Degree Of Closure Research Articles

A validation of eddy covariance technique for measuring crop evapotranspiration on different time scales in the North China Plain

Accurate determination of evapotranspiration (ET) has tremendous potential in guiding irrigation and improving the efficiency of water resources utilization in the North China Plain. Eddy covariance (EC) method is currently a popular method for determining field-scale ET. However, due to varying foot print and unclosed energy balance, the applicability of EC in different regions needs to be tested and corrected. In present work, we compared the ET of the winter wheat – summer maize rotation cropland measured by the EC method with the ET measured by large-scale lysimeters on different time scales. The degree of energy balance closure of EC measurements in this region is 78%. After adjusted by using Bowen ratio forced closure method, the ET monitored by EC is comparable with those monitored by large-scale lysimeters. The results also indicated that the consistency of the observed ET by the EC and lysimeters got better with an increasing time scale, especially for the multi-year average ET values with a relative deviation of less than 1%. The short-time events such as irrigation and precipitation and the mismatch of the varying footprint area of the EC and the small fixed source area of the lysimeter should be responsible for the discrepancy of ET in two methods on daily scale. However, the factors of crop biomass, total available water, and local climate condition exert more effects on the observed ET on large time scale. Overall, the EC technique is responsible for ET measurement of winter wheat – summer maize rotation cropland of the North China Plain.

Novel silver and nanoparticle-encapsulated growth factor co-loaded chitosan composite hydrogel with sustained antimicrobility and promoted biological properties for diabetic wound healing.

Diabetic foot ulcer, one of the most common diabetic complications, is a progressive wound occurred on the skin with irregularly delayed wound healing rate due to impaired metabolism and weak immune responses. Such chronic wound remains a serious healthcare burden to the diabetics since it is often associated with high risk of limb loss due to amputation and leads to a reduced survival consequently. To improve the efficiency of diabetic wound healing, a synthetic chitosan-based composite hydrogel named SNPECHG incorporating silver ions (Ag+) and nanoparticle-encapsulated epidermal growth factor (EGF) was developed in this study. The optimal effective dosages of 24-mM Ag+ and 60-μgmL-1 EGF for the SNPECHG manufacture were first determined based on the results of antibacterial, cytotoxicity, and cell growth examinations. We then characterized the optimized SNPECHG and found that the composite hydrogel was able to provide sustained release of Ag+ and EGF, and exhibited a significantly higher hydration capacities, including the swelling degree and equilibrium water content, in PBS than those in deionized water, showing that the developed SNPECHG is highly applicable in the ion-rich environment such as chronic wound site. According to the results of in vivo study using diabetic rats, the one with SNPECHG exhibited a markedly enhanced wound healing effect compared with the other settings since day 3, and may reach a degree of wound closure of 97% at day 14 that was 7.4% (P<0.05) and 18.9% (P<0.05) higher than the values gained from the groups with the commercial dressing HeraDerm and gauze, respectively. Moreover, the wound treated with the SNPECHG exhibited thorough re-epithelization, sufficient collagen deposition, and accelerated collagen maturation confirmed by the histological analysis. Taken all together, we anticipate that the SNPECHG is highly advantageous for use in the clinical diabetic/chronic wound treatment.

Coupling an online ion conductivity measurement with the particle-into-liquid sampler: Evaluation and modeling using laboratory and field aerosol data.

A particle-into-liquid sampler (PILS) was coupled to a flow-through conductivity cell to provide a continuous, nondestructive, online measurement in support of offline ion chromatography analysis. The conductivity measurement provides a rapid assessment of the total ion concentration augmenting slower batch-sample data from offline analysis and is developed primarily to assist airborne measurements, where fast time-response is essential. A conductivity model was developed for measured ions and excellent closure was derived for laboratory-generated aerosols (97% conductivity explained, R2 > 0.99). The PILS-conductivity measurement was extensively tested throughout the NASA Cloud, Aerosol and Monsoon Processes: Philippines Experiment (CAMP2Ex) during nineteen research flights. A diverse range of ambient aerosol was sampled from biomass burning, fresh and aged urban pollution, and marine sources. Ambient aerosol did not exhibit the same degree of closure as the laboratory aerosol, with measured ions only accountable for 43% of the conductivity. The remaining fraction of the conductivity was examined in combination with ion charge balance and found to provide additional supporting information for diagnosing and modeling particle acidity. An urban plume case study was used to demonstrate the utility of the measurement for supplementing compositional data and augmenting the temporal capability of the PILS.

Age Estimation in Han Adults by Thin-Layer CT Scan of Cranial Sutures.

Objective To explore the value of degree of cranial suture closure in forensic adult age estimation by thin-layer CT scan and establish an adult age estimation model of the Han nationality. Methods Thin-layer CT scan samples of the heads of 220 healthy Sichuan Han adults （110 males, 110 females） aged 20 to 70 were collected, of which 20 samples （10 males, 10 females） were randomly selected as test samples. The sagittal suture, coronal suture （both left and right） and lambdoid suture （both left and right） were respectively and equally divided into 2 segments, and every segment was equally divided into 10 layers and the corresponding multiplanar reformation （MPR） images were selected. The closure of cranial sutures on MPR images was classified into the grades 1-7. The correlations between cranial sutures and age were analyzed to build regression equation for age estimation. Results The degree of closure of sagittal suture, coronal suture （both left and right） and lambdoid suture （both left and right） was positively correlated with age. The coefficient of determination （R2） of regression equation was 0.419 in males, 0.589 in females, and 0.522 in all samples. The results of the verification test showed that the mean absolute error （MAE） was 6.39 years in males, 6.16 years in females, and 6.29 years in all samples. Conclusion There was a higher accuracy in adult age estimation by thin-layer CT scan of cranial sutures. The age of Han nationality adults can be estimated by the degree of cranial sutures closure.

Firm-Stakeholder Relationships and the Institutional Capacity to Manage Horizontal Inequalities

Institutions that fairly distribute benefits, costs, and risks within a market-based economic system reinforce the social contract on which that system is built. When institutions fall short in addressing horizontal inequalities (across identity groups), social and political conflicts escalate. Using tools and constructs from social networks as a meeting point for insights from a range of fields and disciplines that examine institutional evolution in conflict systems, we develop theoretical arguments linking the structural characteristics of firms’ relationships with stakeholders—the degree of structural balance, the salience of societal faultlines, and the degree of local network closure—to the local system’s institutional capacity to manage horizontal inequalities. When the structure of firm-stakeholder relationships promotes (inhibits) information flow, trust, norms of reciprocity, and intergroup coordination, the institutional capacity to manage horizontal inequalities increases (decreases). We thereby show that the distributional function of institutions is not exogenously determined, but endogenously shaped at least in part by firms-stakeholder relationships. If the declining trust in market-based systems stems in part from their failure to distribute benefits, costs, and risks fairly, then reversing this trend requires a reorientation of firm-stakeholder relationships in a manner that increases the relational embeddedness of the private sector with its stakeholders.

Oblique surface cracking and crack closure in an orthotropic medium under contact loading

This article presents analytical methods for analysis of an inclined surface crack in an orthotropic medium subjected to contact loading. Governing partial differential equations are derived in accordance with plane theory of orthotropic elasticity. Contact and crack problems are formulated separately utilizing Fourier transformation techniques. The contact problem consists of a rigid flat punch pressing upon an orthotropic half-plane, and is reduced to a singular integral equation of the second kind. The surface crack is assumed to be tilted at an arbitrary angle with respect to the normal of the half-plane surface. Three different crack configurations are considered, which are completely closed, partially-closed, and fully-open cracks. Frictional contact between the crack faces is implemented in the cases of completely closed, and partially-closed cracks. A single singular integral equation is derived for the completely closed crack, whereas each of the problems of partially- and fully-open cracks requires derivation of a set of two singular integral equations. The contact problem and each of the crack problems are solved numerically by means of the expansion-collocation technique. A flowchart is developed and implemented to detect the type of crack closure configuration under a given contact loading. The parametric analyses carried out illustrate the influences of factors such as crack inclination angle, crack face and contact surface friction coefficients, material orthotropy, and relative punch location on crack face contact stresses, degree of crack closure, and mode I and II stress intensity factors.

Analysis and Multi-Parametric Optimisation of the Performance and Exhaust Gas Emissions of a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Operating on Miller Cycle

A major issue nowadays that concerns the pollution of the environment is the emissions emerging from heavy-duty internal combustion engines. Such concern is dictated by the fact that the electrification of heavy-duty transport still remains quite challenging due to limitations associated with mileage, charging speed and payload. Further improvements in the performance and emission characteristics of conventional heavy-duty diesel engines are required. One of a few feasible approaches to simultaneously improve the performance and emission characteristics of a diesel engine is to convert it to operate on Miller cycle. Therefore, this study was divided into two stages, the first stage was the simulation of a heavy-duty turbocharged diesel engine (4-stroke, 6-cylinder and 390 kW) to generate data that will represent the reference model. The second stage was the application of Miller cycle to the conventional diesel engine by changing the degrees of intake valve closure and compressor pressure ratio. Both stages have been implemented through the specialist software which was able to simulate and represent a diesel engine based on performance and emissions data. An objective of this extensive investigation was to develop several models in order to compare their emissions and performances and design a Miller cycle engine with an ultimate goal to optimize diesel engine for improved performance and reduced emissions. This study demonstrates that Miller cycle diesel engines could overtake conventional diesel engines for the reduced exhaust gas emissions at the same or even better level of performance. This study shows that, due to the dependence of engine performance on complex multi-parametric operation, only one model achieved the objectives of the study, more specifically, engine power and torque were increased by 5.5%, whilst nitrogen oxides and particulate matter were decreased by 30.2% and 5.5%, respectively, with negligible change in specific fuel consumption and CO2, as average values over the whole range of engine operating regimes.

Multiparameter Voice Assessment in Dysphonics: Correlation Between Objective and Perceptual Parameters

Perceptual assessment and objective measures of voice provide a quantifiable tool for determining the degree of glottal closure, thus helping to distinguish dysphonic voices from normal voices. The correlation between the perceptual and objective parameters of voice in dysphonic can enable the voice pathologist to be more effective in differentiating the normal voices from dysphonic voices. However, only a few studies have investigated the correlation between these measures. To document the differences in the perceptual and objective parameters of voice in participants with dysphonia and normal controls and to investigate the correlation between the perceptual and objective parameters of voice among participants with dysphonia. This investigation deployed standard group comparison and a retrospective study. Two groups of participants were included in the study. Participants in group 1 were diagnosed as having a voice disorder secondary to organic pathologies and group 2 participants had a clinically normal voice. Phonation samples of all the participants were collected and perceptual analysis was carried out using the GRBAS rating scale. As part of the objective measures, acoustic and cepstral measures were extracted from the phonation samples. The analysis of the results revealed significant differences in perceptual ratings between the normal (control) and dysphonic groups. The mean values of all the objective measures of voice presented significant differences between participants of both groups. The perceptual ratings of grade, breathiness, and roughness showed better correlations with the cepstral measures than with the time-based acoustic measures. Further foraging research on the correlation between perceptual and objective measures of voice in various degrees of dysphonia will improve reliability while discriminating and quantifying hoarse, harsh and breathy voices from modal voices.

Circular value creation architectures: Make, ally, buy, or laissez‐faire

AbstractSlowing and closing product and related material loops in a circular economy (CE) requires circular service operations such as take‐back, repair, and recycling. However, it remains open whether these are coordinated by OEMs, retailers, or third‐party loop operators (e.g., refurbishers). Literature rooted in the classic make‐or‐buy concept proposes four generic coordination mechanisms and related value creation architectures: vertical integration, network, outsourcing, or doing nothing (laissez‐faire). For each of these existing architectures, we conducted an embedded case study in the domain of smartphones with the aim to better understand how central coordinators align with actors in the value chain to offer voluntary circular service operations. Based on the above coordination mechanisms, our central contribution is the development of a typology of circular value creation architectures (CVCAs) and its elaboration regarding circular coordination, loop configuration, and ambition levels. We find that firms following slowing strategies (i.e., repair, reuse, and remanufacturing) pursue higher degrees of vertical integration than those following closing strategies (i.e., recycling) because of the specificity of the assets involved and their greater strategic relevance. The typology also shows that higher degrees of vertical integration enable higher degrees of loop closure (i.e., from open to closed loops) and better feedbacks into product design. Furthermore, we differentiate the understanding on third‐party actors by distinguishing between independent and autonomous loop operators. Overall, we strengthen the actor perspective in product circularity literature by clarifying the actor set, their interrelationships, and how they form value creation architectures.

The effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 on the recovery of facial nerve function in a guinea pig model of facial palsy

The efficacy of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the treatment of peripheral facial nerve palsy was investigated using an animal model. The facial nerve within the temporal bone was exposed and compressed by clamping. The animals were treated with either IGF-1 or saline which was topically administered by a gelatin-based sustained-release hydrogel via an intratemporal route. The recovery from facial nerve palsy was evaluated at 8 weeks postoperatively based on eyelid closure, complete recovery rate, electroneurography and number of axons found on the facial nerve. IGF-1 treatment resulted in significant improvement in the changes of the degree of eyelid closure over the total time period and complete recovery rate. A separate study showed that IGF-1 receptor mRNA was expressed in facial nerves up to 14 days after the nerve-clamping procedure. IGF-1 was thus found to be effective in the treatment of peripheral facial nerve palsy when topically applied using a sustained-release gelatin-based hydrogel via an intratemporal route.

A Cross-Sectional, Quantitative Videofluoroscopic Analysis of Swallowing Physiology and Function in Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

PurposeTo date, research characterizing swallowing changes in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has primarily relied on subjective descriptions. Thus, the degree to which swallowing physiology is altered in ALS, and relationships between such alterations and swallow safety and/or efficiency are not well characterized. This study provides a quantitative representation of swallow physiology, safety, and efficiency in a sample of individuals with ALS, to estimate the degree of difference in comparison to published healthy reference data and identify parameters that pose risk to swallow safety and efficiency. Secondary analyses explored the therapeutic effect of thickened liquids on swallowing safety and efficiency.MethodNineteen adults with a diagnosis of probable-definite ALS (El-Escorial Criteria–Revised) underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study, involving up to 15 sips of barium liquid (20% w/v), ranging in thickness from thin to extremely thick. Blinded frame-by-frame videofluoroscopy analysis yielded the following measures: Penetration–Aspiration Scale, number of swallows per bolus, amount of pharyngeal residue, degree of laryngeal vestibule closure (LVC), time-to-LVC, duration of LVC (LVCdur), pharyngeal area at maximum constriction, diameter of upper esophageal sphincter opening, and duration of UES opening (UESOdur). Measures of swallow physiology obtained from thin liquid trials were compared against published healthy reference data using unpaired t tests, chi-squared tests, and Cohen’s d effect sizes (adjusted p < .008). Preliminary relationships between parameters of swallowing physiology, safety, and efficiency were explored using nonparametric Cochrane’s Q, Friedman’s test, and generalized estimating equations (p < .05).ResultsCompared to healthy reference data, this sample of individuals with ALS displayed a higher proportion of swallows with partial or incomplete LVC (24% vs. < 1%), increased time-to-LVC (d = 1.09), reduced UESwidth (d = 0.59), enlarged pharyngeal area at maximum constriction, prolonged LVCdur (d = 0.64), and prolonged UESOdur (d = 1.34). Unsafe swallowing (i.e., PAS ≥ 3) occurred more frequently when LVC was partial/incomplete or time-to-LVC was prolonged. Pharyngeal residue was associated with larger pharyngeal areas at maximum constriction. Unsafe swallowing occurred less frequently with extremely thick liquids, compared to thin liquids. No significant differences in pharyngeal residue were observed based on liquid thickness.ConclusionsQuantitative videofluoroscopic measurements revealed moderate-to-large differences in swallow physiology between this sample of individuals with ALS and healthy reference data. Increased time-to-LVC, noncomplete LVC, and enlarged pharyngeal area at maximum constriction were associated with impaired swallow safety or efficiency. Thickened liquids may mitigate the risk of acute episodes of aspiration in individuals with ALS. Further work is needed to corroborate these preliminary findings and explore how swallowing profiles evolve throughout disease progression.

Effect of tonsillar hypertrophy on velopharyngeal closure and resonance of speech

Background: The effect of hypertrophied tonsils on velopharyngeal closure and resonance of speech has been a matter of controversy for a long time.Objective: The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of tonsillar hypertrophy on the pattern and degree of closure of the velopharyngeal valve and resonance of speech.Methodology: A hundred child, in the age range of 4 to 10 years, with tonsillar hypertrophy (grade 3 or 4), with averageintelligence, normal hearing, and intact structure of the velopharyngeal valve have been assessed by nasoendoscopy andnasometry. All patients have been reevaluated 3 months after tonsillectomy.Results: Seventy-two patients (72%) showed coronal pattern of closure and twenty-eight (28%) showed circular pattern of closure. The degree of closure was II/IV in 7 patients (7%) and III/IV in 93 patients (93%). The mean nasalnce score of thenasal sentence and oral sentence was 57.48% and 16.17% respectively. In the postoperative evaluation 83 children exhibited a coronal pattern and 17 children showed a circular pattern. The closure was competent in 96 children and wasIII/IV in 4 children, with significant reduction of the nasalance score postoperatively.Conclusion: Hypertrophied tonsils may affect the pattern and degree of velopharyngeal closure and subsequentlyresonance of speech even in children with normal palate.

The statistical distribution of curvatures of natural rivers meanders

The rivers meanders are the most common form of natural rivers. In this paper, the shapes of meanders may be characterized in terms of the statistical distribution of curvatures measured along their contours. Deviation degree and span are proposed, in which deviation degree represents the closure degree of the bend and span represents the roundness degree or even degree of curvature distribution of the bend. Using these two indicators, we can effectively distinguish the state of the development of the river bend and thus determine different river regulation schemes. Finally, the method of deducing the reliable curvature of the bend from the satellite pictures of the river is discussed.

Maturity evaluation of orthodontically important anatomic structures with computed tomography

The success of the orthopaedic treatment is closely related to the patient's skeletal maturation. This study aimed to evaluate the midpalatal suture (MPS), the zygomaticomaxillary suture (ZMS) maturation, and the closure degree of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) in patients of different age groups. The presence of a correlation between these parameters and the palatal dimensions was also verified. The study was based on computed tomography images of 314 patients between 7 and 30 years of age with no orthodontic treatment history. The images were retrieved from the archive of the Radiology Department of Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital and divided into six groups according to the patient's age: 7-10, 11-13, 14-16, 17-20, 21-25, and 26-30 years. The maturation scores of ZMS, SOS, and MPS were determined, and palatal thickness and length were recorded. The data were analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows 22.0. A positive relationship was found between SOS closure degree and MPS/ZMS maturation (MPS-ZMS: r = 0.816, MPS-SOS: r = 0.736, ZMS-SOS: r = 0.868, P = 0.000). The degrees of ZMS and MPS maturation were significantly increased as the SOS closure degree increased. The MPS maturation score was significantly lower in patients with a short and thick palate (MPS-palatal thickness: r = 0.405, MPS-palatal length: r = 0.387, P = 0.000). A positive correlation indicated the simultaneous progress in the maturation of the SOS, MPS, and ZMS. Moreover, the ANS-PNS length increase was found to be correlated with the increase of the MPS, ZMS, and SOS maturation scores. In contrast, a negative correlation was observed between the palatal thickness and the maturation stage of these structures.

Autotransplantation of the Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Therapy of Venous Stasis Ulcers.

Adipose tissue is a reliable source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) for use in regenerative medicine. The aim of this pilot study was to describe the method, and assess the safety and the potential efficacy of transplantation of autologous adipose tissue-derived MSC for the treatment of chronic venous stasis ulcers. Study group consisted of 11 patients (mean age: 66.6 ± 9.5years) with chronic venous stasis ulcers. Adipose tissue was harvested by tumescent-aspiration method. Stromal cells were separated using a dedicated closed system in a real-time bedside manner. The phenotype of cells was determined immediately after separation. Cell concentrate was implanted subcutaneously around the wound and the wound bed. All ulcers were assessed planimetrically before autotransplantation and every two weeks during the six-month follow-up. During the study all patients received standard local and general treatment. The preparation contained an average of 5.6 × 106 ± 4 × 106 cells per milliliter. The phenotype of 65-82% of transplanted cells expressed MSC markers: CD73+ CD90+ and CD34+. An improvement was observed in 75% of ulcers. The data showed highly significant negative correlation (p < 0.0001) between wound size and wound closure degree. There was no correlation of ulcer healing with other parameters evaluated, including age of the patients. No serious side effects were observed. Autotransplantation of adipose tissue stromal cells may be a safe and promising treatment method for chronic venous ulcers.

Dynamical Mechanisms of Glutamate Receptor Gating and Sub-Conductance

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluR) are responsible for initiation of excitatory signal transmission in the central nervous system (CNS). They play important roles in synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation, while their dysfunction causes variety of diseases including neurodegenerative diseases and epilepsy, therefore they are potential targets for drug design. Glutamate receptors exhibit a distinctly modular multi-domain structure, in which truncated proteins containing only the ligand binding domain (LBD) and the transmembrane domains (TM) form the smallest functional glutamate gated channels. These homo-tetrameric AMPA subtype glutamate receptors gating and desensitization occurs on millisecond time-scales, and thus, these are the smallest and fastest working ligand-gated ion channels. In this work we report on extensive multy-microsecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the AMPA receptor gating and regulation. The simulations were designed to allow the receptors to inter-convert between their various functional states, such as open and closed TM channel, and ligand-bound, active and desensitized LBD domain. We have used a variety of machine learning (ML) methods and systematic feature selection techniques to characterize which specific features of the LBD structure are responsible for transducing the signal for channel opening. We have observed multiple events of partial closures of the channel correlated with the LBD cleft closure degree from which we are able to draw conclusions on specific mechanism of allosteric coupling between the LBD domains monomeric and quarternary structures, as well as the ion channel state of the TM domains. Our study is the first one that was able to successfully design a simulation for opening and closing of the TM ion channel in response to the state of the LBD domain and characterize thus far elusive sub-conductance states.

Absorbable suture can be effectively and safely used to close the mesenteric defect in a gastric bypass Sprague-Dawley rat model

BackgroundTo observe if closing the mesenteric defect with absorbable sutures creates a safe adhesion compared to non-absorbable suture after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.MethodsRats were randomly assigned to 5 experimental groups according to the different suture materials used in closing the mesenteric defects (Peterson’s space) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Group A (control group), Group B (non-absorbable suture, Prolene suture), Group C (biological glue), Group D (non-absorbable suture, polyester suture) and Group E (absorbable suture). All rats were followed up for 8 weeks postoperatively and underwent laparotomy to observe the degree of adhesion and closure of the mesenteric defect.ResultsNo significant difference was found in the decrease in food intake and body weight among all groups. No internal hernia (IH) occurred in any group. The mesenteric defects of Group A remained completely visible without any closure or adhesion. Multiple gaps were found between the Prolene suture and the mesentery along the suture line in Group B. The mesenteric defects of Group C were complete closed with multiple adhesions of the small intestine and the greater omentum. The mesenteric defects in both Group D and Group E closed completely. The average adhesion scores in Group A and Group B were 0 and 0.33 ± 0.52 respectively. The average adhesion score in group C (3.83 ± 0.41) was higher than the other groups (p<0.05). The average adhesion scores in Group D and E were similar (3.17 ± 0.41 and 3.00 ± 0.00 respectively).ConclusionAbsorbable suture created a safe adhesion score between the mesentery which was not inferior to non-absorbable sutures.

Копинг-стратегии членов контактных сообществ открытого и закрытого типов с различным интрагрупповым статусом

Objective. Identification of differences in copying behavior in members of closed and open groups, as well as identification of peculiarities of these differences. Background. One of the significant factors in the logic of considering the personality-group relationship, taking into account the degree of group closure, is the process of integration of the individual into the group and, above all, the mechanisms of adaptation into the community, in particular, copying behavior, due to his individual-personality characteristics. Study design. The study aims to identify differences in the preferred coping strategies of members of open and closed groups with different intragroup status. Intragroup status was detected using a standard package of socio-psychological methods. Preferred coping strategies — using the SACS methodology. Statistical analysis of the significance of differences was performed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. Participants. 208 people participated in the study. 106 subjects working in production divisions of IT-companies, namely customer service managers of four departments of 20 to 30 people, the average age of subjects was 21.6 years, work experience from 1 to 3 years. 102 soldiers of army units of the “branch-platoon” level of 10 to 25 personnel, the average age of soldiers is 19.6 years. Measurements. Methods of research included: sociometry, referentometry, methodical acceptance of the definition of the informal inragroup structure of power in the contact community, algorithm of calculation of the integral status of the individual in the contact community M.J. Condratiev, method “Strategies for overcoming stress situations” (SACS) S. Hobfall in adaptation of N.E. Wateryanova and E.S. Starchenkova. Results. Based on the analysis of the obtained data, it is shown that in open-type organizations the achievement of a high-level position in the informal intra-group structure is facilitated by copying strategies with a high degree of activity and a pro-social orientation, while in closed-type organizations the achievement of a high-level position is facilitated by direct and asocial copying strategies. Conclusions. In open communities, conditionally constructive strategies are more preferred, while in closed conditionally destructive copying strategies.

Age estimation by multidetector computed tomography of cranial sutures in Chinese male adults

This study aimed to explore whether computed tomography (CT) images of cranial sutures can contribute to adult age estimation in Chinese Han individuals. This study was based on cranial CT scans of 230 Chinese Han males aged 23.33-76.93 years. A total of 160 images from 16 suture segments were scored after volume reformation and multiplanar reconstruction in each individual. Decision tree regression, linear support vector regression, Bayesian ridge regression, and gradient boosting regression were developed for adult age estimation by a training set using leave-one-out cross-validation and further evaluated by the test set. The inaccuracy and bias were calculated to evaluate the four models and the previously used models from the literature. The degree of suture closure was associated with adult age. The minimum inaccuracy of the test set was 7.73 years obtained by linear support vector regression, while the inaccuracy of previous simple linear regression models was 13.09 and 10.97 years. The accuracy was higher in the age group from 40.00 to 59.99 years compared to the other age groups. The accuracy of our models for adult age estimation was superior to those in previous studies based on cranial sutures. Hence, the application of novel statistical data mining tools helps to improve aging issues. Nevertheless, age estimation of adults should be combined with other methods, since the accuracy level is still not satisfactory.

The effects of thermo-mechanical processing on fatigue crack propagation in commercially pure titanium with a harmonic structure

Commercially pure (CP) titanium having a bimodal harmonic structure, in which coarse grains are enveloped by a network consisting of fine grains, was obtained by consolidating mechanically milled powders to enhance both strength and ductility. We have examined the fatigue properties of materials having harmonic structures to achieve sufficient performance for practical applications in the engineering fields. In this study, thermo-mechanical processing (TMP) was performed for the CP titanium having a bimodal harmonic structure to improve its fatigue properties. Four-point bending fatigue tests and fatigue crack propagation tests were conducted under ambient conditions to investigate the fatigue crack initiation and propagation in CP titanium having a harmonic structure following TMP. Applying TMP to CP titanium having a harmonic structure increased its fatigue life due to greater resistance to the initiation of fatigue crack as a result of grain refinement. In contrast, CP titanium having a harmonic structure shows lower threshold stress intensity range, ΔKth, values following TMP as a result of reduced the degree of crack closure and lower effective threshold stress intensity range, ΔKeff,th, values due to grain refinement.