High Fineness Research Articles

Caracterización del ovino criollo en las comunidades del distrito de Lambrama (Apurímac, Perú)

The study was carried out with Creole sheep in flocks from the communities of Cruzpata and Siusay, both in the Lambrama district, Apurímac, Peru. The study aimed to characterize its productive capacity for meat and wool. Samples were taken from 60 sheep from two flocks to determine live weight, carcass weight, carcass yield, fleece weight and lock length. In addition, using 187 sheep from six flocks from the same area, samples of rib wool (10 g) were taken for analysis using OFDA 2000 equipment. The phenotype of the Creole sheep presents an angular body covered with fleece of various colours; bare face, belly and long legs, which grazes the puna, in an extensive system and without technical support from the State. Live weight, carcass weight and carcass yield are low, mainly affected by age, with variations like what occurs in other places in the mountains; Measurements of fleece weight and lock length are affected by age and sex, and by the lack of periodic shearing. The textile characteristics of the wool show medium fineness, with high variability, with relatively high comfort and spinning fineness indexes; better on the fleece of two-toothed females. The most important correlations were between fibre diameter (DM) and comfort factor (FH) (r=-0.5925); between DM and fineness of yarn (FH) (r=0.5857) and between FC and FH (r=-0.8767), which would indicate that the wool from the Lambrama area is of good quality for the textile industry.

Drivers of Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) mortality in Central and Western Pakistan

Abstract The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is the only member of the order Pholidota found in Pakistan. The current study was designed to compare the mortality rate and causes of mortality of Indian pangolin from eight districts, i.e., four from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and four from Punjab, Pakistan during 2019–2022. Data were collected by using self-designed questionnaires (n = 340) and social media reports. Most of the data were collected from Facebook 53 %, followed by Instagram (22 %), WhatsApp (17 %), and OLX (10 %). Mean and standard deviation were computed for district-wise killing (mean ± SD 15.25 ± 10.21), season-wise killing (mean ± SD 30.50 ± 9.8), month wise killing (mean ± SD 10.38 ± 4.19) and area wise killing (mean ± SD 40.7 ± 17.6). The killing of 179 Indian pangolins was recorded in four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while in Punjab 59 Indian pangolins were killed. According to interviewees, 33 % of the mortality of Indian pangolin was caused by illegal killing followed by human settlement (17 %), agricultural practices (13 %), mites and ticks (11 %), natural mortality (8 %), accidents (7 %), myth (6 %), and floods (5 %). District wildlife departments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab arrested many people (KPK n = 83, Punjab n = 57) during 2019–2022. The highest fines were imposed by the Chakwal Wildlife Department, i.e., 20,000–60,000 PKR along with 1–4 months of imprisonment sentences. Eight dead pangolins were recovered among those six were male (75 %) and two were female (25 %). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that PC appears to be influenced the most by mites and ticks (MT), myth, natural mortality (NM) and “flood” given their strong loadings. PC2 was heavily influenced by killed for illegal trade (KFIT), accident, and agriculture practices (AP) due to their significant negative loadings. PC3 has NM and AP as the dominant variables, KFIT, also playing a role but in the opposite direction. PC4 showed strong influences from NM (negative) and flood (positive). We concluded that the illegal killing of Indian pangolin is very high. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these unique and endangered creatures.

Progressive internal erosion during triaxial shearing: an X-ray micro-computed tomography study

Fines removal during internal erosion results in the permeability increase and strength reduction of granular soils. This study examines internal erosion during shearing of granular soils under triaxial loading conditions using a specially designed apparatus and X-ray computed tomography scans. Two gap-graded soil samples with different fines content are tested and scanned multiple times to characterise sample- and pore-scale volume change and fines content using image-processing techniques. Results show that internal erosion increases gradually with axial strain and has a complex impact on permeability increase due to the spatial variation of fines content. Triaxial shearing induces both pore contraction and dilation, destabilises the clogging of fine particles and promotes internal erosion. Also, the erosion of force-supporting fine particles at a high fines content facilitates pore contraction. The progressive internal erosion due to mechanical disturbance leads to the formation of a flow channel from the upstream loading platen throughout the sample, resulting in a dramatic increase in permeability. Overall, this study provides novel insights regarding the interplay between the hydro-mechanical processes during shearing under constant seepage.

The Role of Chemical Activation in Strengthening Iron Ore Tailings Supplementary Cementitious Materials

The preparation of iron ore tailings (IOTs) into supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) is an effective approach to achieve value-added utilization of industrial solid waste. This study systematically investigates the hydration pattern and strength development of Portland cement systems with the incorporation of IOTs, steel slag (SS), granulated blast-furnace slag (GBFS), and fly ash (FA) under the action of different chemical additives. The hydration products, and microstructure and pore structure of the SCMs are analyzed using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The findings of this study demonstrate that chemical activation plays a significant role in the strength development of SCMs. Among the five chemical activators tested, Triethanolamine (TEA) had the greatest influence on mechanical properties. The maximum compressive strength of the SCMs at 28 days was 42.9 MPa at a dosage of 1%. Specifically, the addition of TEA promotes volcanic ash reactions, and the high fineness of SCM provides nucleation sites for hydration products. Interactions between the volcanic ash reaction and the complexation reaction of TEA have a positive effect on compressive strength development. This research expands the potential for IOTs SCMs through chemical activation methods for value-added applications.

Effects of Ultrafine Fly Ash against Sulphate Reaction in Concrete Structures.

In this study, Afşin Elbistan C-type fly ash (FA) was used, which protects against the sulphate reaction that damages concrete. The detrimental effects of post-reaction decrease with increasing fly ash fineness. The study used 10%, 30%, and 50% weight substitutes of cement. The fly ash was ground in a ball mill for 0, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 min, and Blaine fineness values of 1555, 1632, 2347, 2589, 2766, and 3433 cm2/g were obtained, respectively. The effect of the samples on the sulphate resistance was investigated by exposing the samples to 5% or 10% added sulphate solutions, and the compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity of the concrete were tested. The compressive strength values obtained decreased with the increase in sulphate content, and the increase in the grinding time and the amount of substituted FA increased the compressive strength values. It was observed that weight loss increased with increasing sulphate content and decreased with the addition of FA with a high Blaine fineness. It was determined that as the Blaine fineness value increased, the sulphate content, FA substitution amount, and ultrasonic pulse speed decreased. This study was carried out to determine the effects of fly ash used at different fineness and replacement ratios on the performance and strength of concrete after exposure to external influences such as sulphate. The use of fly ash instead of cement will reduce the use of waste materials and natural resources and prevent environmental pollution. The cost of cement and concrete will be reduced.

Diatom-induced impact on shear strength characteristics of fine-grained soils

Diatomaceous soils, composed of diatom microfossils with biological origins, have geotechnical properties that are fundamentally different from those of conventional non-diatomaceous fine-grained soils. Despite their high fines content, diatomaceous soils typically exhibit remarkably high shear resistance, approaching that of sandy soils. However, the exact role that diatoms play in controlling the mechanical properties of fine-grained soils and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In light of this, the shear strength response of diatomaceous soils was systematically investigated using consolidated undrained triaxial compression tests on diatom–kaolin mixtures (DKMs) with various diatom contents and overconsolidation ratios. The micro- and nano-scale structures of the soil samples were characterized in detail using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) to interpret the abnormal shear strength parameters of diatomaceous soils. The results indicated that the presence of diatoms could contribute to significantly higher strength, e.g. the friction angle of DKMs was improved by 72.7% to 37° and the value of undrained shear strength tripled with diatom content increasing from 20% to 100%. Such significant improvement in soil strength with diatom inclusion could be attribute to the hard siliceous skeleton of diatoms and the interlocking between particles with rough surfaces, which were quantitatively analyzed by the surface roughness parameters with AFM. Furthermore, a conceptual model established based on the macro-mechanical tests and microscopic observations portrays a microstructural evolution of soils with increasing diatoms. The microstructure of soils was gradually transformed from the matrix-type to the skeletal one, resulting in a continual augmentation in shear strength through mutual interactions between diatom microfossils. This paper provides new insights into the multi-scale structural properties of diatoms and significantly advances our understanding of the mechanical behavior of diatomaceous soils.

Experimental study on the influence of content and fineness of fly ash on the mechanical properties of grouting slurries

AbstractExcavation gaps around the front shield can be generated during shield construction, resulting in significant ground settlement. Traditional synchronous grouting slurries are unsuitable for filling these gaps during tunneling under existing subway lines. To address this issue, experiments are conducted on mix characteristics and hardening properties of slurries with variations in fineness and contents of fly ash. The experimental and computed tomography scan results yield the following findings: (1) fly ash with high fineness can effectively reduce the early strength of slurries and enhance their injectability. This improves the filling effect on micropores in the slurry and ultimately enhances the final hardening strength. (2) Fineness of fly ash controls the process of slurry hydration. The higher the fineness of fly ash, the more visible the exothermic hydration of slurry and the earlier the highest temperature peak appears. (3) Fly ash with high fineness can effectively increase the density and consolidation rate of slurries, resulting in greater improvement in slurry strength, particularly when the ratio of fly ash to cement (mf/mc) is 0.75. (4) Fly ash with high fineness can effectively decrease the likelihood of appearance of pores in the slurry, optimize the pore structure, and enhance the strength of slurries after consolidation.

Empirical analysis on the impact of labour market regulations on uninsured employment in Greece

The impact of labour market regulations on uninsured employment in Greece between 2014 and 2019 is a crucial exploration in response to the pervasive challenge of undeclared work. With the rise of globalization and evolving labour dynamics, understanding and addressing the complexities of uninsured employment by analysing data from the Greek Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs was the main purpose of this study. Employing a comprehensive examination of key indicators, the study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of measures in curbing undeclared work. The pivotal strategies implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs during the specified period were analysed using statistical analysis, focusing on high fines, reduced non-salary costs, the ERGANI information system, and a modernized fines framework. Statistical graphs were utilized to examine trends, providing a solid foundation for evaluating the impact of the implemented strategies. Qualitative assessments were employed to offer a nuanced understanding of the contextual factors influencing the outcomes. The findings reveal a positive trend, showcasing a significant reduction in undeclared workers and non-compliant businesses, underscoring the effectiveness of the implemented measures. An examination of 237,455 businesses in Greece over the period 2014-2019 revealed that 28,044 entities (11.81%) employed undeclared workers. Among 812,460 scrutinized employees, 44,642 (5.49%) were identified as undeclared, leading to fines totalling €468,997,663 in efforts to address non-compliance with labour regulations. This study not only sheds light on the successful strategies adopted by the Greek government but also offers valuable practical lessons for policymakers globally

Overview of early cretaceous gold mineralization in the orogenic belt of the eastern margin of the Siberian craton: geological and genetic features

The giant Verkhoyansk-Kolyma gold province, producing more than∼ 3700 t of gold, is one of the most important metallogenic provinces for orogenic gold deposits in the world. The province is located on the eastern margin of the Siberian craton. The main types here are multistage orogenic Au-As and orogenic-like Au-Sb types of mineralization, related to the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous metallogeny and the evolution of the convergent margin. These deposits were formed in the environment of late orogeny during two metallogenic stages—the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous collision-related (early stage/stage one, 135–150 Ma) and the Early Cretaceous subduction-related (late stage/stage two 114–130 Ma). The common features, differences and genetic nature of the deposits of these two metallogenic stages have been debated for a long time. To improve the understanding of these problematic issues and the genesis of deposits, and control over them by the mantle lithosphere, we consider here the Early Cretaceous orogenic belts of the eastern margin of the Siberian craton. Orogenic belts are related to the development of the paleo-Arctic and paleo-Pacific margins of Siberia. The tectonic, geochronological, mineralogical and geochemical specificity of the deposits of the orogenic belts are shown. A regional metallogenic overview of gold deposits is performed using data on the age of mineralization and the isotopic composition of sulfur sulfides. A preliminary model of the origin of late stage mineralization is proposed in connection with the processes of the Okhotsk-Koryak orogenic belt formation. Increased concentrations of siderophilic and chalcophilic elements, the Ni, Bi minerals presence in the ores, relatively high fineness of gold, predominance of juvenile sulfur in the isotopic composition of sulfide sulfur, аnd the control by large trans-crustal faults as well as spatial and chronological association with initial (dike) magmatism indicate mantle sources of ore fluids. This mineralization within the orogenic belts of the eastern margin of the Siberian craton assumingly appeared due to dehydration of the submerged slab and local upwelling in the mantle in the rear of the active continental margin. The possibility of the gold-bearing fluids existence in such conditions is estimated. The metallogenic specific nature of collision-related and subduction-related orogenic Au is defined. The proposed model can be useful for the analysis of polychronous orogenic Au-As and orogenic-like Au-Sb metallogeny of orogenic belts on craton margins globally.

Governing the misconduct of OTA platforms: A tripartite evolutionary game analysis considering the collaborative supervision of airlines and consumers.

Online travel agency (OTA) platforms frequently engage in unfair behaviors that infringe on the legitimate rights and interests of consumers and airlines in the ticket sale market. Effective governance of the OTA platforms' misconduct has become an urgent topic. In order to address the governance dilemma of OTA platforms' misconduct, a tripartite evolutionary game model considering the collaborative supervision between airlines and consumers is constructed. This study analyzes the evolutionary path and stable strategy of the three participants, airlines, platforms and consumers by numerical simulation. The results show that some actions, such as airlines' strict control of ticket sales resources and high fines on the platform, reducing the cost of customers' rights protection, and effectively guiding online public opinion, can benefit airlines and consumers and enhance their willingness to cooperate in supervision. Legitimate consumer rights protection not only brings negative public opinion and image loss to airlines, but also to platforms, which can force airlines to impose stricter constraints on platforms and force platforms to strengthen self-restraint. Therefore, a market mechanism instead of government regulatory that can effectively suppress platforms misconduct should be established to promote platforms self-regulation through a collaborative effort between airlines and consumers. Some special measures that guide the interests of three participators are also provided.

Avaliação mecânica e cinética de hidratação de pastas de cimento com fíler dolomítico

Abstract The scarcity of high-purity limestone subjects the cement industry to consider alternative supplementary cementitious materials for cement production. This research aimed to investigate the mechanical properties and the hydration kinetics of cement pastes in the presence of high levels and different fineness of dolomite, especially the formation of thaumasite. A dolomite filler with 20% magnesium oxide, with average diameters of 10 µm, 6 µm and 4 µm was used as a partial replacement for Portland cement at 0%, 15% and 35% in cement pastes cured at 5 ºC and 20 ºC. The results of compressive strength showed similarities in all pastes analyzed, but the fineness of the dolomite showed a significant difference between the strengths obtained. The isothermal calorimetry indicated that the presence of dolomite had a nucleation and dilution effect. The thermogravimetry revealed that dependent of the substitution levels, the pastes with dolomite presented significant differences in the amount of ettringite and carbonate phases. The mineralogical analysis detected the presence of thaumasite only at the temperature of 20 ºC, which this mineral can also form at higher temperatures than those reported in the literature. Finally, we conclude positively about the possibility of using dolomite in cementitious matrices at levels up to 35%, regardless of fineness and curing temperature.

Micromechanism and mathematical model of stress sensitivity in tight reservoirs of binary granular medium

Research on reservoir rock stress sensitivity has traditionally focused on unary granular structures, neglecting the binary nature of real reservoirs, especially tight reservoirs. Understanding the stress-sensitive behavior and mathematical characterization of binary granular media remains a challenging task. In this study, we conducted online-NMR experiments to investigate the permeability and porosity evolution as well as stress-sensitive control mechanisms in tight sandy conglomerate samples. The results revealed stress sensitivity coefficients between 0.042 and 0.098 and permeability damage rates ranging from 65.6% to 90.9%, with an average pore compression coefficient of 0.0168–0.0208 MPa−1. Pore-scale compression occurred in three stages: filling, compression, and compaction, with matrix pores playing a dominant role in pore compression. The stress sensitivity of binary granular media was found to be influenced by the support structure and particle properties. High stress sensitivity was associated with small fine particle size, high fines content, high uniformity coefficient of particle size, high plastic deformation, and low Young's modulus. Matrix-supported samples exhibited a high irreversible permeability damage rate (average = 74.2%) and stress sensitivity coefficients (average = 0.089), with pore spaces more slit-like. In contrast, grain-supported samples showed low stress sensitivity coefficients (average = 0.021) at high stress stages. Based on the experiments, we developed a mathematical model for stress sensitivity in binary granular media, considering binary granular properties and nested interactions using Hertz contact deformation and Poiseuille theory. By describing the change in activity content of fines under stress, we characterized the non-stationary state of compressive deformation in the binary granular structure and classified the reservoir into three categories. The model was applied for production prediction using actual data from the Mahu reservoir in China, showing that the energy retention rates of support-dominated, fill-dominated, and matrix-controlled reservoirs should be higher than 70.1%, 88%, and 90.2%, respectively.

Genome-wide association analysis of fleece traits in Northwest Xizang white cashmere goat.

Northwest Xizang White Cashmere Goat (NXWCG) is the first new breed of cashmere goat in the Xizang Autonomous Region. It has significant characteristics of extremely high fineness, gloss, and softness. Genome-wide association analysis is an effective biological method used to measure the consistency and correlation of genotype changes between two molecular markers in the genome. In addition, it can screen out the key genes affecting the complex traits of biological individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic mechanism of cashmere trait variation in NXWCG and to discover SNP locus and key genes closely related to traits such as superfine cashmere. Additionally, the key genes near the obtained significant SNPs were analyzed by gene function annotation and biological function mining. In this study, the phenotype data of the four traits (cashmere length, fiber length, cashmere diameter, and cashmere production) were collected. GGP_Goat_70K SNP chip was used for genotyping the ear tissue DNA of the experimental group. Subsequently, the association of phenotype data and genotype data was performed using Gemma-0.98.1 software. A linear mixed model was used for the association study. The results showed that four fleece traits were associated with 18 significant SNPs at the genome level and 232 SNPs at the chromosome level, through gene annotated from Capra hircus genome using assembly ARS1. A total of 107 candidate genes related to fleece traits were obtained. Combined with Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, we can find that CLNS1A, CCSER1, RPS6KC1, PRLR, KCNRG, KCNK9, and CLYBL can be used as important candidate genes for fleece traits of NXWCG. We used Sanger sequencing and suitability chi-square test to further verify the significant loci and candidate genes screened by GWAS, and the results show that the base mutations loci on the five candidate genes, CCSER1 (snp12579, 34,449,796, A → G), RPS6KC1 (snp41503, 69,173,527, A → G), KCNRG (snp41082, 67,134,820, G → A), KCNK9 (14:78472665, 78,472,665, G → A), and CLYBL (12: 9705753, 9,705,753, C → T), significantly affect the fleece traits of NXWCG. The results provide a valuable basis for future research and contribute to a better understanding of the genetic structure variation of the goat.

Double-Relief Silver Coins Minted in the Greek Colonies (444–390/340–280/270 BC) of Southern Italy Analysed by XRF

A sample of 18 double-relief coins from different poleis of Magna Graecia and ancient Italy has been analysed using a handheld XRF spectrometer directly inside the Museo Provinciale Campano (Capua, Italy). The data analysis shows that (i) the main elements are Ag and Cu, indicating that the coins are of high fineness (average Ag 95.7%), (ii) trace elements can help to characterise the coins, (iii) a superficial chemically altered layer (corrosion) is absent, (iv) the values of ratio Ag Kα/Lα evidence the presence of an enrichment layer on the surface of silver or subaerata in some coins. Multivariate statistical analysis and graph analysis allowed the coins to be assigned to different groups with the highest possible accuracy on the basis of the chemical data obtained and models to be constructed to classify the coins according to their historical periods.

Rock fragmentation size distribution control in blasting: a case study of blasting mining in Changjiu Shenshan limestone mine

Deep-hole bench blasting is the primary method for aggregate extraction in mines. However, factors such as complex geological conditions and suboptimal blasting parameters often result in uneven rock fragmentation and high fines content. This not only increases the cost and energy consumption of subsequent aggregate processing but also has adverse environmental implications. In this study, based on the Changjiu Shenshan limestone aggregate mining project in China, large-scale blasting experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of rock properties and blasting parameters on the size distribution of post-blast fragments and fines content. The results of the blasting experiments indicate that by controlling the size of the crushing zone and adjusting explosive performance, it is possible to significantly reduce fines content while improving mining efficiency. Recommended values for drilling and blasting parameters have been proposed based on geological conditions to more effectively control the generation of fines. The results highlight the importance of optimizing blasting parameters and charge structure for large-scale mining operations to achieve uniform rock fragmentation and low fines content. By adopting explosive performance adjustment methods based on reasonable control of the crushing zone, improving explosive performance can improve the economic benefits of mining operations, reduce energy consumption, and contribute to environmental protection.

Properties governing the flow of solution through crushed ore for heap leaching: Part III – Low-permeability ores

Heap leaching is used extensively for the processing of low-grade copper and gold ores. If the ore has low permeability, it may lead to underperformance or even project failure. Poor permeability is caused by a high fines content, resulting in a high steady-state moisture hold-up which causes the bed to operate close to saturation. The problem of low permeability can be addressed by either desliming (removal of the fines by wet screening), or by agglomeration (binding the fines together) with a cementitious binder. Fines removal by desliming is shown to reduce the steady-state moisture hold-up, resulting in the bed operating further away from saturation and increasing the maximum solution application rate. Agglomeration with Ordinary Portland Cement modified with additives resulted in fine particles binding together as lumps or coatings onto coarser rocks. These bonds were not destroyed after prolonged exposure to dilute sulphuric acid, due to the pozzolanic properties of the additives (e.g. fly ash), which cause cementitious Ca-bonds to be substituted with more stable Al- or Mg-bonds. Agglomeration with cementitious binder was also found to reduce slumping in leach column tests. This resulted in a higher bed porosity, higher limits on the solution application rate and higher copper dissolution rates. Agglomeration with modified cement may provide a novel, cost-effective method for the treatment of low-permeability ores in acid medium (e.g. copper, uranium and nickel), since cement agglomeration has only been applied commercially in alkali medium (e.g. cyanide solutions for gold ores) to date. Desliming is less attractive due to the high losses of the target metal to the fines.

Stability of calcined clays during storage

AbstractUsage of calcined clay as a cement main constituent is spotlighted as an important part of the decarbonisation of the cement industry. In particular, little knowledge is available on the storage stability of calcined clays. Therefore, the influences of fineness, temperature and humidity for different timescales of storing were determined. Two samples of a calcined kaolinitic‐illitic clay of different fineness (crushed and ground) were stored sealed in a desiccator, as well as at 20 °C and 60 % rel. humidity, and at 40 °C and 100 % rel. humidity. The clay's mineralogical composition, moisture and chemically bound water content were analysed at 7, 28, and 91 days of storage respectively. Additionally, their reactivity was determined acc. ASTM C 1897‐20 and acc. EN197‐1.The calcined clays which were stored in a desiccator showed only slight alteration over the period of 91 days. Samples stored at 20 °C and 60 % rel. humidity, contained small amounts of moisture and chemically bound water, regardless of their fineness. Storage at 40 °C and 100 % rel. humidity led to a huge increase in moisture and chemically bound water, especially at high fineness. The reactive silicon of the fine samples was diminished independent of storage conditions over time, whereas the coarse samples showed no changes. Samples stored at 40/100 showed a strong decrease in their heat of hydration over 91 days.This study implicates, that the analysed calcined clay could be stored as coarsegrained fraction at normal conditions.

Rheological and nano-mechanical characteristics of bituminous mastics containing waste and ordinary filler at different temperatures

This study has focused on the effect of cement kiln dust (CKD) as a waste filler on the rheological and nano-mechanical properties of bituminous mastic in comparison with limestone powder (LSP) as an ordinary filler. Mastics were prepared using three filler to bitumen (F/B) ratios including, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2. The strategic highway research program (SHRP) standard and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test methods were used to evaluate the behavior at high performance temperatures. Also, SHRP standard and time sweep methods were performed to evaluate the fatigue behavior at medium performance temperatures. Low temperature properties were examined by bending beam rheometer. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to evaluate the quality of filler distribution in the mastic. Furthermore, the nano-mechanical properties of mastics were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) including topography roughness, elastic modulus and adhesion force. Fundamental evaluations with AFM indicated that, at a constant F/B ratio, CKD filler with a higher fineness and specific surface area showed higher elastic modulus and lower adhesion than LSP. Also, the FESEM analysis for filler distribution showed the highest homogeneity coefficient at F/B ratio of 0.8. A significant relationship was observed between SHRP rutting parameter and creep variables in MSCR method. Both methods indicated a superior rutting resistance for CKD than LSP. Although, there was no clear relationship between SHRP fatigue parameter and the time sweep outcomes.

Multi-Stage Semantic Segmentation Quantifies Fragmentation of Small Habitats at a Landscape Scale

Land cover (LC) maps are used extensively for nature conservation and landscape planning, but low spatial resolution and coarse LC schemas typically limit their applicability to large, broadly defined habitats. In order to target smaller and more-specific habitats, LC maps must be developed at high resolution and fine class detail using automated methods that can efficiently scale to large areas of interest. In this work, we present a Machine Learning approach that addresses this challenge. First, we developed a multi-stage semantic segmentation approach that uses Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to classify LC across the Peak District National Park (PDNP, 1439 km2) in the UK using a detailed, hierarchical LC schema. High-level classes were predicted with 95% accuracy and were subsequently used as masks to predict low-level classes with 72% to 92% accuracy. Next, we used these predictions to analyse the degree and distribution of fragmentation of one specific habitat—wet grassland and rush pasture—at the landscape scale in the PDNP. We found that fragmentation varied across areas designated as primary habitat, highlighting the importance of high-resolution LC maps provided by CNN-powered analysis for nature conservation.

Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmic Surgery: Current Applications and Expectations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has found rapidly growing applications in ophthalmology, achieving robust recognition and classification in most kind of ocular diseases. Ophthalmic surgery is one of the most delicate microsurgery, requiring high fineness and stability of surgeons. The massive demand of the AI assist ophthalmic surgery will constitute an important factor in boosting accelerate precision medicine. In clinical practice, it is instrumental to update and review the considerable evidence of the current AI technologies utilized in the investigation of ophthalmic surgery involved in both the progression and innovation of precision medicine. Bibliographic databases including PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using keywords such as "ophthalmic surgery", "surgical selection", "candidate screening", and "robot-assisted surgery" to find articles about AI technology published from 2018 to 2023. In addition to the Editorials and letters to the editor, all types of approaches are considered. In this paper, we will provide an up-to-date review of artificial intelligence in eye surgery, with a specific focus on its application to candidate screening, surgery selection, postoperative prediction, and real-time intraoperative guidance.