the traits grain yield (GY), harvest index (HI), chlorophyll content index (CCI), chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm, and their interaction with salinity treatments. Additionally, significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were detected among ten genotypes for all agronomic traits along with spectral reflectance indices (SRI), e.g., curvature index (CI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), triangular vegetation index (TVI), modified chlorophyll absorption reflectance index (MCARI), and their interaction with salinity treatments. Genotype by traits (GT) and genotype by yield*trait (GYT) biplots are useful for genotypes screening and selection based on grain yield and other associated traits (agronomic, physiological traits, and spectral reflectance indices combinations) as well as genotypes by stress tolerance indices (GSTI). In conclusion, this study identified that genotypes 6, 16, 31, 33, 34, and 36 in the 2019/20 season and genotypes 2 and 1 performed better than Kharchia 65 and Sakha 8 in the 2020/21 season, which detected as superior genotypes and might be recommended for sowing and/or inclusion in the breeding program in salt-affected soils. It was possible to draw the conclusion that spectral reflectance indices were efficient at identifying genotypic variance.

Bioconvection flow of Cross nanofluid due to cylinder with activation energy and second order slip features

Owing to the admirable thermal features of nanofluids, different applications of nanomaterials are reported in thermal engineering, solar systems, industrial processes, cooling processes etc. The aim of this research is to communicates the thermal impact of cross nanofluid with applications of bioconvection phenomenon. The additional thermal impact of radiated phenomenon, activation energy and viscous dissipation is endorsed. The stretching cylinder induced the flow. The interaction of new variables presents the dimensionless form of the problem. The numerical simulations are performed with implementation of finite difference method by using bvp4c code. The graphical framework for flow parameters is evaluated. It is observed that velocity profile increase for curvature index and curvature parameter. The velocity profile reduces with interaction of first order slip parameter. The enhanced thermal impact of heat transfer due to Biot number is noticed.

A correlational study between microstructural, macrostructural and functional age-related changes in the human visual cortex.

Age-related changes in the human brain can be investigated from either structural or functional perspectives. Analysis of structural and functional age-related changes throughout the lifespan may help to understand the normal brain development process and monitor the structural and functional pathology of the brain. This study, combining dedicated electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approaches in adults (20-78 years), highlights the complex relationship between micro/macrostructural properties and the functional responses to visual stimuli. Here, we aimed to relate age-related changes of the latency of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to micro/macrostructural indexes and find any correlation between micro/macrostructural features, as well. We studied age-related structural changes in the brain, by using the MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) as preferred imaging methods for extracting brain macrostructural parameters such as the cortical thickness, surface area, folding and curvature index, gray matter volume, and microstructural parameters such as mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD). All the mentioned features were significantly correlated with age in V1 and V2 regions of the visual cortex. Furthermore, we highlighted, negative correlations between structural features extracted from T1-weighted images and DWI. The latency and amplitude of the three dominants peaks (C1, P1, N1) of the VEP were considered as the brain functional features to be examined for correlation with age and structural features of the corresponding age. We observed significant correlations between mean C1 latency and GM volume averaged in V1 and V2. In hierarchical regression analysis, the structural index did not contribute to significant variance in the C1 latency after regressing out the effect of age. However, the age explained significant variance in the model after regressing out the effect of structural feature.

Delineation of potential groundwater recharge zones using remote sensing, GIS, and AHP approaches

Groundwater resource plays a critical role in economic development, human health, and ecological diversity. Groundwater exploration has gained much prominence recently due to the rapid nature of geographic information systems and their ability to provide initial information on resources. Present study focuses on delination potential groundwater zones in Mulshi Taluka, Pune district, India, using remote sensing, GIS, and Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP). Geomorphology, geology, slope, drainage density, rainfall, landuse/landcover, lineament density, soil, Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), curvature, and Topographic wetness index (TWI) were used for delineation of the groundwater recharge zones. All thematic maps were weighted using the AHP method according to their characteristics and water potential. The final groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) map was divided into five categories, viz., very low (4%), low (25%), moderate (45%), high (18%), and very high (8%) zones, respectively. The final map identifies 4% of area under a very high recharge zone with natural infiltration ability. The region's central, southern, and western regions account for 80% of the study area's recharge potential. Finally, groundwater fluctuation data was used to verify the accuracy of the GWPZ map through receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC). The AUC score for the AHP technique reveals 80.4% accuracy. Local and government authorities can use the study findings to effectively plan and manage groundwater development.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, open-door laminoplasty, or laminectomy with fusion: Which is the better treatment for four-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy?

Four-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common disease affecting a large number of people, with the optimal surgical strategy remaining controversial. This study compared the clinical outcomes, radiological parameters, and postoperative complications of primarily performed surgical procedures such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), open-door laminoplasty (LAMP), and laminectomy with fusion (LF) in treating four-level CSM. A total of 116 patients who received ACDF (38 cases), LAMP (45 cases), and LF (33 cases) were followed up for a minimum of 24 months were enrolled in this study and retrospectively analyzed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Changes in the curvature of the cervical spine were determined using the cervical curvature index (CCI) and the C2-C7 Cobb angle. Cervical mobility was evaluated using the C2-C7 range of motion (ROM) and active cervical ROM (aROM). Complications were recorded and compared among the three groups. All patients achieved significant improvement in JOA, NDI, and VAS scores at the final follow-up (P < 0.05), whereas no remarkable difference was found among the groups (P > 0.05). In addition, both C2-7 ROM and aROM were significantly reduced in the three groups and LAMP showed the least reduction relatively. As for complications, LAMP showed the lowest overall incidence of postoperative complications, and patients in the ACDF group were more susceptible to dysphagia, pseudoarthrosis than LAMP and LF. Considering improvements in clinical symptoms and neurological function, no remarkable difference was found among the groups. Nevertheless, LAMP had advantages over the other two surgical procedures in terms of preserving cervical mobility and reducing postoperative complications.

Association between Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter and Lamina Cribrosa Morphology in Normal-Tension Glaucoma.

(1) Background: To compare optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and healthy eyes and to investigate the association between ONSD and lamina cribrosa (LC) morphology. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study included 69 NTG eyes and 69 healthy eyes matched for age, axial length, and intraocular pressure. The LC curvature index (LCCI) was measured from horizontal Cirrus HD-OCT B-scan images from five uniformly divided positions vertically of the optic nerve. The average LCCI was defined as the mean of the measurements at these five locations. ONSD was measured as the width of the optic nerve sheath at the site perpendicular 3 mm behind the posterior globe. LCCI and ONSD were compared in eyes with NTG and healthy eyes. The clinical factors that could affect LCCI were analyzed. (3) Results: NTG eyes had significantly smaller mean ONSD (4.55 ± 0.69 mm vs. 4.97 ± 0.58 mm, p < 0.001) and larger average LCCI (11.61 ± 1.43 vs. 7.58 ± 0.90, p < 0.001) than matched healthy control eyes. LCCI was significantly correlated with smaller ONSD, higher intraocular pressure, thinner global retinal nerve fiber thickness, and worse visual field loss in all subjects (all Ps ≤ 0.022). (4) Conclusions: NTG eyes had smaller ONSD and greater LCCI than healthy control eyes. In addition, a negative correlation was observed between ONSD and LCCI. These findings suggest that cerebrospinal fluid pressure, which ONSD indirectly predicts, may affect LC configuration. Changes in the retrolaminar compartment may play a role in glaucoma pathogenesis.

Clinically Relevant Morphometry of Sacral Hiatus and Morphology of Sacrum.

To outline the variations in morphology and a few clinically relevant morphometric parameters of the sacral hiatus. The study included 50 dry human sacra, of unspecified sex, in the Department of Anatomy at a medical college in South India. The sex was determined using the sacral, auricular and curvature index. The variations and morphometry of the sacra were documented and tabulated. It was observed that the inverted U shape of sacral hiatus was common in both males (n=24) and females (n=26). There was one female sacrum with complete dorsal wall agenesis. In males, the length of the apex of sacral hiatus from 1st sacral spine was 5.82 cm ± 1.27 and in females, it was 6.02 cm ± 1.08. Sacral hiatus depth in males was 0.56 cm ± 0.16 and in females 0.54 cm ± 0.14. The width of sacral hiatus at the cornua in males was 1.42 cm ± 0.29 and in females, it was 1.46 cm ± 0.38 CONCLUSION: Knowledge of incidences of variations in the morphology and morphometry of the sacral hiatus across various population groups is paramount for the success and reliability of epidural anesthesia. The success rate of such procedures depends on the clinicians' understanding of the discrepancy in the sacral hiatus.

Seismic Vulnerability Analysis of Continuous Beam Bridge Based on Multivariate Copula Function

To solve the problem of low accuracy caused by only a single typical component which is selected to represent the overall vulnerability in the traditional analysis, continuous beam bridge is assumed as a ternary system composed of pier, abutment bearing and pier bearing. The damage degree of corresponding components is quantified by pier end curvature or damage index based on elastic-plastic energy dissipation difference and bearing displacement, and then the vulnerability analysis of components is carried out. Multivariate Copula function was introduced. On the basis of calculating the vulnerability curve of the main components, the method to solving the seismic vulnerability of the ternary component system was established.

PERBANDINGAN METODE MULTIPLE LINEAR REGRESSION (MLR) DAN REGRESSION KRIGING (RK) DALAM PEMETAAN KETEBALAN TANAH DIGITAL

Soil thickness has a significant influence on many of earth surface processes, and it can be mapped using various methods. Digital soil mapping can be used to estimate the spatial distribution of soil thickness and can estimate the uncertainty of the soil prediction map. Digital soil mapping using regression methods such as Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Regression Krigging (RK) was used to estimate soil thickness of the slope of Bener Reservoir. Bener Dam is a national strategic project which is built for irrigation to improve farming quantity. The aim of this research was to determine the spatial variation of the soil thickness at the slope of Bener Reservoir. The accuracy of MLR and RK were compared to select the best soil thickness prediction. There were 212 and 53 soil thickness samples from fieldwork which were used for data training and testing, respectively. There were 5 environmental variables such as elevation, distance from river, slope, plan curvature, and topographic wetness index. R programming language with gstat, krige, and stats Packages was employed for MLR and RK prediction. The result showed that KR is more accurate than MLR.

Intra- and Interrater Agreement of Face Esthetic Analysis in 3D Face Images.

The use of three-dimensional (3D) facial scans for facial analysis is increasing in maxillofacial treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the consistency of two-dimensional (2D) and 3D facial analyses performed by multiple raters. Six men and four women (25-36-year-old) participated in this study. The 2D images of the smiling and resting faces in the frontal and sagittal planes were obtained. The 3D facial and intraoral scans were merged to generate virtual 3D faces. Ten clinicians performed facial analyses by investigating 14 indices of 2D and 3D faces. Intra- and interrater agreements of the results of 2D and 3D facial analyses within and among the participants were evaluated. The intrarater agreement between the 2D and 3D facial analyses varied according to the indices. The highest and lowest agreements were found for the dental crowding index (0.94) and smile line curvature index (0.56) in the frontal plane, and Angle's classification (canine) index (0.98) and occlusal plane angle index (0.55) in the profile plane. In the frontal plane, the interrater agreements were generally higher for the 3D images than for the 2D images, while in the profile plane, the interrater agreements were high in the Angle's classification (canine) index however low in the other indices. Several occlusion-related indices were missing in the 2D images because the posterior teeth were not observed. Esthetic analysis results between 2D and 3D face images can differ according to the evaluation indices. The use of 3D faces is recommended over 2D images to increase the reliability of facial analyses, as it can fully assess both esthetic and occlusion-related indices.

Non Linear Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Column Strengthened by Reinforced Concrete Jacketing with High Strength Steel

The strengthening column structure elements with reinforced concrete jacketing were chosen in this study because it is the most common and easy to apply practically to existing column structures. Modeling data using test specimens from Ersoy et. al by adhering to constitutive models of concrete materials from Attard and Stunge and Bilinear steel. The purpose is to perform non-linear analysis modeling through the behavior of the section of the RC column reinforced with RC jacket by taking into account the influence of interface slip and initial strain by using a two-dimensional sectional analysis approach with a fiber-based method made using MATLAB. Non-linear analysis was performed to obtain the moment-curvature relationship and validate the modeling results with the experimental model then make modeling variations based on the variations high strength steel reinforcement and evaluate the results in curvature ductility and index ductility. The prediction results showed a fairly good fit with the experimental results and modeling variations showed that the greater value of interface slip coefficient, the higher the curvature ductility and index ductility, the variation modeling using high-strength steel in longitudinal reinforcement can increase flexural, axial and lateral capacity, but it is lower in ductility, while using normal strength steel for longitudinal reinforcement and high strength steel for lateral reinforcement with tighter spacing provides higher ductility.

Determination of Intermolecular Interactions of Nicotinamide Liganded Complexes of Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) 4-Formilbenzoates by Hirshfeld Surface Analysis and Investigation of Interaction Energies.

CrystalExplorer program is a program that has been used frequently in the field of theoretical chemistry in recent years and its popularity has increased. First of all, Hirshfeld surface analysis of molecules can be done in this program. Thanks to Hirshfeld surface analysis, intermolecular interactions and their contributions to the crystal surface can be determined. In this study, Hirshfeld surface analyzes and energy frameworks of nicotinamide complexes of Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) 4-formylbenzoate were investigated. Dnorm index, shape index, curvature index and 2D fingerprint graphs were examined for all complexes. In addition, the intermolecular interaction energies of the complexes were calculated using the CE-B3LYP/6-31G (d,p) and CEHF/3-21G energy models. As a result of all these, it was seen that the most important interaction in the four isostructured complexes was H...H interactions.&#x0D; According to Hirshfeld surface analysis and energy frameworks, O-H...O and N-H...O hydrogen bonds and π•••π stacking and C−H••π interaction energies are seen as the most important interaction types in the crystal structure.

A comparative analysis of segmentectomy-aswere medicated withinsociated factors influencing bronchial tortuosity in early-stage left upper lung cancer.

Several studies of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have reported a notable therapeutic effect of segmentectomy. However, the secondary benefits of lung volume preservation remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential benefits of segmentectomy, in terms of its impact on postoperative bronchial change. Patients who underwent left-sided upper lobectomy and upper division segmentectomy for pStage 0-IA2 NSCLC, were retrospectively analyzed. Degree of the left main bronchial deviation was measured by the curvature index (CI), determined using computed tomography. Variables, including CI value and postoperative rate of change in CI were compared for postoperative cough management the lobectomy and segmentectomy groups. Sixty-seven patients were reviewed. Thirty-seven and 30 patients underwent lobectomy and segmentectomy, respectively, without any significant differences in baseline and surgical variables. The 5-year overall survival rates in the lobectomy and segmentectomy groups were 86.7 and 95.2%, respectively (p = 0.437). While there was no significant difference in postoperative complications, the rate of change in CI was significantly higher in the lobectomy group than in the segmentectomy group (113 vs. 106%, p = 0.005). In addition, the analysis based on postoperative cough reveals the rate of change in CI to be significantly higher in patients requiring medical treatment (p = 0.005). Conclusions Left upper division segmentectomy provides satisfactory treatment and relief of postoperative bronchial tortuosity. Our study suggests that there is a possibility the mitigation of environmental changes in the thoracic cavity may reduce symptoms, thus contributing to an improved quality of life.

Posture correction in children 11-12 years old by means of swimming with elements of aquafitness

The article is devoted to the justification of the use of a physical therapy program using swimming equipment to improve the physical condition of children aged 11-12 years with postural disorders. The relevance of the study is due to the critical sharp increase in the incidence of disease among children all over the world, in particular, in Ukraine in recent years. The evaluation method was the measurement of Moshkov's rhombus, acromial, digital, iliac crest and lower angles of the scapula of the point. According to the results of the study, it was found that among boys aged 11-12 years under the influence of classes under the rehabilitation program using swimming equipment with elements of aquafitness, the number of people with an index of vertical curvature of the spine of 100.0-90.0% increased by 30.77%, among girls - by 38.46%. At the same time, the number of persons with a spine curvature index of 79.9-70.0% in the main groups of boys and girls decreased significantly compared to the control groups. The feasibility of using the proposed program of complex rehabilitation with the use of swimming equipment with the use of elements of aquafitness was proven due to a significant improvement in the indicators of posture assessment in the studied children 11-12 years old.

Soil quality estimation using environmental covariates and predictive models: an example from tropical soils of Nigeria

BackgroundInformation addressing soil quality in developing countries often depends on results from small experimental plots, which are later extrapolated to vast areas of agricultural land. This approach often results in misinformation to end-users of land for sustainable soil nutrient management. The objective of this study was to estimate the spatial variability of soil quality index (SQI) at regional scale with predictive models using soil–environmental covariates.MethodsA total of 110 composite soil samples (0–30 cm depth) were collected by stratified random sampling schemes at 2–5 km intervals across the Cross River State, Nigeria, and selected soil physical and chemical properties were determined. We employed environmental covariates derived from a digital elevation model (DEM) and Sentinel-2 imageries for our modelling regime. We measured soil quality using two approaches [total data set (TDS) and minimum data set (MDS)]. Two scoring functions were also applied, linear (L) and non-linear (NL), yielding four indices (MDS_L, MDS_NL, TDS_L, and TDS_NL). Eleven soil quality indicators were used as TDS and were further screened for MDS using principal component analysis (PCA). Random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), regression kriging (RK), Cubist regression, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were applied to predict SQI in unsampled locations.ResultsThe computed SQI via MDS_L was classified into five classes: le 0.38, 0.38–0.48, 0.48–0.58, 0.58–0.68, and ge 0.68, representing very low (class V), low (class IV), moderate (class III), high (class II) and very high (class I) soil quality, respectively. GWR model was robust in predicting soil quality (R2 = 0.21, CCC = 0.39, RMSE = 0.15), while RF was a model with inferior performance (R2 = 0.02, CCC = 0.32, RMSE = 0.15). Soil quality was high in the southern region and low in the northern region. High soil quality class (> 49%) and moderate soil quality class (> 14%) dominate the study area in all predicted models used.ConclusionsStructural stability index, sand content, soil oganic carbon content, and mean weight diameter of aggregates were the parameters used in establishing regional soil quality indices, while land surface water index, Sentinel-2 near-infrared band, plane curvature, and clay index were the most important variables affecting soil quality variability. The MDS_L and GWR are effective and useful models to identify the key soil properties for assessing soil quality, which can provide guidance for site-specific management of soils developed on diverse parent materials.

Cervical alignment and clinical outcome of anterior decompression with fusion vs. posterior decompression with fixation in kyphotic cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Cervical kyphosis is a common but potentially debilitating and challenging condition. There is controversy on the optimal surgical strategy for the treatment of kyphotic cervical spondylotic myelopathy (KCSM) using either anterior approach or posterior approach. The purpose of this study was to investigate the surgical efficacy of anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) vs. posterior decompression with fixation (PDF) for the treatment of KCSM, and to further analyze the changes of cervical spinal alignment parameters and axial symptoms (AS) severity after kyphotic correction. We retrospectively reviewed 117 patients with KCSM who had undergone ADF (58 patients) and PDF (59 patients) between January 2016 and December 2020. Cervical spinal alignment parameters, including curvature index (CI) and C2-7 Cobb angle, were measured on the PreOP and PostOP lateral radiographs. Recovery rate was calculated based on the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. AS severity was quantified by Neck Disability Index (NDI). A P-value less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. The patient mean age, gender, presenting symptoms and follow-up time were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) between the two groups regarding the operation levels, operating time and intraoperative blood loss. Analysis of PostOP follow-up data showed significant differences (P < 0.001) in CI, correction of CI, C2-7 Cobb angle, and NDI between the two groups, whereas no significant differences in JOA score (P = 0.16) and recovery rate (P = 0.14). There were significant differences (P < 0.001) in CI, C2-7 Cobb angle, JOA score, and NDI between PreOP and PostOP follow-up in each group. Correction of CI showed positive correlation with recovery of NDI in Group ADF (r = 0.51, P < 0.001), and in Group PDF (r = 0.45, P < 0.001). Satisfied neurological improvement was obtained by ADF and PDF for patients with KCSM. Cervical kyphotic correction caused significant improvement of AS, and was more favorable with ADF than with PDF. Surgeons should pay full consideration of the merits and shortcomings of each approach when deciding on a surgical plan.