Shape Dimensions Research Articles

Top-down instructions influence the attentional weight on color and shape dimensions during bidimensional search

Efficient searches are guided by target-distractor distinctiveness: the greater the distinctiveness, the faster the search. Previous research showed that when the target and distractors differ along both color and shape dimensions (i.e., bidimensional search), distinctiveness along individual dimensions combine collinearly to guide the search, following a city-block metric. This result was found when participants expected the target and distractors to differ along both dimensions. In the present study, we used an instruction manipulation to investigate how bidimensional search varies in response to different top-down instructions. Using unidimensional search performance observed in Experiment 1, we predicted bidimensional search performance under three conditions: when participants were instructed to attend to color (Experiment 2), shape (Experiment 3), or both (Experiment 4). Results showed that instructions influenced how distinctiveness along color and shape combine to guide attention: when instructed to search for a target color, participants allocated more attentional weight to the color dimension (and less weight to the shape dimension) compared to when instructed to search for a target shape. Our study presents a novel technique to quantify how top-down instructions change attentional weighting to different features during bidimensional visual searches.

A Review on Head-Related Transfer Function Generation for Spatial Audio

A head-related transfer function (HRTF) is a mathematical model that describes the acoustic path between a sound source and a listener’s ear. Using binaural synthesis techniques, HRTFs play a crucial role in creating immersive audio experiences through headphones or loudspeakers, using binaural synthesis techniques. HRTF measurements can be conducted either with standardised mannequins or with in-ear microphones on real subjects. However, various challenges arise in, for example, individual differences in head shape, pinnae geometry, and torso dimensions, as well as in the extensive number of measurements required for optimal audio immersion. To address these issues, numerous methods have been developed to generate new HRTFs from existing data or through computer simulations. This review paper provides an overview of the current approaches and technologies for generating, adapting, and optimising HRTFs, with a focus on physical modelling, anthropometric techniques, machine learning methods, interpolation strategies, and their practical applications.

Optimal design of round-oval-round roll pass for the steel bar rolling process

AbstractThis study aims to determine the optimal values of the round-oval-round roll pass design parameters. This was applied on two consecutive passes: round-oval and oval-round. That produces a circular cross section from an input of a larger circular cross section through an intermediate oval pass. The design variables were the oval groove radius and depth. The optimization objectives were to minimize the rolling torque and to maximize the area reduction ratio. A nonlinear, double-stage, three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) is used to calculate the rolling torque and the output shape dimensions. The two-staged FEM yielded realistic and highly accurate results as it imitates the real rolling process, using the actual oval results of the first step directly as input to the second step. The results of the FEM were verified experimentally. A polynomial surrogate meta-model, representing the rolling process, was developed based on the FEM utilizing multivariate regression. Optimal design solutions and design curves were developed. The established optimization procedures achieved a reduction in rolling torque of more than 6% or an increase in the area reduction ratio of up to 11%. The optimal solutions were confirmed using FE and experiment.

Geometric morphometric approach to dental health in an 18th‐ to 19th‐century English infirmary

AbstractThis study evaluated correlations between poor dental health and craniomandibular morphology for the Radcliffe Infirmary population buried between 1770 and 1855. The Radcliffe Infirmary is situated in Oxford, 90 km northwest of London, in what used to be a rural area. The original report for this population observed high prevalence rates of dental caries, antemortem tooth loss (AMTL), and periodontal disease. Industrial societies are acknowledged to have highly processed foods that not only are detrimental to dental health but also require less mastication. This softening of diet is suggested to be the leading influence on the modern morphology of the skull. By using two‐dimensional geometric morphometrics (GM) and linear measurements of the skull, the Radcliffe population was evaluated for the effects of poor dental health and decreased wear on the masticatory structures. High frequencies of AMTL, periodontal disease, and caries and low amounts of dental wear were observed in this sample population. Caries and AMTL showed weak correlations with skull shape and craniomandibular dimensions according to the results of the morphometric analysis and Kendall's tau. Dental wear correlated with a wide bizygomatic breadth and a long narrow skull shape for the males only. Periodontal disease was the only dental health variable not correlated with shape or size. This study confirmed that the Radcliffe population ate a cariogenic diet and suggests that dental wear and pathology weakly correlates with craniomandibular shape and size. This unpredicted finding may be due to the limitations of two‐dimensional shape analysis, a small sample size, and the sampling strategy. Future research is highly encouraged to better understand the consequences of poor dental health for skull morphology.

The Vascular Anatomical Basis for a Well-Designed Reconstruction of the Ala Nasi by a Microsurgical Preauricular Flap Technique

Background: A microsurgical auricular flap represents a single-step technique for the reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the ala nasi. To achieve the best surgical outcomes, it is essential to have an exhaustive knowledge of the vascular network to improve the management of the surgical flap. This study aimed to provide an anatomical and surgical guide for a well-designed reconstruction of the ala nasi using a free preauricular flap. Methods: In this study, three fresh-frozen and two formalin-fixed human head specimens injected with red silicone rubber to enhance the arterial facial system were used. The reconstruction of the full-thickness defect of the ala nasi was performed using a microsurgical auricular flap technique, with the dimensions of the ala nasi and the preauricular flap duly noted. In addition, anatomical dissections were conducted, during which the positions and diameters of the main donor and recipient vessels were measured. Results: A presurgical evaluation was performed to define the flap design. A comparison of the shape and mean dimensions of the ala nasi defect (height 9.66 ± 1.40 mm; thickness 3.52 ± 0.53 mm) and the preauricular flap (height 8.50 ± 2.68 mm; thickness 3.92 ± 1.29 mm) indicated that this flap was an optimal option for the reconstruction of the ala nasi. The surgical procedure involved the full-thickness removal of the ala nasi, and the harvesting and insertion of the preauricular flap. The anatomical measurements demonstrated that the facial artery and veins were the optimal recipient vessels, with a diameter of >1 mm (2.08 ± 0.56 and 2.85 ± 0.74 mm), suitable for anastomosis with the superficial temporal artery and vein (1.86 ± 0.58 and 1.66 ± 0.15 mm). In addition, the postsurgical evaluations indicated a slight mean difference in the thickness (1.14 ± 0.65 mm) and height (1.68 ± 1.18 mm) between the ala nasi and helix and a satisfactory VAS score (7.9 ± 0.57). Conclusions: Our surgical and anatomical data provide compelling evidence in favour of free preauricular flap reconstructions of the ala nasi. This procedure allows for the correct choice of recipient vessels and the creation of a well-designed surgical flap.

Unveiling the third dimension of tooth shape: 2D versus 3D geometric morphometry of human post-canine dentition

Abstract Introduction: Geometric morphometry is an effective tool for studying teeth morphology for quantifying variations in dental shape across individuals and populations. This study aims to analyse the dimorphism of human post-canine maxillary and mandibular tooth shape by utilising 2D and 3D landmark data and compare the effectiveness of both methods in detecting allometry and shape characteristics. Methods: Pre-treatment dental casts (N = 160) from patients aged 13–20 were digitised, and 2D and 3D anatomic landmarks on maxillary and mandibular post-canine teeth were marked. The data were evaluated using principal component analysis, discriminant function analysis, and regression analysis of shape coordinates with centroid size using MorphoJ morphometric software. Results: Principal component analysis revealed that 20–30% of the principal components explained 80% variation in tooth shape. The maxillary second molar and mandibular second premolar had the largest differences in variance between 2D and 3D data. The two-cusp type mandibular second premolar and maxillary second molar displayed the highest variation in 3D analysis. The mandibular second premolar (two-cusp type) had the highest overall accuracy in classifying sex, followed by the maxillary first and second molars. Conclusion: 3D data collection offers advantages over 2D methods, but it has limitations and trade-offs. It can be time-consuming and expensive and require specialized equipment or software. 2D methods may miss important depth axis variation or capture biological variation. Researchers must carefully consider the benefits and limitations of both methods before choosing. This study provides valuable insight into post-canine tooth shape dimorphism and contributes to existing knowledge in the field.

Effective Low Noise Rumble Strip Design and Performance

The purpose of the NCHRP 15-68 Effective Low Noise Rumble Strips project research was to develop and recommend a rumble strip design to achieve somewhat conflicting goals. The design was to minimize the exterior noise that can affect residences along a roadway while producing sufficient interior noise and vibration inside the vehicle to alert the operator of a lane departure. Review of the previous research indicated that this could best be accomplished with a rumble strip of a sinusoidal profile. The first portion of this research was to develop a recommended test procedure which was presented at the 2022 TRB Annual Winter Meeting. Using this procedure, sinusoidal strips were tested in three different states, which included four different wavelengths, 12, 14, 18, and 24 in. The smallest of these produced sufficient interior noise and vibration; however, it produced higher levels of pass-by noise. The largest of these produced the lowest pass-by levels but insufficient interior noise and vibration relative to existing criteria. To explore the intermediate dimensions, 20 different designs of sinusoidal rumble strips were constructed and tested in Washington State. In addition to wavelength, the peak-to-peak dimension of the sinusoidal shape, and the amount that the shape was recessed relative to the existing pavement surface were tested. From the results of the testing of strips, a wavelength of 14 to 15 in., a peak-to-peak amplitude of 7/16 in., and no recess are recommended.

Morphology and variations of middle cerebral artery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

To review morphometry, morphology, branching patterns and anomalies of middle cerebral artery (MCA). The databases of PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus were searched with different keywords. The review comprised of 45 studies. Meta-analysis was done for dimensions of MCA, shapes, patterns and MCA anomalies. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for assessment of literature. Statistical analysis was done using R software using meta package. Thirteen research were combined to determine the proportion of MCA length and pooled proportion was 16.53 cm (15.33 to 17.72 cm); I2=98%; P-value<0.01. Nine studies were combined to determine proportion of MCA diameter and pooled proportion was 2.85 cm (2.52 to 3.17 cm); I2=100%; P-value<0.05. M1 segment mean length is more on left side as compared to right side. Mean length in males (16.57±1.40 cm) is more than females (15.9±1.32 cm). Mean diameter of M1 segment is similar on both sides. Mean diameter in males (3.20±0.09 cm) is higher than females (3.14±0.18 cm). Different branching patterns observed were single trunk, early bifurcation, bifurcation, trifurcation, quadrifurcation and multiple trunks. The most typical MCA branching pattern is bifurcation. The shapes of MCA like straight shaped, U shaped, C shaped, inverted U shaped and S-shaped of M1 segment have been described. Straight MCA is the most common shape. The MCA measurements and branching pattern will assist surgeons in limiting errors in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms and infarcts and providing the best possible result for the patients. An understanding of MCA shape will aid surgeons and physicians in effective endovascular recanalization.

Top-down instructions influence the attentional weight on color and shape dimensions during redundant search

Top-down instructions influence the attentional weight on color and shape dimensions during redundant search

High-quality femtosecond laser cutting of battery electrodes with enhanced electrochemical performance by regulating the taper angle: Promoting green manufacturing and chemistry

Laser cutting electrode technology is an environmentally friendly and sustainable manufacturing method that offers many benefits, such as low energy consumption and greenhouse gases, no waste production, no tool wear, flexible manipulation, and multi-scale processing. However, achieving high cutting quality with adjustable notch shape and controllable dimension precision is still a cutting-edge challenge. In addition, the influence of laser cutting on the microscopic structure and electrochemical performance of battery electrodes has not been fully illustrated. Here, the Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) electrode is cut using a femtosecond laser technology. The processing parameters are systematically optimized, and the influence of laser cutting taper structure on the structure and performance of LTO electrodes is comprehensively investigated. It is found that laser photoionization and the generated plasma could create oxygen vacancies and thus more Ti3+/Ti4+ defects in the LTO electrodes, resulting in increased electronic conductivity. Moreover, proper taper structure could help improve electrolyte infiltration as well as Li+ diffusion kinetics. As a result, the laser cutting LTO electrode with the optimized taper angle of T = 0.004 shows excellent electrochemical performance. The capacity retention is more than 99.2 % after 400 cycles at 1C, and the specific capacity reaches ∼60 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 60C, which is about 1.7 times higher than that of mechanically cutting LTO electrodes. The outstanding electrochemical performance is also demonstrated by LiFePO4||Li4Ti5O12 full cells. This work could pave the way for the development and application of laser technology in cutting battery electrodes.

Full-field stress-strain analysis of octagonal shape PMMA using reflection photoelasticity

This research involves stress-strain analysis in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) octagonal shape compressed by hydraulic system. The observation of uniaxially stressed samples was carried out using reflection photoelasticity technique. The results of fringe order number and principal stress angle were used to determine stress and strain distribution in the samples by shear difference method. It was found that high stress-strain region was close to the contact point where compressive force was applied but it was zero at the edge of the samples. The area of high strain region increased as the magnitude of force was increased but it decreased as the dimension of octagonal shape was increased.

“There is a paywall to my happiness”: the influence of socioeconomic determinants on transgender and gender diverse young adults’ experiences with eating disorders

ABSTRACT Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) young adults experience elevated risk for eating disorders (ED), partially due to cissexist discrimination and victimization; less is understood about how socioeconomic determinants contribute to their ED risk. Qualitative data collected from 66 TGD young adults (18–30 years old; 29% self-identified as transgender women, 29% as transgender men, 39% as nonbinary people, and 3% as another gender identity (e.g., māhū)) in eight asynchronous online focus groups explored how socioeconomic determinants in conjunction with other dimensions of identity and lived experience shape disordered eating behavior (DEB) and ED risk. Participants described how economic barriers—including poverty and dependency on others (e.g. parents for health insurance)—and challenges produced by insurance and healthcare systems impeded healthcare access to the detriment of their overall mental health and risk for ED. In addition, participants shared different ways they leveraged financial resources to cope with stress, sometimes in ways that impelled disordered eating behaviors. Finally, participants described how poverty, socioeconomic advantage and disadvantage, and classism compound other systems of oppression (e.g. racism, ableism, weight bias) to adversely impact their general health and ED risk.

Age-related differences in how the shape of alpha and beta oscillations change during reaction time tasks

While the shape of cortical oscillations is increasingly recognised to be physiologically and functionally informative, its relevance to the aging motor system has not been established. We therefore examined the shape of alpha and beta band oscillations recorded at rest, as well as during performance of simple and go/no-go reaction time tasks, in 33 young (23.3 ± 2.9 years, 27 females) and 27 older (60.0 ± 5.2 years, 23 females) adults. The shape of individual oscillatory cycles was characterised using a recently developed pipeline involving empirical mode decomposition, before being decomposed into waveform motifs using principal component analysis. This revealed four principal components that were uniquely influenced by task and/or age. These described specific dimensions of shape and tended to be modulated during the reaction phase of each task. Our results suggest that although oscillation shape is task-dependent, the nature of this effect is altered by advancing age, possibly reflecting alterations in cortical activity. These outcomes demonstrate the utility of this approach for understanding the neurophysiological effects of ageing.

Estimating hydrodynamic performances of the designed leisure boats: a study considering hull shape and dimension variations

Abundant marine natural resources make Indonesia have potential in the field of marine tourism. Karimunjawa is one of the regions that still relies on marine tourism as the main sector in supporting the economy. Unfortunately, the existing modes of marine tourism transportation are dominated by traditional ships that have low performance, safety, and comfort. Therefore, infrastructure development is needed by developing a leisure boat design that has stability and good ship movement so that tourists are comfortable and safe on the trip. This study focuses on optimizing the hydrodynamic characteristics of leisure boats with variations in hull shape and hull dimensions adjusted to the characteristics of waters in Karimunjawa. The research was conducted by designing and analyzing 16 variations of hull models based on 5 reference ships. The regression approach is carried out on the dimensions of the reference ship to obtain variations in ship dimensions, then variations in hull shape include deep v, shallow v, flat bottom and round bottom. Each model variation is tested for resistance, stability, and seakeeping to determine the hydrodynamic performance of each model. Multi Attribute Decision Making (MADM) calculations are carried out afterwards to get the best tourist hull design. Then a sensitivity analysis was carried out on each variation to determine the influence of variations in dimensions and hull shape. The results showed the Deep V D model as the best model based on MADM calculations and hull shape variations had a significant influence on the hydrodynamic performance of the ship. It is hoped that this model can help the development of safe and comfortable tourist boats in accordance with the characteristics of the waters in Karimunjawa.

Assessing The Role of Executive Procedures in Shaping Sharī’ah Governance Commitments in Saudi Banks

This paper investigates the relationship between governance dimensions and the level of commitments to Sharī’ah (Islamic law) governance framework within Saudi banks. To understand the intricacies of governance dimensions in shaping Sharī’ah governance practices in depth, this paper also examines the mediating role of executive procedures. Structural equation modeling is used to test the hypotheses regarding the relationship between studied variables. The findings underscore the role of executive procedures, disclosure and transparency in fostering commitments to Sharī’ah governance framework, with both constructs exhibiting substantial direct effects on Sharī’ah governance commitment level. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of monitoring, auditing, and accountability as crucial determinants of governance in banks, highlighting the importance of robust oversight mechanisms in ensuring adherence to Sharī’ah principles. Meanwhile, organisational structure exhibited a minor decrease in its direct effect on commitment to Sharī’ah governance. The findings of this paper can guide the strategic decision-making process for promoting ethical and sustainable Sharī’ah governance practices in Saudi banks. It also fills the existing gap in literature regarding the relationship between the dimensions of governance and the obligations of Sharī’ah governance framework in Saudi banks.

Evaluation of Sella Turcica Variations in Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs and its Association with Malocclusion.

Understanding the shape and size of the sella turcica may help predict future orthodontic treatment needs related to skeletal malocclusion. This study aims to assess different morphological types of the sella turcica in lateral cephalometric radiographs and its correlation with malocclusion, as well as the relationship between gender and linear measurements of sella turcica. The lateral cephalometric radiographs of 410 volunteers (111 men and 299 women) aged 8 to 30 years were evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups based on their skeletal growth patterns (cl I, II, and III). Then the anatomical shape and linear dimensions of sella turcica were assessed. Measurements were made using Adobe Photoshop Version: 20.0.0 software, and data analysis was performed by IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. The following morphologies were observed: normal (37.8%), oblique anterior wall (9.3%), double contour of the floor (21.5%), sella turcica bridge (8.8%), irregularity (notching) in the posterior part of sella turcica (16.6%), and pyramidal shape of the dorsum sellae (6.1%). No statistically significant relationship was found between sella turcica variations and skeletal malocclusion. The correlation between female sex with the diameter (p=0.027) and depth values (p=0.035) of sella turcica was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in length based on gender. The most morphological type reported was normal sella turcica (37.8%). Anatomical variations of sella turcica had no association with malocclusion. The most considerable depth and diameter of sella turcica were found in women.

Neuronal tuning and population representations of shape and category in human visual cortex

Object recognition and categorization are essential cognitive processes which engage considerable neural resources in the human ventral visual stream. However, the tuning properties of human ventral stream neurons for object shape and category are virtually unknown. We performed large-scale recordings of spiking activity in human Lateral Occipital Complex in response to stimuli in which the shape dimension was dissociated from the category dimension. Consistent with studies in nonhuman primates, the neuronal representations were primarily shape-based, although we also observed category-like encoding for images of animals. Surprisingly, linear decoders could reliably classify stimulus category even in data sets that were entirely shape-based. In addition, many recording sites showed an interaction between shape and category tuning. These results represent a detailed study on shape and category coding at the neuronal level in the human ventral visual stream, furnishing essential evidence that reconciles human imaging and macaque single-cell studies.

Three-Dimensional Printed Attachments: Analysis of Reproduction Accuracy Compared to Traditional Attachments

Background: The aim of this study was to propose a new 3D printing method for attachment production and compare the reproduction accuracy of traditional attachments with the proposed 3D-printed attachments. Methods: A standardized 3D model attachment was created with the dimensions of 3, 2, and 2 mm for the apico-coronal, mesio-distal, and vestibulo-lingual dimensions, respectively. A 3D ideal model of the maxillary arch was used to apply four standardized attachments on the vestibular surface of selected teeth. The obtained model with placed attachments was used to reproduce composite attachments via the conventional method. A transfer template was used to bond with the flow composite resin 3D-printed attachment on a new arch model without attachments. The models with traditional attachments and 3D-printed attachments were scanned and overlapped with the original CAD model with attachments. To assess the attachment precision, vertical and horizontal cutting planes were used on the overlapped models. The outcome selection focused on puff analysis (excess composite material evaluation) and shape analysis (attachment accuracy evaluation). Results: The results indicated that the 3D-printed attachments showed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the traditional attachments. The descriptive statistics showed the higher discrepancies compared to the CAD model of the traditionally created attachments in the shape (0.85 mm) and puff dimension (1.02 mm). Conclusion: Custom 3D-printed attachment production is an effective method for achieving greater attachment precision.

Numerical modeling and experimental validation of air-side forced convection on a Wire-on-tube condenser for a domestic refrigerator

In this study, the effects of various parameters on the air-side performance of a condenser used in a domestic refrigerator were investigated numerically and experimentally. A new condenser design with streamlined eye and kammtail tube shapes was studied to delay flow separation. The kammtail form was utilized in a wire-and-tube heat exchanger for the first time in this work instead of traditional round or elliptical geometry. Different design parameters were studied for the outer tube height (3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, and 5 mm), aspect ratio of the tube (1.5, 2, and 2.5), tube pitch (20 and 15 mm), tube arrangement (inline and staggered), and tube shapes (eye, kammtail, and ellipse forms) to improve the air-side performance. The model was validated using experimental data based on a performance test setup and wind tunnel measurements conducted at different air velocities. The impact of tube shape and tube dimensions on the convection coefficient and pressure drop were found to be dominant due to delayed flow separation and reduction in the recirculation area. The results showed that, for a similar heat-transfer rate, the total tube surface area was reduced by 7%, the convection coefficient was increased by 9.4%, and the static pressure drop was decreased by 27% with the new Kamm tail-form design of 3 × 6 mm compared to the respective values of the original condenser. In addition, for a similar air-side performance, decreasing the tube pitch from 20 to 15 mm resulted in subsequent decreases of up to 30% in the heat exchanger volume. When the tube arrangement was changed from inline to staggered, the convective coefficient increased by 23% and the pressure decreased by 14%. The numerical results were in good agreement with the experimental results, showing errors of less than 10% for air pressure drop and less than 9% for heat-transfer capacity.

The organization of semantic associations between senses in language

Abstract Distributional semantic representations were used to investigate crossmodal correspondences within language, offering a comprehensive analysis of how sensory experiences interconnect in linguistic constructs. By computing semantic proximity between words from different sensory modalities, a crossmodal semantic network was constructed, providing a general view of crossmodal correspondences in the English language. Community detection techniques were applied to unveil domains of experience where crossmodal correspondences were likely to manifest, while also considering the role of affective dimensions in shaping these domains. The study revealed the existence of an architecture of structured domains of experience in language, whereby crossmodal correspondences are deeply embedded. The present research highlights the roles of emotion and statistical associations in the organization of sensory concepts across modalities in language. The domains identified, including food, the body, the physical world and emotions/values, underscored the intricate interplay between the senses, emotion and semantic patterns. These findings align with the embodied lexicon hypothesis and the semantic coding hypothesis, emphasizing the capacity of language to capture and reflect crossmodal correspondences’ emotional and perceptual subtleties in the form of networks, while also revealing opportunities for further perceptual research on crossmodal correspondences and multisensory integration.