Elevation Points Research Articles

Extraction of high-accuracy control points using ICESat-2 ATL03 in urban areas

• A method of extracting high-accuracy control points from ATL03 in urban areas is proposed. • Extract and classify building and ground photons in different urban areas. • The elevation and plane accuracy of control points are evaluated. • ICESat-2 ATL03 photons in urban areas can act as control points. • The land cover in urban areas has significant impact on the accuracy of control points. The ice, cloud, and land elevation satellite-2 (ICESat-2) can effectively measure global surface elevations and be used as a new data source for global elevation control. ICESat-2 has provided surface-specific data products on land/vegetation (ATL08), ice sheet (ATL06), inland water (ATL13), etc., but not on urban areas. The current research using ICESat-2 data to extract control points mostly based on products already provided, focusing on land, forest and other areas. Few studies have analyzed the feasibility of extracting control points in urban areas, as well as the position and elevation accuracy of control points. In this paper, we proposed a method for extracting high-accuracy control points from ATL03 in urban areas and evaluated the elevation and plane accuracy. First, building and ground photons were extracted and classified according to the photon shape features and neighborhood relationships, thereby addressing the insufficiency of ICESat-2 of not classifying photons in urban areas. Then, high-accuracy photons were selected from the ground photons as the laser control points considering the influence of land cover. Finally, the solid and undulating city outline was used for shape matching with DSM, thereby addressing the problem of plane accuracy evaluation in flat areas. We verified our method in two areas (Nanjing and Auckland) and showed that the method can adequately classify buildings and ground photons in different scenarios. The plane accuracy was better than 3.8 m, which lies well within ICESat-2′s mission requirement, with an elevation accuracy of better than 0.5 m, which meets the accuracy requirements of large-scale mapping, suggesting that photons in urban areas can also provide high-accuracy control data for stereo mapping.

Upper-bound limit analysis of MSE walls subjected to strip footing load

The paper presents an upper-bound solution for the bearing capacity based on the assumption of a general two-part-wedge (TPW) slip plane in MSE walls subjected to strip footing load. The proposed method is validated against the results from different analytical methods and model tests. Parametric analyses are carried out to study the effects that backfill shear strength, strip footing width and location, and reinforcement design could have on the bearing capacity and failure geometry in MSE walls. Results show that bearing capacity increases with reinforcement length up to l/H = 0.6–0.7, beyond which reinforcement length shows no significant influence on bearing capacity. Predicted elevation of the break point in the geometry of the TPW slip plane is generally lower than 0.5H, except for smaller strip footing widths (e.g. less than 1.0 m).

Calcaneal osteotomy due to insertional calcaneal tendinopathy: preoperative planning

PurposeDorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy (DCWCO) is indicated in patients with insertional tendinopathy of the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon. The Chauveaus-Liet’s (CL) angle is represented by the difference between the angle of verticalization (α) and morphological angle (β) of the calcaneus (CL angle = α − β). The purpose of the study was to assess whether the DCWCO affects the Chauveaus-Liet’s angle.MethodsThe study included 12 patients indicated to DCWCO. Three directions of close wedge osteotomy were designed for each patient—horizontal, vertical and in the middle type of osteotomy and a virtual osteotomy was created in each of them in the ABAQUS system in cooperation with Czech Technical University. The most used directions of osteotomy according to the available literature were used. We evaluated α and β angles before and after osteotomy, changes of the length plantar aponeurosis and the elevation of distal insertional point of the calcaneal tendon. The changes of grades, median and standard deviation were observed.ResultsThe change of the alfa angle was dependent on the direction of the osteotomy and the change of the beta angle was affected by the size of the osteotomy. The greatest elevation of the distal insertional point of the calcaneal tendon occurred in the horizontal type of the osteotomy.ConclusionOur study shows that the more we want to reduce the tension in the calcaneal tendon, the more we have to perform an osteotomy horizontally. This study could serve as a preoperative guide for osteotomy planning.

Correction of Ametropia in Patients with Posterior Elevation of the Cornea

Purpose: to evaluate the effectiveness of ametropia correction in patients with posterior corneal elevation but without signs of subclinical keratoconus, based on postoperative results of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans PRK).Patients and methods. A retrospective comparative study was conducted to analyze the results of surface ablation, which was performed using transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy in 18 patients with posterior corneal elevation (36 eyes). The control group included 18 patients with eyes without these changes (36 eyes). Both groups were comparable in age, gender and refraction. Demographic data, pre- and postoperative refraction, NCOSIS and ICOSIS, maximum ablation, I/S ratio index, central corneal thickness, anterior and posterior keratometry, Biaocci-Versachi index for anterior and posterior surfaces, RMS (mk/mm2) in standard deviation, the highest elevation point of the posterior surface of the cornea — KVB (microns), index of asymmetry of tangential curvature of anterior and posterior were determined and analyzed in all patients the surfaces are SIF (D) and SIB(D), which determines the vertical asymmetry in the upper and lower hemispheres of the cornea.Results. Observations of the dynamics of these parameters were carried out for 12 months after surgery for patients of both groups, and showed that the conclusion of Trans PRK in patients with posterior corneal elevation leads to similar refractive results compared with normal eyes. The safety and effectiveness indicators for both groups were also comparable. Significant differences in the speed of vision restoration between the groups were revealed, which is manifested by significant differences in visual acuity indicators within 1 month after surgery, but by 1 year the differences are leveled. It was determined that the effectiveness of astigmatism correction in the group with posterior elevation was significantly lower. The refractive results in the elevation group were good. During the observation, there was no pronounced dynamics of the indicators of elevation of the posterior surface of the cornea.Conclusion: the method of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy can be recommended for the treatment of ametropia in patients with posterior corneal elevation, but without signs of subclinical keratoconus, however, the development of additional nomograms is required in order to increase the predictability of laser vision correction in patients of this category.

The effects of capillary fringe on solitary wave induced groundwater dynamics

The capillary fringe is an important factor influencing the groundwater hydrodynamics in the coastal aquifer. The mechanism of the water table changes with the effect of capillary fringe under the wave action is still unclear. In this study, laboratory wave flume experiments were conducted to investigate the groundwater hydrodynamic features, paying particular attention to the capillary effects, in different areas of the beach under the solitary wave action. In the present experiments, medium sands were used to form the beach, resulting in a large capillary fringe height. Accordingly, the entire swash process occurred within the capillary truncated area. Based on the experiment measurements, three mechanisms are confirmed with respect to the coastal water table fluctuations, i.e., the flux mechanism, the gradient mechanism and the newly-proposed meniscus mechanism. The meniscus mechanism in the capillary truncated zone and the gradient mechanism in the capillary untruncated zone contribute to the non-hysteresis of the pressure head variation in the beach landward of the swash zone. The capillary truncated zone can be deemed as an extent of the swash zone since the effect of the swash process plays roles beyond the swash zone through a truncated capillary fringe. In addition, detailed observation of the evolution of the meniscus profile among the beach surface particles suggests that both vertical and horizontal seepage flows are important in the capillary truncated zone. In the swash zone, temporal variation of the hydraulic head can be classified into four/five stages in the case that the measuring position is near to/far from the uprush limit, and the effects of shoreline, water surface elevation, seepage face and exit point on the groundwater dynamics are discussed. Findings from the present study provide useful insights into the wave-induced coastal groundwater dynamics. • Capillary fringe effects on solitary wave induced groundwater dynamics are investigated through wave flume experiments. • Observation of the meniscus dynamics among beach surface particles provides new insights into the capillary fringe behaviors. • Flux mechanism, gradient mechanism and the newly-proposed meniscus mechanism for groundwater fluctuations are confirmed. • Meniscus mechanism dominates the hydrodynamic process in the capillary truncated zone. • Hydrodynamic process in swash zone can be divided into four or five stages with different dominant influencing factors.

Are there difficulty variables in maxillary third molar surgery? A prospective observational cohort study.

The main aim of the present study was to assess which factors were related to surgical difficulty in maxillary third molar extraction. Intra- and postoperative complications were also evaluated. A prospective observational cohort study was performed on out-patients who underwent impacted maxillary third molar extraction. Principal component analysis and multiple linear regression were used to assess the correlation among variables as well as the influence of different preoperative variables on surgical difficulty, suture duration and risk of intraoperative complications. Eighty-six teeth were extracted. There was a positive correlation between pre- and postoperative evaluations and surgery duration. Available space for surgical access in the upper fornix, second molar contact, crown palatal position, depth of the elevation point and surgeon's seniority had a significant effect on the overall difficulty index. Risk of intraoperative complications increased considerably as the percentage of reduction of maximum mouth opening increased (2.03±0.98) as well as in cases in which ostectomy and tooth sectioning were performed (7.02±2.68). The surgeon's seniority was associated with a decreased risk of intraoperative complications (-1.52±0.72). Surgeons were able to predict the difficulty of surgery only to a limited extent. The percentage of maximum mouth opening reduction with an object in the fornix, crown palatal position, and contact with the second molar were found to be related to surgical difficulty.

A quantitative analysis of the brow shape after frontalis muscle contraction.

To measure the changes of the eyebrow's contour after frontalis muscle (FM) contraction. Two consecutive pictures of the eyes and frontal region of 36 volunteers (15 men and 21 women) were obtained with the forehead relaxed and upon maximal frontalis muscle contraction. Bézier lines representing the brows' contours, obtained with the ImageJ software, were graphically sampled with a resolution of 0.025mm. The contours of the relaxed and elevated brows were compared regarding the position of the contour peak (CP), the degree of elevation of brow central point, and the medial and lateral areas outlined between the brow contours before and after frontalis contraction. The asymmetry of the brow contour after FM contraction was calculated by the Naeije formula as (Medial-Lateral)/(Medial + Lateral). A difference of 10% or less between the lateral and medial areas was taken as a cutoff value for symmetrical brow elevation. In 62 (86.1%) of the eyes, the location of the brow's CP was lateral to the brow's midpoint. When the brows were raised, the CP of 60% of the brows was displaced medially and 40% laterally. The motion of the CP with medial displacement (mean = 3.7mm) was significantly larger than those displaced laterally (mean = 1.9mm) decreasing the number of brows with lateral peaks from 62 (86.1%) to 54 (75%). No difference was observed between the mean elevation of the central point of the brow for males (7.9mm (3.2 SD) and females (7.4mm, 3.0 SD). In 58.3% of the sample, the positional change of the medial and lateral sectors of the brows was symmetrical, and among the 41.7% asymmetrical cases, the elevation of the medial side was higher than the lateral in 66.7% of the brows. The brow changes during FM contraction concur well with the anatomic data of the FM shape. The contour of most brows is displaced toward the medial direction when the brow is elevated. The pattern of brow shape change is an indication of the FM anatomy and must be carefully analyzed before any procedure involving the FM, such as chemodenervation injections or frontalis slings for blepharoptosis correction.

Analisis Penyebaran Aspal Buton Berdasarkan Data Bor Di Daerah Lawele

Buton asphalt is a natural asphalt on Buton Island, Southeast Sulawesi. To meet the target of Buton asphalt production, it is necessary to develop an area in the Lawele area as one of the asphalt producing areas on Buton Island. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of Buton asphalt and the form of asphalt deposits in the Lawele area, Buton Regency. The research methodology is divided into literature study, data collection, data processing, analysis and discussion and conclusions. The data used in this research is drill data which includes coordinates, elevation, lithology type, thickness, and depth of drill point. Data processing and analysis in this study was carried out through lithological correlation using RockWorks 17 software. Lithological correlation was carried out to determine the continuity of the asphalt layer from one drill point to another drill point. Based on the results of the analysis on the cross-sectional correlation that has been carried out, it can be concluded that the direction of distribution of asphalt deposits in the research area in line 1 and line 3 is from west to east with a tabular morphology of asphalt deposits, while on line 2 is single deposit and asphalt seepage is found.

A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Parametric Thyroid Feedback Quantile Index and Its Relationship with Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Background: The usual inverse correlation between thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroid hormone disappears in syndromes of central resistance to thyroid hormone, where both are high. TSH and thyroid hormone are also simultaneously high when there is an elevation of the set point of the thyroid regulation axis. This can be estimated with indices, such as the Parametric Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (PTFQI), which was designed for the general population. The PTFQI is positively associated with diabetes prevalence, but association with other pathologies has not been yet explored. The aim of this project was to explore the potential relationship of the PTFQI with metabolic and cardiovascular disease in a sample of ambulatory adult patients from Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the patients who underwent thyroid hormones measurement (6434 measurements from September to November 2018 in a central laboratory in Spain). We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of a subgroup of adults aged >18 years with normal TSH and free thyroxine (fT4) belonging to groups that represent extreme PTFQI (n = 661). Individuals with known conditions interfering the thyroid axis were excluded (remaining n = 296). Logistic and linear regression models adjusted for age and sex were used to calculate odds ratio (OR) of diseases and differences of clinical parameters, and 95% confidence intervals [CI]. Results: Across levels with higher PTFQI, there was an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (High vs. Low PTFQI OR: 2.88 [CI: 1.14-7.86], p-Trend = 0.02), ischemic heart disease (16.4% vs. 0%, unadjusted Haldane-Anscombe corrected OR: 23.90 [CI: 1.36-21.48], adjusted p-Trend = 0.04), atrial fibrillation (OR: 8.13 [CI: 1.33-158.20], p-Trend = 0.05), and hypertension (OR: 3.19 [CI: 1.14-9.94], p-Trend = 0.05). While the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was similarly associated with TSH and fT4, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension were more strongly associated with the differences in fT4 values. Conclusions: Type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension may be associated with a higher central regulation set point for thyroid hormone. These findings should be confirmed in other populations.

Application of Optical Fiber Sensing Technology in Permeability Test of Three-Dimensional Physical Model of Medium and Long-Distance Diversion Tunnel

In order to accurately simulate the dynamic change law of seepage field during construction, this paper proposes the application of optical fiber sensing technology in the permeability test of three-dimensional physical model of medium and long-distance headrace tunnel. This paper introduces the principle of optical fiber sensing, analyzes and compares the application advantages of optical fiber and general electrical signal sensing in the safety monitoring of long-distance diversion tunnel. Taking the safety monitoring of a 16# long tunnel of a diversion project as an example, the selection of monitoring sections, monitoring items, and the layout and networking of monitoring instruments are studied. In addition, combined with the tunnel project, the physical simulation of the construction process of the deep buried headrace tunnel under high seepage pressure is carried out, and the water pressure automatic control water supply system and the discrete flower tube seepage generation system are designed and manufactured to realize the high simulation of the seepage field. The seepage and evolution law in the surrounding rock of headrace tunnel during dynamic construction are calculated and analyzed. The test results show that the maximum external water pressure of the headrace tunnel is 15 MPa, which is equivalent to 1500 m head pressure, and the similar scale of head pressure is 100. Therefore, taking 15 m constant head water supply pressure for simulation calculation, the excavation of the tunnel is 120 cm, and the two-dimensional seepage of the vertical section of Z = 91 cm . The seepage flow of the two sides of the tunnel is large, and the contour of the hydraulic gradient is dense. The coordinates are 0.7 m, 2.090 m, and 0.9 m. This point in the original rock mass is located at the same elevation point of the four headrace tunnels and directly below the model exploratory tunnel. The head pressure is 1.40 m, and the corresponding prototype point pressure head is 140 M. During construction, such a high external water pressure is a great safety hazard. Conclusion. The test conclusion provides a theoretical basis for the seepage prevention construction technology design of the headrace tunnel and is of great significance to the long-term stability, safety evaluation, and prediction of the headrace tunnel.

Assessment of the Tilt Phenomenon and the Tilt Distance of the Land as an Effect of Coal Mining, Jiu Valley Basin, Romania

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the phenomenon of land tilting and the tilting distance as a secondary effect of surface coal mining in the Jiu Valley area, Romania. To evaluate the tilting phenomenon, through the two considered elements (inclination – Lt, tilting distance – Td) 16 control points (CP1 to CP16) were used whose coordinates were measured in the Stereographic 1970 projection system, the 1975 Black Sea elevation system at an initial moment (t0) and at the current moment (t1). The static method was used by GPS technology to measure the elevations of the control points. Through descriptive statistical analysis, a general characterization of the set of recorded values was obtained, and the ANOVA test confirmed the safety of the data and the presence of variance in the data set. From the analysis of the recorded values, a Spline type model was obtained that described the variation of Lt in relation to Td, under conditions of statistical safety ( ɛ¯ = 0.137302). Regression analysis facilitated the obtaining of equation-type models, which described the variation of Lt and Td in relation to the X, Y and Z coordinates of the control points (t0, t1), under conditions of statistical certainty (R2 = 0.697, p=0.014 for Td variation according to Z0 and Z1; R2 = 0.722, p=0.0094 for Td in relation to X0 and Z0). According to PCA, PC1 explained 61.303% of variance, and PC2 explained 38.697% of variance. The cluster analysis facilitated the obtaining of a dendrogram based on Euclidean distances, regarding the grouping based on the similarity of the control points in relation to the studied phenomenon, under conditions of statistical safety (Coph. corr.=0.957).

PERENCANAAN SISTEM JARINGAN DISTRIBUSI SISTEM PENYEDIAAN AIR MINUM PEDESAAN (SPAMDES) DI DESA PEDAWA KECAMATAN BANJAR BULELENG

Water is a very important natural resource for mankind. Pedawa Village of Banjar Subdistrict located in the southern part of Buleleng Regency with an area of 16.68 km2 which has limited clean water services. Where the level of SPAMDES service which is only 29% or 1,672 people out of 5,733 people causes the fulfillment of clean water in Pedawa Village is still low, there are 4 springs used in SPAM Pedawa Village but not all communities get water, so it is necessary to plan an optimal rural drinking water supply network system (SPAMDES). The planning of this distribution network system is assisted by WaterNet where the software uses energy potential to see the extent to which water from the spring can flow through the distribution network.. The data required in this planning are elevation, discharge and coordinate point to calculate energy loss, pipe length and pump head and the number of residents of the last 6 years for projected population growth for 20 years. The results of projected water needs in the service area were obtained for Lambo Reservoir 54 m3, Lambo2 Reservoir 99 m3, Bangkiang Sidem1 Reservoir 45 m3, Bangkiang Sidem2 Reservoir 45 m3, Reservoir Gelunggang 75 m3, Asah Reservoir 15 m3, Insakan Reservoir 9 m3 and Munduk Waban Reservoir 1.5 m3. Based on the results of network simulations with galvanized pipes and flow systems with pumps and gravity obtained results for Constant and Extended flow types on WaterNet hydraulically the network can provide services as desired on each node. Where the pipe for the transmission network is obtained a pipe diameter of 10 and 5 cm, and for the distribution network obtained a pipe diameter of 15, 10 and 5 cm

Block Model of Laterite Nickel Reserve in the Sorowako Village Research Area, South Sulawesi Province

The manufacture of laterite nickel deposit model blocks is one of the stages after exploration activities are carried out in an area that shows potential resources that are feasible to be exploited. The purpose of this study was to determine the tonnage value of an estimated resource of saprolite and limonite ore deposits in the drilling area. The research method is the implementation of fieldwork, which includes a survey of the area to be drilled, tools and materials used in drilling production, and determining the stages in making model blocks. The data used in this study are data from analysis of nickel content, data on the total depth of drill points, lithology data of laterite nickel profiles, and data on coordinates and elevation of drill points. In research conducted in the concession area of ​​the research area with a number of drill points of as many as 275 points and a drill spacing of 25 meters and 50 meters, the number of resources that have been calculated in the form of a 3D block model and a cross-sectional vertical correlation where in the limonite layer the volume value is obtained. of 757,031 m3 with an average Ni content: 0.84%, while the saprolite layer obtained a volume value of 210,781 m3 with an average Ni content: 1.80%. The conclusion obtained is that the tonnage value for the limonite layer is 1,211,250 tons, and for the saprolite layer the tonnage value is 400,484 tons.

Volumetric change analysis of the Cauvery delta topography using radar remote sensing

Geomorphology refers to the study of the Earth’s physical land surface features. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a digital imagery where each pixel represents elevation value above or below mean sea level. The availability of DEM allows analysis of landscape morphology and related processes in terms of geomorphometry. DEM of Difference (DoD) techniques are used to estimate the elevation variations and volumetric changes over time. The volumetric change of terrain in the Cauvery delta (CD) for the past two decades is estimated using DoD algorithm by utilizing freely available moderate spatial resolution SRTM, PALSAR and Sentinel 1A DEMs which are derived by radar remote sensing technique. A detailed assessment of individual DEM’s errors and propagating errors into the DoD are estimated using the field elevation points measured by Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Global Positioning System (GPS). The default errors in the SRTM, PALSAR and Sentinel 1A DEMs are observed with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 3.33, 3.11 and 3.04 m respectively. The erosion and accretion rates determined are 25 and 30 million m3 / decade correspondingly. The total volume of sediment load due to erosion and accretion is 50 and 60 million m3 respectively during 2000–2020. Further the net area affected due to deposition (69 %) is higher than the total area affected due to erosion (30%). This study presents decadal sediment budget and rate of annual change due to erosion/accretion in the CD.

Penentuan Tipe Akuifer Daerah Bulontala Kabupaten Bone Bolango Menggunakan Metode Geolistrik

Research area Geographically, the location is at 0ᵒ31'0''N - 0ᵒ31'30'' North Latitude 123ᵒ8'0'' - 123ᵒ8'30'' East Longitude with an area of ± 22.02 km. The research location is an andesite lava hill unit. because the type of rock found at that location is andesite igneous rock. The purpose of this study is to determine the type or type of aquifer. The method used is in the form of collecting surface and subsurface geological data. The method used is the geoelectric method with the Schlumberger configuration. The results of the research for geological mapping of the research location have morphology in the form of volcanic plains and hills with an altitude of 200 meters above sea level. The statigraphic sequence at the research site is sorted from easy to leader, old unit in the form of Andesite and easy unit in the form of alluvial. As for the geological structure that plays a role in the study, the dominant direction is from the north to the south.Groundwater at the research site follows the topography of the research location which flows from south to north where the water flows from upstream to downstream, from high to low elevation points. based on the results of geoelectric research and well water data collection that the aquifer at that location is shallow with alluvial material types, sand and andesite igneous rocks.The type of aquifer at the research site obtained from geoelectric research is a free aquifer type (not compressed) and only has 1 boundary layer, namely andesite igneous rock.

New improved Brazilian daily weather gridded data (1961–2020)

AbstractThe demand for meteorological gridded datasets has increased within the last few years to inform studies such those in climate, weather, and agriculture. These studies require those data to be readily usable in standard formats with continuous spatial and temporal coverage. Since 2016, Brazil has a daily gridded meteorological data set with spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 2013 which was well received by the community. The main objective of this work is to improve the Brazilian meteorological data set. We do this by increasing the resolution of the minimum and maximum temperature (Tmax and Tmin) gridded interpolations from 0.25° × 0.25° to 0.1° × 0.1° by incorporating data on topographic relief, and increasing the time period covered (January 1, 1961–July 31, 2020). Besides Tmax and Tmin, we also gridded precipitation (pr), solar radiation (Rs), wind speed (u2), and relative humidity (RH) using observed data from 11,473 rain gauges and 1,252 weather stations. By means of ranked cross‐validation statistics, we selected the best interpolation among inverse distance weighting and angular distance weighting methods. We determined that interpolations for Tmax and Tmin are improved by using the elevation of a query point, that accounts for topographic relief, and a temperature lapse rate. Even though this new version has ≈25 years more data relative to the previous one, statistics from cross‐validation were similar. To allow researchers to assess the performance of the interpolation relative to station data in the area, we provide two types of gridded controls.

Five-year stability of posterior corneal surface after small incision lenticule extraction for high myopia

BackgroundTo study the 5-year changes in the posterior corneal surface after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for high myopia.MethodsEighty eyes received SMILE was included in this prospective study. They were allocated into two groups based on the spherical equivalent: high myopia (40eyes, -7.49 ± 0.70D) and moderate myopia (40eyes, -4.43 ± 0.87D). Certain points of posterior corneal elevation (the central point (PCE), thinnest point (PTE), maximal point (PME), and in various corneal areas) were evaluated using a Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam; Oculus GmbH, Germany) preoperatively and at 6 months and 5 years after surgery.ResultsAll surgeries were completed uneventfully and no ectasia was developed throng the observation. The safety index and efficacy index were 1.14 and 1.03 in the high myopia group, and 1.16 and 1.06 in the moderate myopia group, respectively. Most of the calculated values in the high myopia group showed a slight increase at 6 months but decreased at 5 years. At 5 years postoperatively, the value of the PTE was significantly lower than at baseline in both groups (P ≤ 0.047); a statistical difference was also revealed in the PME in the moderate group with slight changes (10.15 ± 3.01 μm vs. 11.60 ± 4.33 μm, P = 0.002); no statistical significance was observed in other calculated values (P ≥ 0.067). Similarly, no significant linear correlation was noted between changes in all values and the residual bed thickness either (P ≥ 0.057).ConclusionsSMILE causes no protrusion in posterior corneal surface for correction of high myopia at the follow-up visit of 5 years.

Gradient Terrain Authoring

AbstractDigital terrains are a foundational element in the computer‐generated depiction of natural scenes. Given the variety and complexity of real‐world landforms, there is a need for authoring solutions that achieve perceptually realistic outcomes without sacrificing artistic control. In this paper, we propose setting aside the elevation domain in favour of modelling in the gradient domain. Such a slope‐based representation is height independent and allows a seamless blending of disparate landforms from procedural, simulation, and real‐world sources. For output, an elevation model can always be recovered using Poisson reconstruction, which can include Dirichlet conditions to constrain the elevation of points and curves.In terms of authoring our approach has numerous benefits. It provides artists with a complete toolbox, including: cut‐and‐paste operations that support warping as needed to fit the destination terrain, brushes to modify region characteristics, and sketching to provide point and curve constraints on both elevation and gradient. It is also a unifying representation that enables the inclusion of tools from the spectrum of existing procedural and simulation methods, such as painting localised high‐frequency noise or hydraulic erosion, without breaking the formalism. Finally, our constrained reconstruction is GPU optimized and executes in real‐time, which promotes productive cycles of iterative authoring.

Persistent cardiac injury - An important component of long COVID-19 syndrome.

Persistent cardiac injury - An important component of long COVID-19 syndrome.

Vertical Accuracy of Freely Available Global Digital Elevation Models: A Case Study in Karaman Water Reservoir Territory

Nowadays, Uzbekistan pays great attention to the construction of reservoirs for irrigation and energy purposes. Identification of potential sites for the construction of reservoirs and obtaining initial data (the geographical location, storage volume and water surface area, profile of the dam site and others) imposes a great task on project institutes that develop design and survey and pilot work on water engineering. The use of GIS and RS technologies in human life has made it possible to accomplish many tasks quickly, cheaply and accurately. In this research, the main scope of the work is to assess the accuracy of the tested ALOS World 3D - 30m (AW3D30), ASTER GDEM v3, SRTM Plus, COP-30 and NASADEM products for the Karaman water reservoir (recommended for construction in Jizzakh region, Uzbekistan) territory by comparison with 36 Ground elevation points taken from topographic maps (1:25000). Results of statistics values calculated over the geodetic ground elevation points and the DEM data show that NASADEM and AWED30 DEM data are more accurate than other DEMs. The study found that the use of AWED30 and NASADEM data in the design of the proposed Karaman water reservoir for construction leads to a more accurate result. The results obtained using AWED30 data in determining the storage volume (W=780 mln.m3) and area (F=41.4 sq.km) of the water reservoir.