General Shape Research Articles

Experimental behaviour and design model of FRP-UHPC-steel tubular columns under monotonic axial compression

By integrating structural steel with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), FRP-UHPC-steel tubular columns (FUSTs) emerge as innovative composite members that offer exceptional corrosion resistance and lightweight properties. FUSTs hold significant potential for use as thin-walled tubular columns working in harsh environments, such as wind turbines and high-voltage transmission towers. To obtain in-depth understanding of key parameters including the steel fiber ratio of UHPC, the specimen void ratio and the FRP thickness, this paper tested 24 specimens to evaluate their compressive behaviour, including 18 FUSTs and 6 UHPC-filled FRP tubes (UCFFTs). Experimental results showed that: (1) FUSTs demonstrated ductile behavior with significant strain enhancement and notable strength improvement; (2) the steel fibers in UHPC had marginal influences on the ultimate condition of FUSTs; (3) a larger inner void had a general effect to lead to more localized rupture for the FRP tube; (4) the FRP thickness was the predominant influencing factor on both the general shape and the ultimate point of the normalized axial stress–strain curves. Finally, a design model was proposed, which was able to capture the general shape of the axial load–strain curves, and could generate reasonably accurate predictions for the peak load.

Geomorphology of subaerial mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan: Issues about edifice construction and degradation

Mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan present some of the largest and most well-preserved edifices among all the onshore examples. We examined their morphology based on remote sensing and field observations. We classify the general shapes of the edifices into Type 1 (conical edifice), Type 2 (shield-like edifice), Type 3 (domed edifice) and Irregular (or compound). The associated landforms of the examined mud volcanoes are wide-ranging: mud flows, summit mud pies, summit craters/areas, gryphons and mud cones (small- and medium-scale vent structures), and salses (ponds of watery mud). The variety of such constructional landforms testify to the complex processes of mud emplacement modulated by the presence of fluids such as saline/connate waters and hydrocarbons. Degradation features include gullies, aeolian forms, steep slopes at lower flanks and reduced edifice sections due to human exploitation. The steep slopes at lower flanks are interesting since they may represent evidence for wave-cut erosion. The complex interplay of edifice construction and degradation is an important area of future study.

Morphology of hemipenes and its taxonomic implication in the fused eyelids species of the genus Ablepharus (Squamata: Scincidae)

The representatives of the genus Ablepharus Fitzinger, 1824 have not been studied in detail from a morphological and taxonomic perspective. The morphology of hemipenes of 14 taxa of the fused eyelids species of the genus was studied. Manual eversion and inflation with absolute ethanol was used for preparation of the organs. The results indicate that the Ablepharus hemipenes show little variation in general shape and main structures: all hemipenes are deeply bifurcated, without large external calcified or keratinous spines or similar structures. Based on hemipenial morphology, the studied taxa can be separated into two clades: 1) with long, slender and 2) with short, robust lobes of the hemipenis. The morphology of this structure demonstrates close relationships between the fused eyelids ablepharine skinks, points out unresolved taxonomic problems, and shows general congruence with available molecular phylogenies. Hemipenial characteristics appear to be a useful tool for the identification of the species within the genus. Problems associated with the real taxonomic status of the Ablepharus budaki anatolicus paratypes and the distribution of other taxa are discussed. The morphology of the hemipenis of the family Scincidae and the related, inconsistent use of terminology are also commented on.

Capacitive Touch Sensing on General 3D Surfaces

Mutual-capacitive sensing is the most common technology for detecting multi-touch, especially on flat and simple curvature surfaces. Its extension to a more complex shape is still challenging, as a uniform distribution of sensing electrodes is required for consistent touch sensitivity across the surface. To overcome this problem, we propose a method to adapt the sensor layout of common capacitive multi-touch sensors to more complex 3D surfaces, ensuring high-resolution, robust multi-touch detection. The method automatically computes a grid of transmitter and receiver electrodes with as regular distribution as possible over a general 3D shape. It starts with the computation of a proxy geometry by quad meshing used to place the electrodes through the dual-edge graph. It then arranges electrodes on the surface to minimize the number of touch controllers required for capacitive sensing and the number of input/output pins to connect the electrodes with the controllers. We reach these objectives using a new simplification and clustering algorithm for a regular quad-patch layout. The reduced patch layout is used to optimize the routing of all the structures (surface grooves and internal pipes) needed to host all electrodes on the surface and inside the object's volume, considering the geometric constraints of the 3D shape. Finally, we print the 3D object prototype ready to be equipped with the electrodes. We analyze the performance of the proposed quad layout simplification and clustering algorithm using different quad meshing and characterize the signal quality and accuracy of the capacitive touch sensor for different non-planar geometries. The tested prototypes show precise and robust multi-touch detection with good Signal-to-Noise Ratio and spatial accuracy of about 1mm.

Spectral Energy Distribution of Late Stage Stars

This paper presents a catalog of the energy distribution in the spectra of 263 stars in the wavelength range 0.4 - 100 µm, which are at late stages of evolution and have been observed by the ISO space observatory. For each object in the catalog, estimates of the observed bolometric fluxes are derived from smoothed energy distribution curves. The catalog is available at https://infra.sai.msu.ru/sai_lss_sed both as a table and in machine-readable format. It is shown that for the specified sample of objects their ISO SWS spectra in the range 2.4 - 45 µm only in 60% of cases correspond to the general shape of the continuum, and can be used without recalibration. A selection of carbon stars accessible to infrared observations from the MSU observatories was made. For some of them, the first brightness estimates in the K, L, and M bands were obtained with the new IR camera of the 2.5-m telescope of CMO.

Rotor pole and stator tooth shaping in FSPM machines for torque performance optimization

Purpose This study aims to obtain the minimum torque ripple at the maximum average torque for Flux-switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machines. Design/methodology/approach This paper is about torque performance optimization of the FSPM machines. To achieve that, finite element analysis and genetic algorithm (GA) are used. Five different designs are simulated, optimized and compared on their air gap flux density, back electromotive force, cogging torque, average torque, torque density and torque ripple. Findings After the thousands of iterations, its proved that all proposed shaping techniques have potential for reducing torque ripple and cogging torque, with slightly reduced average torque. The best design is the joint stator and rotor shaping, Design V, which results in the lowest torque ripple and cogging torque. The techniques should be applicable to FSPMs with other stator slot/rotor pole number combinations. Originality/value In this paper, rotor pole shaping by notching, chamfering and generic shaping, stator tooth shaping and joint shaping techniques are investigated for 12 s/10p FSPM machines. Rotor and stator flanks are optimized separately and jointly, by using finite element analysis and GA for optimization to achieve maximum average torque and minimum torque ripple. Five different design is implemented and compared, respectively.

Study of baryon number transport dynamics and strangeness conservation effects using Ω\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Omega$$\\end{document}-hadron correlations

In nuclear collisions at RHIC energies, an excess of Ω\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Omega$$\\end{document} hyperons over Ω¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\bar{\\Omega }$$\\end{document} is observed, indicating that Ω\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Omega$$\\end{document} has a net baryon number despite s and s¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\bar{s}$$\\end{document} quarks being produced in pairs. The baryon number in Ω\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Omega$$\\end{document} may have been transported from the incident nuclei and/or produced in the baryon-pair production of Ω\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Omega$$\\end{document} with other types of anti-hyperons such as Ξ¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\bar{\\Xi }$$\\end{document}. To investigate these two scenarios, we propose to measure the correlations between Ω\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Omega$$\\end{document} and K and between Ω\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Omega$$\\end{document} and anti-hyperons. We use two versions, the default and string-melting, of a multiphase transport (AMPT) model to illustrate the method for measuring the correlation and to demonstrate the general shape of the correlation. We present the Ω\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Omega$$\\end{document}-hadron correlations from simulated Au+Au collisions at sNN=7.7\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sqrt{s_\ ext{NN}} = 7.7$$\\end{document} and 14.6GeV\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$14.6 \\ \ extrm{GeV}$$\\end{document} and discuss the dependence on the collision energy and on the hadronization scheme in these two AMPT versions. These correlations can be used to explore the mechanism of baryon number transport and the effects of baryon number and strangeness conservation on nuclear collisions.

The implementation method of point cloud denoising filter based on KinectV2

Abstract In the process of collecting data from point clouds, some factors, such as precision equipment, operator experience, environmental conditions, as well as characteristic diffraction effects of electromagnetic waves, changes in surface characteristics of test objects, and the impact of integration processes, are involved data and records that may display some point noise in the data point cloud. In addition to noise caused by measurement errors, practical applications can be affected by external interference and obstacles, which causes deviating values in the data point cloud to differ from the measurement entity. A 3D scanner, represented by the depth of the camera, is used to collect data. To eliminate these noises and anomalies, it is necessary to filter the initial points of the cloud. In this article, we suggest using statistical filtering algorithms to perform statistical analysis on each point community, remove points that do not meet predetermined standards, and remove outliers. To verify the effectiveness of the algorithm, it is compared with other filtering algorithms. The experimental results show that the filter algorithm proposed in this thesis has better effects on outlier points and can obtain the general shape properties of the point cloud.

Evaluation of Slaughterhouse Infrastructure According to Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) - Gezira State, Sudan

This study was conducted to evaluate general and specific requirement of Gezira states slaughter house according to Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization SSMO. A total of 12 local slaughterhouse of Gezira state from different sites of localities were divided into three categories according to their constructions and establishment due to data sheets that created includes ten items (1-10), each item score ten marks when SSMO was found actually for evaluating slaughterhouse site, general shape building design, accessories equipments, drainage, services and general requirements. All the data of the experiments were statistically analyzed by analyses of variance applicable to completely randomized designs CRD.ANOVA table at a confidence level of 5%. Questioner analyzed with Chi square test by using the computer with Statistical Package for Social Study (SPSS) program and Duncan multiple range tests was used to detect difference between means. According to Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization sheets the study showed no significant different (P<0.05) among different slaughterhouse categories for slaughterhouse site for living area, waste places, industrial polluted areas, odorous areas, insect and pest areas, livestock marketing place, main roads, voltage areas and communication media while the study showed significant different (P<0.05) between experimental groups for slaughter house drainage system. Slaughterhouse general structures showed no significant different (P<0.05) among different slaughterhouse categories for slaughter house surround structure while workers entrance, exits, animal entrance door preparing, operations and waiting pens showed significant different (P<0.05) between experimental groups . Slaughterhouse accessories showed no significant different (P<0.05) among different slaughterhouse categories for maintenance workshop and animal transport traffics while the study showed significant different (P<0.05) between experimental groups for slaughter house car wash unit, building foundation, slaughterhouse walls, slaughterhouse floor, slaughterhouse roofs, ventilation and light, pens design, animals partitions, water resources, and animal quarantine. The study showed all the slaughterhouse of Gezira state don’t matching Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization requirements so, the authors recommend to entitling and establishing new slaughterhouses that conform to the Sudanese standard for the slaughterhouse.

Shape meets Euclid: Integrating shape computation with ruler and compass procedures

The recent success of a class of mechanical applications of shape rules in CAD shape grammar interpreters has produced a renewed interest in the design and support of shape embedding and shape rewrite technologies. Despite this, some fundamental constructions in rule-based modeling, namely, any of Euclid's straightedge and compass constructions, appear awkward to simulate within the fuse-embed cycle of a shape grammar interpreter. It is suggested here that this problem of modeling Euclid's straightedge and compass constructions can be efficiently addressed with the introduction of a new schema rule leveraging symbolic representations of shape. Two applications based on the usage of three instances of this schema rule are given to show the simulation of straightedge and compass constructions in a general purpose 2D CAD shape grammar interpreter, the Shape Machine for Rhino. A reflection upon the usage of rule schemas in shape grammar interpreters is given in the end.

Existence of surfaces optimizing geometric and PDE shape functionals under reach constraint

This article deals with the existence of hypersurfaces minimizing general shape functionals under certain geometric constraints. We consider as admissible shapes orientable hypersurfaces satisfying a so-called reach condition, also known as the uniform ball property, which ensures \mathscr{C}^{1,1} regularity of the hypersurface. In this paper, we revisit and generalize the results of Dalphin (2018 and 2020) and Guo and Yang (2013). We provide a simpler framework and more concise proofs of some of the results contained in these references and extend them to a new class of problems involving PDEs. Indeed, by using the signed distance, we avoid the intensive and technical use of local maps, as was the case in the above references. Our approach, originally developed to solve an existence problem in Privat, Robin, and Sigalotti’s 2022 paper, can be easily extended to costs involving different mathematical objects associated with the domain, such as solutions of elliptic equations on the hypersurface.

Efficacy comparison between Mathieu combined urethral plate incision and onlay island flap urethroplasty for distal hypospadias in patients with urethral plate stenosis.

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of Mathieu combined urethral plate incision (Mathieu-IP) versus onlay island flap urethroplasty in patients with distal hypospadias complicated by urethral stenosis. The clinical data of 70 patients with distal hypospadias complicated by urethral plate stenosis treated in the Department of Urology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital (Hefei, China), from May 2019 to May 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-eight patients underwent Mathieu-IP (Mathieu-IP group) and 32 underwent onlay island flap urethroplasty (Onlay group). Follow-ups at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively assessed operative time, complications, urethral meatus morphology, and family satisfaction. The Mathieu-IP group had significantly shorter operative time (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]: 81.58 ± 5.18 min) versus the Onlay group (mean ± s.d.: 110.75 ± 6.05 min; P < 0.05). Surgical success rates were 78.9% (Mathieu-IP group) and 75.0% (Onlay group), with no significant difference ( P > 0.05). Complications were comparable between the groups. The Mathieu-IP group resulted in a vertical slit-shaped urethral meatus in 89.5% versus 13.8% in the Onlay group ( P < 0.05). Family satisfaction with general penile appearance and skin shape showed no significant differences, but the Mathieu-IP group had higher satisfaction with meatal position ( P < 0.05). Mathieu-IP offers simplicity, safety, and shorter operative time compared to Onlay. Both the techniques effectively treat urethral plate stenosis in distal hypospadias, with reduced postoperative complications compared to tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. Mathieu-IP results in a vertical slit-shaped urethral meatus which enhances urinary stream, indicating its potential for broader adoption.

Shape sensing of the thin-walled beam members by coupling an inverse finite element method with a refined quasi-3D zigzag beam theory

In structural safety field, the inverse finite element method (iFEM) is an effective methodology to reconstruct full-field displacement on beam, plate and shell structures, independently of the loading conditions and of the material properties. However, the current iFEM in principle requires uniform shear distribution over the thickness of beam, which is practically hardly possible due to these thin-walled beam with the general cross-section shape, such as I-section beam, hat-section beam and box-section beam, and there is no effective method to realize deformation online monitoring at home and abroad. To relieve this issue, a novel iFEM strategy is proposed to establish the shape sensing model of the thin-walled beam, where the thin-walled beam is replaced with an equivalent layered composite one based on a generalized layered global-local beam (GLGB) theory, and the improved quasi-3D zigzag shear deformation theory is presented to describe deformation field of the equivalent layered composite beam. The proposed iFEM method accounts for not only thickness stretching but also interlaminar continuity of shear stresses and displacements. Besides, the proposed iFEM formulation does not need any shear correction factors. Accuracy and effectiveness of the established shape sensing model are demonstrated through several case studies. The numerical results show that the proposed iFEM can accurately reconstruct the deformation of the thin-walled structure and the reconstruction accuracy can be improved by 5 %.

Saurodesmus robertsoni Seeley 1891-The oldest Scottish cynodont.

Predating Darwin's theory of evolution, the holotype of Saurodesmus robertsoni is a long-standing enigma. Found at the beginning of 1840s, the specimen is a damaged stylopodial bone over decades variably assigned to turtles, archosaurs, parareptiles, or synapsids, and currently nearly forgotten. We redescribe and re-assess that curious specimen as a femur and consider Saurodesmus robertsoni as a valid taxon of a derived cynodont (?Tritylodontidae). It shares with probainognathians more derived than Prozostrodon a mainly medially oriented lesser trochanter and with the clade reuniting tritylodontids, brasilodontids, and mammaliaforms (but excluding tritheledontids) the presence of a projected femoral head, offset from the long axis of the femoral shaft; a thin, plate-like greater trochanter; a distinct dorsal eminence proximal to the medial (tibial) condyle located close to the level of the long axis of the femoral shaft and almost in the middle of the width of the distal expansion; and a pocket-like fossa proximally to the medial (tibial) condyle. Saurodesmus robertsoni is most similar to tritylodontids, sharing at least with some forms: the relative mediolateral expansion of the proximal and distal regions of the femur, the general shape and development of the greater trochanter, the presence of a faint intertrochanteric crest separating the shallow intertrochanteric and adductor fossae, and the general outline of the distal region as observed dorsally and distally. This makes Saurodesmus robertsoni the first Triassic cynodont from Scotland and, possibly, one of the earliest representatives of tritylodontids and one of the latest non-mammaliaform cynodonts worldwide. Moreover, it highlights the need for revisiting historical problematic specimens, the identification of which could have been previously hampered by the lack of adequate comparative materials in the past.

Attitudes Towards Economic Inequality in a Global Perspective: Evidence from the World Value Survey

Scholars have explored the factors responsible for shaping people’s attitudes towards economic inequality. Yet, this research has focused exclusively on Western countries. This is an important limitation: only by looking at the different world regions, scholars can fully elucidate the major factors involved. To address this, the paper examines data from the World Value Survey, a database of representative samples drawn from more than one hundred countries. The analyses reveal that people tolerate economic inequalities more when they have higher salary, are better educated, are male, and live in poorer countries. The data also indicates that a country’s level of income inequality has no impact on the attitude towards economic inequality reported by citizens. Altogether, these findings elucidate the general factors shaping people’s views on inequality worldwide, contributing to understanding in which conditions people support egalitarian policies.

Comparison of the Results of Phalloplasty Using Radial Free Forearm Flap and Anterolateral Thigh in Iran from 2014 to 2019

Abstract Introduction Due to the worldwide growing number of transgender individuals openly identifying themselves, including in Iran, these individuals need more attention and support. This study compares patient satisfaction and quality of life after female-to-male gender confirmation surgery using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and radial forearm free flap (RFFF). Materials and Methods This study included 49 patients who underwent phalloplasty from 2014 to 2019 using two different methods. The two groups' outcomes and quality of life were investigated and compared 1 year after the operation. Results The mean age of the patients in this study was 32.7 years. Among patients, 44.9% underwent revision operations, and 38.8% had residual protective sensations after 1 year. In terms of quality of life after surgery, the general shape of the phallus, cold and heat sensation, sense of touch, the body of glans and shaft, color and size of the phallus, sexual pleasure in patients and their partners, and the relationship between the number of anastomosed nerves and sexual satisfaction, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The ALT group had statistically significantly higher rates of orgasms compared to the RFFF group. Conclusion The outcomes of the two phalloplasty surgery methods (ALT and RFFF) are similar in different aspects, such as the quality of life.

A Minimalistic 3D Self-Organized UAV Flocking Approach for Desert Exploration

In this work, we propose a minimalistic swarm flocking approach for multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Our approach allows the swarm to achieve cohesively and aligned flocking (collective motion), in a random direction, without externally provided directional information exchange (alignment control). The method relies on minimalistic sensory requirements as it uses only the relative range and bearing of swarm agents in local proximity obtained through onboard sensors on the UAV. Thus, our method is able to stabilize and control the flock of a general shape above a steep terrain without any explicit communication between swarm members. To implement proximal control in a three-dimensional manner, the Lennard-Jones potential function is used to maintain cohesiveness and avoid collisions between robots. The performance of the proposed approach was tested in real-world conditions by experiments with a team of nine UAVs. Experiments also present the usage of our approach on UAVs that are independent of external positioning systems such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Relying only on a relative visual localization through the ultraviolet direction and ranging (UVDAR) system, previously proposed by our group, the experiments verify that our system can be applied in GNSS-denied environments. The degree achieved of alignment and cohesiveness was evaluated using the metrics of order and steady-state value.

Two new species of the genus Xanthonomus Bernhauer, 1926 from Indonesia and Malaysia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Omaliini)

Two new species of the genus Xanthonomus Bernhauer, 1926 are described and illustrated: X. floricola sp. nov. (Indonesia: Sulawesi) and X. pandani sp. nov. (Malaysia: Sabah). Based on the general shape of the pronotum and very wide abdomen, both species are related to X. latus Steel, 1995 (Malaysia: Pahang). The holotype of X. latus is illustrated. The distributional map of the genus is provided.

Alterations in the Anatomy and Ultrastructure of Leaf Blade in Norway Maple (Acer platanoides L.) Growing on Mining Sludge: Prospects of Using This Tree Species for Phytoremediation.

Alterations in leaf architecture can be used as an indicator of the substrate toxicity level as well as the potential of a given plant species in the phytoremediation of polluted areas, e.g., mining sludge. In this work, we demonstrated, for the first time, the nature and scale of alterations in leaf architecture at the tissue and cellular levels occurring in Norway maple growing on mining sludge originating from a copper mine in Lubin (Poland). The substrate differs from other mine wastes, e.g., calamine or serpentine soils, due to an extremely high level of arsenic (As). Alterations in leaf anatomy predominantly included the following: (1) a significant increase in upper epidermis thickness; (2) a significant decrease in palisade parenchyma width; (3) more compact leaf tissue organization; (4) the occurrence of two to three cell layers in palisade parenchyma in contrast to one in the control; (5) a significantly smaller size of cells building palisade parenchyma. At the cellular level, the alterations included mainly the occurrence of local cell wall thickenings-predominantly in the upper and lower epidermis-and the symptoms of accelerated leaf senescence. Nevertheless, many chloroplasts showed almost intact chloroplast ultrastructure. Modifications in leaf anatomy could be a symptom of alterations in morphogenesis but may also be related to plant adaptation to water deficit stress. The occurrence of local cell wall thickenings can be considered as a symptom of a defence strategy involved in the enlargement of apoplast volume for toxic elements (TE) sequestration and the alleviation of oxidative stress. Importantly, the ultrastructure of leaf cells was not markedly disturbed. The results suggested that Norway maple may have good phytoremediation potential. However, the general shape of the plant, the significantly smaller size of leaves, and accelerated senescence indicated the high toxicity of the mining sludge used in this experiment. Hence, the phytoremediation of such a substrate, specifically including use of Norway maple, should be preceded by some amendments-which are highly recommended.

Corneal topography using a smartphone-based corneal topographer considering a biconical model for the corneal surface

In this paper, we propose a generalization in both null-screen design and corneal surface topography retrieval algorithms to assess the nonsymmetric surface of the human cornea using a compact smartphone-based corneal topographer. The proposed new null-screen design considers the corneal surface to be a biconic surface, and the evaluation algorithms assume a general biconic shape with decentering, defocus, tilt, and rotation around the z-axis. We discussed how to integrate the measurement system to obtain geometric parameters of the corneal surface such as radius of curvature, conic constants, as well as elevation map, and sagittal and meridional curvature maps. To demonstrate that our proposed smartphone-based corneal topographer provides reliable measurements of corneal topography, we conducted measurements on a well-known biconic surface and two human corneas.