Horizontal Cross-section Research Articles

Imaging Metabolic Flow of Water in Plants with Isotope-Traced Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy.

Water plays a vital role in the life cycle of plants, participating in various critical biochemical reactions during both non-photosynthetic and photosynthetic processes. Direct visualization of the metabolic activities of water in plants with high spatiotemporal resolution is essential to reveal the functional utilization of water. Here, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is applied to monitor the metabolic processes of deuterated water (D2O) in model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana). The work shows that in plants uptaking D2O/water solution, proton-transfer from water to organic metabolites results in the formation of C-D bonds in newly synthesized biomolecules (lipid, protein, and polysaccharides, etc.) that allow high-resolution detection with SRS. Reversible metabolic pathways of oil-starch conversion between seed germination and seed development processes are verified. Spatial heterogeneity of metabolic activities along the vertical axis of plants (root, stem, and tip meristem), as well as the radial distributions of secondary growth on the horizontal cross-sections are quantified. Furthermore, metabolic flow of protons from plants to animals is visualized in aphids feeding on A. thaliana. Collectively, SRS microscopy has potential to trace a broad range of matter flows in plants, such as carbon storage and nutrition metabolism.

Laser Scanner-Based Hyperboloid Cooling Tower Geometry Inspection: Thickness and Deformation Mapping.

Hyperboloid cooling towers are counted among the largest cast-in-place industrial structures. They are an essential element of cooling systems used in many power plants in service today. Their main structural component, a reinforced-concrete shell in the form of a one-sheet hyperboloid with bidirectional curvature continuity, makes them stand out against other towers and poses very high construction and service requirements. The safe service and adequate durability of the hyperboloid structure are guaranteed by the proper geometric parameters of the reinforced-concrete shell and monitoring of their condition over time. This article presents an original concept for employing terrestrial laser scanning to conduct an end-to-end assessment of the geometric condition of a hyperboloid cooling tower as required by industry standards. The novelty of the proposed solution lies in the use of measurements of the interior of the structure to determine the actual thickness of the hyperboloid shell, which is generally disregarded in geometric measurements of such objects. The proposal involves several strategies and procedures for a reliable verification of the structure's verticality, the detection of signs of ovalisation of the shell, the estimation of the parameters of the structure's theoretical model, and the analysis of the distribution of the thickness and geometric imperfections of the reinforced-concrete shell. The idea behind the method for determining the actual thickness of the shell (including its variation due to repairs and reinforcement operations), which is generally disregarded when measuring the geometry of such structures, is to estimate the distance between point clouds of the internal and external surfaces of the structure using the M3C2 algorithm principle. As a particularly dangerous geometric anomaly of hyperboloid cooling towers, shell ovalisation is detected with an innovative analysis of the bimodality of the frequency distribution of radial deviations in horizontal cross-sections. The concept of a complete assessment of the geometry of a hyperboloid cooling tower was devised and validated using three measurement series of a structure that has been continuously in service for fifty years. The results are consistent with data found in design and service documents. We identified a permanent tilt of the structure's axis to the northeast and geometric imperfections of the hyperboloid shell from -0.125 m to +0.136 m. The results also demonstrated no advancing deformation of the hyperboloid shell over a two-year research period, which is vital for its further use.

Influence of a Background Shear Flow on Cyclone–Anticyclone Asymmetry in Ageostrophic Balanced Flows

In this paper, we study how cyclonic and anticyclonic vortices adapt their shape and orientation to a background shear flow in an effort to understand geophysical vortices. Here we use a balanced model that incorporates the effects of rotation and density stratification to model the case of an isolated vortex of uniform potential vorticity subjected to a background shear flow that mimics the effect of surrounding vortices. We find equilibrium states and analyze their linear stability to determine the vortex characteristics at the margin of stability. Differences are found between the cyclonic and anticyclonic equilibria depending on the background flow parameters. When there is only horizontal strain, the vertical aspect ratio of the vortex does not change, whereas increasing the imposed background strain rate causes a change in the horizontal cross section, with cyclones being more deformed than anticyclones for a given value of strain. Vertical shear not only causes changes in the vertical axis but also causes the vortex to tilt away from it upright position. Overall, anticyclonic equilibria tend to have a more circular horizontal cross section, a longer vertical axis, and a larger tilt angle with respect to cyclonic equilibria. The strongest asymmetry between the horizontal cross section of cyclonic and anticyclonic vortices occurs for low values of vertical shear, while the strongest asymmetry in the vertical axes and tilt angle occurs for large vertical shear. Finally, by expanding the vortex shape and orientation in terms of the strain rate, we derive simple formulas that provide insights into how the vortex equilibria depend on the background flow.

Modified technique for sutured scleral fixated intraocular lens in a patient with post-traumatic aniridia and aphakia: a case report

BackgroundA modified surgical technique of sutured scleral fixated intraocular lens (SSF-IOL) was applied in a patient with post-traumatic aniridia and aphakia.Case presentationA 51-year-old man was referred to our clinic with decreased vision (finger count) in his right eye. This patient had previously undergone primary repair of the ruptured globe and pars plana vitrectomy to manage ocular trauma in the same eye. On presentation, the best corrected visual acuity in his right eye was 20/40. The slit lamp examination of his right eye revealed loss of total iris and lens. Corneal endothelial cell density was 1462 cells/mm2. Fundoscopic examination of the right eye revealed a retinal attachment. For IOL implantation, a rigid poly methyl methacrylate IOL was used with a 2-point scleral fixation performed using a polypropylene suture. One year postoperatively, the uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/32, and the manifest refraction was − 0.5/–1.5 × 130 (20/20). Pentacam revealed that the astigmatism of the anterior corneal surface and the total cornea was 1.1 D (axis: 59.8°) and 1.0 D (axis: 35.6°), respectively. The horizontal (3°–183°) cross-section image displayed an IOL with a 1° tilt and 0.425 mm decentration. The patient reported no dysphotopsia or photophobia and was satisfied with the visual results. OPD-scan III revealed that higher-order aberrations in the right eye were slightly higher than those in the left eye. No suture-related or other serious complications were observed.ConclusionThe modified SSF-IOL technique can offer improved visual quality for patients with aniridia and aphakia by ensuring proper IOL positioning and reducing astigmatism.

Anatomical evaluations of the adipose tissue surrounding the flexor hallucis longus tendon

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of adipose tissue surrounding the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon through gross dissection and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Grossly, we observed the FHL tendon and surrounding tissues in nine cadavers. Using MRI, we quantitatively evaluated each tissue from the horizontal plane in 40 healthy ankles. Macroscopic autopsy revealed the presence of adipose tissue behind the ankle joint between the FHL and fibula, and horizontal cross-sections showed an oval-shaped adipose tissue surrounding the tendon. The cross-sectional area on MRI was 14.4 mm2 (11.7–16.7) for the FHL tendon and 120.5 mm2 (100.3–149.4) for the adipose tissue. Additionally, the volume of the adipose tissue was 963.3 mm3 (896.2–1115.6). There is an adipose tissue around FHL tendon and maybe this close anatomical relationship might influence the function of the tendon and be involved in its pathologies.

Imaging-based detection of anterior chamber inflammation: a comparative diagnostic accuracy study

PurposeWe investigated the impact of operator parameters on the diagnostic performance of danterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in anterior uveitis. DesignProspective comparative diagnostic analysis. MethodsSetting: Single site.Study Population: Children aged under 18 years with anterior uveitis, recruited consecutively.Observation Procedures: Index testing: Optovue RTVue80 AS-OCT using ‘low-volume’ (LV, horizontal and vertical cross-sections) and ‘high-volume’ (HV, 68 horizontal cross-sections) protocols. Reference testing: slit lamp examination with anterior chamber inflammation graded using standardisation of uveitis nomenclature (SUN).Main Outcome Measure: Index test performance metrics (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios), utility for ‘ruling-in’ and ‘ruling-out’ disease (positive / negative predictive values, PPV/NPV), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to explore the impact of different imaging derived metrics, multivariable multilevel regression analyses to quantify correlation of index to reference testing, and repeatability indices across protocols. Results40 children (77 eyes: 51 eyes at SUN grade 0, 10 at SUN0.5+, 8 at SUN1+, 8 SUN≥2+ or higher) were included. There was high repeatability across protocols (0.98, p<0.001, 95% CI 0.75-1.0). OCT resulted in strong predictive values for ‘ruling-out’ (LV-scan NPV 82.9%, 95% CI 71.5 - 90.4%; HV-scan NPV 100%, 95% CI 3% to 100%), and but less predictive value for ‘ruling-in’ SUN≥0.5+ (LV-scan PPV 52.8% 95% CI 41.5 - 63.7%; HV-scan PPV 34.2%, 95% CI 33.3 to 35.1%). Detection of more than 1 cell within a cross sectional scan was strongly suggestive of clinical activity, with area under the curve of 0.76 (95% CI 0.62 - 0.89) for SUN≥0.5+, and 0.85 (95% CI 0.73- 0.98), for the detection of SUN≥1+. Cell count correlated with SUN grades at higher levels of inflammation (SUN≥2+ both protocols, SUN≥1+ HV-scans). There was an independent positive association between age and AS-OCT cell (adjusted correlation coefficient 0.2 cells for each additional year of age). ConclusionsOperator dependent factors impact the diagnostic and quantification performance of AS-OCT for anterior chamber inflammation. However, the strong, ‘dose-respondent’ correlation of low-volume protocols with SUN grading promises clinical utility without the storage and analysis burden of high-volume approaches. Further work will involve exploration of the need for age-specific image metric interpretation.

Učinak veličine stupa i kuta nagiba pukotina na stabilnost podzemnih prostorija u poroznim vapnencima

Pillars play an essential role in the stability of an underground cavity. Their most important parameters are the dimensions, material parameters, condition, and joint geometry. This research investigates the impact of geometrical horizontal cross section and joint’s dip angle on the stability of the pillar, which affects the stability of cavities. The chosen study site is in a cellar system in Budapest, Hungary. According to the laboratory and on-site investigations, the cellar’s host rock is porous limestone with a low strength but a massive rock mass with few discontinuities. In some of the previously investigated cellar systems the edge of the pillars was cut because of space requirements. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of such geometrical changes on the stability of the cellar. A 25 m2 room with a single square-based pillar was used to model the stability. Material parameters were determined through various laboratory tests such as UCS, triaxial, and discontinuity shear strength tests, as well as rock mass classification. Three-dimensional finite element software (RS3) was used to evaluate the stability of the studied pillar. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the factors that influence stability of pillars in underground cavities and highlights the importance of carefully considering these factors when designing, verifying, and constructing support systems for underground structures.

A case study on early-age cracking of high-strength concrete construction by coupled thermal-mechanical analysis and field monitoring

The use of high-strength concrete (HSC) in constructing high-rise reinforced concrete buildings and their deep foundations is becoming more popular because of the significant reduction in member size and, thus, self-weight in structural members. However, the higher cement content in HSC may result in increased heat of hydration and autogenous shrinkage, growing concerns about forming early-age cracks in HSC structural members. This case study assessed the early-age cracking of HSC in bored pile construction of high-rise buildings. A nonlinear transient coupled thermal-mechanical response analysis was performed to evaluate the potential of early-age cracking caused by the heat of hydration generated in the HSC using ABAQUS and two subprograms, USDFLD and UEXPAN. A 3-D finite element model was developed considering thermal effects, time-dependent evolution of early-age strength and stiffness of HSC, crack strain development, autogenous shrinkage, and stress-relaxation in the analysis. Field measurements were carried out on a 3-m diameter bored pile constructed using Grade C50/60 HSC (fck,cube = 60 MPa) for a high-rise building project in Hong Kong to evaluate the validity of the numerical model. Optical fiber sensors were used to monitor the temperature changes of the pile for approximately 380 hours after casting. The temporal and spatial temperature distributions measured in the field measurements agree well with the simulations. Large thermal gradients and high tensile stress zones were observed across the horizontal cross-sections of the pile, resulting in the formation of vertical annular cracks. Based on the results of the analysis, the maximum crack widths were predicted and compared with the durability crack width limits.

The Planar Mixing Layer Flame (PMLF): a canonical configuration for studying non-premixed combustion chemistry and soot inception

The study of fuel chemistry and soot inception in non-premixed combustion can be advanced by characterizing flame configurations in which the advection and diffusion transport can be finely controlled, with the ability to decouple pyrolysis from oxidation. Also, the ideal flames to be investigated should be perturbed minimally by probes and thick enough for sampling techniques to yield spatially resolved measurements of their structure. The Planar Mixing Layer Flame (PMLF) configuration introduced herein is established between a fuel and an oxidizer slot jet adjacent to each other and shielded from the ambient air by annularly co-flowing inert nitrogen. The PMLF flow is kept laminar and steady by an impinging flat plate equipped with a rectangular exhaust slit opening which anchors the position of the hot combustion products via buoyancy. The PMLF is accessible to sampling and its flow stability is preserved when using any tested probe. The experiments are complemented with 2D- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling with detailed chemical kinetics. The results demonstrate that the PMLF has a self-similar boundary layer structure whose horizontal cross-sections are equivalent to properly selected and equally thick 1D- Counterflow Flames (CFs). The equivalence allows for excellent predictions of the PMLF thermochemical structure characterized experimentally but at a small fraction of the 2D-CFD computational cost. The 1D-CF equivalence affects even aromatics less than twofold despite their kinetics being known to be very sensitive to the temperature field. Importantly, the PMLF thickness is several millimeters and grows at increasing HABs so that the equivalent 1D-CFs have strain rates as small as 7.0 /s which cannot be studied in CF experiments. As a result, the PMLF emerges as a promising canonical non-premixed flame configuration for studying flame chemistry and soot inception on time scales of tens of milliseconds typical of many combustion applications.

Effects of different irrigation activation methods on root canal treatment of primary teeth.

There is currently a lack of research on the application of newly developed irrigation techniques in root canal treatment of primary teeth. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various irrigation activation techniques on two key parameters: apical debris extrusion (ADE) and dentinal tubule penetration depth (DTPD) of the root canal filling material. A total of 96 primary mandibular second molars were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group 1-Conventional Needle Irrigation (CNI), Group 2-XP-Endo Finisher (XPF), Group 3-EndoActivator (EA), and Group 4-Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI). In all groups, the One Reci single-file system was used for root canal preparation. For ADE measurement, each group was rinsed with distilled water. For DTPD assessment, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was applied. ADE quantification was performed by collecting debris in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. A combination of fluorescent dye and root canal filling material (DiaPex Plus) was used for root canal filling. In order to examine DTPD, horizontal cross-sections of the coronal and apical regions of the teeth were taken with a thickness of 1 mm. The maximum and mean DTPD was examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis, One-way ANOVA, and Mann-Whitney U tests (p = 0.05). As a result, PUI had the highest mean ADE and CNI had the lowest mean ADE, while CNI had the highest mean DTPD in both the coronal and apical regions, whereas PUI had the lowest mean DTPD in the coronal region, and EA had the lowest mean DTPD in the apical region. There were no statistically significant differences in DTPD and ADE among the four groups. Comparing intragroup maximum DTPD across all groups, it was significantly higher in the coronal region than in the apical region (p < 0.05). ADE and DTPD of root canal filling materials in primary teeth did not differ significantly among CNI, XPF, EA and PUI irrigation activation techniques.

Diagnosis of Forme Fruste Keratoconus Using Corvis ST Sequences with Digital Image Correlation and Machine Learning.

This study aimed to employ the incremental digital image correlation (DIC) method to obtain displacement and strain field data of the cornea from Corvis ST (CVS) sequences and access the performance of embedding these biomechanical data with machine learning models to distinguish forme fruste keratoconus (FFKC) from normal corneas. 100 subjects were categorized into normal (N = 50) and FFKC (N = 50) groups. Image sequences depicting the horizontal cross-section of the human cornea under air puff were captured using the Corvis ST tonometer. The high-speed evolution of full-field corneal displacement, strain, velocity, and strain rate was reconstructed utilizing the incremental DIC approach. Maximum (max-) and average (ave-) values of full-field displacement V, shear strain γxy, velocity VR, and shear strain rate γxyR were determined over time, generating eight evolution curves denoting max-V, max-γxy, max-VR, max-γxyR, ave-V, ave-γxy, ave-VR, and ave-γxyR, respectively. These evolution data were inputted into two machine learning (ML) models, specifically Naïve Bayes (NB) and Random Forest (RF) models, which were subsequently employed to construct a voting classifier. The performance of the models in diagnosing FFKC from normal corneas was compared to existing CVS parameters. The Normal group and the FFKC group each included 50 eyes. The FFKC group did not differ from healthy controls for age (p = 0.26) and gender (p = 0.36) at baseline, but they had significantly lower bIOP (p < 0.001) and thinner central cornea thickness (CCT) (p < 0.001). The results demonstrated that the proposed voting ensemble model yielded the highest performance with an AUC of 1.00, followed by the RF model with an AUC of 0.99. Radius and A2 Time emerged as the best-performing CVS parameters with AUC values of 0.948 and 0.938, respectively. Nonetheless, no existing Corvis ST parameters outperformed the ML models. A progressive enhancement in performance of the ML models was observed with incremental time points during the corneal deformation. This study represents the first instance where displacement and strain data following incremental DIC analysis of Corvis ST images were integrated with machine learning models to effectively differentiate FFKC corneas from normal ones, achieving superior accuracy compared to existing CVS parameters. Considering biomechanical responses of the inner cornea and their temporal pattern changes may significantly improve the early detection of keratoconus.

Numerical study of raceway behaviours of a slow-moving packed bed solid fuel gasifier

The moving-bed gasifier of solid fuels (e.g., coal or biomass) is a key chemical reactor to convert coal or biomass to clean fuel, where the profile of the raceway cavity and its flow-thermal-chemical behaviours can affect the performance of the gasifier, however, they are not well understood because of the process complexity and modelling challenge. In this study, an advanced 3D multi-fluid model, based on the Eulerian-Eulerian method, coupled with heat transfer and heterogenous reactions, is developed to describe the reacting flow behaviours inside and around the raceways. It is found that raceways inside the slow-moving packed bed gasifier are of balloon-like shapes; they are built in just a few seconds after issuing the jet from gas entry, and then both the average velocity for gas and particle are relatively stable. The gauge pressure conditions are not isobaric, and high temperatures, small gas densities and high reaction rates are observed near the raceway “shell”. Besides, it is found the raceway behaviours on horizontal cross-section feature more symmetry compared to those on other directions. In addition, probability theory and statistics are used to analyse the quantitative raceway results, and possibilities related to the distributions of gas properties, momentum and species are discussed. This model provides an effective tool to systematically study and optimise raceway behaviours inside a slow-moving packed bed solid fuel gasifier.

Buoyancy influences on local heat transfer characteristic of supercritical LNG across the pseudo-phase transition in variable cross-section horizontal channels

The regasification process within the printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) channel for supercritical liquefied natural gas (S-LNG) will produce a large temperature difference. This process is considered a pseudo-phase transition process, and the resulting density difference driving buoyancy has a crucial action in influencing the heat transfer and flow of S-LNG. Three horizontal variable cross-section channels are established to examine the buoyancy impact on the local heat transfer and flow of S-LNG within the pseudo-phase transition process in the PCHE channel. It comprehensively analyzes the buoyancy impact on local heat transfer and flow under different channel shapes and mass flow rates. The findings demonstrated that the eddy blockage caused by buoyancy mainly acts on the top of the channel and mainly occurs in the liquid-like and pseudo-critical regions, resulting in the deterioration of local heat transfer on the upper and lower walls of the channel. The hybrid channel achieves the intended design goal, and the diverging channel is almost unaffected by buoyancy. The overall performance evaluation criterion (PEC) is used to evaluate the thermal and hydraulic performance of each channel under different mass flow rates. The data show that the diverging channel has the best thermal and hydraulic performance, and its PEC can reach 1.28. The hybrid channel also achieves the expected effect, and its PEC can reach 1.09.

Selection of areas prospective for the search of primary hydrogen in the territory of Ukraine (based on the data of the 3D P-velocity model of the mantle)

The work aimed to identify promising areas for the search for primary hydrogen in Ukraine using a 3D P-velocity model of the mantle under Ukraine and its surroundings. The work uses a 3D P-velocity model of the mantle under the territory of Ukraine and its surroundings from a depth of 50 to 1700 km north of 50° NL and up to 2500 km to the south. The model is derived using ISC bulletin data from 1964 and is presented as horizontal and vertical cross-sections.&#x0D; Since the manifestation of hydrogen is primarily associated with the release of ultra-deep fluid tracks in the mantle, a brief analysis of them was presented. A detailed analysis of all nine superdeep mantle fluids isolated on the territory of Ukraine and their velocity characteristics was carried out. A comparison of the location of the routes of passage of superdeep fluids and the velocity structure of the mantle of the considered territory showed that they are confined to tectonically activated areas. In order to confirm the possible pre­sence of primary hydrogen in selected tracks of superdeep mantle fluids, heat flow density maps, a temperature map at a depth of 50 km, a map of the depth of the Moho boundary, a conductivity density map, and a fault map of the Ukrainian Shield were considered.&#x0D; A comparative analysis of maps of the location of superdeep mantle fluids and regions on the territory of Ukraine with increased heat flow, increased depth of the Moho boun­dary, and the presence of mantle conductors and faults was carried out. Summarizing the results of the comparative analysis, the most promising areas for the search for primary hydrogen were selected, corresponding to the following routes of superdeep fluids: f12, the northeastern part of f3, the southern part of f4 (the area of the Dnipro-Donetsk basin), the southwestern part of f1 (the area of the Western Ukrainian oil and gas-bearing region) and f9 and f10 (region of the South Crimean oil and gas-bearing province).

Analysis of food inflation convergence in NUTSII regions of Türkiye

In this research, it is examined whether the increase in food inflation observed in Turkey in recent years due to global factors as well as the slowdown in food inflation convergence among regions. In this context, the research aims to analyze the food inflation convergence among NUTS II regions. Since it takes into account the effect of global shocks, tests that take structural break into account are used. In addition, first and second generation tests that do not take into account the structural break are also used and the all test findings are compared. The findings differ according to the consideration of horizontal cross-section dependence and structural break. In addition, the findings also vary according to the a priori determination of the structural break. According to the findings of the test taking into account the soft break, the existence of food inflation convergence among regions except TR83 region is found. The second generation test findings also support this result. In line with the findings, it is concluded that the increase in food inflation observed in Turkey in recent years is not due to the slowdown in food inflation convergence across regions.

Numerical and experimental investigation on intermetallic compounds formation in ultrasonic vibration enhanced friction stir welding of dissimilar Al/Mg alloys

In friction stir welding (FSW) of dissimilar Al/Mg alloys, inevitable formation of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) has deleterious effect on the performance of joints. Although ultrasonic vibration enhanced FSW (UVeFSW) was invented to suppress the IMCs formation, the mitigating mechanism is not elucidated. In this work, the measured maximum temperature in weld nugget zone (WNZ) confirmed that in butt FSW of Al/Mg alloys the IMCs are generated by diffusion of solid atoms. The acoustic softening and antifriction effects were taken into account for computation of temperature, strain rate and dislocation density which are main factors affecting the inter-diffusion coefficients of Mg and Al atoms. An atom-diffusion based model was developed, and the formation and growth of the IMCs were quantitatively analyzed in FSW/UVeFSW of Al/Mg alloys. It was found that as the checking point flows toward to the tool, Al12Mg17 layer is first formed at the bonding interface, and then Al3Mg2 is formed at the Al side and grows rapidly. Under the conditions used in this study, the predicted values of IMCs thickness at the WNZ center in FSW and UVeFSW are 3.9 µm and 1.8 µm, respectively. The calculated IMCs thicknesses at the selected locations on the transverse cross-section and horizontal cross-section agree well with the measured ones. Ultrasonic induced dislocation-annihilation and associated decreasing of dislocation density in UVeFSW cause declining of the atomic diffusion coefficients, so that the formation and growth of IMCs are inhibited with ultrasonic action.

Deep learning for airfoil aerodynamic-electromagnetic coupling optimization with random forest

Reducing the design variable space is crucial in multi-objective airfoil profile optimization to improve optimization efficiency and reduce computational costs. Based on random forest and deep neural networks (DNNs), this work performs range reduction on ten design variables obtained through a fourth-order class shape transformation parameterization method for subsonic airfoil profiles. Three aerodynamic performance objectives (lift coefficient, drag coefficient, and lift-to-drag ratio) are evaluated using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, and two radar stealth performance objectives (horizontal and vertical polarization radar cross sections) are assessed through the method of moments. By combining a DNN architecture with an improved regression prediction capability, predictive models are trained for mapping design variables to design objectives. The prediction errors are below 3% for the aerodynamic performance design objectives and below 1% for the stealth performance design objectives. The particle swarm optimization algorithm provides optimized airfoil profiles for three scenarios. First is a higher lift coefficient with a lower radar cross section. Second is a lower radar cross section. Third is a higher lift coefficient. Increasing the airfoil curvature and reducing the maximum thickness improves the lift coefficient by 386 counts and reduces the drag coefficient by 17 counts. By curving the airfoil leading edge, the radar cross section for the transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarizations decreased by 2.78 and 2.09 dBsm, respectively.

Simple Hybrid Camera-Based System Using Two Views for Three-Dimensional Body Measurements

Using a single RGB camera to obtain accurate body dimensions, rather than measuring these manually or via more complex multicamera systems or more expensive 3D scanners, has a high application potential for the apparel industry. We present a system that estimates upper human body measurements using a hybrid set of techniques from both classic computer vision and recent machine learning. The main steps involve (1) using a camera to obtain two views (frontal and side); (2) isolating in the image pair a set of main body parts; (3) improving the image quality; (4) extracting body contours and features from the images of body parts; (5) indicating markers on these images; (6) performing a calibration step; and (7) producing refined final 3D measurements. We favour a unique geometric shape, that of an ellipse, to approximate human body main horizontal cross-sections. We focus on the more challenging parts of the body, i.e., the upper body from the head to the hips, which, we show, can be well represented by varying an ellipse’s eccentricity for each individual. Then, evaluating each fitted ellipse’s perimeter allows us to obtain better results than the current state-of-the-art methods for use in the fashion and online retail industry. In our study, we selected a set of two equations, out of many other possible choices, to best estimate upper human body section circumferences. We experimented with the system on a diverse sample of 78 female participants. The results for the upper human body measurements in comparison to the traditional manual method of tape measurements, when used as a reference, show ±1 cm average differences, which are sufficient for many applications, including online retail.

The Effect of Macro-Economic Indicators on Voter Behavior in Turkey: An Analysis on General and Local Elections of 1980-2019

The main actor of voter behavior is the human and human behavior under the identity of voter. For this reason, voter behavior emerges as a product of a complex process as it can be influenced by different factors. In this respect, voter behavior, which constitutes the most measurable behavior type of political participation, requires a multidimensional approach. This study aims to determine the sensitivity of political party vote rates to changes in macroeconomic indicators such as inflation, growth and unemployment rates in general and local elections held in Turkey between 1980-2019. The sensitivity of voters to economic indicators is analyzed within the framework of the economic approach and the responsibility hypothesis. In this study, econometric analyses were conducted with the help of Eviews 10 program and necessary tests were applied. In the study, the existence of correlation relationship between variables is revealed by horizontal cross-section dependence test. The results of the horizontal cross-section dependence test show that voters who vote in general and local elections are sensitive to variables such as unemployment, inflation and economic growth.

Reconstruction of the topographic evolution of the Nanling Range in South China and its implications for the East Asian Monsoon evolution

The East Asian monsoon is the largest periodic airflow on Earth and significantly affects the climate of East Asia. However, considerable controversy exists about the onset timing of the East Asian monsoon. As one of the southern barriers blocking the northward movement of the warm and humid airflow, the Nanling Range has likely recorded key topographic information related to the East Asian monsoon onset and development. We used apatite and zircon (UTh)/He data obtained from the Shaoguan–Guidong horizontal cross-section to reconstruct the two-dimensional (2-D) paleotopography of the Nanling Range on a long-term scale. Four vertical profiles in Shulouqiu, Erjian, Sanfenshi, and Leiwangdian were used to constrain the exhumation history of the Nanling Range. The result revealed the following: 1) The drainage divide began to move from south to north at 80 Ma. At 80 Ma, the south segment of the cross-section reached a peak elevation of ∼3.6 km. The asymmetric topography experienced a rapid elevation (and relief) decrease from 80 Ma to 40–30 Ma. The four vertical profiles also experienced increased cooling and high exhumation rates from 100 Ma to 40–30 Ma. 2) The south segment experienced more rapid exhumation than the north segment from 80 Ma to 40–30 Ma. The rapid exhumation of the south segment during the Late Cretaceous–Paleocene is probably related to the activity of the Nanxiong Fault, and the rapid exhumation of the south segment during the Eocene probably results from the onset of the East Asian Monsoon.